Chapter 25 Chapter VII

Outside the window, the scorching sun is still unbridled, and the whole world is golden.It is conservatively estimated that today's temperature will not be lower than 40 degrees. But Nie Ming didn't feel the sweltering heat—he had been in the air-conditioned room for two days, and since the two policemen left, he hadn't left the house. He admitted that he was trying to escape on purpose - but there was no other way, this bizarre incident was simply beyond his control - what else could he do except escape? Nie Ming stood up from the chair and moved his body—maybe, he should go for a walk and relax, otherwise he would be suffocated to death.

Nie Ming put on a white sports T-shirt, combed his hair, then talked to his mother in the kitchen, and walked out of the house. It was past three o'clock in the afternoon, and the strong sunlight made it almost impossible to open one's eyes. Nie Ming narrowed his eyes and walked towards the street. Just a few steps out, a boy handing out leaflets ran over. He took one from a stack of flyers in his arms and handed it to Nie Ming. He said politely, "Sir, please take a look." Then he ran away . Nie Ming looked at the advertisement, which read: "The fifth anniversary of the opening of Bolton Western Restaurant: All customers who come to this restaurant from August 13th to 18th can enjoy a steak and a glass of red wine for free. Welcome."

Nie Ming raised his hand and looked at the watch on his wrist. Today is the 16th.He curled his lips and gave a wry smile - anyway, he didn't know where to go, so why not taste the steak.Nie Ming looked at the advertisement again. This western restaurant is located in the middle of Xicheng East Road. Nie Ming hailed a taxi and told the driver the destination. Ten minutes later, he arrived at this "Bolton Western Restaurant"-this is a high-end place with a layout full of European style.With Nie Ming's income level, he can't become a regular visitor here. He only came here once or twice with friends.

After entering the door, Nie Ming felt a little surprised—it wasn't as lively as he had imagined before, but rather deserted.Only a few couples were sitting by the window drinking cold drinks. A young male waiter greeted Nie Ming with a smile, and took him to a clean seat. "Sir alone?" asked the male waiter. "yes." "Then what would you like to order?" The male waiter handed Nie Ming an exquisite leather-covered menu. Nie Ming flipped through the menu, and then said to the waiter who was preparing to record: "I'll just try the free steak you provide here, and give me a cup of coffee, thank you."

The male waiter was about to write in his notebook when he suddenly stopped writing and asked, "Excuse me, sir, did you just say 'free steak'? Hmm...maybe I misheard?" Nie Ming raised his head and asked, "Why, aren't you celebrating the fifth anniversary here? The steak and red wine are free. That's what it says on your advertisement." The male waiter smiled and shook his head: "Sir, you must have made a mistake, we have no activities here. You may be talking about another western restaurant." "What?" Nie Ming felt extremely embarrassed, "I made a mistake? But, that's clearly written on that advertisement..." He subconsciously touched his coat pocket, only to find that the advertisement had already been taken by him. Throw it in the trash can.

"So, sir, do you want...the ones you just ordered?" When Nie Ming didn't know how to answer, a young woman walked by him and said to the waiter, "I'm sorry, my friend probably made a mistake, please give us two cups of coffee." "Okay." The male waiter nodded and left. The woman in a white professional attire turned around at this moment, and shot a sharp gaze at Nie Ming.Nie Ming looked at this strange woman in surprise, at a loss.But he had to admit that this was a woman with an extraordinary face, with a tall and straight figure and a majestic temperament without anger.

Nie Ming suddenly felt that this kind of temperament was someone he had known before, and he understood the identity of this woman in an instant. Before Nie Ming could speak, the woman sat on the seat opposite him, stared into Nie Ming's eyes, and said, "Are you Nie Ming? I think you should have guessed who I am." "You are lawyer Song Tairan's daughter, right?" Nie Ming said calmly. She nodded. "You're a smart guy. This can make a lot of things easier." Nie Ming didn't understand what she meant, so he asked, "What should I call you?"

"Song Jingci. Currently working in the National Academy of Social Sciences, majoring in psychology." "Then, Miss Song Jingci, it is obvious that our meeting today is not a coincidence." "Mr. Nie, I have to tell you—your whereabouts have been under my close surveillance since August 13th. You stayed at home for two days and didn't go out until this afternoon, when you just left home I just received the advertisement sheet that I made up. Of course, I also arranged for that boy to wait for you to go out there." Nie Ming shook his head and said, "I don't understand why you go to such lengths to meet me. In fact, I wouldn't mind if you just called me and asked me to come here."

Song Jingci rested her chin on her hand, staring into Nie Ming's eyes: "You really don't know why I asked you to meet here? Or, you really don't know what this place is?" Nie Ming was stunned for a moment: "What? Is this western restaurant... very special?" Song Jingci lowered her head in silence for a few seconds, then raised her head and said, "Four days ago, my father fell to his death next to this western restaurant." Nie Ming opened his mouth wide in surprise: "So, this place is..." "My father's house—it's just above this western restaurant."