When Bai Lian, who should have been in detention, appeared at the hospital, Xu En was stunned for a moment before responding, “Hello, I’m Xu En.”
He extended his hand.
Xu Wenyao looked at Bai Lian, finally letting his tense nerves relax. Leaning against the doorframe, he said, “I’m glad you’re alright.”
Bai Lian’s gaze swept past Old Mrs. Xu without a word.
With no news all night, Old Mrs. Xu had been frightened to the point of near mental collapse.
Behind Xu En, Shen Min’s gaze fell on Le Shaoming. “Director Le?”
Though the Mingfeng District was far from Yunxiao District, Shen Min had heard of Le Shaoming, but Le Shaoming hadn’t met Shen Min before. He merely nodded slightly at Shen Min, “Hello.”
While they were talking, Bai Lian had already walked to the hospital bed.
Ji Mulan was still sitting on the left side of Xu Zhiyue’s bed, holding her left hand and looking at her with concern.
Seeing Bai Lian, she looked up in surprise, “You…”
Bai Lian ignored Ji Mulan.
She bent down, casually placing her fingertips on Xu Zhiyue’s wrist, her eyes downcast.
After confirming Xu Zhiyue was fine, Bai Lian stood up. Across from her, Ji Mulan also stood, “Are you alright? How did you get out…”
As she tried to ask more questions, Bai Lian looked at her with cold eyes.
Her almond eyes were dark, showing no emotion, yet carried an overwhelming pressure.
Ji Mulan swallowed her words of concern, suddenly feeling powerless. She clearly sensed that this was how things would be between her and Bai Lian from now on.
Xu Wenyao brought Bai Lian a cup of hot water, his gaze falling on Xu Zhiyue as he carefully spoke: “I’m sorry, none of us knew about grandmother and Zhiyue’s situation. You got caught up in this…”
Bai Lian took the cup, “It’s not your fault.”
If it hadn’t been for that look, Bai Lian wouldn’t have been so alert.
Xu En, Shen Min, and Le Shaoming were still talking at the door. Since Xu Zhiyue hadn’t woken up, Le Shaoming only asked a few routine questions.
Bai Lian’s phone lit up with a message from Jiang Fuli. Her fingers tapped the screen casually as she unhurriedly bid farewell to Xu Wenyao: “See you at school.”
Le Shaoming had come with Bai Lian, so when she left, he followed, “Miss Bai, please wait…”
The two quickly disappeared at the elevator.
After Xu En and the others saw them off at the elevator, Ji Mulan finally reacted inside the room, “Wenyao, did you ask Ah Lian how she got out?”
Xu Wenyao and Xu En already knew the issue stemmed from that “Director Le.”
Old Mrs. Xu, who hadn’t dared speak until now, stood up, leaning on her cane as she looked in the direction Bai Lian had left.
“Director Le is the bureau chief of Yunxiao Branch,” Shen Min came to his senses and smiled, explaining to Xu En, “Le Shaoming. Miss Bai knows him, so it seems I don’t need to handle this matter.”
When Xu En went to the branch that night, he hadn’t seen Director Le or even Bai Lian.
Hearing that Director Le was the branch bureau chief, Old Mrs. Xu also turned back in shock.
They had all witnessed Director Le’s attitude toward Bai Lian.
Ji Mulan sat back down in her chair, looking at Xu Zhiyue on the hospital bed with wandering eyes.
Downstairs.
Le Shaoming accompanied Bai Lian down, “Miss Bai, please rest assured, we will definitely give you an explanation.”
Bai Lian held her phone, looking ahead, and quickly spotted a blue car in the temporary parking area across the street, its taillights still flashing, obviously having just stopped.
She turned slightly and thanked Le Shaoming: “Thank you.”
Le Shaoming helped Bai Lian get into the car.
When Bai Lian opened the passenger door, Le Shaoming caught a glimpse of the driver. The person’s light eyes looked over, like the cold flash of a short sword being unsheathed.
Le Shaoming froze in place.
As the blue car drove away, his phone rang. Le Shaoming came to his senses and answered – it was a friend. “What’s going on over there?”
The commotion in Yunxiao District was significant enough that people in neighboring districts were getting restless.
They hadn’t received any policy changes.
“It all started because of one club,” Le Shaoming exhaled. “Here’s a heads up – it involves a new student at Jiangjiang University this year.”
When Sun Fei showed up last night with two reports, he knew things might get complicated.
But he never imagined it would escalate like this. The entire Yunxiao District was under strict control – all clubs were closed for investigation of hallucinogenic drugs, and all related personnel were suspended pending investigation.
Until just now.
Le Shaoming finally understood why Xu Nanjing had appeared that night.
In the car.
Bai Lian’s phone automatically connected to Bluetooth, resuming the interrupted English reading.
Jiang Fuli drove onto the main road, his pale fingers tapping the steering wheel as he glanced sideways: “Wasn’t Ming Dongheng supposed to be your driver?”
“Not used to it,” Bai Lian lowered her head to check WeChat.
Lu Lingxi had sent her a message saying Yang Lin would be coming to Jiangjiang in the next few days.
Without asking Lu Lingxi how she knew, Bai Lian directly sent Yang Lin a message asking when she would arrive.
Jiang Fuli drove onto the main road and, seeing she had finished replying, hesitantly spoke, “You should get your driver’s license first… never mind.”
Having seen her racing before, Jiang Fuli had never suggested she get a license.
He feared that after Bai Lian learned to drive, all their combined points wouldn’t be enough for her deductions.
“What do you think of Chen Yongkun?” Jiang Fuli changed the subject.
Bai Lian, not particularly interested in modern cars, just held her phone against her chin and replied lazily: “Used to be average, now quite good.”
Everyone could see how rapidly Xiangcheng had developed this past year – all of it was Chen Yongkun’s work achievements.
Turning a corner, they encountered yellow barriers at the intersection with several police cars – the road was temporarily blocked.
Many private cars and taxi drivers had stopped and gathered to smoke and watch the scene.
Jiang Fuli calmly turned the car around, choosing a different route.
At Shanhai Apartments.
The security guard at the entrance was now used to the luxury cars frequently entering and exiting the complex.
No one was in 303.
Lu Xiaohan had taken Jiang He out to play, with Ming Dongheng as their driver.
Bai Lian didn’t go in, instead heading directly to the piano room in 302.
Jiang Fuli watched her for a moment before gently closing the door. He went to the study next door and took out his phone to call Director Chen first.
“These two months?” Director Chen had no duties today and was fishing with Ji Heng.
Director Chen had estimated he would need to stay in Xiangcheng for at least two years after being transferred down, but hadn’t expected to return to Jiangjiang so soon.
“Yes,” Jiang Fuli obviously had little patience with Director Chen. “Come back first. Several positions will open up in Yunxiao District for re-election, you’ll participate in the general election.”
Director Chen didn’t doubt Jiang Fuli’s information.
Looking to his right where Ji Heng had moved to a different spot to bait the water, Director Chen lowered his voice: “What about Uncle Ji? I heard from little Tang today that they’re also going to Jiangjiang next month.”
After Bai Lian went to Jiangjiang, those students from Class 15 like Tang Ming would regularly visit Ji Heng.
Director Chen did too.
If everyone left…
Bai Lian could give him constructive advice, and Ji Heng would occasionally give him pointers. After spending so much time together, Director Chen saw Ji Heng as an elder.
Jiang Fuli hung up and returned to WeChat, clicking on Ji Heng’s profile—
[She got into a fight]
Ji Heng didn’t check his phone much while fishing, but called Jiang Fuli directly half an hour later.
“Someone bullied Ah Lian?” Ji Heng’s voice was noticeably anxious.
He couldn’t imagine Bai Lian getting into a fight.
Jiang Fuli opened his computer, “She was helping others. Though dangerous this time, fortunately she wasn’t hurt.”
She wasn’t hurt this time, but next time might be different.
Ji Heng caught his meaning. He put down his fishing rod and picked up his pipe from the ground, lowering his head to light it.
At the Yu residence.
Grandmother Yu was supervising the chef making soup for Yu Hongjing. Her silver-white hair was all pulled back, giving her a capable appearance. “Still no answer from Yiyi?”
She wanted to know the current situation with the Xu family.
But since returning from the hospital last night, she hadn’t been able to get through to Yu Hongyi’s phone.
The female bodyguard answered: “No.”
Grandmother Yu narrowed her eyes but didn’t think much of it – Yu Hongyi often participated in confidential activities.
Just then, a servant rushed in panicking, “Madam! Madam!”
Grandmother Yu walked from the kitchen to the hall, “Why are you making such a fuss…”
Before she could finish speaking, she saw the police behind the servant. The lead officer took out his credentials, “Please cooperate with our investigation.”
“Investigate what?” Grandmother Yu had never encountered such a situation since birth. She calmly looked at them: “If you have any matters, you can discuss them in detail with my granddaughter…”
The lead officer didn’t respond, simply taking her to the police station for questioning.
Grandmother Yu maintained her composure at first, until she saw Yu Hongjing with his head still bandaged in the interrogation room.
Yu Hongyi came to see her an hour after she arrived.
Seeing Yu Hongyi, Grandmother Yu’s forced composure finally began to crack, “Yiyi, why did they arrest your brother and me?”
Yu Hongyi closed her eyes briefly, “Because of Yu Hongjing, all clubs and bars in Yunxiao District are closed for inspection of hallucinogenic drugs, and all related personnel are suspended pending investigation.”
Yu Hongyi couldn’t get any information – she hadn’t seen anyone from the Chen family.
She could only enter the police station through her old connections.
“I…” Grandmother Yu counted the recent events, there was only the Xu family, “That Xu family, Xu Zhiyue… Xu En’s stepdaughter…”
Xu Zhiyue had been personally delivered by Old Mrs. Xu, they knew her background well.
There was only one person.
Bai Lian, who was said to have connections with a “Mr. Chen.”
There were such rumors in their circles, but Grandmother Yu hadn’t taken them seriously. The Yu family was surrounded by sycophants, and they had always spoiled Yu Hongjing. Whenever he got into trouble, everyone would help resolve it.
She thought this time would be the same as usual, who knew the reaction would be so severe?
Grandmother Yu explained, “That’s all there is to it, let them release me first…”
“…That’s all?” Yu Hongyi finally understood the whole situation. Usually proud, she now just pressed her lips and looked at her: “Didn’t I tell you about Xuankang?”
“She… her?” Grandmother Yu glanced at Yu Hongyi and finally sat down in the chair.
Grandmother Yu had heard from Yu Hongyi that Xuankang was a company that directly supplied research drugs to the military behind the Chen family.
At the Qi residence.
The Qi family was having dinner together.
“I heard there was quite a commotion in Yunxiao today,” Mr. Qi asked Qi Shuyun, “Do you know what’s going on?”
Though Qi Shuyun had successfully infiltrated the rich young ladies’ circle and had broader information than her father, she was also unclear about this matter, “I don’t know, they were discussing it today too.”
Since even they didn’t know, such matters indeed had nothing to do with ordinary people.
Mr. Qi didn’t ask further, “Has Old Mrs. Xu called you?”
“She did,” Qi Shuyun wore a beige fitted long dress and pulled out a chair to sit down, her voice flat, “She offended the Yu family, what can I do about it?”
The father and daughter had made the same decision, but just then Qi Shuyun’s phone rang. It was a call from a sister in their circle. She quickly answered, “Sister Wen, you’re looking for me?”
But the voice on the phone wasn’t Sister Wen’s, “Hello, I’m Yu Hongyi. I wanted to ask if you could help contact the Xu family.”
Yu Hongyi.
Qi Shuyun had long heard of her fame in the socialite circle. Although Yu Hongyi dealt with weapons and wasn’t part of the socialite circle, everyone knew of her well, including Qi Shuyun.
She hadn’t expected such a person would contact her.
“Miss Yu, you mean Xu Wenyao’s family?” Qi Shuyun stood up, making a quiet gesture to her parents.
Yu Hongyi was very direct, “Yes, regarding my brother’s matter, I want to personally apologize to them…”
Hearing the first part, Qi Shuyun didn’t catch the rest clearly, “Alright, I’ll try my best to pass on the message.”
She hung up and sat down dazedly with her phone.
“What’s wrong?” Mr. Qi glanced at her.
Qi Shuyun looked up, “The Yu family… wants to apologize to the Xu family…”
“What?” Mr. Qi lost color.
The Yu family, who had moved from Mingfeng District to Yunxiao District, needed to apologize to the Xu family?
Mr. Qi took out his phone to make a call, indirectly probing for news about the Xu family from others, “You mean Mr. Xu? He still attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting today,” the person lowered their voice, “I even saw the Chamber of Commerce chairman speak with him privately…”
At Shanhai Apartments.
Though Yunxiao District had been under strict control for several days, with even passing mice getting hit at the clubs.
Bai Lian at Shanhai Apartments remained unaffected.
Old Mr. Xu’s birthday celebration was in two days. Early this morning, Gao Yan brought her homemade snacks to visit Bai Lian at Shanhai Apartments.
She still hadn’t given up on taking Bai Lian as her goddaughter.
Jiang Fuli and Xu Nanjing were discussing official business in 302.
In 303, Bai Lian put the printouts on the table and pulled out a chair to sit beside Lu Xiaohan.
Ming Dongheng replaced her tea with a fresh cup.
Jiang He sat on Lu Xiaohan’s left. Lu Xiaohan put a piece of pastry in his hand, “Eat quickly, Bird Brother.”
Lu Xiaohan took another plum blossom-shaped pastry, took a bite, and looked at Bai Lian: “When are we leaving?”
“After eating.” Bai Lian picked up her teacup, lowering her head to blow on it gently.
Her other hand opened her phone, where there were several WeChat messages.
Yang Lin: [Just finished visiting grandmother, taking tomorrow’s train]
Bai Lian typed with one hand: [What time do you arrive, I’ll pick you up.]
Tang Ming posted in the group: [You’re all going to Jiangjiang??]
“Where are you going?” Gao Yan only now heard they were going out again, very concerned.
“Auntie, I’m going with Sister Lian to see Sister Lu,” Lu Xiaohan squinted her eyes. The pastries had made her familiar with Gao Yan too. “In a few days our classmate is coming too.”
Yan Lu had arrived in Jiangjiang at six in the morning and had already reached Jiangyin Academy. Since they hadn’t seen each other for a long time, plus Lu Xiaohan hadn’t visited Dean Jian yet since coming to Jiangjiang, the two planned to go to Jiangyin first.
After eating, Bai Lian and Lu Xiaohan left.
Next door in 302.
Jiang Fuli had also just taken his car keys and was leisurely opening the door, with Xu Nanjing behind him.
Seeing Gao Yan, Jiang Fuli politely nodded in greeting.
Seeing the keys in Jiang Fuli’s hand, Gao Yan knew he was going to drive Bai Lian out.
After everyone left, Xu Nanjing tilted his head, “How was it, did she agree to go?”
“No,” Gao Yan glanced at Xu Nanjing, “Lian Lian has so many friends in Jiangjiang, no wonder you’re useless.”
With many people coming for the old man’s birthday celebration, Gao Yan wanted to introduce some people to Bai Lian.
Xu Nanjing wasn’t surprised Bai Lian wouldn’t go. He stepped upstairs, “Even without friends she’s busy. That guy Jiang Xiju still hasn’t met her.”
Gao Yan thought so too. She followed him up, “Is your upstairs renovation done?”
“Still early, He is home every day, I can’t renovate.” Xu Nanjing also worried the renovation would disturb Bai Lian and the others.
Gao Yan: “How did 302 and 301 finish so quickly?”
“If Brother Jiang wanted, Zhongxing could build him a mobile living room and move it to 302 in two days,” Xu Nanjing looked at the three apartments upstairs, “Mom, please don’t say anymore.”
Meanwhile, Bai Shaoqi had also headed to Chang’an District early in the morning.
The Yin family was in Beihong District, very far from Chang’an District, requiring passage through Yunxiao District to reach Chang’an.
The Yin family driver was at the wheel, with Mr. Yin in the passenger seat, and Song Min and Bai Shaoqi in the back.
Bai Shaoqi was going to find Bai Shaoke at Jiang University after her morning class, so Song Min accompanied her.
There were many police and roadblocks in Yunxiao District these past few days, still not removed today.
Bai Shaoqi looked at the roadblocks outside, “What happened here?”
“Something happened,” Mr. Yin glanced out the car window, sighing: “They’ve been investigating strictly for seven days. Several clubs were completely uprooted. I heard several people in Yunxiao District were dismissed. Don’t know what happened – it’s not something we can meddle in.”
The Yin family naturally wouldn’t know about such matters, only hearing rumors.
Bai Shaoqi just stared at the roadblocks, very shocked.
Beside her, Song Min was looking down at his challenge problem set without raising his head.
Mr. Yin stopped at the Yin family company, and the car continued to Jiangyin Academy.
Song Min and Bai Shaoqi got out. They were already very familiar with Jiangyin Academy and went directly to the main building.
“Shaoqi,” a girl who always attended class with Bai Shaoqi spotted them from afar and waited for her, “Song Min, you’re here to accompany Shaoqi to class again.”
She chatted with Bai Shaoqi as they headed to the building.
Even during summer break, there were still several people coming for early classes at Jiangyin.
The building had only one elevator. Bai Shaoqi’s group waited at the elevator for several minutes before it came down from the fifth floor.
As soon as the three entered, they saw the “No Stopping” sign for the third floor.
The girl looked at the sign, pausing, “Someone’s recording on the third floor again?”
Both Bai Shaoqi and Song Min looked at the no stopping sign, “Who’s actually using the third floor?”
Still so busy even during summer break.
“Just those few,” the girl explained, “Our school’s recording studio is the best in Asia. Not just domestically, but lots of people from abroad come here specifically. When will I get to record on the third floor?”
She spoke while pressing the fifth floor button, waiting for the elevator door to close.
At that moment.
A female voice came from outside the elevator, “Miss, please wait for us!”
A fair hand blocked the closing elevator doors.
The girl quickly pressed the door open button.
“Thank you, thank you,” Lu Xiaohan thanked the girl and called out, “Bird Brother, can you hurry up?”
When the elevator doors opened, they could see several steps away.
A girl strode ahead, her eyes slightly lowered, holding a white jade fan in her hand, its translucent ribs resting on her bent knuckles.
She wore a three-quarter sleeve long dress with a very full skirt. White-based with colorful poppies hidden in the folds, blooming with her steps.
Behind her, a delicately featured boy was struggling to run after her.
The two reached the elevator in a few steps.
The elevator was large – even with three more people it remained spacious. Song Min and Bai Shaoqi stood on the left.
Almost as soon as the elevator doors opened, the two recognized Bai Lian.
Bai Lian had been good-looking before, but this year, she had changed even more. That reserved, otherworldly aura became increasingly apparent.
Song Min, who had been looking down at his app, finally looked up, his gaze falling on Bai Lian.
Bai Lian stood at the elevator entrance, pausing for a moment. She looked up, her gaze sweeping past Song Min and Bai Shaoqi, then led Jiang He to stand on the right, leaving a large space in the middle.
She lowered her head to take out her phone and sent Dean Jian a message saying they had arrived.
She didn’t look at Bai Shaoqi and Song Min again.
“Bird Brother, you really need to drink more milk,” Lu Xiaohan stood by the buttons, rubbing Jiang He’s head as she spoke earnestly.
Jiang He lowered his head to poke at his watch, sending Jiang Fuli a string of commas.
Lu Xiaohan hadn’t noticed the atmosphere between them, just turned her head to ask Bai Lian, “Which floor, Sister Lian?”
“Third floor,” Bai Lian leaned against the elevator, opening her fan and speaking casually.
When she said this, the other three people in the elevator all looked over, especially the girl who had just been explaining to Bai Shaoqi.
Lu Xiaohan saw the “No Stopping” sign on the third floor, but since Bai Lian said third floor, she reached out to press it.
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