How could I possibly be confined in a cage?

“He’s awake. He just took his medicine,” Hongyu replied, while still worrying about Guo Zixing’s health.

He put on the overcoat he had just taken off, and went to see Qingru in full military uniform.

Qingru had been awake for a long time, and thankfully, she didn't have any fatal injuries. She was naturally very happy to see Hongyu when she woke up, but her trip had given her some more worries, and only Guo Zixing could help her with the things she was thinking about.

"Knock knock".

Guo Zixing knocked on the door from the outside.

Qingru didn't even look to see who it was before she went over and opened the door. "Guo Zixing? It really is you! You..."

I had so much to say, but when the person was right in front of me, I suddenly became speechless.

Guo Zixing said, "It really is me. What? I've saved you twice. How are you going to thank me?"

Qingru didn't know how to answer.

The day they first met, she was fleeing from capture and was almost trampled to death by a horse on the street; he saved her. After falling into the water, she was kidnapped and almost killed by human traffickers; he saved her again. This kindness is truly immense.

However, both of these near-death experiences were inexplicably related to Guo Zixing. First, she was arrested by the Marshal's Mansion, which led her to escape. In her panic, she almost got trampled by a horse on the street. If she hadn't met him by chance and been taken to a banquet by him, she wouldn't have been injured by villains, fallen into the water, and encountered human traffickers.

This awkwardness prevented her from answering immediately, especially since she had nothing at the moment, not even a home.

What could she say?

Subconsciously, she saw Guo Zixing as a lifeline, but when it came to repaying him, how should she balance the debt?

"...If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask."

This outcome was actually not what Guo Zixing had anticipated.

He was just trying to tease her. He felt like an incredibly boring middle-aged man. He thought that was enough, forgetting that girls are the most sensitive and delicate creatures.

He noticed the embarrassment and awkwardness on her face, so he walked over with a smile and sat down next to her.

Qingru was a little nervous. She finally convinced herself that one thing was one thing, and she had to repay the debt of gratitude she owed him and also sort out her own family matters. But with him so close, she couldn't help but feel flustered on Valentine's Day.

Seeing her flustered appearance, Guo Zixing found it amusing and took a cup of tea, standing by the window. There was a dressing table there, which he could lean against.

The dim, yellow light shone from behind Guo Zixing, bathing him in a warm, golden glow. Qingru looked over and could see his fine, tousled hair standing upright in the light.

His usually roguish face now held a touch of world-weariness and gentleness. Qingru was deeply moved, thinking of all the trouble he had been working on the kidnapping case these past few days.

"Thank you. What you have done benefits the country and its people."

Guo Zixing looked over in surprise. He knew that some female students had a patriotic and concerned attitude, so he also adopted a serious tone, "This is what I should do. Those human traffickers are ruthless and cruel, causing so many families to be torn apart. Even families who haven't lost their children live in constant fear. This world is already chaotic. If people's hearts are also chaotic, then my father's rule will not be peaceful."

Qingru hadn't expected this, and upon hearing this, she was also worried, so she quickly told him everything she knew.

"...And what about Xiao Erlang? Xin Wuhui, the man who was with me in this peril, has been sold off somewhere. And the twenty girls who came from Niujia Village with me, they were supposed to be taken to work in a Japanese cotton mill, but we don't know what will become of them! Young Master Guo, you are capable and kind-hearted, please, you must save them!"

Qingru gripped Guo Zixing's arm as if it were a lifeline, her eyes filled with anxiety, yet also with trust and expectation. For the first time, he felt a strange sense of fulfillment, a desire to do something for her.

She covered her face with her own hand and comforted her, "Don't worry, we'll deal with things one by one. Let's sort things out and prioritize. I will definitely find a way to rescue those trafficked children, don't worry. Xiao Erlang is fine, but it's too late and you're injured, so I didn't dare call him. I'll take you to see him tomorrow."

"Well..." Qingru was about to talk about her father, but seeing the fatigue on Guo Zixing's face, she swallowed her words.

Don't bite off more than you can chew. Since I'm already staying in this villa, I'll be able to resolve my own issues sooner or later.

"What?" Guo Zixing didn't know what she was going to say.

"It's nothing. I see you're tired too. Go and get some rest. We'll talk about it tomorrow."

Guo Zixing himself didn't feel particularly tired. He casually asked, "You said you would repay me, do you still stand by that promise?"

"Of course it counts, just give the order."

"Then I'll find you a job. Come to the police station and be my deputy."

"Deputy? Police station? Can I do that?" She turned to look at him, a hint of doubt in her eyes. Qingru had never dealt with these things before, and was afraid she wouldn't do a good job.

Guo Zixing nodded. "Of course, you're very suitable. You're bold and meticulous, and you probably know more about this matter than I do. You can be a great help as my deputy."

Qingru immediately realized that once she got to the police station, seeing her father would be a piece of cake, so she readily agreed.

"Okay, I will definitely learn how to be your deputy and never hold you back."

"Well, then consider this a small reward I've received." Thinking of what Mr. Lü had said about the wealth behind her family, Guo Zixing's heart burned even hotter.

Qingru laughed at his teasing words, "Alright, that's just a little bit of compensation. If my family hadn't had that accident, I might have been able to give you more."

This further fueled Guo Zixing's ambitions. He affectionately ruffled Qingru's soft, smooth hair, the silky texture making his heart flutter slightly.

He suppressed his feelings and said goodbye to her, "Get some rest, see you tomorrow."

Qingru's heart pounded, a suspicious blush flashed across her face, and she said, "Good night, see you tomorrow."

As if making some kind of promise, the two said goodbye without saying a word.

Guo Zixing had a smile on his face, which was noticed by Hongyu who came over. "Young Master, what's making you so happy? You're even walking with a smile on your face."

Guo Zixing realized what was happening, and his face immediately turned cold, reverting to his usual demeanor. "So, are you familiar with this now?"

Hongyu watched his departing figure and shook her head. "I don't understand, I just don't understand..."