I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

Chapter 106 She Still Has a Home

Zhang Wanqing walked home into the night, her steps heavy with the weight of her heart. She pushed open the door, and a familiar warmth washed over her. The warmth of home eased her fatigue. In the living room, under the soft light, her father, Professor Zhang, sat on the sofa, intently flipping through an academic journal. From the kitchen came the bustling presence of her mother, and the familiar aroma of steamed buns. Her younger brother, Zhang Chen, a vibrant university student, leaned against the doorframe, a mischievous smile on his face.

"Wanqing, you're back." Professor Zhang raised his head, his eyes behind his glasses revealing kindness and concern. "Why are you so late today?"

Zhang Wanqing changed into slippers, placed her bag on the shoe cabinet, and forced a smile. "There was an urgent report, and it took a while to process."

Professor Zhang nodded and didn't ask any more questions. He knew his daughter well and knew that if she didn't want to talk about something, it would be pointless to ask any more questions.

From the kitchen, Zhang's mother's voice came, "Little Baozi, come and try the buns that Mommy just made, with your favorite red bean paste filling."

Zhang Wanqing walked into the kitchen and looked at her mother's busy back. A warm feeling welled up in her heart. She walked over and gently hugged her mother's waist, "Mom, I'm home."

Mother Zhang turned around, a kind smile on her face. "I'm glad you're back. Come and eat. How is it? Is it sweet enough?"

"Mom, the dumplings you made today are too sweet. I'm so sick of them!" Zhang Wanqing said mischievously.

"Sister, if you dislike it, just give it to me." As he said that, Zhang Chen took a bun and stuffed it into his mouth.

Zhang Wanqing sat at the dining table and took a bite of a steaming hot bun. The sweet aroma of red bean paste spread through her mouth, and she felt an inexplicable sense of touch. Her mother had made her favorite dishes: sweet and sour fish, boiled pork slices, mapo tofu, fish-flavored eggplant...

At this time, Zhang Chen walked over and sat opposite her with a hint of inquiry in his eyes.

"Sister, what's wrong with you recently? You seem to be in a bad mood." There was a hint of concern in Zhang Chen's voice.

Zhang Wanqing was stunned for a moment. She didn't expect her brother to ask so directly. She shook her head and said, "Nothing, just a little stressed out at work."

Zhang Xiaoming frowned, obviously not believing it, but he did not continue to ask, just said: "Sister, if you have any problems, remember to tell us, we are a family."

A warm feeling welled up in Zhang Wanqing's heart. She nodded, tears welling in her eyes. She knew that no matter how complex the outside world became, her family would always be her strongest support. Although her father, mother, and brother weren't her true family—she was merely a time traveler from the Tang Dynasty—they never treated her as an outsider. Home was always a safe haven.

After dinner, Zhang Wanqing helped her mother clear the dishes while Professor Zhang and Zhang Chen chatted in the living room. The atmosphere at home was warm and harmonious, and Zhang Wanqing gradually relaxed.

She returned to her room, closed the door, and finally was able to take off all her disguises. She lay on the bed, closed her eyes, and let the tears flow quietly. She knew that she had to be strong, for her family and for herself.

The moonlight shone through the window onto her face, and her heart was filled with uncertainty about the future and deep longing for Fu Siyuan. But she also knew that she couldn't let these emotions affect her judgment, and she had to stay sober.

She wasn't the real Zhang Wanqing. One day, she might return to the Tang Dynasty and never see Fu Siyuan again. So, why did she want to be with him? Perhaps Fu Siyuan realized this and didn't dare to accept her love. If you know you're going to be apart in the end and won't be together, then why not start it? It would also save the other person from being hurt.

Thinking of this, Zhang Wanqing seemed to have found a reasonable reason for Fu Siyuan to reject her. Yes, that's right. She felt a little better.

The next day, Zhang Wanqing came to the newspaper office early, with a hint of determination in her eyes. She knew that she had to face the pressure of her feelings and work, and she had to make a choice.

Once again, she buried herself in her work to escape her emotional problems.

While she was busy, she suddenly received a call from Li Wei. He had just received a tip that a sudden death case had occurred at a well-known massage parlor in the city, and there might be a dark secret behind it. So Zhang Wanqing, Fu Siyuan, and Li Wei once again set out to investigate the case.

As night fell, neon lights flickered alluringly, and the hustle and bustle of the streets gradually faded into the darkness. Zhang Wanqing, Fu Siyuan, and Li Wei stood in front of a massage center called "Ye Lan," their faces solemn and resolute.

Zhang Wanqing wore a simple black windbreaker, her long hair casually tied into a ponytail, and her eyes revealed an unyielding sharpness. As a veteran journalist, she is dedicated to uncovering the truth.

Fu Siyuan is dressed in casual clothes, holding a small camera in his hand, ready to capture the key moment at any time. Fu Siyuan's appearance seems casual, but his observation and intuition always play an important role at the critical moment.

Li Wei, wearing a dark jacket, has a burly figure and a policeman's unique vigilance in his eyes. Although he has left the police force, his investigative skills and dedication to justice have never changed.

The three of them looked at each other, nodded in tacit understanding, and then pushed open the glass door of the massage center.

As the door opened, a scent of aromatherapy and disinfectant filled the air. The lights were soft and dim, and a few abstract paintings hung on the walls, creating a mysterious and relaxing atmosphere. The young receptionist saw the three people enter, and her smile froze instantly.

"Welcome to Ye Lan Massage Center. How can I help you?" Her voice sounded a little nervous.

Zhang Wanqing stepped forward and said with a smile, "We are here to investigate a case. Can you take us to see your manager?"

The receptionist's expression changed, but she quickly regained her professional smile. "Please wait a moment. I'll contact the manager right away."

A few minutes later, the three were taken to the manager's office. The manager was a middle-aged man in a well-tailored suit with a professional smile on his face, but a hint of wariness was revealed in his eyes.

"I'm the manager here, Zhao Qiang. I heard that you are here to investigate a case. How can I help?" His voice was calm, but his fingers were tapping unconsciously on the table.

Li Wei stepped forward, his eyes piercing. "Manager Zhao, we'd like to learn about the sudden death case that occurred here a few days ago. Can you provide some information?"

Zhao Qiang's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure: "It was just an accident. We have cooperated with the police investigation."

Fu Siyuan raised his camera and said coldly, "Really? Then why did we receive a tip-off that there might be illegal activity here?"

Zhao Qiang's expression changed completely. He stood up and raised his voice a few degrees: "I don't know what you are talking about. If you don't have a police search warrant, I suggest you leave immediately."