Li Ming had just picked up the phone when a familiar voice came through.
"Hahaha! Is that Xiao Li? It's been days since you transferred here, and I still haven’t paid you a visit. Don’t hold it against me, hahaha! Once I wrap up my work here, I’ll drop by so we can get acquainted. It’ll make future collaborations smoother, don’t you think?"
Zhang Wenhai’s voice boomed through the receiver, and Li Ming thought to himself, Just as I expected—it’s him.
"Director Zhang, you’re too kind. I should be the one visiting you. May I ask if there’s anything you’d like to instruct me on?" Li Ming probed cautiously.
"Ah! No need for formalities. I heard your prison is organizing a group dance competition in a few days. I just had a chat with Deputy Warden Lin about it. Nowadays, we emphasize humane management, and your prison is doing an excellent job. The inmates seem very enthusiastic! I wanted to learn from your experience so we can implement similar activities in other prisons—give the prisoners some entertainment, hahaha!" Zhang Wenhai’s hearty laughter carried a tone of camaraderie.
"Oh! All the credit goes to our deputy warden. I’m still new here and not fully up to speed. I’ll definitely need your guidance in the future, Director Zhang," Li Ming replied flatly.
"Ah, Xiao Li, no need to be so modest! We’re all part of the same system—helping each other out, right? Hahaha! By the way, I don’t even know which unit you transferred from before coming here," Zhang Wenhai asked casually.
"Oh? We all serve the people—does it matter which unit? Just let me know if there’s anything you need, Director Zhang!" Li Ming smiled faintly, recognizing Zhang Wenhai’s attempt to dig into his background.
Zhang Wenhai paused briefly before laughing again. "Hahaha! Right! Serving the people—of course! It’s all the same, all the same! Well, I won’t keep you from your work. Let’s catch up over a meal sometime!"
"Of course, Director Zhang. Looking forward to it!"
As the call ended, Li Ming’s instincts buzzed incessantly. Zhang Wenhai didn’t say a single honest word. He’s definitely plotting something.
Meeting Lin Xi’s questioning gaze, he explained, "Nothing major. He was probably probing for information about me. Seems like he’s planning something."
Li Ming frowned in thought. Zhang Wenhai wouldn’t call out of the blue—he suspected Tan Chengcheng might have contacted him again, prompting this fishing expedition.
"Be careful with him. He’s a sly one. If anything happens, don’t forget to discuss it with me! If he really tries anything shady, I’ll talk to my dad," Lin Xi said, taking the phone from Li Ming.
"Don’t worry. If he thinks he can snatch someone from under my nose, he’s sorely mistaken," Li Ming replied confidently.
Lin Xi rolled her eyes at his bravado and walked away without another word.
Li Ming sighed helplessly and closed the door behind her.
At the same time, inside the Prison Administration Bureau...
Zhang Wenhai hung up the phone, his cheerful expression vanishing instantly.
"Director Zhang, how did it go? What’s Li Ming’s attitude?" asked the lackey who had dined with him earlier.
"Hmph! What attitude? The kind that doesn’t give me any respect. I asked where he transferred from, and he had the nerve to say, ‘We all serve the people—it doesn’t matter!’ That little brat." Zhang Wenhai slammed his desk in frustration.
"What? He’s that clueless? Should I send someone to... remind him?" the lackey whispered.
"Hmph... Not yet. It’s suspicious that someone so young could become a warden. And the way he spoke to me—calm, unyielding, almost like he’s got powerful backing. We can’t act rashly. I’ll dig deeper first..." Zhang Wenhai said coolly.
"What about Tan Chengcheng?" The lackey handed Zhang Wenhai his phone.
The screen displayed a message from Tan Chengcheng.
Zhang Wenhai took the phone, his mind drifting to Tan Chengcheng’s alluring figure—a woman he’d coveted for a long time. He was determined to have her.
"Director Zhang, I’ve made up my mind. Save my sister first, and I’ll agree to your terms. But I won’t fulfill my promise until I see her safe and sound in front of me."
Zhang Wenhai smirked darkly. The fish has finally taken the bait.
......
Back in his office, Li Ming pulled out his phone. He still hadn’t replied to Tan Chengcheng’s messages. He guessed that, left with no response, she must have turned to Zhang Wenhai in desperation.
Out of concern, he decided to check in and sent her a message:
"Did you contact Zhang Wenhai?"
Within seconds, Tan Chengcheng replied:
"Warden! I’m still waiting for you at Tianyi Villa! I said I wouldn’t leave until I saw you!"
Li Ming frowned. This woman is unbelievably stubborn. Still, he replied:
"I already told you—going to him won’t help. You didn’t do anything reckless, did you?"
Tan Chengcheng’s response came swiftly:
"Please! Just meet me once!"
Li Ming rubbed his temples in frustration. Why won’t she listen? He’d been blunt with her, yet she refused to give up. If this continued, Zhang Wenhai would undoubtedly manipulate her.
Torn, Li Ming considered washing his hands of the matter—maybe she’d learn her lesson after hitting a wall. But his conscience wouldn’t allow it.
With a long sigh, he finally grabbed his car keys...
Li Ming’s soft heart won out. He drove out of the prison once more.
Setting the GPS for Tianyi Villa, he noted it wasn’t too far from the prison—though nestled in the mountains. The route suggested he’d arrive by noon. Pressing the accelerator, he began the journey.
But the mountains deceived the eye. Though the distance seemed short, the winding roads made for a rough ride. By the time Li Ming finally reached Tianyi Villa, dusk was already falling.
Halfway there, he’d regretted taking this shortcut. It would’ve been faster to detour through City S first—even if the distance was greater, at least the roads were better. Now his head throbbed from the bumpy ride.
Pulling into the villa’s parking lot, Li Ming stepped out and surveyed the so-called "mountain villa."
In truth, it resembled an upscale private retreat more than a rustic lodge. The architecture and décor were surprisingly luxurious, blending seamlessly with the untouched natural surroundings—a breathtaking sight.
Standing beside his car, Li Ming called Tan Chengcheng. She answered instantly.
"I’m here—in the parking lot. Where are you?"
"I’ll be right there! Warden, just wait a moment!" Tan Chengcheng’s voice brimmed with excitement. She hadn’t expected Li Ming to actually come.
Soon enough, Li Ming spotted Tan Chengcheng’s striking figure hurrying toward him from the villa.
Glancing around, he confirmed he was the only one in the parking lot.
Only then did he step forward and speak.
"Are you... the warden?"
"Have we... met somewhere before..."
...
"Thank you all for urging me to update!! You guys are just too kind!"