#30: Selfishness

Lin Xingzi lost her phone, which delayed a lot of work. After returning to Haishi, she was swamped with tasks, and Jiang Yan also worked late almost every day.

Haishi appeared dazzling on the surface, but it was a city plagued by drugs.

Due to its advantageous geographical conditions, a drug trafficking network had developed over time. This business brought in quick money, and some said that once you tried making money through drugs, no one could resist being greedy.

The higher-ups sent a ten-person inspection team to Haishi to assist in handling the case. Jiang Yan voluntarily applied to join the frontline investigation team. Zhou Feng couldn’t stop him, nor did he have the grounds to. Jiang Yan was the most outstanding officer in this batch—experienced and knowledgeable about computer networks. In fact, he was the most suitable candidate.

But when the list was submitted for approval, Jiang Yan’s name was crossed out by Lin Xudong.

“Director Lin,” Jiang Yan stood straight, saluting respectfully.

At work, they needed to avoid any appearance of favoritism.

“I’ve been tracking those people since my first day on the job. I know them well and am willing to cooperate fully with the inspection team’s leadership. Please approve my application.”

Lin Xudong closed the office door, patted his shoulder, and spoke earnestly, “Jiang Yan, I understand your feelings, but you’re not suitable.”

“Please give me a reason, Director Lin.”

“The list wasn’t decided by me alone; it was discussed in a meeting after considering various factors,” colleagues at the bureau knew that his father had died from a drug overdose, and his brother’s accident was also related to drugs—Lin Xudong was well aware.

“Xiao Jiang, there’s just the two of us here, so I’ll be straightforward. You’re no longer a single man without ties. You have a family now. By marrying Jiang Jiang, you have obligations and responsibilities toward her. To speak frankly, I, Lin Xudong, have selfish reasons. I’m not only a police officer serving the people, but also a father who hopes his only daughter can live a stable, happy, and fulfilling life—not constantly worrying, fearing for her father one moment and her husband the next.”

Lin Xudong sat down, removed his police cap, and the sharp, stern expression on his face softened into one of helplessness. “Jiang Jiang studied abroad for five years, and maybe she got used to being independent. After returning home, she rarely came back, thinking we were nagging. Xiao Jiang, you might not know this, but during the six months you were transferred to Baicheng—the six months after you and Jiang Jiang registered your marriage—she frequently visited home. When her mother wasn’t paying attention while cooking, she would sneak over to me, subtly asking how you were doing.”

“Professionally speaking, I highly respect you. But as a father, I originally didn’t want my daughter to marry a police officer, especially a narcotics officer.”

Jiang Yan fell silent for a long time.

“I understand, but I still insist.”

Lin Xudong’s expression gradually darkened. “Then give me a reason.”

“I wear this uniform, and I will remain loyal to the country for life,” Jiang Yan paused for half a second before raising his head, speaking with equal determination. “By marrying Jiang Jiang, I vow to remain faithful to her for the rest of my life. What I want to give her isn’t just fleeting happiness, but a lifetime where she never has to worry that I might die in some corner without her knowing. She deserves to come home and see me waiting for her.”

…

There was a contract that required Zhan Tianxiong’s signature. Zhan Yan returned home but couldn’t find him, so he immediately turned around and headed to the Red Mountain Villa. As soon as he entered, he smelled something unusual.

Sure enough, the two of them were in the wine cellar.

Zhan Tianxiong was puffing on a cigar, while the young woman lay disheveled on the floor, exposing half of her breast. Her nipple had been burned by a cigarette butt.

Her gaze was unfocused, staring blankly at the corner, unresponsive—completely devoid of the charm she had displayed at the dinner table that night.

Zhan Yan usually didn’t bother with his father’s affairs. He glanced at the pile of things on the table. This woman could endure. She had stayed by the old man’s side the longest, and it seemed she had developed an addiction too.

“This stuff—have you touched it?”

“Don’t worry, your father knows what he’s doing,” Zhan Tianxiong kicked Ji Qiuchi with his foot. She flinched slightly and instinctively crawled toward his feet. “Playing with dogs is more interesting.”

Zhan Yan didn’t care. He had Zhan Tianxiong sign the contract and left.

Midway, he received a call. The person on the other end said, “President Zhan, I’ve taken care of the house matter for you. You can move in anytime. The paperwork can be handled later.”

Zhan Yan raised an eyebrow and turned the steering wheel.

The doorbell kept ringing. Lin Xingzi had no choice but to turn off the shower, dry herself quickly, wrap herself in a large bathrobe, and go answer the door.

The next moment, she prepared to close it.

“Don’t be so heartless, Sister Lin,” Zhan Yan had anticipated her reaction and swiftly jammed his leg into the doorway to stop her from shutting him out.