Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2625: 2561: To Be Eliminated

“Him? What possible reason would he have to harm you?” Ding Haijing’s brow furrowed.

Hu Xiangyong had always desired Chiang Xiao’s paintings. Although she had consistently refused his requests, what benefit could be gained from hurting her?

Could it be that her repeated rejections had so thoroughly embarrassed him that he resorted to sending someone to harm her simply to vent his frustration?

Looking at Hu Xiangyong, while he wasn’t exactly a saintly figure, he didn’t strike Ding Haijing as the type to commit such an act.

For him, such actions seemed far too childish and a pointless waste of energy.

Chiang Xiao fell into a moment of contemplation.

She offered no immediate answer to Ding Haijing’s question.

The reason being that Ding Haijing didn’t truly grasp the nature of Hu Xiangyong’s character, and a full explanation would be far too cumbersome.

“Ding Haijing, I need to ask you something. Have you ever heard,” she began, her voice trailing off as she glanced at him before posing the question, “of institutions that conduct special research? Whether they are official government bodies or private entities.”

“Special research?”

Ding Haijing turned his gaze toward her. “Why do you ask about such things?”

Hmm?

He hadn’t directly stated that he hadn’t heard of them, nor did he claim ignorance. Instead, he mirrored her question back to her.

Chiang Xiao’s eyes suddenly widened in realization.

Could it be—

Ding Haijing, observing the sudden widening of her eyes, responded with a hint of resignation, “Yes, such institutions exist. However, the official ones operate under absolute confidentiality. You wouldn't possess the necessary clearance to inquire about such matters. As for the private ones…”

He left the sentence hanging.

Chiang Xiao immediately seized the opportunity. “What about the private ones?”

It appeared that Ding Haijing did, in fact, possess knowledge on the subject!

This revelation sent a jolt of surprise and astonishment through Chiang Xiao’s heart.

Where on earth had Meng Xinian found such a bodyguard for her?

Why did she consistently feel as though he always managed to find individuals who were the absolute best in their field?

A person like Ding Haijing, after concluding his active service, wouldn't be unemployed, merely awaiting an opportunity like hers to present itself?

Especially Ding Haijing, who she felt was truly remarkable.

Whether it was the previous incident at the art academy, where he had sensed danger even before directly encountering Hu Xiangyong, or his current reaction to her query, he always seemed to possess insight.

This Ding Haijing made her feel incredibly secure and capable.

Ding Haijing remained quiet for a beat before stating, “The privately run ones are essentially what the nation… wishes to eradicate.”

Chiang Xiao was taken aback by his response.

“Eradicate?”

She was shocked by the starkness of the word he had chosen.

Eradicate?

Ding Haijing paused, then moved to the edge of the living room, glancing around before returning to sit opposite her. His expression became grave.

“Yes, eradicate.”

“Why is that?”

Ding Haijing looked directly at Chiang Xiao and said, “As a sign of good faith in exchange for information, shouldn't you first explain why you are asking this question?”

Why indeed was she asking such a question?

Chiang Xiao also fell silent.

She understood Ding Haijing’s predicament perfectly. If she wanted him to continue divulging information, she would need to reciprocate by sharing something of significance herself.

She could grasp that much.

Given the sensitive nature of the topic, and the fact that Ding Haijing seemed to possess some awareness, her query was not a simple one.

This was a pleasant surprise for her; at the very least, she wasn't entirely in the dark, unsure of where to even begin. This was already a significant step forward.

However, despite her growing trust in Ding Haijing, she still felt a sense of hesitation when faced with matters of such a clandestine nature.

What unforeseen consequences might arise if she revealed too much, exposing some of her own peculiarities?

Chiang Xiao pursed her lips tightly.

Ding Haijing simply observed her without applying any further pressure, his gaze steady and unwavering.