Your father asks you to come over Qiao Xiawei said.
Qiao Zhilan stood up at once ready to leave but Qiao Zhiwei held her back and turned to Qiao Xiawei. Does Uncle know where our father is.
Qiao Xiawei shook her head. A letter was delivered to Father. It says five thousand yuan must be sent to an account or they will only see your parents bodies in two days. That is why he wants you there to decide what to do. She lowered her head looking distressed.
How can they ask for money now when we have nothing Qiao Zhilan cried. They are driving us to ruin.
Qiao Zhiwei kept her gaze steady. How much is it.
Five thousand yuan.
Qiao Zhiwei’s mind went to the sum Grandfather Huo had given her. One hundred and fifty had gone toward clothes and the belt but the rest together with her watch would make up the full amount. It seemed too convenient. Someone knew exactly what she had. And the message had come through her uncle instead of directly to her.
We do not have that money Qiao Zhiwei said coolly. If you have it I will come and ask Uncle to lend it so we can save our father.
Qiao Xiawei had not expected this answer. I do not know how much we have she said hesitantly. You must speak to Father.
Very well Qiao Zhiwei nodded. I will go.
I am coming too Qiao Zhilan stepped forward.
Qiao Zhiwei knew her sister was impulsive and would speak her mind freely. If she suspected the uncle’s family she would confront them and spoil everything. Stay here and wait for me Qiao Zhiwei said. Prepare dinner.
Qiao Zhilan agreed readily.
At the house Qiao Luwen and his wife Li Chunhong came out to meet them. Li Chunhong took Qiao Zhiwei’s hand looking her over with feigned tenderness. You have lost weight.
Qiao Luwen turned to Qiao Xiawei. Go make tea for your cousin.
Qiao Xiawei brought out a cup. Here cousin.
Qiao Zhiwei accepted it. Uncle you received a letter. May I see it.
Certainly Qiao Luwen brought out a yellow envelope.
She unfolded the single sheet. It read five thousand yuan within twenty four hours or they would not see him alive. She folded it carefully. What do you think Uncle. Should we go to the police or pay.
I do not know Qiao Luwen said helplessly. You must decide.
Then will you lend me five thousand yuan Qiao Zhiwei asked.
The couple drew breath and exchanged a look. Li Chunhong spoke first. Your father borrowed heavily from us when his business failed. We are family so we asked for no receipts. Your cousins have had no work since.
Qiao Zhiwei smiled. Surely my father did not owe you an entire building. That very house had been a gift from her father. He had also paid for their son’s wedding generously. Yet none of them had come forward when the family fell.
Qiao Luwen shifted uncomfortably. This house is all we have. If we sell it where will we go. There is no income and your cousin’s wife is already complaining.
Without our father none of us have it easy Qiao Zhiwei said. Please find a way to raise the money.
Where would we get such a sum.
Are we to let him die.
Qiao Luwen hesitated. Your wedding is near. Will the Huo family not help.
Qiao Zhiwei felt cold. Just as she had expected. If her father knew how those he had helped treated him now. Huo Jingnian has settled all our debts she said calmly. What more do you expect. And would the Huo family pay ransom. I will not gamble with my father’s life.
I will see what I can do Qiao Luwen said.
Thank you Uncle.
Wait here while I make inquiries he said.
I must go back Lanlan is waiting Qiao Zhiwei said. Call me when you know something.
When she had gone Qiao Luwen did not leave the house. He turned to Qiao Xiawei. Are you certain.
I heard Huo Jingli complaining Grandfather gave Qiao Zhiwei five thousand yuan.
She would use it if she believed her parents were in danger Qiao Luwen said. She must suspect something. That girl is too sharp.
If she does her father will be ruined Qiao Xiawei said anxiously.
Then we have no choice Qiao Luwen’s expression hardened.
That evening Qiao Luwen telephoned. I have found someone who can lend the money but he wishes to meet you.
Who is it.
He Youguo an old friend of your father.
She knew the man. Perhaps she had been too suspicious after all. I will come she said.
She told Qiao Zhilan and set out. The walk took about fifteen minutes. When she had gone seven or eight minutes a voice called from behind. Weiwei.