The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 105

Chapter 105: I Love Slacking Off Part 

After those two words left Tao Ning’s pale lips, a long silence fell over the room.

Song Man stared at the person across the table without speaking, and Tao Ning met her gaze without flinching.

If she had shown any fear or avoided eye contact, her words might have carried more weight. But her fearlessness, her composure, was unsettling.

Not a hint of nervousness. One wondered what Zang Yuzhu had experienced during her disappearance, among the White Ravens, to become so audacious.

Song Man, a seasoned general, could silence a crying Song Fangzhou with a single look when she was young, and not much had changed as Song Fangzhou grew older. A stern look from Song Man was enough to make her uneasy.

Logically, Zang Yuzhu was even younger than Song Fangzhou and had only spoken to Song Man properly during this exercise. She shouldn’t be so calm, not even Song Fangzhou herself could be.

Song Fangzhou, lying in the hospital, unaware of being used as a benchmark by the recorder, even sneezed continuously in her coma, exciting her family, who thought she was about to wake up.

The doctor, however, regretfully informed them that it was just sneezing, not a sign of awakening.

Song Man repeated, “You’re saying it was Gu Yuan?”

Tao Ning: “Yes.”

The recorder’s breathing slowed, wishing she could become invisible. Her fingers tapped aimlessly on the table, trying to look busy.

She knew there would be bombshells today, but this was too much for her little heart to handle, one after another.

Song Man’s voice sounded: “The Silver Ship was captured, and there are three survivors. Gu Yuan is seriously injured and unconscious in the hospital, Song Fangzhou’s psychic sea was injured during the high-intensity, rapid jumps and she’s also unconscious. Only you returned unharmed.”

Tao Ning didn’t deny it: “Yes.”

Song Man leaned forward, her gloved hands gripping the armrests: “And you’re accusing Gu Yuan, one of the Federation’s thirteen Major Generals, of leaking the Silver Ship’s coordinates. If this isn’t true, you’ll be charged with a crime. Do you have any evidence?”

If the public were to rank the three survivors by suspicion, Zang Yuzhu would be first, Song Fangzhou second, and Gu Yuan last.

Gu Yuan’s heroic deeds were well-known, and he held a high position. Everyone’s first reaction to Tao Ning’s accusation was disbelief, followed by condemnation.

Zang Xin and his wife had been gone for too long, their memories fading with time. Few people remembered them, mostly those in the Ninth Star System.

Gu Changfeng was also a master of propaganda, skilled at creating idols, otherwise he wouldn’t have been able to establish himself in the First Star System, coming from another star system. However, despite the Gu family’s efforts, the couple’s legacy couldn’t protect their only child.

Tao Ning: “The White Raven leader told me himself.”

Everyone present knew this statement wasn’t convincing enough.

As expected, Song Man shook her head: “Dead men tell no tales. That doesn’t count. Is there any other evidence?”

The investigation hadn’t even concluded, did Major General Song really believe Zang Yuzhu’s words?

But no one dared ask this in front of Song Man.

The recorder finally understood Song Man’s earlier silence.

Her mind racing, her fingers continued to type, silently summarizing everything, even removing her Bluetooth earpiece.

She sneered inwardly: If she’s so capable, why not tell Major General Song not to ask, instead of telling me not to record?

I’m just doing my job.

Tao Ning’s next words surprised everyone: “Of course, I was afraid of losing it, so I kept it with me.”

Her slender fingers, which had been twirling the nutrient solution tube, now held a thin chip, placing it on the table.

No one saw how it appeared, neither the recorder nor the observers behind the monitor. They didn’t understand how she managed to hide it, but their gazes were fixed on the chip.

Including Song Man.

The chip was incredibly thin, almost transparent. Song Man could tell at a glance that it was a copy.

Tao Ning didn’t hand it over immediately, instead saying, “I remember the Black Sea’s decline began with the information provided by the informant sent by Gu Changfeng, which allowed the Federation to cripple their forces and reclaim several planets.”

“But when I spoke to the White Raven leader, he implied that Gu Changfeng’s current position was largely due to his contribution.”

“As if to confirm his words, Gu Changfeng rose through the ranks, and the White Ravens, who were at odds with the Black Sea, followed behind the Federation, picking up the scraps, achieving their current scale.”

“It seemed like a happy ending for everyone.”

She pushed the chip forward with her fingertip. Everyone present knew that this seemingly insignificant object held immense weight, evidence that could shake the First Star System.

Song Man didn’t speak, her gaze saying: You’re truly something.

This wasn’t a derogatory comment, she simply meant it literally. After exposing Gu Yuan, she was now exposing her adoptive father, without hesitation.

Tao Ning continued: “Before Gu Changfeng was transferred back to the First Star System, he was in the logistics department of a remote base, responsible for transporting supplies.”

“After that attack, my parents died, and the Gu family adopted me. Due to his injuries, Gu Changfeng was transferred back to the First Star System, still managing supply transport.”

Song Man’s eyes flickered, as if remembering something. She asked, “You still remember?”

Tao Ning: “Of course I remember. I remember the attack wasn’t on any planet in the Ninth Star System, but on A3 Star.”

“I remember my parents saying that to completely eradicate the White Ravens, they were stationed on A3 Star, a desolate place where supplies could only be delivered from outside, and Gu Changfeng was the person in charge.”

“Three hours before the attack on A3 Star, a supply ship disguised as a civilian vessel was hijacked, and Tu Xin, the leader of the attack, recognized Gu Changfeng.”

“No one knows what happened during those three hours. Gu Changfeng, carrying the supplies, arrived half an hour late, only to find A3 Star in ruins. Tu Xin told me that during those three hours, he leaked A3 Star’s coordinates.”

Tao Ning’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. She wanted to forget Tu Xin’s dying words, as no one would want to hear themselves being called a traitor’s adopted child.

Song Man closed her eyes: “He didn’t mention being held hostage for three hours, only that he arrived half an hour late due to an attack, a regret he would carry for the rest of his life, hoping to atone by adopting their child.”

The destruction of A3 Star, on the surface, couldn’t be blamed on Gu Changfeng. He was just a supply transporter, who was also attacked, only two of the four-member team surviving. Escaping from the White Ravens was already a feat.

One was Gu Changfeng, the other his current confidant and secretary. Everyone assumed they were comrades who had faced hardship together, and Gu Changfeng, after rising to power, didn’t forget his friend.

After the incident, the military criticized Gu Changfeng, delaying his promotion, but there were no further punishments.

Adopting Zang Yuzhu seemed to have offset his failings, mitigating the punishment.

Tao Ning didn’t dwell on the sentimentality, instead pulling Song Man out of her memories: “Gu Changfeng’s psychic power isn’t high, only B-level. He can’t pilot a mecha for long periods, not even the more advanced ones. Objectively speaking, with his abilities, he couldn’t have achieved a higher position in the military.”

“Four years after the A3 Star incident, he managed to infiltrate and destroy one of the White Ravens’ smaller bases, rescuing the Secretary General’s grandson. Thanks to this act of gratitude, Gu Changfeng finally entered the political arena.”

“Don’t you think the current Gu Yuan is similar to Gu Changfeng back then?”

The incidents, years apart, were almost identical.

The Secretary General’s grandson back then, Song Fangzhou of the Song family now.

Both kidnapped, both rescued single-handedly, both owing a debt of gratitude.

Song Man: “I do.”

Her casual tone, as if choosing between pineapple and watermelon flavored nutrient solution, made the recorder’s fingers tingle.

Was she supposed to hear this?

A Federal Major General and a suspected traitor discussing the possibility of a leading candidate for Chief Secretary General betraying the Federation, colluding with space pirates for personal gain.

I’m just a recorder doing my job, nothing to see here.

Assisting in this case would give her enough stories to tell until she was three hundred years old.

Tao Ning, either noticing or pretending not to notice their reactions, wasn’t surprised by the answer. She had guessed Song Man also suspected something.

Leaving the First Star System at this time to deal with some remnants was overkill. Having been away from the political center for so long, she had retained a detached perspective.

“The evidence is all here.” Tao Ning said seriously. “I trust you completely and believe you will uphold justice and clear my name.”

Song Man chuckled, taking the chip: “You’re trying to goad me.”

Tao Ning feigned surprise: “You misunderstand me, Major General. I have another favor to ask, and I thought you might prefer obedient juniors.”

Without a second glance, Song Man pocketed the chip, looking at the junior across the table who didn’t seem obedient at all.

Song Man’s attitude softened considerably: “What is it?”

Tao Ning: “I need a lawyer.”

Song Man, however, asked, “Specializing in what?”

Tao Ning thought for a moment: “Cases involving the abuse of war orphans, embezzlement of their inheritance, poisoning, etc.”

Song Man: “…”

Recorder: “…”

By now, the recorder was numb.

She diligently recorded everything. Once verified, even gods couldn’t save the Gu family.

The interrogation concluded, and Song Man prepared to leave.

The recorder suddenly remembered one of her tasks, clearing her throat and asking, “When you escaped the White Ravens, the Mermaid who came ashore, did she not escape with you?”

It was a perfunctory question, but she had to ask.

As expected, the figure across the table lowered her head and remained silent.

Seeing this reaction, the recorder assumed the Mermaid was also dead, quickly recording the answer, hoping to avoid further questions from her superiors.

Asking is pointless, I can’t magically produce a Mermaid.

After packing up, the recorder followed Song Man out.

Tao Ning stood up to see them off, making those who had been observing her for days feel uncomfortable. So she did have some manners.

Back to observing the monitor, Tao Ning no longer played with the nutrient solution tube, but sat there, staring into space.

Until the investigation concluded, Zang Yuzhu couldn’t leave the room. The higher-ups who had been listening in had left, but the observers couldn’t.

Their job was to monitor Zang Yuzhu, recording her every move and every word.

It was a tedious and boring job, and they couldn’t leave their posts until further orders.

The person in the video was lost in thought, and those watching her gradually became lost in thought as well, as if her absentmindedness was contagious.

Bored, they couldn’t help but wonder what she was looking at, their eyes almost glazing over.

Suddenly, Zang Yuzhu turned around, glancing at the hidden camera.

The observers: “!!!”

This wasn’t a casual glance, but direct eye contact.

Her dark, bright eyes lingered on the hidden camera for a few seconds, her expression neutral, yet conveying a warning.

As if saying—Stop watching.

Then she slowly turned back, maintaining the same posture, still silent.

For some reason, seeing Zang Yuzhu turn back, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

They had heard that Zang Yuzhu couldn’t handle hardship, and the Zang Yuzhu they saw remained silent until Song Man arrived, speaking freely, then falling silent again after she left.

Half an hour later, someone opened the door again, and Tao Ning looked up.

The newcomer’s expression was complicated, a mixture of excitement, shock, disbelief, and a hint of admiration known only to herself.

She suppressed her trembling voice: “The Caesar Star coordinates have been verified, suspected Silver Ship debris is still being analyzed, Miss Zang Yuzhu, you’re free to go.”

Tao Ning placed a hand on the table and stood up: “Can I leave the military headquarters?”

“No. I’ll be your liaison with the military during this time. You can call me Luo Qiao.” The woman who opened the door replied, her eyes constantly glancing at Tao Ning before forcing herself to look ahead, almost tripping.

This was the person who single-handedly escaped from Caesar Star and destroyed the entire White Raven organization. She couldn’t afford to embarrass herself.

Quickly adjusting her posture, Luo Qiao continued, “Miss Zang, your situation is special, you’ll need to stay within the military headquarters for a few days… Oh, right, this is your smart device, I’ll return it to you.”

Tao Ning took her long-lost smart device, smiling faintly: “Thank you.”

Luo Qiao waved her hands: “Y-you’re welcome, it’s nothing.”

Tao Ning turned on the device, placing the wristband near her ear, listening intently. As if hearing something, a smile appeared on her face, which had been expressionless for the past two days.

Things were always clearer in comparison. It was this smile that made Luo Qiao understand the difference between a polite smile and a genuine one.

Tao Ning asked, “I can’t go out, but my friend can visit, right?”

Luo Qiao paused, then quickly said, “I’m not sure, but I can apply for you.”

Tao Ning nodded: “Okay, thank you for your trouble.”

In the end, Tao Ning didn’t stay within the military headquarters, but at a nearby hotel. She was no longer a suspect, and the military couldn’t restrict a citizen’s movements.

She was required to stay within Queen’s District on Kelei Star and be available for questioning at any time.

To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, several people were stationed on her floor.

Those assigned to protect Zang Yuzhu were initially reluctant, but their superior gave them each a flick on the forehead: “Don’t think you’re too good for this. If something happens, it’s not certain who will be protecting whom.”

These words only fueled their competitive spirit. Just as they were about to retort, their superior said casually, “Did you hear about Caesar Star being destroyed?”

They replied in unison, “What’s that place?”

Superior: “That’s the White Ravens’ base. I just learned it was called Caesar Star. Zang Yuzhu destroyed it when she was captured, and the White Raven leader and his remnants have been captured and are on their way back to the First Star System.”

The guards: “Huh???”

They walked away in a daze.

One person, destroying the White Ravens’ base, one person, returning to the First Star System alone, none of them could have done it.

But someone did.

“Isn’t she much stronger than her cousin?”

“Wait, who spread the rumor that Zang Yuzhu was useless?”

“So, her being injured during the exercise, could that have been part of her plan?”

“…” It seemed quite possible.

Suddenly realizing something, they all opened their smart devices and browsed the Starnet, seeing a barrage of criticism and condemnation, then silence, a chilling silence.

If Zang Yuzhu wasn’t so capable, just an ordinary person unable to gather evidence alone among the White Ravens, she would have died with a tarnished reputation.

That was terrifying.

Staying within Queen’s District, being available for questioning, having protection, these weren’t difficult requests, and Tao Ning agreed to them all.

After settling in, she contacted the lawyer and scheduled a meeting.

Not long after, a knock came on her door.

Tao Ning opened the door, and the person who knocked quickly stepped back, muttering, “Miss Zang, someone is looking for you.”

As she left, the figure behind her was revealed, long black hair, black eyes, and that familiar smile.

Callista raised her hands in a celebratory gesture: “Surprise! Did you miss me? I missed you so much I cried a whole basket of pearls.”