After more than two months, Jimmy finally returned to New York. As he unlocked the apartment door, he suddenly wondered if he had entered the wrong house?

Nia also had a set of keys to the apartment and now the room had changed a lot. The old bulky color TV had been replaced by a large plasma screen, and there were vases with fresh flowers on the coffee table and dining table.

The long fabric sofa from before had also been replaced with a set of gray fabric sofas, flanked by two matching armchairs, each adorned with matching pillows.

There was also an added bookshelf by the wall, decorated with some books and ornaments.

Jimmy just stood at the door, surveying the living room and dining area, then turned to check the number on the door, and looked back at the living room to confirm that this was indeed his apartment.

It seemed that Nia hadn't been comfortable living here the past two months and had made quite a few changes.

Jimmy walked in and closed the door, began to check the rest of the rooms. The bedding had all been replaced, the bedroom TV had been exchanged, and there was a radio on the nightstand. Other than these changes, the bedroom was messier than before, with some clothes carelessly thrown on the bed and a nearby chair.

There were no changes in the study, apparently Nia felt that everything in this room was Jimmy's personal stuff, so she hadn't touched anything.

Jimmy shook his head as he opened his suitcase, took out his clothes to arrange them, picking a few to wash, then tidied up the clothes Nia had scattered about.

Having someone at home certainly meant no need for a major cleanup after two months, but Jimmy had no experience tidying up such a mess of clothes, so he simply sorted things out, then checked the refrigerator, washed up, and went out to shop.

When Nia came back from work in the evening, she saw Jimmy busy in the kitchen and screamed as she jumped on his back, "You're back, why didn't you call me?"

Jimmy quickly shouted, "Stop shaking, I'm cutting vegetables. Come down first."

Nia got off Jimmy's back, casually grabbed a cherry tomato, and threw it into her mouth, "Are you going out again this trip?"

Jimmy: "Yes, I still have some things to handle, but I'll stay home with you for a few days."

Nia: "Great, I have the day off after tomorrow."

Jimmy: "Sure, you make the plans; I'm just here to accompany you. Go freshen up, dinner is almost ready."

It had only been a short while since Nia's trip to Albuquerque, and though they had stayed in touch by phone, the long separation had deepened their feelings for each other.

In fact, Nia could sense that Jimmy had been feeling a bit down back in Albuquerque, as though he had undergone some ordeal, but she hadn't pressed for details, choosing instead to help him relax and be happy.

Now, seeing Jimmy back at home, seemingly just like before, and clearly without that tense feeling, she felt undoubtedly joyous.

After freshening up, Nia came out with a glass of juice and sat on the sofa, "What do you think? I've rearranged the place a bit."

Jimmy: "It's very nice, you have a good touch. I've lived here so long and never thought to adjust the living room."

Nia: "I'm glad you like it, I was worried you might not like my changes."

Jimmy washed his hands and came out of the kitchen, "I'm easygoing, I've always just made do, so however you want to change things is fine. Oh, just leave the study to me."

Jimmy walked into the bedroom, fetched a box, "I got you a gift, open it and see."

Nia opened the box, inside was a pearl bracelet, but the box didn't have any price tags, "It's beautiful."

Jimmy said with a smile, "I'm glad you like it."

Nia immediately put on the bracelet and gave Jimmy a kiss, "Thank you, I love it."

During dinner, Nia casually mentioned, "Jimmy, my father wants to meet you. What do you think? Should we meet him?"

Jimmy was chewing a piece of steak and almost choked, quickly coughing twice and swallowing the piece of meat before he spoke, "Of course, no problem, anytime."

Nia smiled, "No need to rush; let's wait until you've sorted your things. You said you'd be home for a few days, but then you might be out again, and who knows when you'll be back."

Jimmy nodded with a smile, "Don't worry, it'll be quick. I'll be back as soon as I can, all prepared in advance."

New sofa, new TV, Jimmy and Nia leaned on the sofa after dinner, chatting and watching TV, enjoying a relaxed time together.

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While Jimmy enjoyed a relaxed time at home, Tom wasn't so lucky. Previously, whether it was Greg or Ruiz, their information had been investigated by Mrs. Walz, his teacher. Now needing a fresh investigation meant quite a hassle.

Upon relocating to DC, Tom opened a computer in a safe house. Instead of directly investigating Ruiz, he searched for the location of the National Analysis Group and its public information staff, trying to avoid direct inquiries that might trigger any potential system alarms.

High-ranking officials are usually within the scope of alert, and when someone investigates them, the security department is immediately notified to assess if there are implications for the personnel and whether to start an investigation.

Tom had to handle it because for Jimmy, whose experience was limited, this logic could easily trigger security alarms.

Searching the information wasn't complicated; not investigating Ruiz directly, but just a governmental institution, wouldn't trigger any alarms, and soon Tom was able to revisit all the information regarding Ruiz that he had previously collected.

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