Chapter 82: Li Si Si Awakens

"Mr. Jiangnan, I just knew you would definitely be fine!"

Chen Ying's voice carried a hint of joy.

Jiangnan looked at Chen Ying and gave a slight nod.

"No need to worry."

At that moment, Yang Ju, recalling the matter at hand, suddenly asked:

"By the way, Mr. Jiangnan. How are things at the Museum? Has the Black Shadow conspiracy already been thwarted?"

Jiangnan gave a slight nod,

"The Black Shadow conspiracy has already collapsed, and Wuse has also been eliminated."

"Great!"

Yang Ju slapped the table, his face showing excitement.

"I knew it—once Mr. Jiangnan acts, success is guaranteed."

"This time, Mr. Jiangnan, you have greatly helped our Public Security Bureau; we will certainly express our gratitude for your assistance!"

Jiangnan shook his head lightly, indifferent to such empty titles; he lifted his gaze to Yang Ju, his tone taking on a hint of complexity,

"Unfortunately, when I arrived at the Museum, Group Leader Li Zuzhang had already been sacrificed."

Yang Ju's smile froze instantly.

His brows knit tightly, and deep sorrow showed in his eyes.

He had known Li Zuzhang for many years, and they were among the few friends from university.

He never expected that today's parting would result in an everlasting separation.

"Black Shadow, you damned bastards!"

Yang Ju took a deep breath, suppressing the grief and anger in his heart.

After a moment, he slowly asked:

"Mr. Jiangnan, could I trouble you to tell me exactly what happened at the Museum?"

Jiangnan exhaled a puff of murky breath and recounted the events in detail.

After listening to his account, Yang Ju remained silent for a long time. His expression turned dreadfully grim!

"These bastards! How insanely ruthless!"

Yang Ju punched the table, producing a booming "Bang".

The entire office was suffused with an oppressive atmosphere.

Chen Ying's face also turned pale, her eyes full of sorrow.

She hadn't expected that this operation would demand such a heavy price.

"For the fallen comrades, I will arrange their affairs properly and grant them the highest honors."

Yang Ju's voice was low, tinged with grief.

"As for Black Shadow, although this conspiracy was thwarted, they certainly will not be satisfied with a clean end."

"Going forward, we must be more cautious, strengthen our vigilance, and prevent them from causing trouble again."

Jiangnan gave a slight nod,

the Public Security Bureau's ideas coincided perfectly with his.

The appearance of Black Shadow also exceeded his expectations. Whether at the River God Spring before or in this Museum incident, the things revealed behind it are all worth deep contemplation.

And that fellow Wuse, whose cultivation has already reached the Peak of Foundation Establishment Period.

How exactly did he cultivate?

Could it be that, in this End of Dharma Era, cultivators still remain hidden?

Jiangnan furrowed his brows, pondering the connections.

Yang Ju did not know what Jiangnan was thinking at that moment; he assumed it was merely concern over the damage caused by the Black Shadow organization.

So he stepped forward, patted Jiangnan's shoulder, and solemnly said:

"Mr. Jiangnan, you need not be overly worried. The Special Operations Unit suffered heavy losses this time, and the higher-ups will certainly not stand by idly."

"The Advanced Action Unit is on its way, and I believe that soon, members of the Black Shadow organization will surely be captured!"

"Hopefully so!"

Jiangnan replied with a word and turned to leave.

"Mr. Jiangnan!"

At that moment, Chen Ying suddenly called after him.

Jiangnan turned around, looked toward her, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

"Thank you."

Chen Ying's voice was gentle, her eyes full of gratitude.

"No need to thank me; this is what I should do."

Jiangnan finished speaking and left the office.

Chen Ying watched Jiangnan's back, her gaze complex.

She knew that Jiangnan bore far too many burdens.

Night deepened, and the city lights gradually went out.

Jiangnan walked alone down the empty street.

His mind was filled with countless thoughts.

This operation, though it successfully thwarted the Black Shadow conspiracy, also made him realize that this world is far more complex than he had imagined.

What kind of force is actually hidden behind the Black Shadow?

What are their purposes?

These questions are like a massive stone pressing on Jiangnan's heart.

It seems my cultivation is still not enough!

Jiangnan looks up and gazes at the night sky.

Tonight, the starlight is dim, and the moon has hidden itself within the clouds.

It seems to foretell that a greater storm is about to arrive.

His eyes become even more resolute,

No matter what the future holds, he will forge ahead and protect everything he wishes to protect.

……

The next morning, sunlight streams into the room.

Jiangnan awakens from cultivation.

He feels his body filled with true Qi, and a faint satisfied smile appears on his face.

After a night of cultivation, his strength has refined a few more points.

After getting up and finishing his ablutions, Jiangnan walks out of the room.

Morning light filters through the cracks of the curtains, scattering strands of golden glow.

Jiangnan pushes open the door, breathing fresh air and feeling the morning's tranquility.

Suddenly, a petite figure comes into view.

It is Li Si Si.

She sits on a Stone Stool in the courtyard, hands supporting her cheeks, her gaze blankly looking ahead.

Sunlight bathes her, coating her with a golden rim, like a tranquil painting.

Jiangnan feels a stir in his heart and walks over slowly.

"You're awake."

His voice is gentle, with a hint of concern.

Li Si Si hears the voice, turns her head, sees Jiangnan, and a flash of panic passes through her eyes.

She resembles a startled fawn, her body trembling slightly, her gaze full of wariness.

"You... who are you?"

Her voice is as thin as a mosquito's, with a slight tremor.

Jiangnan is startled for a moment, then quickly understands.

It seems she still hasn't recovered her memory.

"My name is Jiangnan, I'm your... let's say a friend."

He tries to keep his tone gentle, but a hint of complexity flashes in his eyes.

Are we friends? Perhaps we can consider it so.

"Friend?"

Li Si Si tilts her head, as if straining to recall.

But after a moment, a look of pain appears on her face, and she clutches her head with both hands.

"I... I don't remember... I don't remember anything..."

Her voice carries a sobbing tone that tugs at the heart.

Seeing this, Jiangnan hurriedly steps forward.

"Don't rush; think slowly, and it will come back to you."

He extends his hand, intending to comfort her.

But Li Si Si recoils as if shocked, pulling back sharply.

"Don't... don't touch me!"

Her eyes are filled with fear, and her body curls into a ball.

Jiangnan's hand freezes midair, feeling helpless.

It seems she still remains wary of him.

"Alright, I won't touch you."

He retracts his hand, stepping back one step.

"Don't be afraid; I won't hurt you."

Li Si Si lifts her head, her tear‑filled eyes hazily looking at Jiangnan.

"You... you really won't hurt me?"

Her voice carries a hint of hope.

"Of course, I promise."

Jiangnan nods solemnly.

Li Si Si looks at Jiangnan's sincere gaze, and her fear gradually dissipates.

She slowly relaxes her body, yet her eyes still hold a trace of caution.

"Then... can you tell me who I am?"

Her voice is gentle, with a hint of yearning.

Jiangnan sighs inwardly.

He knows that Li Si Si's past must conceal many secrets.

But now, they have lost their memory, and everything has become a mystery.

"You are called Li Si Si, and as for your past…"

Jiangnan pondered for a moment.

"When you regain your memory, perhaps you'll understand."