Tong Le remained steadfast in his belief that after Jin Feng's death, the police had failed to find a mobile phone on Jin Feng or at his residence, which suggested that the phone was the key to the clues. Perhaps the phone had been destroyed, but the last location of its signal could still yield some information. Even if it was just the nearby surveillance footage from when the signal was last detected, there was hope.
Tong Le asked Tian Ling to investigate, while Zong Zeyu helped Tong Le find several skilled computer experts to assist Tian Ling in the inquiry.
Late at night, Tong Le and Dao Wen arrived at Tian Ling's place, bringing an assortment of delicious snacks. The three of them sat in the living room, where the window was half-open, allowing occasional sounds of passing cars to drift in. The television played a variety show as Tian Ling focused on peeling small lobsters, dipping each one into a rich sauce.
Dao Wen asked if there were any developments. "When I walked in, I saw you had three computers running at once. I thought you were researching stocks."
Tian Ling replied while eating, "There are some developments, but it's not that easy; it's quite complex. Fortunately, Zong Zeyu has connections that should help speed things along."
Tong Le opened two bottles of beer and said, "Come on, let’s drink. No work talk today; let’s just relax."
As they chatted and ate, they eventually felt full. Tong Le lay down on Tian Ling's lap while she rested her head on Dao Wen's lap, who leaned back against the sofa with his long legs propped up on the coffee table.
Dao Wen casually asked, "Tong Le, when are you and Zong Zeyu planning to get married?"
After sipping some beer and feeling slightly tipsy, Tong Le replied, "I feel like Zong Zeyu and I are already in a married state. That Red Book doesn’t mean much."
Tian Ling shook her head. "That won’t do; you still need to get a marriage certificate. With Zong Zeyu being so wealthy, if you don’t marry him legally, aren’t you afraid he might be swept away by another woman? Besides, once you’re married, half of his assets will be yours. You’d be a winner in life!"
Tong Le lay comfortably with her eyes closed. "That’s his money, not mine; I wouldn’t want it anyway. Besides, whether or not we have that Red Book doesn’t affect our relationship. If one day he really does change his mind, I can’t hold onto him anyway. That Red Book can’t guarantee he’ll love me forever."
Dao Wen chimed in, "Exactly! A marriage certificate protects the interests between spouses rather than their emotional bond. If you look at the Marriage Law, it’s all about money and never mentions feelings."
Tian Ling looked puzzled. "Then why get married at all? It seems meaningless; we might as well just live together without the hassle of dividing assets if we divorce."
Tong Le teased her, "What’s Fan Qinghua been up to lately? Have you two been in touch?"
Tian Ling suddenly looked sad. "He doesn’t reply to my messages or answer my calls. It really proves that when a man doesn’t love you anymore, your presence is like air—just something he wants to blow away!"
Dao Wen laughed heartily. "Fan Qinghua is quite stubborn; he really doesn’t like your type—he prefers mature women."
Tian Ling sat up straight. "I know he likes women like you, but as a girl from a technical background, I could never become one of those mature women."
Tong Le encouraged her, "Then just set your sights elsewhere! There are so many men out there. Besides, do you really need a man? Being single can be pretty great too."
Tian Ling stared at the ceiling and murmured, "Actually, being alone is fine too; before I developed feelings for Fan Qinghua, I never planned on getting married or starting a family."
In their cozy little home, the three of them enjoyed their drinks and watched movies until they unknowingly fell asleep on the cashmere blanket.
When they woke up again, it was already ten o'clock the next morning.
The three of them rolled around on the cashmere blanket, with Tong Le's little feet resting on Dao Wen's belly and Tian Ling's arm draped over Tong Le's calf. They were all sprawled out in deep sleep.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Tian Ling, still half-asleep, opened the door to find a stunning sight: Zong Jin and Zong Zeyu stood at the entrance, each holding a bag of breakfast. They stood straight and tall, a feast for the eyes.
Zong Zeyu stepped inside after changing his shoes. "Is my wife still asleep?" he asked.
Zong Jin chimed in, "Has my wife gotten up yet?"
As they passed by Tian Ling, a chilling gust of wind swept through, leaving her feeling cold and heartbroken. Only a single person could truly understand that feeling!
Zong Zeyu walked along the edge of the carpet and sat down next to Tong Le. He gently touched her little face, reluctant to disturb her peaceful slumber.
Zong Jin placed the breakfast on the table and began tidying up the remnants of last night's meal left by the three women.
Tian Ling sat on the sofa in a daze, sighing heavily. At that moment, she regretted her choices; being single was not great at all—having a man around was definitely better!
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