Chapter 57: This Love Spans Mountains and Seas (Finale)

"What did you say?" Su Wan's voice trembled as she gripped the hand before her. "Who? Who did this?"

"We've already begun a thorough investigation, but for now, we haven't confirmed the perpetrator."

"It was him… it must be him!" Su Wan released her grip, her voice dropping to a whisper.

Her eyes fell, her hands clenched tightly as she looked at Bo Yezhou. "It has to be him! What he wants is my father's life!"

"Su Wan, calm down for a moment—"

"How can I calm down?" Su Wan interrupted, a bitter laugh breaking through her words. "Ha, ha, ha. Killing my father wasn't enough, he even killed my child! Isn't he just forcing me to the edge? Tell me, what did I do so wrong for him to treat me like this? What did I do wrong?!"

Bo Yezhou pulled her into his arms. "Enough, don't say anymore. It's alright. You still have me."

Tears streamed down her cheeks, soaking Bo Yezhou's shoulder as her whole body shook. "It's ridiculous, isn't it? You must think it's funny too. How could I ever have fallen in love with someone like him? How could I have loved him?!"

"Alright, cry as much as you need. I know how much pain you carry inside."

Su Wan bit her lip, tears falling uncontrollably, her restraint breaking as sobs slipped past her lips.

Bo Yezhou held her tightly. "Don't worry, I will avenge Teacher. I will catch every single one of them!"

Exhausted, Su Wan closed her eyes.

Night fell.

Su Wan drifted in a fog of confusion, half in dreams, half awake. She thought someone sat at her side, reaching out to gently cover her cheek.

That familiar sensation made her want to weep, but also to push his hand away and demand to know why he had done this.

Yet, no matter how hard she tried, she could not open her eyes. When she finally awakened, she couldn't tell whether it had all been a dream or reality.

For the next half month, Su Wan remained in a daze, with Bo Yezhou often away at work, leaving her alone.

She didn't return to work, instead spending long afternoons alone in her room.

Then one day, the old housekeeper burst in, stumbling. "Miss, Miss, something's happened!"

Su Wan looked up. "What is it?"

"Officer Bo has been injured—he's in the hospital, they're fighting to save him!"

Su Wan froze for a moment, then stood. "What happened?"

Alone in her room, she had no idea what was happening outside, while the news was already spreading like wildfire.

The night before, the police had launched a massive operation at Pointed Mouth, capturing several suspects and seizing a large quantity of drugs.

Bo Yezhou was there and took a bullet.

Su Wan stared at the news on her phone. The suspects' names weren't released, but the report highlighted that one was likely the gang’s leader.

More than a thousand kilograms of drugs were seized—one of the biggest cases broken in North City in years. Bo Yezhou had performed a great deed, but once the charges stuck, those men would face only one end—death.

Su Wan put her phone away.

When she reached the hospital, Bo Yezhou was already out of surgery. The bullet had passed through his stomach, but thanks to timely intervention, his life was no longer in danger.

Su Wan waited at his bedside for him to wake.

She ignored the news and every message that popped up on her phone.

Time blurred. Only when her back began to ache did Bo Yezhou finally stir.

"You're awake?"

At the sound of her voice, Bo Yezhou turned, glancing at her. "Why are you here?"

Su Wan pressed her lips together and helped him sit up. "After everything that happened, how could I not come?"

Bo Yezhou looked pale. Su Wan handed him some water, which he refused with a wave.

Neither spoke.

After a long silence, Bo Yezhou finally said, "You want to ask me about Mu Yunshen, don't you?"

Su Wan looked at him.

Bo Yezhou gave a faint smile and nodded. "He’s been caught."

Su Wan's hands clenched tight. For a moment, she didn't know how to react—whether to feel relief or something else.

Bo Yezhou glanced at her. "This time, he may not get out. They have both the man and the evidence."

Su Wan took a deep breath. "Death penalty?"

"Not sure yet. If we can get him to talk, maybe not. But Mu Yunshen… he’s a tough one."

Su Wan's brow furrowed. "But this time, he was only doing Seven’s bidding, wasn’t he?"

"Perhaps."

"If you all know, why not arrest Seven? If you catch him, wouldn’t that end everything?"

"In the end, you still can't let him go." Bo Yezhou laughed softly, then coughed. "Su Wan, what about evidence? The police need evidence most of all. Do you think Seven survived in North City all these years for nothing? He has his own company and spotless books. From that alone, you can see how many tricks he has up his sleeve."

Su Wan fell silent.

Bo Yezhou knew what she was thinking.

He closed his eyes briefly. "There's something else—I just learned yesterday."

"The person who cut your father's brake lines has been caught. He confessed that he was ordered by… Mu Yunshen."

...

At the police station.

When Su Wan entered, the officer at the door only nodded at her, then closed the door behind her.

Sitting across from her was Mu Yunshen.

His face bore bruises, his clothes stained with blood. When he saw her, his eyes narrowed.

"Su Wan," he said.

Many a midnight in the past, he had called her name just like this, and every time Su Wan had found it pleasant, even melodious.

But now, all she felt was disgust.

She looked at the man before her. "I never thought our next meeting would be like this."

He said nothing.

Su Wan gave a hollow laugh and leaned closer. "Mu Yunshen, my father died because of you, didn’t he? Why? What grudge did you hold against him that you had to take his life?"

Still, he was silent.

Su Wan’s hands clenched. "I must be crazy—only someone insane would still be desperately trying to find excuses for you, still thinking you were forced. But now, I see I’m just a joke!"

"Do you remember what I once told you?" he suddenly asked.

Su Wan's body jolted.

"Three years," he said. "Will you wait for me?"

Su Wan trembled all over, her eyes wide. "Mu Yunshen, you didn't lose your memory… you never lost your memory!"

He didn’t answer directly, only gazing at her. "Will you wait for me?"

"Wait for you?" Su Wan couldn't help but laugh, the absurdity shaking her whole body. "Mu Yunshen, are you mad? Are you insane? Wait for you? I will never wait for you. Mu Yunshen, go to hell! Just die!"

With those words, she turned and walked away.

Mu Yunshen sat there, unmoving for a long time.

Su Wan rushed out.

He hadn’t lost his memory; he remembered everything. But despite that, he had kidnapped her without hesitation and killed her father and her child without remorse!

That was his so-called love!

And now he wanted her to wait for him…

How could she?

At that moment, only one thought burned in Su Wan’s heart: let him die—let him die!

She drove at top speed, tears streaming down her face, her hands gripping the wheel.

As she turned a corner, a car came directly at her. Su Wan swerved, slowing down.

The two cars scraped past each other.

"Are you crazy?" the other driver shouted from behind.

Su Wan ignored him. She brought her car to a halt, sitting frozen in place.

She closed her eyes, collapsed over the steering wheel, and wept uncontrollably.

Her sobs were the sound of someone who had lost all that mattered.

She had nothing left.

She no longer sought any news of Mu Yunshen.

Later, she heard he had been sentenced to two years in prison.

It was said that someone had intervened, and another had taken the fall for him.

Su Wan no longer cared.

She erased Mu Yunshen from her mind and memory, not asking or listening.

Two years passed quickly.

Bo Yezhou had officially taken up leadership of the narcotics unit and was busier than ever; Su Wan likewise threw herself into her own pursuits.

She had thought her life might finally settle into calm.

All those vendettas, old and new, would have nothing to do with her anymore.

She cut her hair even shorter, wore high heels, and strode about with the air of a strong woman.

Sitting in his car, Mu Yunshen narrowed his eyes.

He had been parked there all day, just to catch a glimpse of her—when she went to work, and when she returned.

He knew she hated him, but such hatred would pass.

He closed his eyes as his phone rang.

He answered, "Hello?"

"Are you ready?"

"Yes. Midnight tonight. At the docks in the eastern suburbs. Seven will be there in person."

"How many men?"

"Not many—just over a dozen, but all formidable. Be careful."

"Alright."

Before the call ended, Mu Yunshen suddenly said, "Wait."

"Hmm?"

"Will you be there tonight?"

"Of course."

"If you can, let someone else handle it," Mu Yunshen said, gazing at the building before him. "Someone should stay behind to watch over her, shouldn’t they?"

There was a pause. "I understand."

He hung up, removed the SIM card from his phone, snapped it in two, and tossed it into a trash bin.

After tonight… everything should be over.

He closed his eyes briefly, then turned his car around and drove away.

...

That night was pitch black.

The deal was crucial, and Seven brought Mu Yunshen and Qi Fei with him to the docks in person.

Qi Fei tucked his pistol into his belt, glancing at Mu Yunshen. "Nervous, son-in-law?"

Mu Yunshen cast a glance at Seven. "Of course. But even if I am, I can't show it, can I?"

Qi Fei’s eyes narrowed.

Seven gave Mu Yunshen an approving look, then turned to Qi Fei. "Did you hear that? That’s the mark of someone who can accomplish great things!"

Qi Fei grit his teeth. "Yes, sir."

They soon arrived at the docks.

Seven led them out. The other party had not yet arrived.

Since they brought few men, Mu Yunshen and Qi Fei unloaded the cash themselves.

"Prison made you sharper, son-in-law," Qi Fei laughed.

Mu Yunshen ignored him, unloading the goods before standing at Seven’s side.

Qi Fei took his place on Seven’s other flank.

The other side approached by boat.

The sea was shrouded in darkness. Qi Fei glanced around. "Seven, are you sure there won't be trouble?"

Seven shot him a look. "After all these years, you still haven’t learned?"

Qi Fei swallowed his words, casting a glance at Mu Yunshen.

He stared calmly out at the sea.

Finally, the other party arrived, bringing crates of goods.

Seven stepped forward, exchanged a few words with their leader, then looked to Mu Yunshen.

Mu Yunshen advanced, sampled the product, and nodded.

Qi Fei brought over the money.

At that moment, a gunshot rang out—bang!

Qi Fei’s expression changed instantly—he spun around to see a swarm of police closing in.

Seven’s face darkened. He reached for his gun, but felt cold steel pressed to his head.

He spun in disbelief. "Mu Yunshen, you betrayed me?!"

...

That night, those living near the eastern docks heard nothing but gunfire and sirens.

Su Wan could not sleep.

She lived in the city center, beyond the reach of gunshots, but her heart was filled with inexplicable unease, pounding as she lay in bed.

At midnight, the phone rang.

"Su Wan, could you come to the hospital? There’s someone… who wants to see you."

Su Wan’s heart tightened, her voice hoarse. "Who?"

"Mu Yunshen."

She should not have gone, but Bo Yezhou’s voice was strained, and her unease compelled her to go.

Arriving at the hospital, the first person she saw was not Bo Yezhou, nor Mu Yunshen, but… Su Yichuan.

"Father?!" Su Wan’s eyes widened, and before she could say anything, Su Yichuan swept her into a tight embrace.

"You’ve suffered, child."

Su Wan stood frozen in place.

Bo Yezhou walked over. "Let her see him, Teacher. Just once."

Su Wan looked at him. "What… is going on?"

"He’s fading fast. He’s only holding on for a last glimpse of you."

Su Wan swayed, disbelief clouding her eyes. "Fading… fast?"

Bo Yezhou nodded and led her in.

Mu Yunshen lay on the bed.

Tubes covered his body; his face was deathly pale. Sensing her approach, he opened his eyes.

He looked at her. "Su Wan…"

She stood motionless for a long time before slowly stepping forward. "You…"

"I’m glad you came. To see me one last time," he whispered, each word a struggle. "I told you to wait for me. In the end… I couldn’t make you wait. I’m… sorry."

Su Wan shook her head. "What happened? What is all of this?"

"I’m a police officer. From the moment I was chosen, my heart was supposed to have room for nothing else. But then I met you. I thought… I thought I could protect you. But I was wrong. I couldn’t protect anything. I even caused you to lose our child."

Tears spilled down Su Wan’s cheeks as she shook her head, gripping his hand. "I know—you’re lying, aren’t you? My father isn’t dead at all. You knew Seven wanted his life, so you staged the accident and hid him away, didn’t you? Isn’t that right?"

He said nothing, only smiled.

"Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you? Do you know how much pain I was in? Mu Yunshen, how could you be so selfish, so cruel!"

Her tears fell in torrents. "If you wanted to keep it from me, you should have kept it from me forever—why tell me now? What do you expect me to do?"

"I couldn’t let go, Su Wan. I couldn’t let you go." He held her hand tightly. "I thought that if I completed this mission, if I could just come back, it would be enough to be with you, even if I had no name or recognition. But I failed. When the bullet tore through me, I suddenly thought maybe I should have run away with you, no matter the cost. Maybe things would have been better."

Su Wan could no longer speak. She clung to his hand, shaking her head. "Don’t say anymore, Mu Yunshen, don’t say anymore! I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have doubted you. It was my fault! I failed to protect our child—I’m sorry…"

"Don’t cry." His fingers gently wiped away her tears. "Seeing you cry pains me."

Su Wan wiped her tears away, haphazardly. "Alright, I won’t cry."

"Bo Yezhou… is a good man. But this time, Shen Qi escaped. He’ll seek revenge, so let Bo Yezhou take you away. Be well with him, alright?"

Su Wan shook her head. "No, no! Mu Yunshen, I want you to get better. I want you to get better!"

He smiled faintly. "Don’t say that. I know you—you’re strong. You can handle all of this."

"No, I’m not strong at all. Mu Yunshen, I’m fragile. I don’t want you to go. I don’t want you to go!"

"Su Wan." He gripped her hand tightly. "I wronged you, but I have no regrets. You hate drugs—I do too. My father died in the line of duty. At least… I didn’t disgrace his name. My only worry is you. So Su Wan… will you promise me?"

His breath grew labored. "Even if it’s not Bo Yezhou, find someone who can care for you. Live well."

His fingers grew cold. Su Wan panicked. "No, Mu Yunshen, I promise you, I promise!"

He finally smiled, looking at her. "Will you… kiss me?"

Su Wan smiled too, wiped her tears fiercely, then bent down and kissed him gently on the lips.

In that moment, his eyes closed, and a crystalline tear slipped from the corner of his eye.

It was his last.

...

Like countless heroes who fell in the fight against drugs, Mu Yunshen’s funeral had no ceremony, no attendees, and no one was allowed to pay respects.

Su Wan knew that every year, countless people like him did the same thing, charging without hesitation into places where life and death hung in the balance.

He was a hero to everyone—and especially to her.

"Mom, who is this man in the photo?" a child asked, clutching her hand.

Su Wan gently stroked the image. "He is your father."

"When will Daddy come see us?"

Su Wan smiled, closing her eyes. "Soon, when you’re grown."

The child didn’t understand, and just then someone called from outside. She ran out.

Su Wan stood by the window, watching the children run through the house.

It was her orphanage.

Every child here was hers and his.

She returned the photo to the table.

"Forgive me for not doing as you asked, but now, I feel at peace." She smiled. "You left, leaving me nothing but memories. I’m afraid that one day, when I am old, I won’t remember. So I tell our story to them, one by one. They don’t understand, but they will remember for me."

Tears spilled down Su Wan’s face, yet her lips curved in a radiant smile. "You… will remember too, won’t you?"

Once, Su Wan had believed that so long as two people truly loved each other, nothing was insurmountable.

Now she knew otherwise—some things cannot be crossed.

Once, mountains and seas separated them. Now, it was life and death.

This love is separated by mountains and seas; the mountains and seas… cannot be leveled.