The Gu family’s bankbook was also stolen, but fortunately, when they went to the savings office, the staff informed them that no one had come to withdraw the money.
Although the passbook was reissued for them, they had to reluctantly spend a sum of money to replace their furniture.
Yuan Limei fell ill from anger over this incident, and even Gu’s father looked much more haggard.
When he returned to the factory, someone informed him that there was a money order for him and that he needed to pick it up at the post office.
He was puzzled—who would send him money?
After work, he went to the post office.
When he saw that it was 500 yuan sent by Nanzhu, his hands trembled for a long time.
With all the troubles at home lately, it seemed he hadn’t seen her for several days. He wondered how she was doing.
When Gu’s father returned home, he saw Gu Shaoxuan riding his bicycle, bringing Liang Yourou back with him.
Out of habit, he asked, “How is Xiaozhu doing now?”
Since Gu Shaoxuan had ridden his bicycle to dinner with Yuan Zheng that day, his bicycle hadn’t been stolen.
Hearing the question, Gu Shaoxuan recalled what he had heard at school.
He replied coldly, “She’s living in the staff quarters, doing just fine.”
He hadn’t gone to see her, as he really wasn’t in the mood.
A couple of days earlier, he had heard from a colleague that she was living there alone, with two police officers keeping watch. She was eating well every day and rarely seen going out.
He had only caught a snippet of this and hadn’t paid further attention.
After all, the chaos at home was more than enough to trouble him.
Hearing his reply, Gu’s father sighed and didn’t ask further.
Liang Yourou said softly, “Dad, Nanzhu has so much money on her. There’s no need to worry about her going hungry, right?”
Gu’s father didn’t respond, not even sparing her a glance, and walked straight inside.
For some reason, he didn’t like this woman, but his son was fond of her and had insisted on divorcing Nanzhu for her.
Though displeased, he couldn’t be bothered to interfere.
Liang Yourou stamped her foot in humiliation and anger. Why was this old man so partial to that little wretch Nanzhu?
“Brother Shaoxuan, why are the police still following Nanzhu?” Does it mean she really has some connection with outsiders?”
She hadn’t had a chance to get her hands on that money, and she was determined to obtain that jade pendant.
Gu Shaoxuan coaxed her gently, “Alright, you’re pregnant and must be tired. Go upstairs and rest. I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”
He didn’t mention Nanzhu’s situation, though he had heard a thing or two about it.
Liang Yourou muttered, “She’s really living a charmed life, not having to work even now. Brother Shaoxuan, how long did you actually request leave for her back then?”
Gu Shaoxuan paused, unable to recall clearly.
“I’ll go ask her tomorrow.”
Liang Yourou feigned understanding and gentleness. “Brother Shaoxuan, after all, you were once husband and wife.” Even though you’re divorced now, I know your heart must still be with her. It’s only right for you to visit her.”
Little did he know she was so furious she nearly ground her teeth to dust.
Nanzhu may have left, but just as Gu Shaoxuan had said, their relationship was merely a facade—he never touched her.
Even when she tried to stay longer in his room at night, he would send her away.
“Yes, Yourou, you’re so gentle, understanding, and gracious. If only Xiaozhu had half your sensibility.”
Gu Shaoxuan patted her arm and sighed with emotion. “It’s been a while. I suppose her emotions should have stabilized by now. I’ll go talk to her tomorrow.”
Liang Yourou said gently, “Brother Shaoxuan, let me go with you? I’ll explain to her that there’s really nothing between us.”
Gu Shaoxuan instinctively refused, “No need. Don’t you have classes tomorrow? You’re already tired from the pregnancy, so don’t trouble yourself over her.”
“Alright.” Liang Yourou didn’t insist. After all, they were already divorced, and she still had at least half a year to plan carefully.
She would make him utterly devoted to her in the future.
As for Nanzhu, she needed to get those two police officers to leave and lure her out of the residential compound. Only then would she have a chance to get what she wanted.
Gu Qingya had been hiding at home lately, too afraid to show her face outside. Liang Yourou, on the other hand, had to go to work, so she had no choice but to apply a thick layer of makeup before heading out.
As for whether the makeup would harm the baby? She had no intention of actually giving birth to this unwanted child.
She was afraid that Wang Weidong might come after her because of it, and she also wanted to bear a true heir for the Gu family.
But with so many troubles lately, she didn’t have the energy to think too much about it.
At this moment, Yuan Zheng also found Nan Jin, carrying a lunchbox packed with food.
The two police officers had already left in the afternoon after receiving a message, which was why he had come to see her.
When Nan Jin opened the door and saw him, she was momentarily stunned.
“Regiment Commander Yuan, what brings you here?”
Yuan Zheng handed her the lunchbox and said in a deep voice, “You probably haven’t eaten yet, right?”
Nan Jin glanced at the sky outside—it was already dark.
Over the past few days, she had done nothing but eat and sleep, ignoring everything else.
Sometimes she couldn’t even be bothered to cook, and the two police officers would bring her meals.
After the two officers left in the afternoon, she had slept until now.
If he hadn’t knocked, she might have slept until midnight and woken up hungry.
“Thank you!” She reached out to take the lunchbox and stepped aside to let him in. “When are you heading back?”
She was eager to leave this place.
The Gu family had been in chaos these past few days, and no one had had the time to bother with her.
But once they sorted things out, who knew if they might suddenly take an interest in humiliating her?
“Tomorrow morning at seven by bus. We’ll take the bus to Jing City, then transfer to a train to G City.”
“Tomorrow? Alright, I understand. I’ll take the bus early to the station and wait for you.”
Hearing that she could finally leave, Nan Jin breathed a sigh of relief.
At last, she could leave and start a new life in a brand-new place.
Yuan Zheng studied her complexion. “How are you feeling now? Can you handle a long journey?”
“I’ve rested for a few days, and I’m much better.”
Nan Jin sat at the table and began eating, casually asking, “How is the investigation going over there?”
Yuan Zheng glanced around her house and sighed when she brought it up.
“Not yet.”
Nan Jin, with a mouthful of food, looked up at him.
He met her gaze, his expression calm. “Do you have something to say?”
She swallowed the food in her mouth and hesitated before speaking. “Could it be that they harmed their own granddaughter, and their misfortune is retribution for their evil deeds?”
Yuan Zheng strode over and sat down opposite her, his expression serious.
“I actually wanted to discuss this with you. The woman who bullied you in prison committed suicide out of guilt.”
“My people investigated. After you were imprisoned, someone did secretly approach her and told her to torment you. But that person was definitely not my elder sister.”
“No matter how much she dislikes you, she would never harm her own granddaughter.”
Nan Jin lowered her gaze, picked up a chicken leg, and began tearing into it.
“Even if they intend to do something, they wouldn’t do it themselves.”
Yuan Zheng fell silent for a moment, aware that she currently harbored many grievances against the Gu family.
“My friend will continue to investigate, but with that woman dead, finding new leads won’t be easy anytime soon.”