Deliberately Approaching
Chapter 135 Discontinued 25 Years Ago

Chapter 135: Chapter 135 Discontinued 25 Years Ago

Dinner went pleasantly.

Li Zihan was picked up by Madam Li right after school and taken to Nanjiang Villa, leaving only Tang Xiaowan and Li Zishen in the dining room.

They talked about a lot, from the whereabouts of the small crucian carp in the swimming pool to the preparation of the little vegetable seedlings in the sunroom, and from the flower room on the top floor of Jinyuan Academy to how often they should visit Mei Garden—making new plans for everything.

This time, there were no arguments, and they didn’t part ways until half-past nine at night.

For Tang Xiaowan to leave Li Garden smoothly, she had to put a lot of effort into maintaining the image of a lady all evening; she laughed when necessary, and remained silent when appropriate.

Before she left, she gave Li Zishen a sweet smile.

But as soon as her foot touched the step, it was as if she had turned into someone else, reflexively biting her lip and frowning.

Second-floor master room, balcony.

Tang Xiaowan lay sideways on the rocking chair.

The results of the morning’s inspection had come out and were now hidden in her crossbody bag. However, Cheng Shi’s analysis left her both shocked and anxious.

The lean meat porridge contained a substance that suppresses the nervous system, initially suspected to be "8028."

This drug had once been all the rage, often sold out because its advantages were too prominent. It could be used in a spray, taken orally, or added to soup, dissolving instantly upon contact with water, and took effect very quickly—in two minutes at most.

Later, for unknown reasons, it was suddenly announced that production would cease, disappearing without a trace for 25 years.

Its developer was none other than Li Zishen’s grandfather, Li Beichuan.

Lucky me, to experience a classic!

Li Zishen, you’ve gone through so much trouble to get close to me, confine me, torment me... what exactly are you after?

It can’t possibly be the secret chamber in Mei Garden, can it?

No, I must return there quickly and find the key before you notice anything.

That’s what Tang Xiaowan speculated in her mind, her eyes fixated on the single-seat sofa in the guest area.

On it lay a silver-grey casual bag, given by Li Zishen after dinner. Made of canvas, it could be worn crossbody or over the shoulder—just the style she liked.

"Ah, at this rate, I’m going to have a split personality!"

"You say you love me, but with the facts before my eyes, how can I believe you? And that fragrance on you, how could you explain that?"

She accidentally blurted out these words and startled herself.

She quickly ran to the door and eavesdropped. After confirming there was no one outside, she sighed in relief and slowly sat down on the carpet.

Just endure a little longer. After tonight, I’ll be free and finally rid of your surveillance.

Grandma, I miss you so much!

Wan misses you, misses you so, so much!

Tears blurred Tang Xiaowan’s vision. In the vast Li Garden, no one knew how many times she had cried.

...

Jinhai Road, Yishen Biological Research Institute.

The two-hour discussion meeting had ended.

This was Li Weilian’s first formal appearance since returning to Jin City, assuming the role of the highest executive of the Yishen research center.

As he stepped out of the main gate, Secretary Su Luoyi followed him, her white high heels clinking against the ground and breaking the silence of the night.

"William, the pharmaceutical factory left you an apartment, so why insist on going to Li Garden?"

Her voice was very low, not wanting others to overhear.

"Uncle Cai’s culinary skills are so good, I could eat two extra bowls of his meals. I must go, haha."

"Oh, right, sounds good indeed."

Seeing that Secretary Su had no intention of leaving, Li Weilian’s mouth curled slightly as he casually pulled out the apartment keys from his pocket and handed them over: "You can stay there. It’s unused anyway."

"I’m just a secretary... Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?"

"It’s fine, Zishen won’t mind."

"Oh, if you say so. Anyway, William, do you think Fang Yun will mind? The development center is one thing since her seniority isn’t enough, but here at the institute... it seems like many people thought that after Lin Ping left, Fang Yun would be next in line."

"No, Zishen has other arrangements for her."

"Oh, I see. That’s good then."

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way. Zishen is waiting to have a drink or two."

"Sure, take care on the road."

Li Weilian drove off, but Secretary Su Luoyi had no intention of heading to the factory apartment that night and hadn’t considered going back to the hotel either.

As an accompanying secretary, she still had numerous documents she needed to organize as quickly as possible.

Five minutes later, the office lights turned on.

But it wasn’t long before Su Luoyi heard some noise from next door, as if someone was unlocking a door.

She slowly got up and walked towards the door.

"Master Yang, is that you?"

Her voice was small and timid.

The next moment, a middle-aged man emerged from the neighboring room, locking the door behind him casually: "Secretary Su? The boss hasn’t left yet?"

This man was an old employee of the institute, responsible for regular patrols, and it was his turn for the night shift.

This was their first meeting.

Secretly impressed, Secretary Su Luoyi marveled at how well the old man’s memory matched hers, even knowing her position.

She recognized Old Yang because she had done her homework in advance, familiarizing herself with the details of everyone in the institute.

"He left early. I just arrived; there are still many areas I need to become familiar with, so... I thought I’d work overtime."

Overtime was a common occurrence here, and Old Yang was no longer surprised by it. He gestured towards the director’s office: "There’s bedding and pillows in the metal cabinet inside. If you get tired, just pull them out and take a nap. I heard we were expecting new leadership a few days ago, and everything there is brand new and clean."

"Thank you, Master Yang."

"You’re welcome. I’ll check the front area now. If you need anything, just call out."

Secretary Su nodded with a smile, then returned to the director’s office to continue reviewing documents and updating the system.

And so, every so often through the dimly lit corridor, the sounds of doors opening and footsteps echoed until six o’clock in the morning.