Atlas Studios

  Atlas Studios

  In the end, however, Fu Qingquan’s assistant was alerted to his whereabouts, and he was set up the moment he reached Jincheng. He didn’t manage to meet Tang Xi, nor did he get to resolve the matter.

  Lu Jinnan had to return empty-handed, but someone had to resolve the matter eventually. Hence, Fu Huai’an had to stay behind in Jincheng for one more day.

  Fu Huai’an was concerned that Lin Nuan might be worried sick about her father and so he got Lu Jinnan, who was returning to Haicheng, to bring back the documents for her first. Lu Jinnan was to tell Lin Nuan that the information had to be given to Lin Chen, who would know what to do with it.

  The information was all private and confidential. Lin Chen could come forward to settle the matter. It was, however, impossible for Fu Huai’an to do it personally.

  Fu Huai’an could have gotten Lu Jinnan to pass the information directly to Lin Chen, but it might be difficult to explain in detail, and Lin Chen might not want to use the information.

  It was a better idea to pass the information to Lin Nuan first. It was up to Lin Chen whether he wanted to use it or discard it.

  Lu Jinnan had intended to just drop off the file and leave immediately, but he hadn’t expected the brat, Fu Tianci, to be around. He had to hand the information over to Lin Nuan personally. If the brat managed to peep at the contents, the consequences would be dire.

  That was what he meant when he told Fu Huai’an that Fu Tianci was around…


  Lu Jinnan sent a message to Fu Huai’an and told him to inform Lin Nuan. Once she had collected the file, he could finally go home and get his much-needed sleep.

  His phone vibrated. Lu Jinnan stamped out his cigarette in the ashtray and opened the message.

  The message was short, ‘Wait for her to be awake’.

  Lu Jinnan was stumped for words.

  He had seen his fair share of men who forgot about their friends in the face of love, but even that was a new low for him.

  Lu Jinnan was contemplating whether he should knock on Lin Nuan’s door when he heard her footsteps coming down the stairs.

  Lin Nuan wasn’t a light sleeper, but she had heard the doorbell ringing. At that time, it meant that the person ringing the doorbell was definitely not Fu Huai’an.

  She recalled a break-in which had happened a few days prior. Some burglars had broken into a rich man’s villa in the middle of the night, and they not only took away jewelry and cash but also murdered the entire family, including a four-month-old baby, in cold blood.

  Lin Nuan was worried that Fu Tianci might let down his guard and invite trouble into the house. At the thought, she jolted awake and clutched her phone as she went down the stairs. She was prepared to dial 110 for help anytime.

  When she saw that it was Lu Jinnan, Lin Nuan heaved a sigh of relief.

  Lu Jinnan stole a glance at Fu Tianci, who was still rummaging through the refrigerator in the kitchen. He picked up the file on the coffee table and stood up. Not wanting to be overheard, he said, “Let’s talk outside… Fu wants me to pass you something.”


  Lin Nuan figured Lu Jinnan was referring to Fu Tianci. She nodded and followed him outside.

  Lu Jinnan had no intention of going into the house again. He put on his coat and slipped his car keys and phone into his trouser pocket.

  It was still raining and was chilly outside. They closed the door and stood under the roof shelter, and Lu Jinnan handed the file to Lin Nuan.

  Lu Jinnan hadn’t slept a wink all night, and his eyes were bloodshot.

  “Thank you…” Lin Nuan said as she took the file, “Where is Fu Huai’an? Why didn’t he come back together with you?”


  Lu Jinnan narrowed his eyes, pondering if Lin Nuan was indeed truly concerned about Fu Huai’an or simply putting on an act.

  Lin Nuan hadn’t expected to step out of the house, and she wasn’t wearing a coat. A cold wet breeze swept past them, and the biting chill nearly engulfed her.

  After a period of silence, Lu Jinnan took out his cigarette pack from his coat pocket and opened it—there was only one cigarette left. He took it out and put it to his lips before crushing the cigarette pack. Then he took out a lighter, used his hand to shield the wavering flame from the cold winds, and lit his cigarette.

  Lin Nuan listened to the pattering of the raindrops and waited in silence. She knew Lu Jinnan had something to say.