Officialdom: The beautiful leader took me to the top

Although men and women should not be too close, Li Dong had no choice but to push Liu Min away at this time and could only temporarily rely on her.

After venting for a while, Liu Min's emotions finally stabilized.

Looking at the wet stains on Li Dong's shirt, Liu Min said apologetically, "I'm sorry for calling you out so late and getting your clothes dirty."

"Won't you have trouble explaining this when you get home?"

Li Dong didn't know what to say. This woman was already riddled with wounds herself, yet she still had the mind to care about other people's situations.

Li Dong tried to keep his tone light, "It's nothing, just a shirt. I'll wash it when I get back. Don't worry about it."

"As for home, you don't need to worry. My wife knows I'm here and she knows about your situation."

"But don't worry, I've given her all the necessary instructions, she won't tell anyone."

Liu Min sniffed and nervously twisted the hem of her clothes with her hands. "I'm so sorry, I didn't want to bother you so late."

"But I'm really desperate. The police just asked me for my contact's phone number."

"I've thought it over and over, and besides you... I really don't know who else I could turn to."

"Having lived in Tianzhou for so many years, I don't even have a single close friend..."

When the word "friend" was mentioned, Liu Min's voice lowered again, and a trace of undisguised sorrow flashed in her eyes.

Li Dong saw this but didn't ask any further questions.

Although he also wanted to know what trouble Liu Min had encountered tonight, and how she had ended up on the verge of suicide.

But he knew even more clearly that this woman was sensitive at that moment.

If Liu Min is willing to speak up, she will naturally take the initiative to tell him.

If he presses for answers too hard, it could backfire!

Taking the warm water from Li Dong, Liu Min gradually calmed down. When she looked at Li Dong, a glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes. "Li Dong, could you please take me home?"

Li Dong didn't hesitate, "Okay, but wait a moment while I call home so they don't have to wait for me."

After saying that, Li Dong called Song Ci back and briefly explained the situation.

Song Ci didn't say anything else, just told Li Dong to be careful, and that she would go to sleep first if she couldn't wait.

With everything arranged, Li Dong completed Liu Min's discharge procedures and settled the bill.

After all that trouble, it was already an hour later when I got home.

Liu Min lives in a dilapidated apartment building in the old city of Jiangbei. The walls are peeling and the stairwell is full of clutter.

The motion-activated lights were intermittent, and each step required heavy footsteps to barely make out the narrow passage ahead.

Li Dong supported her arm, carefully avoiding the obstacles under her feet.

As she reached the corner of the corridor, Liu Min stopped. "This is it."

Li Dong took the key from Liu Min and opened the door.

The house is small, with two bedrooms and one living room, simply furnished but kept very clean.

The floor was polished to a shine, and clothes were neatly folded on the sofa.

There was also a group photo hanging on the wall, which included Liu Min and a middle-aged woman.

They have similar eyebrows and eyes, so they must be mother and daughter.

Liu Min thanked her and then said, "Please sit wherever you like. I'll get you a glass of water. It's just a simple meal at home, so please bear with me."

Li Dong said, "No, you're still injured, so don't push yourself too hard."

"I'll go get the water myself."

Soon, Li Dong came to the kitchen and brought out two glasses of warm water.

Liu Min said apologetically, "I'm sorry, we don't have anything nice to offer you, just some warm water."

Li Dong said softly, "No need to be so polite. I'm relieved to have gotten you home safely."

"Remember the doctor's instructions: change the dressing on time, avoid getting it wet, and keep your diet light."

"If you feel unwell, feel free to call me anytime."

"Also, just rest well at home for the next couple of days."

"I'll ask for leave for you at work tomorrow, so you don't need to go to work for the next two days."

Upon hearing Li Dong mention his workplace, Liu Min's body trembled involuntarily, as if she had heard about something that terrified her.

Li Dong noticed something was wrong. "Sister Min, what's wrong? Is there something you're having trouble telling me?"

Liu Min shook her head, clearly having some reservations.

Li Dong chatted with Liu Min for a while, then glanced at the time and said, "Sister Min, since you're all set, I'll take my leave now. You should get some rest too."

"By the way, do you want to call your family or ask a friend to come and take care of you? I can wait for you here for a while."

Liu Min said dejectedly, "I don't have many friends in Tianzhou."

"As for my family... I only have one mother, who is still in the hospital, and I don't want her to worry."

This was the first time Li Dong had heard Liu Min talk about her family situation. "Sister Min, are you okay on your own? Do you need me to find a friend to come and keep you company?"

Liu Min was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "No need, I was just thinking things through tonight."

"I've figured it out now, there's no need to do anything foolish."

"What will happen to my mother if I really die?"

Since Liu Min brought up the topic, Li Dong chimed in, "Sister Min, although I don't know what trouble you encountered tonight."

"But I think that it must be something extraordinary to push such a strong girl like you to this point."

"Since you're willing to call me, it means you trust me."

"If you think I can help you, you can tell me the whole story."

"Whether I can help or not, I will do my best."

"But if it involves privacy, you can choose not to say it, after all, everyone has their own secrets."

"If you don't want to talk, no one can force you."

"However, you said something wrong just now."

"You say you have no friends in Tianzhou, then what am I? Aren't I your friend?"

Liu Min suddenly looked up, her eyes blurry with tears, and gazed at Li Dong.

His lips moved, but he couldn't utter a single word for a long time.

She could tell that Li Dong's gaze was gentle yet firm, without the slightest perfunctoriness or probing.

He just looked at himself calmly, as if silently telling her, "You are not alone."

After a long while, Liu Min slowly lowered her head, her voice so hoarse it was almost inaudible, "I...I have never considered anyone a true friend."

"Aside from work, I have almost no personal relationships."

"Having been at the mine for so long, everyone is either minding their own business or scheming against each other. I don't dare trust anyone."

"As for why I called you, I can't explain it myself."

At this point, Liu Min suddenly raised her head and asked, "Li Dong, do you really consider me a friend?"