Xu Qingru could not escape right away and could only enter her space in mind. She glanced around quickly and found a nook behind the bookcase that would hide her perfectly. Xu Hui and Xu Yingying entered the study one after the other.
Xu Hui sat in the chair while Xu Yingying stood across from him. This time his tone carried a new weight of regard he had never shown before. Yingying tell Father everything else from your prophetic dreams.
Xu Yingying was no fool. On the contrary having lived through a lifetime already she was sharp when advantage was at stake. Father when will you bring my real mother to the capital?
Xu Hui paused. They had only just divorced. How could he marry someone else so soon? Did people think he cared nothing for his reputation? He could not say such things to Xu Yingying.
He thought for a moment then spoke with forced patience. Yingying things are uncertain for me now. Bringing your mother here would only make her suffer. Once I am settled properly then I will send for her.
Xu Yingying knew he was putting her off yet his words also held some truth. Very well she said firmly. I will tell you one thing!
She described a researcher at his institute who was about to be promoted unexpectedly. This man would rise rapidly to become deputy director and then director. If Xu Hui secured his backing he could remain at the institute permanently.
Xu Hui frowned at the name. He knew this researcher. He had little standing and even less ability. Yingying he has no real talent.
Father he may lack ability but his father is head of the Capital Research Institute Xu Yingying explained. That institute oversees every research body across the country and controls vital supplies and resources. Advancing his son would be no more than a word from him.
Xu Hui began to believe her. But Father winning such a person’s favor requires real wealth Xu Yingying added. Xu Hui was unconcerned. Do not worry he said tapping a spot on the tabletop. I have more than enough.
Xu Qingru understood instantly. Xu Hui did indeed keep other valuables hidden. She shifted uncomfortably in her crouch and a faint click echoed through the quiet room. Xu Hui’s hand froze at once.
He stood up and looked sharply toward her hiding place. Who is there? Xu Yingying frowned and both walked toward the corner. They thought they saw a shadow there.
A look of deadly intent crossed Xu Yingying’s face. Her secrets must never be known. Whoever it was had to be silenced. Xu Hui’s expression was equally grim yet when they reached the spot they saw only moonlight and no one at all.
Father was someone really there? Xu Yingying asked cold sweat forming on her brow. Xu Hui noticed immediately that his antiques and treasures were gone. Someone has been here he said sharply. Call the authorities at once.
Xu Qingru had slipped out through the window the moment they drew near. She walked along the road and the cool night air made her feel lighter. A quiet smile touched her lips. He hoped to advance through connections? She would never give him that chance.
As for that researcher who owed everything to his father? She remembered hearing that one director at Xu Hui’s institute had been imprisoned for massive corruption and nearly executed. The scandal had dragged many others down too.
Surely Xu Yingying knew that as well. It seemed she had plans of her own. Xu Qingru walked briskly until she nearly collided with a dark figure. She jumped back instinctively a fruit knife appearing in her hand. Who are you?
Zhou Zhengguo had been returning from an overnight assignment when he ran into her. He had been struck by her face and failed to step aside in time. Seeing her wary gaze he recovered his senses. I apologize comrade he said I mean no harm. I am an officer. Here is my identification.
He handed over his papers and added quietly It appears you ran into me. Xu Qingru studied him. He stood tall in his green uniform hair neatly tucked beneath his cap. Even without a strand showing his face was strikingly handsome.
He met her gaze with steady eyes and no hint of malice. Realizing she should not linger she spoke in embarrassment. I am sorry I was not watching where I was going. It is dark Zhou Zhengguo said please let me walk you home.
No thank you she said quickly. I can manage. She knew Xu Hui was wicked but she herself had done something unlawful. This officer looked honest and if he learned what she had done she would be taken away for reeducation before any rural assignment.
She waved and hurried off leaving him watching her retreat. Moments later several police officers arrived. Good evening they said their suspicion fading when they saw his uniform. Did you see anyone pass this way?
Zhou Zhengguo pointed in the direction she had gone. That way. Thank you very much they said. My pleasure he replied it is what we do. He walked on quickly yet her image stayed in his mind.
He chided himself silently such a fine young girl should not be out at night doing questionable things. Then he stopped and hurried after her but she had already changed course and he found only the departing officers.
Back at the house Xu Qingru saw Xu Hui opening the hidden chamber she had pictured. Gold and treasures filled the space. She had never imagined he possessed so much. Then she saw the ledger that would ruin him if exposed.