Twenty minutes after Liu Bing left, Xiao Yawen received a call to meet Ding Yuanying.
Carrying a delicate gift bag of mooncakes, Xiao Yawen went upstairs. Upon entering, she placed a box of Daoxiangcun mooncakes and a mail package on the coffee table. "Big brother, tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival, so I got you some mooncakes. The mail is from Xiaodan's father, received yesterday, and it's addressed to you."
Ding Yuanying opened the package, revealing an envelope. The postmark and text indicated it was sent from the Ancient City Public Security Bureau to Shanghai Yuanheng Film Company's Rui Weifeng on August 17. Inside was another envelope from Frankfurt University to the Ancient City Criminal Investigation Team's Rui Xiaodan. It contained an admission notice with a start date of October 20, 1998.
From the dates, this admission notice had been in Rui Weifeng's possession for over a month. Rui Weifeng was well aware that Ding Yuanying would know about this admission notice without seeing it, as Rui Xiaodan's study abroad was never in doubt. Rui Weifeng's decision to send it after a month of hesitation clearly expressed protest and anger.
Xiao Yawen, seeing the nested envelopes, understood the situation and Rui Weifeng's intentions. Although Rui Weifeng's actions were blameless, he did not truly understand his daughter's happiness and fulfillment, nor did he grasp her significance in Ding Yuanying's life. Xiao Yawen herself had been deeply moved by Rui Xiaodan's transcendent and open view of life and death, recognizing the numerous factors and exceptional mindset needed to cross that threshold with composure. Different natures lead to different values—two worlds that don't need to understand each other. She understood Rui Weifeng's actions but felt a sense of injustice for Ding Yuanying, knowing how devastating Rui Xiaodan's loss was for him.
Ding Yuanying put the admission notice and the three envelopes together and asked, "How far along are the negotiations?"
"The major framework was almost decided before the talks even began. Yesterday was the third round, mainly resolving minor disputes. The signing ceremony is scheduled for 8:19 PM on October 9 at Mingzhu Hotel in the Ancient City," Xiao Yawen replied.
"8:19 PM? What's with the precise time?" Ding Yuanying asked, puzzled.
"It's Lusheng's idea. October 9 on the Gregorian calendar coincides with August 19 on the lunar calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, it symbolizes 'solid and long-lasting,' and in the lunar calendar, it means 'prosper and long-lasting.' It's a double auspicious day. The signing time also symbolizes prosperity and longevity. Southern businessmen are particular about this, so we went along. The signing is held in the Ancient City mainly for the Wangmiao Village farmers, as several projects involve direct agreements with them, saving them the trip to Beijing and making Lusheng appear more approachable," Xiao Yawen explained.
Ding Yuanying placed a key in front of Xiao Yawen. "The funds frozen at Solint matured in May, and I need to handle matters in Berlin. I won't be staying in the Ancient City."
Xiao Yawen nodded. "I anticipated that. When should I pick you up? What date should I book the flight for?"
"You've been busy lately, so have Chufeng handle it. This apartment's lease expires in December, and it's currently under Ouyang Xue's name. After I leave, I'll need you to manage the move and return the apartment when you have time. The belongings can stay at Chufeng's place for now," Ding Yuanying instructed.
Xiao Yawen put away the key. "Got it."
"I have a history with Liu Bing from selling records. Since you're leading Gelüshi, consider this a favor for my past contributions. Liu Bing staying with the company isn't just about having a job. During your sensitive cooperation period with Lusheng, if he hasn't done anything particularly wrong, consider giving him some shares for a stable future. If he does misstep, adjust his position but don't fire him. Give him a chance to stay," Ding Yuanying requested.
Xiao Yawen responded, "Alright, I'll remember."
"Ouyang Xue is pragmatic. Her initial investment was partly out of obligation and partly to support poverty alleviation. She's not interested in managing beyond the hotel. Taking over the company is a relief for her. Don't disturb her unless absolutely necessary. She's only at ease when busy with the hotel," Ding Yuanying added.
Xiao Yawen nodded, then suddenly said, "Big brother, there are some questions I've always wanted to ask you. If you don't mind, as a friend of Xiaodan's, may I ask them? I have my own views, but I want to hear yours."
"Go ahead," Ding Yuanying agreed.
"Why did Xiaodan commit suicide?" Xiao Yawen asked.
"Because she felt she was no longer useful," Ding Yuanying replied.
"Feeling useless and committing suicide is generally seen as a violation of life's dignity," Xiao Yawen stated.
"Dignity that can be spoken of is no longer dignity. What can be trampled is not dignity but politeness. Speakable dignity is relative, not absolute," Ding Yuanying explained.
"Why didn't you stop her when she called you?" Xiao Yawen questioned.
"Xiaodan's call was a farewell. What could I say? What was there to say? I knew I couldn't stop her, and Xiaodan knew I wouldn't. She wouldn't have had a choice because of my interference, and I didn't interfere because I knew I couldn't stop her," Ding Yuanying said.
"Why?" Xiao Yawen pressed.
"Because she was a police officer," Ding Yuanying answered calmly.