Translator:Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor:Nyoi-Bo Studio

It was true that Gu Nianzi had contacted Mei Xiawen less frequently since arriving to the States. Most of the time, it was him texting her to ask her check their shared Weibo, Always On My Mind. Gu Nianzhi had been so preoccupied with the Nandou system incident that she barely had time to eat or sleep, let alone spare time to share her musings online? However she couldnt say anything when she watched Mei Xiawens intent eyes and gaunt face.

Mei Xiawen embraced Gu Nianzhi, nuzzling the warm top of her head as he asked in a quiet voice, What happened to your face?

Gu Nianzhi squirmed out of his arms and covered her face, pouting, I got hit.

What?! By who? Who had the gall to hit you? Did you call the police? Mei Xiawen asked with total seriousness, I dont believe that anyone can get away with something like this in the States.

Gu Nianzhi hung her head in embarrassment, I started it.

Mei Xiawen,

Then it mustve been because they crossed the line. Nianzhi did it out of self-defense, right? Mie Xiawen touched her shoulder and gently comforted her. It was obvious that he was siding with her and trying to justify what she didand that was exactly the kind of unwavering support that she needed right now.

Her mood lightened considerably and she smiled at Mei Xiawen, Xiawen, why did you suddenly come to the States? Are you on vacation?

Mei Xiawen turned around with her and they continued walking. Draping one arm on her shoulder, he said, I especially came to see you, dont you believe that?

Thats too much of a shock, I dont dare believe it. Gu Nianzhi giggled, but her pace slowed and she even started to limp a little. Although there were no apparent bruises on her legs, she actually sustained a few kicks from the fight. After walking for over an hour, she could feel her calves almost lose all sensation. She walked each step gingerly.

Mei Xiawen noticed her struggling and look at her before jogging ahead and kneeling down, Here, let me carry you.

Huh? Gu Nianzhi was at loss, I, I, Im ok.

Its fine, youre limping and shouldnt walk anymore. Mei Xiawen chuckled, If I had knew, I would have driven my rental car here.

Where did you park? Gu Nianzhi asked curiously when Mei Xiawen nudged her to lay on his back.

Mei Xiawen secured her calves with both arms and stood up with her on his back. Nianzhi, how did you get to thin? He thought she felt much too light on his back.

Isnt that a good thing? Saying she got thinner is the best compliment possiblefor a girl. Gu Nianzhi smiled proudly, That means Ive been watching my weight well.

Bursting into laughter, Mei Xiawen chatted idly with her while he carried her back to the apartment.

Were here, Xiawen. Thanks for taking me home. Gu Nianzhi was drenched in sweat and badly wanted to shower first, Where are you staying? Give me the phone number and address.

Mei Xiawen had wanted to pick her up for dinner, but knew she didnt want to go out with an embarrassing injury on her face. He dejectedly took out a card from the hotel and placed it on her palm, The Hilton, Room 356 on the third floor. My numbers the same, you can give me a call.

Gu Nianzhi nodded, Ill invite you for dinner at my place tomorrow. Im a wreck today and need to freshen up. Im so sorry, Xiawen.

Dont say sorry. Mei Xiawen stroked her head, Thankfully I was here. Youre here alone and need to take good care of yourself, dont have me worry.

Her heart warmed at the words and she nodded, I know, I know. Ill be careful from now on, this was an accident.

Its alright, I know you too well. Youre quirky, but still a young girl at the end of the day. Although you have a sharp tongue, youre the one at disadvantage when it comes to a physical fight. Mei Xiawen sighed as he patted her shoulder, Go back now, Ill watch you get inside.

No, you go first, Ill watch you. Gu Nianzhi insisted on seeing him off.

Mei Xiawen was no match against her and squeezed her hand before heading to a black Buick parked in the parking lot in front of the building entrance. He turned to wave at her, then got into the car and left her apartment.

Gu Nianzhi went into her building and unlocked the door. The apartment was quiet and Yin Shixiong wasnt in the living room. She limped back to her bedroom.

The door to Yin Shixiongs door was shut as he stood by the window and spoke on the phone quietly. Mr. Huo, did Little Ze tell you? How would you like to deal with it?

Huo Shaohengs voice was deep and rich, You said He Zhichu already picked up Nianzhi?

Yes, they already left. The US Military didnt let Nianzhi go and He Zhichu was furious. Afterwards I heard that hes taking the US Military to court and now they are too afraid to do anything rashly. Yin Shixiong gave a detailed report on the events that day.

Huo Shaoheng remained silent for a long while, his voice emotionless, Ok, well wait and see. Ive already had someone contact the Embassy, theyll ignore this incident.

Huh?! Yin Shixiong jolted up and instinctively raised his voice, No way?! Its one thing for you not to get personally involved, but now youre blocking the Embassy from helping too?! Nianzhi only got into this mess because she was beating up that Xin girl!

Shes young and impulsive, dont tell me youre the same? Huo Shaoheng was speaking to Yin Shixiong through his Bluetooth headset, his fingers hammering at the keyboard to write a report to the military. You shouldve stopped her when it happened. This is dereliction of duty, and I dont want this kind of thing to reoccur over and over again. If it happens again, youre coming back and Ill send Little Ze over.

Yin Shixiong sighed heavily and straightened his back. He answered gruffly, Roger! Chief, please grant Lieutenant Colonel Yin Shixiong redeem himself and continue to protect Nianzhi!

Mhmm, this is the second time youre redeeming yourself. I dont want a third time.

Huo Shaoheng had no mercy, Watch anyone trying to get close to Nianzhi carefully. Investigate all their backgrounds, with He Zhichu in particular.

Professor He? Yin Shixiong was perplexed as he wrote with his finger on the window, Didnt we investigate him multiple times already? What else is suspicious?

Because everything matches up too perfectly and seems fishy. From his CV, he has no relations to Nianzhi. So why did he become so nice to her in a few short months? Dont tell me that all professor are this kind to all their students. Huo Shaoheng completed the report and rose as he switched off the computer.

Yin Shixiong mumbled, Mr, Huo, dont you think theres possibly another reason?

What other reason? Huo Shaoheng walked as he took out a cigarette to light.

That He Zhichu has feelings for Nianzhi? After all, Nianzhi is getting more popular as shes getting older. Didnt Mr. Huo know that quite a few people like her here

Huo Shaohengs hand holding the lighter paused as he poised to light it. After a long moment, he calmly closed the lighter and said slowly, That shouldnt be the case. He Zhichu is a professor, if he dares make a move on Nianzhi, Ill ruin him. Continue your observations and be prepared to report at anytime.