Chapter 149: Returning to New Donghai
This novel is translated and hosted only on bcatranslation.
Lin Xian set his fork down and picked up his wine glass, taking a sip. He was a bit taken aback by Tang Xin’s forthrightness. Was this normal behavior for someone returning from abroad?
It was undeniable that Tang Xin was straightforward; she shared her thoughts freely and without hesitation. It was evident she held a special fondness for him and didn’t shy away from expressing it. Her feelings were similar to those of Zhou Duan Yun and many others; they all cherished vivid memories of their teenage years, some of which were unforgettable.
As Zhou Duan Yun had explained, his current endeavors were an attempt to overcome the feelings of inadequacy he had experienced in high school. For Tang Xin, a simple act of kindness Lin Xian had shown back then had become a cherished memory of her youth, one she still held dear. This was likely what people referred to as the “white moonlight” effect. Lin Xian hadn’t expected to be someone’s “white moonlight.”
“We were classmates; helping each other was natural,” Lin Xian remarked, setting his wine glass back down and smiling at Tang Xin. “It was true back then, and it remains true now. Since you’re new to Donghai City and still finding your way around, don’t hesitate to reach out to either me or Gao Yang for help. We’ll do our best to assist you.”
“I’m relieved to hear that,” Tang Xin chuckled, sitting up straighter as she continued enjoying her meal. “As you mentioned, I don’t have many friends or relatives here in Donghai… and after being abroad for so long, I’m still adjusting to being back. But my colleagues are wonderful; they’ve been very supportive and helped me settle in.”
“What do you usually do in your free time?” Lin Xian inquired casually. “Like, after work, how do you spend your time?”
“One of my colleagues found out I play the violin well, so they introduced me to the Donghai Symphony Orchestra. They were looking for violinists.”
Tang Xin took a bite of her salad and glanced at Lin Xian. “I’ve been playing the violin since I was young and was part of the school orchestra while studying abroad. The interview with the Donghai Symphony Orchestra went smoothly, and they invited me to join their rehearsals. So, I spend my spare time practicing the violin and attending orchestra rehearsals. I really love music; it makes me happy.”
“That’s fantastic,” Lin Xian nodded. “You are very talented. Being part of the Donghai Symphony Orchestra shows your violin skills are quite impressive.”
“Hehe, I won’t be modest about that,” Tang Xin giggled. “If you’d like, I can play for you sometime. I’m quite confident in my violin skills!”
“Sure, that sounds great,” Lin Xian replied politely.
Their dinner ended on a pleasant note. Since it was still early, Tang Xin suggested they take a walk by the river, and Lin Xian agreed enthusiastically. They spent an hour strolling along the Huangpu River, reminiscing about the past and sharing stories. Afterwards, Lin Xian hailed a cab to take Tang Xin home.
“Bye, Lin Xian, see you later!” Tang Xin waved as she stepped out of the car.
“Bye.”
Soon after Lin Xian got home, Gao Yang called, bursting with curiosity. After a series of questions, he gave his approval.
“I approve of this relationship.”
“You approve of what?!” Lin Xian chuckled.
“What? Aren’t you pleased with Tang Xin?” Gao Yang pressed. “Tang Xin is attractive, has a great personality, and has always had feelings for you! Where else will you find someone so ideal?”
“That’s true…” Lin Xian scratched his head and gazed at the moon outside his bedroom window. Tang Xin was indeed remarkable in many ways, combining Zhao Ying Jun’s elegance with Chu An Qing’s sweetness. She was truly extraordinary. However, Lin Xian hadn’t really considered a romantic relationship with her.
“You should think about it,” Gao Yang suggested over the phone. “We’re not kids anymore. Relationships are natural, and Tang Xin has been very upfront with you… almost too obvious. Wouldn’t it be rude to keep her waiting for an answer?”
“You might be right,” Lin Xian agreed. In relationships, you should either commit or be clear about your intentions. Leading someone on was unfair. But Lin Xian was in a difficult position. While he recognized Tang Xin’s qualities, he hadn’t developed romantic feelings for her yet. Despite Tang Xin’s years of admiration, this was only their second encounter since high school. They barely knew each other now, and he hadn’t yet formed any feelings.
Additionally, there were other pressing concerns. According to Yellow Finch, a dangerous game had already begun, posing unknown threats. With adversaries lurking and various tasks demanding his attention, dating was not his priority.
“And there’s the dream to consider.” Thinking about his perilous situation in New Donghai City gave Lin Xian a headache. He had been too preoccupied recently and hadn’t managed to enter the noon dream to meet CC. They needed to approach Time Bank soon, their entry point into the operation.
The next day, after finishing his morning duties, Lin Xian had a quick lunch and returned home. Lying on his bed, he quickly fell asleep. In the dream, he followed the usual routine: first finding CC in the woods behind Li Cheng’s house. After convincing her, they headed back to Old Donghai, joined the Face Gang, persuaded Li Cheng to build a human ladder, hid in a garbage truck, and successfully infiltrated New Donghai City…
“There’s still a lot of blood on the clothes,” Lin Xian noted as he and CC changed into the uniforms of two inspectors they had just assassinated at a checkpoint. Despite his carefulness while slitting their throats, he couldn’t avoid staining the uniforms with blood. It was sticky and uncomfortable.
“It’s unavoidable when you slit throats,” CC remarked from the other side of the garbage truck, now dressed in the female inspector’s uniform and tucking a handgun into her waistband.
This novel is translated and hosted only on bcatranslation.
“This is too conspicuous. We’ll be discovered sooner or later,” Lin Xian mused, scratching his chin. When he had escaped on a flying motorcycle previously, he had noted the busy area near Time Bank, filled with people and vehicles. If they walked around in these bloodied uniforms, they’d definitely attract attention.
Moreover, the security system in New Donghai City was more stringent than he had anticipated, with patrols of mechanical dogs and guards in many areas. Having gone through so much trouble to enter the dream, Lin Xian didn’t want to be shot and wake up midway through his mission. At least he needed to try the password at Time Bank.
He looked over at the neatly parked garbage trucks in the yard and had an idea.
“We could continue hiding in the garbage truck,” Lin Xian suggested to CC. “These trucks are programmed to go to Time Bank. They only stopped here for the inspection. So, we just need to find the switch or the corresponding control to let the trucks continue their journey.”
“Then we can hitch a ride in the garbage truck and get to Time Bank without any risk,” CC agreed.
“That’s a good plan. It shouldn’t be too hard,” she replied, heading toward the control room.