Chapter 14 — A Diary, A Fallen City

"Therefore, the final case can only be concluded as 'accident and escape'. As for her father's true identity... also because of the mission failure, it was permanently sealed in a top secret file."

My tears... finally fell. Not because of suffering. It's because of a feeling of... pride and sadness that came more than ten years late. My dad… is a hero. He is not a thief. Not a criminal. He is a police officer... willing to risk everything for justice.

“Lawyer Phuong,” I wiped my tears, my voice became unusually firm, “what should I do now?”

"I contacted my teacher. He is the former leader of the Provincial Police Department, and is also one of the very few people who knows the details of the case that year. He told you to immediately bring evidence to meet him at the Department. He will directly receive it and restart the case."

“But Miss Hua, you must be careful.” Lawyer Phuong advised, his voice heavy, "Trieu Hoanh Vi has taken deep roots in both the mainstream and underground circles. Once he targets you, he will absolutely not let go. Before you meet my teacher... you are in an extremely dangerous situation."

From the moment I chose to counterattack… I had no way back. Hanging up the phone, I immediately started preparing. The Provincial Police Department is located in the neighboring city, a drive of about three hours. I have to get there… before dawn. I took the real diary, wrapped it in a waterproof bag, and hid it close to my body. After that, I canceled the temporary phone SIM and replaced it with another SIM. I didn't leave immediately. I sat in the dark, quietly waiting. I know, when Trieu Hoanh Vi discovered that the notebook was fake... the first thing he did was definitely block off all exits from the city. He will look up my identity, check my bus tickets, plane tickets, all traces of my movements. I cannot follow the normal route. Three o'clock in the morning. My phone vibrated. It's Old Man Black.

“The ‘fireworks’ show last night… are you okay?” His voice carried a hint of laughter.

“Very good.” I replied, "Mr. Hac, I need you again. I need a very normal car, and an absolutely trustworthy driver, to take me to the provincial capital. Right now."

"No problem." He replied very briefly, "In half an hour, at the southern intersection of your place, a gray van, tail number 233. The driver will proactively contact you."

"What a formality. But this time you caused trouble... it's not small."

"I know."

“Do you need me to prepare more ‘fireworks’?”

I smiled softly.

"No need. I myself... am already the biggest 'firework'."

Half an hour later, I showed up on time. The gray van quietly parked on the side of the road. As soon as I got close, the window was rolled down. The driver wears a cap, covering half of his face. I nodded, opened the door and sat in. The car started smoothly and drove into the dense night. The car was very quiet. There was only the faint sound of the engine. The driver didn't say a word. I looked at the night scene passing by outside the window, but my heart was not at peace. Zhao Hongwei... must have discovered that the notebook was fake. How will he counterattack? Did he go to Chu Minh Khai? Chu Minh Khai... will you reveal me? At that moment, my new phone suddenly lit up. A message. From some unknown encoding. 【Your “ex-husband”… is in our hands.】 【One hour. Bring the real notebook to the abandoned building in the north of the city.】 【If not… we will throw him from above and down.】 Below is a photo. In the photo, Chu Minh Khai is tied to a chair and his mouth is taped. Behind him… was the edge of a tall building. At the foot... is a sea of lights of the whole city. His eyes... there was only despair and fear.