She paused, as if suddenly thinking of something, and her tone softened a little. “But don’t worry too much. My second brother works at the police station. If you really have nowhere to go, why not go there first and register? The police won’t ignore your situation they’ll definitely help resolve your family problem and can even arrange temporary accommodation. That’s much better than wandering outside.”
She deliberately emphasized the words “police station,” looking at Xu Su with an open, sincere expression, as if she truly had her best interests at heart.
The people around them nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, going to the police station is the safest option. It’s too dangerous for a young girl to be out alone.”
“With her brother there to help, things will surely be arranged properly. Besides, she just got married it’s not appropriate to stay at her house.”
Xu Su’s face instantly darkened. What was wrong with Lin Tianxin?
Hadn’t they already agreed that she would stay at her house? Why the sudden change?
It wasn’t like she had no money she just wanted to stay there because it would make many things more convenient.
But going to the police station? That would be like walking straight into a trap.
Xu Su hurriedly waved her hands. “N-no need… I’ll… I’ll think of another way. Maybe I can find some distant relatives…”
Seeing Lin Tianxin’s firm attitude and Lin Guangzhuo glaring at her from the side, she knew there was no hope of staying with the Lin family today. If she lingered any longer, she might get herself into trouble. She could only force herself to step back.
“Th-then I won’t disturb you anymore.” Xu Su squeezed out a smile, though a trace of unwillingness flickered in her eyes. “Tianxin, thank you… I’ll come see you another day.”
With that, she turned and hurried out of the supply store, her steps unsteady, as if deeply shaken.
Lin Guangzhuo watched her leave and spat disdainfully. “Putting on an act. I bet she’s not here to find relatives at all.”
Lin Tianxin said nothing, just stared in the direction Xu Su had disappeared. She knew this was only a temporary avoidance. Xu Su hadn’t achieved her goal she wouldn’t give up so easily.
Right now, she had no solid evidence. Acting rashly would only alert the enemy. Bringing up the police station was the best excuse it was reasonable and would make Xu Su wary, keeping her from getting close for the time being.
“Come on, Second Brother, we haven’t bought the fabric yet,” Lin Tianxin said, tugging at his arm, her tone light again.
But only she knew that the tension in her heart hadn’t eased at all. Finding proof that Xu Su was a spy was urgent.
The noise in the supply store hadn’t fully died down as Lin Tianxin pulled Lin Guangzhuo to the fabric counter. Her fingers brushed over the neatly stacked khaki cloth, but her gaze casually flicked toward the entrance, making sure Xu Su hadn’t come back.
“Second Brother, you kept a close eye on her just now she didn’t get suspicious, did she?” she asked in a low voice, her tone slightly serious.
Lin Guangzhuo snorted. “Don’t worry. That girl kept darting her eyes around clearly guilty. How would she have the mind to think about anything else? But you were taking a risk. You could’ve just refused her why bring up the police station?”
If they scared her off, how would they catch her as a spy? He trusted his sister she wouldn’t suspect Xu Su without reason. She must know something.
“If I hadn’t mentioned the police station, would she have left so easily?” Lin Tianxin picked up a piece of dark blue corduroy, using the act of choosing fabric as cover. “If she kept pestering us, we couldn’t just drive her away it would look bad. Mentioning you work at the station gave her a way out while also warning her that we’re not easy to mess with.”
Lin Guangzhuo scratched the back of his head, half understanding. “So what now? She’ll definitely come looking for you again, or hang around nearby.”
“That’s exactly what I want,” Lin Tianxin said with a faint smile, though her eyes held no warmth. “She won’t leave without getting what she wants. As long as she’s still around, she’ll eventually slip up. Go back and inform your colleagues keep an eye on unfamiliar people, especially anyone who’s had contact with Xu Su.”
She paused, then added, “And don’t alert her. Just watch quietly. I’ll keep an eye on things too. If she comes to me again, I’ll try to get information out of her see what she’s really after and whether she has accomplices.”
Lin Guangzhuo nodded, his expression turning serious. “Alright, I got it. You be careful too. She looks weak and harmless, but who knows what kind of schemes she’s hiding.”
“I know what I’m doing.” Lin Tianxin picked out two pieces of fabric, and Lin Guangzhuo paid for them. She folded them neatly into her bag and turned to leave.
“Tiantian, what about this? Wouldn’t I look good in it?” Lin Guangzhuo pointed at a white shirt on the counter.
He usually wore his police uniform, but what young man didn’t like a crisp white shirt?
But…
He made a bitter face. Forget it.
No money. He had already given everything to his sister as a dowry. After paying for the fabric just now, his pockets were completely empty.