LEE LESI was six years senior to Su Manhua. Normally, such an age gap would mean their paths wouldn’t cross, but fate had other plans—their graduate advisor was the same person.

　　Su Manhua had shown excellent academic ability. In her three-plus years of working, several of her research papers had been published in national core journals. While her academic achievements weren’t vast, they were sufficient for her to qualify for a professorship. Earlier this year, as soon as she met the work tenure requirement, she was promoted to associate professor.

　　Coincidentally, not long after her promotion, her advisor called. An old student of his, now a head of a listed company, needed a new independent director after the previous one resigned. The criteria were stringent—the candidate had to be at least an associate professor and hold a CPA certification. Naturally, the advisor thought of Su Manhua.

　　In today’s world, finding an associate professor or a CPA isn’t difficult, but finding someone who is both is a rare challenge. This is due to the differing career paths—few academics pursue the CPA exam, given its high difficulty, and auditors rarely aim for a career in academia.

　　Su Manhua wasn’t exceptionally gifted from a young age, but she had a significant strength—a love for learning and perseverance. To her, exams were like thrilling game challenges—the tougher the exam, the greater the sense of accomplishment. As an economics major, she couldn’t resist the allure of the CPA, often dubbed “China’s toughest exam.”

　　So, she took on the challenge and, naturally, passed.

　　During her time as a master’s student, while others spent their free time dating, Su Manhua was constantly between her dormitory, the classroom, and the library. She battled tirelessly with the six hefty textbooks required for the CPA exam, which took her three years to pass. Later, when she was hired by Hedong University, she tucked the CPA certificate away, letting it gather dust.

　　Su Manhua’s parents were both civil servants, providing a stable financial background. Her father, having interacted with bank officials throughout his career, developed a keen foresight. He bought property in Linghai when prices were low, and later, when he was transferred to Hedong, he bought another house there.

　　Over the years, property prices skyrocketed, and her father was close to paying off his mortgage. This financial security relieved Su Manhua from the burden of buying her own house, and she had little materialistic desire. Initially, she wasn’t keen on becoming an independent director at Fonghan Real Estate.

　　However, her advisor persistently persuaded her not to waste her hard-earned qualifications. He introduced her to Lee Lesi, who seemed quite pleasant. Being an independent director required her to return to Linghai only a few times a year for shareholders’ and board meetings. Since her university didn’t prohibit such engagements, she agreed to take on the role.

　　“I—I’m actually one of Fonghan’s independent directors,” Su Manhua confessed, slumping in her chair. Though independent directors have little decision-making power and often serve as figureheads, she had still participated in significant company decisions. She didn’t want to get involved in any scandals. “I suppose I should consider submitting my resignation to Fonghan’s board.”

　　“Wait! you know that Ding Yi’s unit has filed a lawsuit against Fenghe, right?” Jhan Syudong said.

　　As soon as Jhan Syudong started talking, Ding Yi knew what he was about to say, because he knew Jhan Syudong too well. He slapped Jhan Syudong on the shoulder as a warning.

　　“Yes. It was mentioned at the last board meeting. The evidence collected pointed to the finance and sales departments at Honglin being responsible for the fraud, right?” Su Manhua nodded and asked.

　　“Honestly, that’s the surface story,” Jhan Syudong continued, ignoring Ding Yi’s warning. “Shortly after Honglin’s sales manager was imprisoned, a large sum of money appeared in his mother’s bank account. What do you think that means?”

　　Su Manhua’s mind raced, then she asked, “Could it be that he’s taking the fall for someone else?”

　　Jhan Syudong nodded and said, “That’s the current theory. Ling Yueh’s team is digging deep into Fonghan but can’t seem to find anything concrete. Either they’re clean, or they’re very good at covering their tracks. This account book you’ve found is a new lead for her. I think you could help, without doing anything dangerous. Just keep doing what you’re doing. Over time, we might uncover something significant.”

　　“But don’t forget, those two men who tried to steal the account book have already seen Manhua. Any suspicious moves could put her in danger,” Ding Yi countered, trying to oppose Jhan Syudong’s idea. He didn’t want her to take any risks.

　　“The city center and the mall are full of surveillance cameras. Our people have sealed off the area and are conducting a thorough search. I promise, if we don’t catch those men, I won’t ask her to do anything further!” said Jhan Syudong. He laughed heartily.

　　Ding Yi didn’t respond, which could be taken as tacit agreement. With Jhan Syudong having laid everything out and Ling Yue being a good friend of hers, Su Manhua felt it was her duty.

　　“Alright, I’ll help you,” she said resolutely.

　　The police were still taking statements in the hospital room. Seeing that Su Manhua was looking exhausted, Ding Yi decided to take her home early. Jhan Syudong walked them out.

　　After helping Su Manhua into the back seat, Ding Yi was about to get into the driver’s seat when he noticed Jhan Syudong lingering. He walked over and asked, “Is there something you want to talk about?”

　　“Hmm, I forgot to ask earlier, with the new fingerprint evidence suggesting that your father was scammed into taking out those loans, what’s your next move?” Jhan Syudong asked.

　　“It’s been over twenty years. My father’s death was ruled a suicide, making it ultimately an economic case. Reporting it now wouldn’t even get the case reopened. But since that fingerprint has resurfaced in Honglin’s loan fraud case, it shows the person behind it has been continually amassing wealth. If we can use the leads from Honglin and Fonghan to find this person and bring him to justice, my father might finally rest in peace,” replied Ding Yi.

　　Jhan Syudong extended his right hand with a smile and said, “I think so. Happy to be working together.”

　　Ding Yi also smiled and shook his hand, marveling at how they had finally come to collaborate on something.

　　“This case is getting more complex by the day. I called the bureau chief this afternoon to report the situation. It looks like they’ll be setting up a task force to consolidate and investigate all related cases. Lin Chian’s death has caused a significant public outcry. A female university student kidnapped for over three months and then brutally murdered – it’s almost sparked a riot,” Jhan Syudong continued and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, offering one to Ding Yi, who declined with a wave of his hand. Lighting one for himself, Jhan Syudong took a deep drag and asked, “What do you think of that account book?”

　　“The person keeping the records must be Lin Haichao. Just his bribes alone amount to over twenty million yuan. The person behind the scenes collecting the money has quite the appetite. As for the intermediaries, they’re likely helping with the money laundering,” said Ding Yi. He recalled that the largest amount recorded in Lin Haichao’s ledger was from just before he transferred from Linghai Rural Commercial Bank to Hedong Commercial Bank’s Linghai branch.

　　Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind—could the person Lin Haichao was bribing be someone from Hedong Commercial Bank?

　　“I’ll have Ling Yueh check Fonghan’s account details at the bank for a comparison,” Jhan Syudong said, exhaling a smoke ring. Then, with a playful tone, he teased, “You and Ms. Su seem to be getting along well! When can we expect some sweet news?”

　　“We’re keeping things as they are for now.”

　　“What do you mean? You both aren’t exactly young anymore. My kid Yangyang is starting second grade this year!”

　　“You know the car accident was targeted at me. Anyone close to me right now is in danger.”

　　Judging by their methods, it was clear they wanted him dead. He didn’t want to expose his vulnerability at this time, nor did he want to put Su Manhua in harm’s way.

　　Jhan Syudong chuckled and said, “Right! Looks like I’ve got to work harder on cracking this case—I’ve got a heavy responsibility!”

　　“Maybe I’ll solve it first,” Ding Yi quipped.

　　“Come on! Me, a professional, lose to an amateur like you? You must be joking!”

　　“Just wait and see.”

　　“It’s time for you to go. Ms. Su is still waiting for you.”

　　Ding Yi smiled as he got into the car. From the back seat, Su Manhua sighed enviously and said, “It seems that you and Captain Zhan have a great relationship!”

　　Friendships like theirs were rare, especially after stepping into society. She thought of her own friendship with Ling Yueh, which had become long-distance, with most of their communication happening over the phone or through social app.

　　Su Manhua and Ling Yueh had been close since middle school. When Su’s father transferred from the Linghai Police Department to the Hedong Provincial Bureau during her third year, she moved to Hedong for high school. Since then, she hadn’t found another friend with whom she could share everything as openly as she did with Ling Yueh.

　　“Really? We’re just best friends who love to tease each other,” Ding Yi chuckled and said.

　　“Well, I think that’s the best kind,” Su Manhua said. “In today’s world, everyone wears a mask. They’ll praise you to your face and then stab you in the back when you’re not looking.”

　　“For me, you’re not like that,” said Ding Yi.

　　It took Su Manhua a moment to realize what he meant. She laughed sheepishly. “Maybe because I’m too straightforward, and I am a nerd. I can’t change, and I don’t want to.”

　　“You don’t need to change,” Ding Yi almost added, “That’s what makes you so lovable,” but he swallowed the words and instead said, “Trust me, friends like you are worth having.”

　　“Me? You really consider me a friend?” asked Su Manhua.

　　“Of course,” replied Ding Yi. For now, it could only be this way. Time would tell.

　　Su Manhua’s heart leaped with joy. She couldn’t quite understand it herself—she wasn’t lacking in friends, but something about Ding Yi’s words made her feel elated.

　　The car soon arrived at Su Manhua’s apartment complex. Since her car was in the shop, her parking spot was available. She directed Ding Yi to park there. After parking, he carried her all the way to her apartment.

　　Once inside, he gently placed her on the sofa and took in the size of her place. It was larger than he had imagined.

　　“Do you live here alone?” he asked.

　　She nodded and replied, “My whole family used to live in Hedong. My father only went to Linghai for a temporary post last year, and my mother joined him after she retired last month.” Strictly speaking, she had only started living alone from yesterday.

　　Talking about her parents brought a touch of emotion to her voice. Her father had worked in the regulatory department of the Banking Regulatory Commission, and as far back as she could remember, he had rarely had time to spend with her and her mother. He was always traveling for inspections or work.

　　When she started middle school, her father was finally transferred out of the regulatory department and had a more relaxed schedule. But within two years, he was reassigned to the provincial office. Her mother’s job was difficult to transfer, and it wasn’t until three years ago that she could join them in Hedong.

　　Then, just last year, her father was sent to Linghai for a temporary position again. Thankfully, her mother had retired by then. Despite spending much of their time apart over the years, her parents’ relationship had remained strong.

　　Sometimes Su Manhua envied her parents’ relationship and promised herself she would marry a man as dependable as her father.

　　Unfortunately, she had not been so lucky in love. During university, her first boyfriend—or rather, he wasn’t even officially her boyfriend yet—attended a gathering with her roommates and ended up infatuated with one of them, who was exceptionally beautiful. The feeling was indescribable, as if she had swallowed a fly. Since then, she understood that some things had to be true to the heart. Otherwise, even if she forced herself to accept something, it wouldn’t end well.

　　The warmth on her foot interrupted her thoughts. She realized her uninjured right foot was soaking in a basin of hot water, and Ding Yi was crouched in front of her, towel in hand, ready to clean her injured left foot.

　　Startled, she instinctively tried to pull her foot back, but Ding Yi caught it immediately.

　　“Don’t move. The doctor said this foot can’t bear weight,” said Ding Yi.

　　Blushing, she mumbled, “I—I can wash it myself—”

　　Ding Yi replied seriously, “If you bend over, your foot will bear weight. How long do you think it will take to heal if you do that?”

　　Well, it seems that he had a point.

　　“I see... But I do not wish to burden you,” Su Manhua said, her face burning as she looked down, too embarrassed to meet his gaze. She missed the expression on his face.

　　Ding Yi’s mouth curved into a small smile before he quickly composed himself.

　　“No need to be so formal between friends,” he said.

　　Su Manhua was puzzled. Really? She had never had a friend willing to wash her feet. It seemed that having a friend like Ding Yi was a rare blessing indeed.

　　Ding Yi gently held her delicate, fair left foot in his palm, carefully avoiding the bandaged area. He meticulously cleaned it with a warm towel before sliding a soft slipper onto it. Her right foot remained soaking in the warm water.

　　“Let your right foot soak a bit longer,” he said.

　　He sat down on the sofa beside her. When they had left the mall earlier, he had forgotten to retrieve her shoe, leaving her to walk barefoot all evening. Although it was summer, the temperature difference between day and night in Hedong was significant, and her feet needed the warmth to avoid catching a chill.

　　“Okay,” she replied, her expression more relaxed now that he wasn’t staring at her feet.

　　She had only managed to sleep in the morning, woken up in the afternoon by Jhan Syudong’s call, and then had been through a series of exhausting events. She was completely drained. As soon as she relaxed, she fell asleep on the sofa within a minute.

　　Ding Yi fetched a couple of throw pillows, positioning them around her. Then, he knelt down and, with a dry towel, gently dried her foot.

　　Her foot was so small! The skin was fair and smooth, each toe perfectly rounded and cute, like little pearls. Ding Yi had never realized that someone’s feet could be so beautiful.

　　He originally intended just to help her wash her feet, but as he continued, his thoughts began to wander. Ding Yi wasn’t a man driven by lust. Instead, in recent years, no woman had stirred any improper desires in him. Yet, here he was, captivated by her beautiful feet, which unexpectedly aroused his longing for her.

　　Gently, he wiped her foot with the care of someone handling a priceless artifact, his eyes filled with an unabashed heat. In that moment, his rationality flew out the window. Like a man possessed, he slowly lowered his head towards her delicate, fair instep.

　　Just as his lips were about to touch her foot, a phone ringing snapped him out of his trance.

　　He quickly put her foot into the slipper, stood up, and patted his forehead as if to wake himself up. Then, he went to the balcony to take the call.

　　It was Jhan Syudong who called.

　　“Are you still at Ms. Su’s place?”

　　“Yeah.”

　　“You should stay there tonight. We checked the mall’s surveillance footage. The man who triggered the alarm was caught on camera. He’s someone we’ve been hunting for a long time, a dangerous criminal named Wang Chyuansheng, working under Gu Wei.”

　　“I see. When can you catch him?” asked Ding Yi. He wiped his face, feeling as if his self-control was being tested.

　　“I don’t know. I’ll let you know as soon as we have him,” replied Jhan Syudong. With that, he hung up.

　　Listening to the dial tone, Ding Yi’s face darkened. He suspected Jhan Syudong was deliberately messing with him.

　　On the sofa, Su Manhua was sound asleep, blissfully unaware of the recent events. Ding Yi sat down beside her, watching her gentle, serene face, and his frustration began to fade.

　　He chuckled to himself. They hadn’t known each other long, yet just three days ago, she was nothing more than a stranger to him. After everything that had happened in these three days, he found himself falling for her.

　　If it only takes three days to fall in love with someone, what will a lifetime be like?