Chapter Twenty-Six: A Heart-to-Heart

I returned to the hospital room, and An Mingshan asked, "What’s wrong? You look terrible."

"It’s nothing," I replied.

Lü Donghua chimed in, "I heard what you said—'whoever chickens out is a coward's descendant.' Who were you talking about? What happened?"

"Really, it’s nothing," I said. "Don’t worry, I’m fine."

Lü Donghua nodded. "Alright. By the way, An’an is doing better, so make sure she gets plenty of rest these next few days. I’m heading out; call me if you need anything." With that, he left his number and departed. As soon as he stepped out, I locked the door behind him.

"What is actually going on?" An Mingshan asked. "You’re definitely hiding something from me."

"There's really nothing," I insisted.

"Then why did you lock the door?"

I sat on the edge of the bed and asked, "Tell me, am I really that incompetent? I don’t think I am."

"You heard what they said?"

"No, I’m just asking—am I truly that useless?"

An Mingshan replied, "What do you think? You’re idle all day and never lift a finger with the housework. Wouldn't you call that incompetent?"

"But I’m not completely worthless, am I?"

"Of course not," she conceded. "You do have merits... though they aren't many, there are a few. For instance... you’re knowledgeable."

"That’s nothing special; you learn a lot when you’ve been through a lot. Anything else?"

"Hmm... yes. After being with you for so long, I can see that you are honest, upright, and incorruptible. That is exactly why I was willing to... entrust myself to you."

"Are you saying that if I were to become corrupt, you would leave me?"

"If I said I would—and that I would expose you at any cost—how would you react? Would you hold a grudge against me?"

"No," I replied. "Since I made the choice myself, I must bear the consequences. I wouldn't hold a grudge against anyone."

An Mingshan lowered her voice. "We’re alone now, and I want to tell you some things. Do you know? At first, I didn't fully trust you either, but after everything that has happened, I know you are a good person. Truly."

"Just because I took you in, taught you, and saved you from danger time and again?"

"Of course not. It’s because I’ve seen with my own eyes how you treat customers with warmth, how diligent and responsible you are at work, and how you carry yourself with integrity and tolerance. Even that incident last time... I knew it was my fault, and I hadn't planned on leaving that situation alive. But what surprised me was that not only did you refuse to hold me accountable, but you also showed mercy. That deeply touched me and earned my respect."

"You make me sound like I’m some kind of hero. If that’s the case, can you listen to me just this once?"

"What is it?"

"Stay at the shop these next few days. Don't go running around."

"Are you trying to control where I go?"

"No, I’m just saying stay at the shop, or at least keep your activities within our neighborhood. We have 24-hour patrols here; it’s the safest place in the city."

"You are hiding something from me, aren't you?"

"Not at all."

"Then why won't you let me go out and have fun?"

"It’s for your own safety. Please, just listen to me this once, okay?"

Suddenly, An Mingshan changed the subject. "Do you know? In the past, I lived without dignity. I lived for others, enduring their cold stares and torture. I even wanted to die. They made me work every day, beat me constantly, forbade me from speaking to outsiders, and forced me to beg on the streets. I lived a life that was barely human."

"Did you never think of running away?"

"Of course I did. I even tried once, but I was caught and dragged back for a beating."

"Why didn't you call the police? Seek help from the authorities?"

"I thought about it. But they told me they had 'their own people' in the police and the government. They said reporting it would be useless and told me not to even think about it."

"You believed them? You were deceived! You must realize that we are in an era of zero tolerance for corruption. What official would dare to be associated with such people now? You must be brave and come forward to expose them! Don't be afraid—as long as I am here, they cannot hurt you."

"Are you serious?"

"When have I ever lied to you? As the saying goes, 'a gentleman’s word is his bond.'"

"You? A gentleman? I think you’re just a commoner at best."

"When I say 'gentleman,' I mean a man of virtue."

"You always have an answer for everything."

That night, we talked for a long time. An Mingshan recounted her past again, with details slightly different from before. Through this conversation, I learned more about the Divine Image Sect and gained information on a child-trafficking syndicate, as well as the full extent of An Mingshan’s tragic history. I quietly recorded our conversation on my voice recorder, bid her goodnight, and left.

***

**Reader’s Corner:**

**Question:** Mr. Author, what is your take on the concept of a female confidante?

**Answer:** People generally define a female confidante as a female friend of a man, usually not in a romantic relationship. In simple terms, it is a form of platonic spiritual intimacy—a "thought-lover" with whom one cannot share a life, a soulmate whose intellectual connection transcends physical interaction. It is more than a friend, but less than a lover. A healthy relationship with a female confidante leans more towards friendship—a pure, platonic bond between opposite sexes.

Of course, to prevent a "confidante" from becoming a "calamity," men should remember the saying, "The friendship of a gentleman is as pure as water." For example, do not communicate too frequently, do not discuss overly intimate topics, and avoid meeting too late at night or in overly secluded locations.

True confidantes believe that love can transcend the length of a life and the breadth of a soul, existing in many forms. In this world, besides a wife, a man’s greatest need is a female confidante.

For those of similar age, we call this a "female confidante," while a large age gap is typically referred to as an "intergenerational friendship."