After Marrying the Officer Chapter 1358 - 1357: Main Story Finale 30

Xia Chuyi grasped Huo Shiqian’s insinuation. The mention of a ‘death sentence’ caused no surprise to Xia Chuyi, as Xia Lan’s transgressions were indeed severe enough to warrant such a fate. Previously, Huo Shiqian and Xia Chuyi had shown mercy by merely handing Xia Lan over to the depraved Guo Kai; this turn of events was simply the consequence of her wicked deeds catching up to her.

Regarding any potential repercussions for herself, Xia Chuyi harbored a suspicion that Xia Lan’s ‘secret’ and her own might be intertwined. However, she recognized that Xia Lan’s downfall did not automatically mean her own. Furthermore, keeping Xia Lan alive presented too significant a threat to Xia Chuyi and her allies, making her removal a necessary, albeit risky, decision for the couple.

A shared glance confirmed their mutual understanding: this risk was unavoidable.

“My dearest, Xia Lan and I are entirely different individuals,” Xia Chuyi stated calmly to Huo Shiqian, her voice steady. “Therefore, her fate will not touch me.”

Huo Shiqian met her gaze, his eyes profound, and nodded. “Indeed, it will not.” He then drew her into an embrace.

After a moment, Huo Shiqian released her and conveyed, “Xia Lan is currently in prison and has begun ‘rambling.”

Xia Chuyi registered a slight flicker of surprise at his words. The ‘nonsense’ he alluded to was undoubtedly Xia Lan divulging Xia Chuyi’s ‘secret’ to others within the prison walls.

Noticing Xia Chuyi’s brief astonishment, Huo Shiqian patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Do not concern yourself. No one will credit Xia Lan’s words.”

Huo Shiqian’s eyes deepened with a veiled meaning as he elaborated, “She is confined in a maximum-security facility for hardened criminals, a place teeming with vicious individuals. The days ahead will be exceptionally harsh for Xia Lan.”

“Moreover,” he added, “the guards assigned to her are trusted subordinates I specifically placed there. They are loyal and will not believe a word she utters.”

It was evident that Huo Shiqian had meticulously orchestrated every detail.

A measure of relief washed over Xia Chuyi. “My love, thank you.” She acknowledged the considerable effort he had expended on her behalf.

Huo Shiqian dismissed her gratitude with a gentle tone. “Trouble? Chuyi, we are one and the same.”

Xia Chuyi nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. After a moment’s pause, she asked, “My dearest, may I have the opportunity to see Xia Lan one last time?”

Her primary motive was to ascertain whether Xia Lan possessed genuine precognition or if, like herself, she had experienced rebirth. Should it be a case of rebirth, Xia Chuyi sought to understand certain aspects from Xia Lan’s past-life perspective. After all, if rebirth was the case, Xia Lan must have met her end after Xia Chuyi in their previous existence. Thus, Xia Chuyi wished to probe Xia Lan for any insights she might glean.

Though unsure of Xia Chuyi’s precise reasons for wanting this meeting, Huo Shiqian considered it briefly before agreeing. “If you wish to see her, so be it. However, you must exercise extreme caution.”

Xia Chuyi offered a slight, knowing smile. “She is the one incarcerated; I will merely be outside, posing questions. What is there to fear?”

A subtle displeasure flickered across Huo Shiqian’s countenance at her flippant remark.

“Alright, alright, I understand,” Xia Chuyi quickly conceded. “I will be exceedingly careful!”

Only then did Huo Shiqian give a reluctant nod.

Following this resolution, Huo Shiqian escorted Xia Chuyi to visit Xia Lan the subsequent day. Prior to their arrival, Huo Shiqian had forewarned Xia Chuyi that Xia Lan’s prison experience was dire, and her current condition would reflect this hardship. Nevertheless, despite her mental preparation, the sight of Xia Lan upon their meeting still elicited a degree of shock from Xia Chuyi.