Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2706 - 2642: Can You Forgive Me

The mere thought of him potentially being caught in gunfire sent shivers of pain through Chiang Xiao. It had only been a few days within the span of two months, yet the duration felt overwhelmingly long to her.

"What's wrong? Are you thinking about Xinian?" Jiang Shiheng seemed to perceive her sudden shift in mood and inquired.

"Yes, Dad, I'm extremely worried about him," she confessed.

"Don't fret too much. Xinian is intelligent and capable, and he definitely values his life for your sake. Rest assured," he reassured her.

Chiang Xiao offered a soft response.

"Dad, have you dispatched people to search for my mother?" she then asked.

"Naturally, I've already sent individuals to look for her," he confirmed.

Fiddling with the phone cord, Chiang Xiao mused, "You know, the name Qingshuang sounds quite familiar, but I just can't place why..."

Before she could finish her thought, a sudden realization struck her mind like a lightning bolt. Chiang Xiao's eyes widened, and she exclaimed, "No! Dad, I remember where I heard that name!"

On the other end of the line, Jiang Shiheng's heart leaped.

"What did you say? Where did you encounter that name?" he pressed.

"A painting! It was a painting!" Chiang Xiao nearly stumbled over her words. "Earlier, a classmate in our class presented someone else's artwork as her own. The signature on that piece bore the character 'Qing'! Later, my boss discovered the artist's name was Qingshuang, and she was located right in the Capital City!"

"In the Capital City? But why would Xiao Qing go to the Capital?"

If Xiao Qing had been searching for him, she should have known he wouldn't likely flee to a bustling metropolis like the Capital. At that time, he and Xiao Qing were hiding near Peace Town, a small, secluded village, to evade pursuers. Therefore, Xiao Qing, if she had been looking for him, shouldn't have ventured to the Capital City.

"Perhaps it's just a coincidence with the name?" Chiang Xiao wasn't entirely certain herself. The artist of the painting Ye Wanqing had brought back then was Shi Xiaoching. However, no matter the odds, they couldn't dismiss any potential lead and had to investigate, right?

"Little girl, where in the Capital City is she?" Jiang Shiheng clutched the phone tighter.

Xiao Qing...

"There was an address associated with the signature. I'll head to school tomorrow and ask the teacher to retrieve that painting!"

Chiang Xiao felt a surge of excitement.

"Don't worry, Dad, I'll get to the bottom of it tomorrow!"

"Very well, then get some rest early tonight..."

An early start tomorrow.

That night, Jiang Shiheng found himself dreaming of Shi Xiaoching, his slumber filled with echoes of the past, scenes of memories he had long thought buried. Yet, Shi Xiaoching remained the most profound and unique recollection of his youth. Why had he completely forgotten her?

"Sixth Brother, if one day I wrong you, can you forgive me?"

Jiang Shiheng jolted awake, sitting bolt upright, drenched in sweat. A faint light filtered through the mosquito netting, signaling the arrival of dawn.

He sat on the bed, clutching the blanket, a chilling sensation creeping over him. Just before waking, he had seen Shi Xiaoching looking at him with tear-filled eyes, posing that very question.

If one day I wrong you, can you forgive me?

"Xiao Qing... What is it that you've done to wrong me? Xiao Qing..."

Jiang Shiheng closed his eyes, a sudden thought compelling him to rise from bed immediately. Without bothering to put on his shoes, he walked out barefoot, grabbed the phone, and dialed a number etched in his memory.

That night, Chiang Xiao was plagued by dreams of Meng Xinian, and the dreams were undeniably of an embarrassing nature.

Within her dream, Meng Xinian, his chest bare, pinned her beneath him, gazing at her with intense eyes. "Chiang Xiaoxiao, did you miss me? I missed you so much it felt like I would die."