Lin Aiguo

At the same time, in the deputy warden's office at Black Mountain Women's Prison...

Lin Xi hung up the phone call with her mother, changed into her pajamas, and lay on the bed, mulling over their conversation.

As usual, her mother had first asked if she was doing well—whether she was eating properly, if she was unhappy, or if she wanted to change jobs. Then came the complaints about her "ridiculous" decision to join the prison system, barely ever coming home, as if she were the one serving a sentence. After the complaints, the topic shifted to her love life, specifically mentioning Li Ming and whether their relationship had progressed. Finally, her mother launched into a lecture, stuffing grand principles into her "tiny little brain," saying she was just like her father—one an old fossil, the other a young fossil.

After enduring this torrent of maternal affection, Lin Xi finally hung up, her eyes glazed over as if she’d been thoroughly ravaged, unable to calm down for a long time.

Truly, only the closest people could break her defenses so completely. The cold, stern image of the deputy warden was gone now. Stripped of that uniform, she was just a young woman in the prime of her life, a bud waiting to bloom into the most beautiful red flower—if only someone would appreciate her.

Would that someone be Li Ming? She didn’t know...

Suddenly... the sharp ringtone of her phone snapped her out of her thoughts.

She picked it up, saw the caller ID, and immediately sat upright in bed.

Her finger hovered for a moment before pressing to answer.

"Hey! Dad! You’re done with work?" Lin Xi’s voice was bright with excitement.

"Mn. Just freed up, so I thought I’d call. Earlier, I was in a meeting and couldn’t talk properly. You never call me, you know. Li Ming’s dad keeps teasing me that my little ‘warm jacket’ has sprung a leak!" The man’s voice carried a deep, magnetic tone, laced with the authority of someone accustomed to power.

Even when speaking to his daughter, the instinctive weight of his position colored his words—a natural, commanding presence far more imposing than any "intimidation aura" Li Ming’s system could bestow.

"Dad, I just didn’t want to disturb you while you were busy. You can call me whenever you’re free—I’ll always answer!" Lin Xi’s voice softened with a hint of shyness. In front of her father, she would always be that little girl who never quite grew up.

"Hahaha! Xiao Xi, have you missed your old man? It’s been a while since we last saw each other. Last time you came to City A to pick up that rascal Li Ming, you didn’t even stop by! I’d even given strict orders—if you showed up, no matter what I was doing, they were to notify me immediately. But you never came! If you don’t miss me, at least know that I miss you..."

His voice softened, the rare gentleness slipping through the cracks of his usual armor, revealing the boundless love that had never faded.

"Dad... I miss you too. I just didn’t want to interrupt your work. What you do is important. Mom and I know we’re always in your heart—that’s enough for us!" Lin Xi spoke with reverence.

"Ah, you... You’ve always been so sensible, just like your brother was. If he were still alive... he could’ve taken care of you and your mother for me..." His voice darkened, weighed down by an old, unhealed pain.

"Dad... My brother was doing something important too! Even though he sacrificed himself, he died with honor. If the people ever needed me, I wouldn’t hesitate either!" Lin Xi declared firmly.

"Tch, don’t talk nonsense! If we lost you too, how would your mother and I go on living? Just... behave yourself. I never should’ve let you walk this path. A prison? Really? A young girl like you should be enjoying the best years of her life, finding someone to love, living peacefully. But no—you had to choose this, stubborn as your brother!" he grumbled.

"Speaking of which... how are things with Li Ming? Any thoughts? I’ve watched that kid grow up. He’s not overly ambitious, but he’s decent at heart. If nothing goes wrong, he could give you a stable life. I approve of him! His father doesn’t want him involved in too much either—just wants his only son to live safely, same as me. I think the two of you would be a good match!" His tone turned teasing, laced with amusement.

"Ugh, Dad! Stop worrying about that! These things don’t get settled in a day or two. Focus on your big responsibilities—I’ll let this little matter take its course!" Lin Xi’s face flushed. First her mother, now her father—couldn’t they let her breathe? She was still young!

"What ‘big’ or ‘little’? My daughter’s happiness is a big matter! You spend more time with that rascal, try to bring him home for New Year’s. Let Old Li and his wife die of envy—hahaha!" The mere thought made him burst into laughter.

"Dad! There’s nothing even started yet! Don’t say things like that!" Lin Xi’s face burned. She’d only just gotten to know Li Ming properly—how had they jumped straight to bringing him home?

"By the way, Dad! Has the Zhang Wenhai situation been handled?" Lin Xi swiftly changed the subject. She couldn’t take any more of her father poking at her love life.

"Heh, your old man’s waiting for a grandkid. Speed things up, will you? Back in the day, your mother and I cut through all the nonsense and made quick decisions—that’s how we ended up together. No need to be shy with me! Don’t worry about Zhang Wenhai. I’ve already had people take care of it. That’s a small matter. You’re the big one!" He chuckled, not falling for her diversion. She was still too green to outmaneuver him.

"Dad! I’m tired! I need to sleep... Let’s talk another time! Bye~!"

Too flustered to continue, Lin Xi hung up. If this went on, her face would turn as red as a boiled crab!

Even though her father couldn’t see her through the phone, she knew all too well how sharp he was. He’d figure out every little thought in her head if they kept talking!

She wasn’t ready for anything serious with Li Ming yet. At most... he was still in the probationary period!

Meanwhile, on the other end, Lin Aiguo pocketed his phone with a smile. But the moment he turned around, all traces of warmth vanished.

His expression hardened, brows furrowed like a lion on the hunt—fierce, vigilant, eyes wide and blazing, a wrathful deity incarnate, exuding an aura of unyielding dominance.

He pushed open the conference room door. Inside, dozens of high-ranking officials—men of status and prestige—jolted in unison, scrambling to their feet to bow in unison.

"Good evening, General!"

"Mn. Apologies for the delay. Let’s resume the meeting."

...

And over at the Mingdu Hotel...