You Owe Me, My Love

Bai Rong fell asleep while resting her head on the car seat in front of her.

From the way she slept, Gu Mingchen could tell that she was not in a comfortable position.

As such, he held her shoulders and slowly placed the sleeping girl's head on his lap. Afraid that she would fall off, the man held on to her throughout the ride.

Chen Zhi sneaked a peek at his chief. It was the first time he had seen him being so soft and tender, particularly towards a lady.

Oblivious to his subordinate’s peeks, Gu Mingchen continued to look at the girl on his lap with a loving but apologetic gaze.

For the past two days, Bai Rong had been following them around while coming out with ingenious ideas and hiking dangerous regions for their mission. She had not complained about anything, and even tried to take the lead just to not hinder their progress.

He should've controlled his temper; his temper was the sword that had wounded the woman he cared about the most.

He could lose his temper in front of his army and comrades, but not towards the lady lying on his lap.

The car stopped. Bai Rong opened her eyes, only to be met with Gu Mingchen's.

She sat up from his lap, her emotions unreadable as her eyes darted outside the window. “Have we reached the hotel?”

“We'll have dinner first. Chen Zhi and I will track down the survivor from Tanggian Village. You can rest in the hotel.” Gu Mingchen replied gently.

“No need. I can have dinner anytime. Let's get things done first. If Xia He really informs Tang Xiaojiu of our arrival, he might have escaped by now. He's the key to solving the case.” Bai Rong suggested. Gu Mingchen nodded at Chen Zhi and sent Tang Xiaojiu's address to him.

Bai Rong’s hair was unruly due to her nap. She proceeded to untie her hair and combed it with her fingers.

Gu Mingchen stared at her silently while watching the girl's actions. She did not bother to spare him a glance, like a pure but distant goddess who was minding her own business.

“Rong.” Gu Mingchen called out to her.

Bai Rong turned to him in answer.

“I'm sorry. I shouldn't have vented my anger on you.” Gu Mingchen apologized.

The girl paused in her movements. She could hardly believe that a proud and cool man like him would actually apologize to her.

It was not easy even for regular people to humble themselves and admit their mistakes, let alone a prideful man like him who had been in a high position for a long time.

The girl was quite touched by his sincerity. By now, her head was cleared and she was no longer mad at him.

It was common for anyone to quarrel out of different points of views and opinions. At that time, the girl was unavoidably upset by the situation. But after some cooling down, she realized that it was nothing major.

As long as the man did not betray her or cheat on her; As long as he did not test her limits, then she would never be mad at him for long.

No man could be devoid of his temper nor emotions. Only robots could do that. Bai Rong had a bad temper as well, so she knew it was not right of her to expect the Chief to not lose his temper for once.

“I'm wrong too. I shouldn't have commented too much on things that I don't understand.” Bai Rong apologized as well.

“Back then, I brought along 8 members from the Special Forces to rescue a politician. However, there was a spy within the group, which caused my comrades to die one by one. By the end of the mission, the only people alive were me and Xia He, who went missing at a critical moment. Many evidences showed that she was the spy, and that's why I have been tracking and pursuing her for the past few years. My comrades’ death has been haunting me ever since then, so I got emotional the moment I saw her and lost my rationality.” Gu Mingchen explained.

“I understand.” Bai Rong nodded in understanding.

Gu Mingchen turned to hold her hand. “However, what you said makes sense. If she was the spy, why didn't she return to the team after the mission, but continued hiding in a desolate Tanggian Village? I will investigate this matter.”

“I'm just suggesting randomly. You're the one who knows best on what to do regarding military affairs.” Bai Rong answered weakly.

“You're still mad at me?” Gu Mingchen asked worriedly.

The girl shook her head. “I overreacted. I'll be fine; I was just being emotional.”

“Next time you can just tell me anything you're not happy about. Don't launch a cold war on me; I'll be unnerved by it.” The man pulled her into a warm embrace.

Bai Rong obliged and leaned on him while looking out of the window.

A short while later, they arrived at Tang Xiaojiu's place. Turned out he had rented a two-story house. Gu Mingchen scanned the perimeter and turned to Bai Rong. “Stay in the car and wait for my instructions.”

“Alright.” Bai Rong answered.

Chen Zhi crashed open the door and pointed his gun at Tang Xiaojiu. The wanted man turned to the intruders defensively and tried to escape by hopping over the wall.

Gu Mingchen dashed towards the escaping man. Seeing that he couldn't escape, Tang Xiaojiu took out his knife and pointed at his throat. “Don’t come over, or I'll kill myself!”

"You're the one who murdered Governor Cheng, right?” Gu Mingchen interrogated sharply.

“I don’t know what you're saying! I hadn't killed anyone, so don’t come near me!” Tang Xiaojiu retorted defensively.

“If you didn't commit murder, then what are you escaping for? We will let you go if our investigations show that you didn't kill the governor.” Gu Mingchen replied sternly.

“I'll never follow you. I'd rather die than follow you!” Tang Xiaojiu was about to slash his neck.

“If you die, then who's going to avenge for the 107 villagers!” Bai Rong's voice sounded.

Tang Xiaojiu paused in his act and turned to Bai Rong with a frown.

She was standing next to Gu Mingchen but remained a distance away from Tang Xiaojiu while staring firmly at him. “Haven't you analyzed the situation with Xia He? Governor Cheng was not the only one who committed genocide; there were at least 5 of them who joined. Once you die with the other villagers, the real murderer will never be caught and sentenced under the law. Do you wish to see such a thing happen?”

“Well, I killed Governor Cheng. If I am arrested, you'll never let me go too. I'll never get my revenge anyway.” Tang Xiaojiu retaliated emotionally as he stared ahead with reddened eyes.

"Who said you can't? Your effort alone is just as insignificant as an ant; you'll never succeed with your plans alone. If you let the police and government handle it, the chances of avenging will be much greater with their strong power. Don't you think so?” Bai Rong persuaded.

“Those people involved are all politicians with high ranks. Even Governor Cheng was just a small fly in their eyes. Imagine how great their power was. Passing the case to the police, you think they will settle it?” Tang Xiaojiu did not believe in her words.

“They willl I am Gu Mingchen from the Special Forces and I'm a Major General. If the police refuse to take over this matter, I'll help you investigate instead.” Gu Mingchen promised.

Tang Xiaojiu turned to Gu Mingchen, and then back to Bai Rong with his doubtful gaze.

“So you guys are from the military and not the police. Then why are you trying to arrest me? Why should I believe your words? Are you also involved in the genocide?” Tang Xiaojiu was unconvinced and was more defensive instead.

“If we were part of the genocide, you'd be dead by now instead of talking to us.” Gu Mingchen replied coldly.

“Then for what reason you're coming after me?” Tang Xiaojiu roared.

“Because the government is suspecting me as the one who killed Governor Cheng! I'm trying to prove my innocence, that's why I'm looking for you.” Gu Mingchen replied sternly.

“Oh, so you can prove your innocence as long as I'm caught. Then what about my revenge? If I follow you, I'll never get the chance to avenge for my people!” Tang Xiaojiu flipped out at the military leader.

"Whatever sins you committed, you must accept the punishments that came with it in accordance with the rule of law. The same applies to the murderers who harmed your people. I can promise you; I'll never let those murderers remain free from their deserved punishments. I will employ the best lawyers to fight your case and ensure you won't be sentenced to death so that you will be able to see the day when the true murderers are punished. I'll make sure that you and your people will be avenged and be rested in peace.” Gu Mingchen declared his promise to the poor villager in a serious tone.

Tang Xiaojiu turned to Bai Rong.

“You've spent 5 years in your investigation. What have you even got in return? If it wasn't for Governor Cheng's capture that exposed this case, you wouldn't even know that he was involved in the genocide. How many 5 years do you think you'll need to fish out the other murderers?” Bai Rong reasoned.

“You really are helping me to find out the other murderers?” Tang Xiaojiu's attitude was slightly softer now.

“I promise with my name and honour.” Gu Mingchen stared at Tang Xiaojiu firmly. His mien was exceptionally determined and convincing, which made Tang Xiaojiu believe in him.