Xiang Qimiao scratched his head in astonishment: “How could this be? How is that person involved?” Learning that Yuan Tianruo was actually connected to this illegal research institute—and was very likely its founder and mastermind—left Xiang Qimiao utterly incredulous.
Yuan Tianruo, though envious, two-faced, deceitful, and lacking any real talent—only skilled at scheming—had lived quite comfortably under Han Xinwan’s protection. His salary and benefits at their prestigious research institute were more than decent, given its high status and renowned industry reputation. If not for this, Yuan Tianruo wouldn’t have gone to such lengths years ago to flatter and seduce Han Xinwan just to secure a position there.
So why would Yuan Tianruo abandon such a stable, peaceful, and comfortable life to take such a huge risk by establishing an illegal research institute? Surely, he must have known it was illegal and the consequences if discovered—the public outrage and condemnation. Yet, knowing it was wrong, he still did it. Xiang Qimiao couldn’t fathom it.
Tan Hao, however, remained calm: “Some people’s thoughts are impossible to understand. There’s no need to waste brainpower on them.”
Xiang Qimiao nodded, sighing inwardly: Yuan Tianruo is ruined. What a pity for Miss Han, who had such a good relationship with him, even helping him multiple times. Now that Yuan Tianruo’s deeds have come to light, Miss Han will likely face repercussions too.
Thinking of the sweet, gentle, and obedient girl his seniors once described, and the fair, kind-hearted former dean, Xiang Qimiao couldn’t help but sigh.
Shaking off these thoughts, he refocused on his work. The illegal institute was sizable, and cleaning it up was no small task.
As Xiang Qimiao, Tan Hao, and Xiang Qilin wrapped up their work, Xiang Chen and Wei Huanping’s “Wilro Capture Operation” concluded successfully. Not only were Wilro and most of his subordinates apprehended, but Yuan Tianruo was also caught.
Though Yuan Tianruo insisted on his innocence, even invoking Han Xinwan’s name to vouch for him and warn others not to touch him, his familiarity with Wilro and his gang made him highly suspicious. In the end, he was detained.
Xiang Chen assured that they would conduct a thorough investigation. If Yuan Tianruo truly had no ties to the space pirates, he’d be released. But if he was involved in their atrocities, justice would be served.
Cold sweat dripped down Yuan Tianruo’s forehead. He was guilty—how could he withstand the Empire’s scrutiny? His only hope now was Yuan Qianqian and Han Xinwan’s intervention. Otherwise, he knew his fate was sealed.
Yet, as someone who always saw himself as the protagonist of his world, he couldn’t accept such a downfall. But this time, events wouldn’t bend to his will.
Meanwhile, Yuan Qianqian trembled uncontrollably as she read the contents of the data storage device given to her by the gaunt, scarred man. “No, no, no! This can’t be true!”
The man sighed, unable to bear watching her distress. But the truth was unyielding.
Yuan Qianqian felt as if the sky had collapsed. If this was real, what had she been doing all these years? Betraying those who cared for her, drawing closer to scum. Remembering her past actions, she broke down in tears.
The man approached her, reaching out. “Qianqian…”
Wiping her tears, she stood firm. “I won’t deny my mistakes. I’ll take responsibility for my crimes.” She was never one to shy away from accountability.
No longer blinded by deceit or cowardice, the sharp, proud young woman she once was began to reemerge.
Seeing her regain her spirit, the man relaxed. They embraced, marking a new beginning. Yet, Yuan Qianqian hesitated about reaching out to Qu Yun.
Their friendship, though brief, had been deep. Now, with the truth revealed, she wanted to make amends. Some wrongs couldn’t be undone, but she owed it to her friend to try.
Days later, the investigation concluded, exposing years of hidden crimes. The public was stunned—even Yuan Qianqian hadn’t imagined the scale of it. What started as helping someone in need had spiraled into something monstrous.
Han Xinwan, who had once been so close to Yuan Tianruo, refused to believe the revelations. The sweet, kind man she knew couldn’t possibly be capable of such atrocities.
As the granddaughter of the institute’s dean, Han Xinwan had always admired researchers—but despised those who exploited their work for selfish, inhumane ends. Now, the person she cherished most had become the very thing she loathed.
The shock devastated her. Watching her granddaughter suffer, the old dean sighed but didn’t intervene. She needed to learn to discern truth from deception on her own.
Their bond hadn’t run too deep—her heart would heal in time. Cutting losses now was for the best.
Still, as her grandfather, he’d shoulder some responsibility. After all, her closeness to Yuan Tianruo was partly his fault.
Years later, Qu Yun smiled warmly at Yuan Qianqian over tea. Though weary, her friend’s eyes shone brightly. “It’s good to see you starting anew.” Free from Wilro’s toxicity, she could finally move forward.
The usually bold Yuan Qianqian blushed. “A-Yun, I’m so glad to have you as a friend.”
Qu Yun patted her shoulder. “No need for formalities. By the way, how are things with… him?” she teased.
At the mention of the man, Yuan Qianqian flushed and dodged the question. Qu Yun chuckled, letting it go. Their history was complicated, after all.
Nestled in Högni’s fur, Xiang Qimiao mused to Tan Hao, “We’re lucky we didn’t end up like that.”
Tan Hao didn’t respond, but inwardly, he knew: no matter the obstacles, he’d always find his way back to Xiang Qimiao.
The scarred man beside Yuan Qianqian was none other than her former fiancé, Huo Su—the one she’d believed betrayed her.
The story traced back to her father’s death. As his sole heir, young Yuan Qianqian faced overwhelming grief and chaos. The weight of inheritance, scheming relatives, and her own naivety had left her vulnerable and exhausted.
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