The path through the forest was rugged and difficult, with branches and pebbles scattered on the ground. Shan Qiu's cold eyes were fixed on the poplar grove across the official road. Thinking of the intricate network inside, he realized that taking Dongli and Xiaoxiao with him was indeed a waste of time.
He said in a deep voice, "I have already sent Xiao Wu back to ask for reinforcements. Let's wait around here to avoid missing them and causing trouble."
There was no trust in Shan Qiu's eyes, especially after connecting the dots; it seemed too much of a coincidence.
Impatient to find a place to rest, Shan Qiu, eager to solve the case, asked as he walked, "Miss Dongli, could you answer a few questions for me?"
Dongli smiled, his face pale. If it weren't for Sun Miao'er supporting him, he probably wouldn't have been able to walk. He replied in a weak voice, "Officer Shan, ask away."
Shan Qiu asked directly, "Why is the girl from Dongli here? Who kidnapped her? And where did those thugs come from?"
He bombarded Dongli with a barrage of questions, leaving Dongli Xiaoxiao completely bewildered.
She shook her head repeatedly, and after a long while, murmured, "I don't know, I don't know..."
Dan Qiu's face turned cold, sensing that she was deliberately hiding something from him, and he pressed her for an answer: "It's alright, there's plenty of time for you, Miss."
Seeing his lack of tenderness and affection, Sun Miao'er thought it was no wonder that he was over twenty and still hadn't found a wife. With such a stunningly beautiful woman right in front of him, he was only focused on solving the case and completely disregarded the woman's feelings.
She helped Dongli up and said indignantly, "Officer Shan, what do you mean by that? Can't you see that Miss Dongli is injured? Besides, a young girl being kidnapped by thugs must be very frightened. Why can't you wait until Miss Dongli has calmed down before asking about these details?"
Speechless after being confronted by Sun Miao'er, Shan Qiu, though ashamed, still maintained a serious expression as a cover, and said solemnly, "I was presumptuous. I hope Miss Dongli will understand that I am eager to solve the case, as it is of great importance."
Dongli smiled dismissively, her delicate face now shrouded in a layer of resilience, and replied, "Now that I've found the person, sir, you're still pressing me relentlessly. Whether you want to solve the case or curry favor, I have no idea."
Upon hearing this, Sun Miao'er immediately understood that this woman was not just a pretty face; indeed, to become the most beautiful courtesan, physical appearance alone was far from enough.
Her words were eloquent and persuasive, allowing no one to speak ill of her, yet she never went too far, leaving others ample room to maneuver.
Upon hearing this, Shan Qiu fell silent. After all, both girls were quick-witted and sharp-tongued, and the more he said, the more mistakes he would make. If he uttered another wrong word, they would probably nag him all the way.
After walking about a mile along the official road, Shanqiu's planned route was opposite to the route the government was taking to provide support, so that they could meet up halfway there.
With her injured foot, Dongli Xiaoxiao found it nearly impossible to walk fast. The sun grew increasingly intense, and with no shade along the official road, Dongli Xiaoxiao's body naturally began to falter.
Sun Miao'er could sense her weakness as she supported her, and asked with concern, "Miss Dongli, are you alright?"
She turned and called out to Shan Qiu, "Officer Shan, is there any water? Dongli's daughter can't hold on much longer!"
Danqiu thought to himself, women are such a hassle.
With a cold face, he said, "Where are we going to find water in the middle of nowhere? If we just endure a few more miles, we'll run into the government officials up ahead!"
"How many miles?" Sun Miao'er's tone suddenly rose. Seeing that Dongli Xiaoxiao's face had turned even worse, she said, "Just now, one mile took half of Dongli's life. How many miles are left? If something really happens to Dongli Xiaoxiao, I'd like to see how you explain it to Manager Hu!"
Danqiu refused to believe it, nodded to Fu Yuchi, and gave him a wink.
Fu Yuchi had been like a background figure since earlier, following behind without saying a word. Shan Qiu finally remembered him and said, "Mr. Fu, please take a look at her."
"Master, come quick!"
Sun Miao'er greeted her.
Fu Yuchi stepped forward, gently grasped Dongli Xiaoxiao's wrist, and after a moment, said calmly, "I suggest you listen to Miao'er."
Now that's settled, Shan Qiu didn't dare to go any further. Pointing to the dilapidated bamboo hut by the roadside, he said, "Fine! I give up! Let's rest here and wait for them to come!"
Sun Miao'er nodded immediately. At least she didn't have to travel under the scorching sun. Not to mention Dongli Xiaoxiao couldn't handle it, even she, a good person, was exhausted!
Upon entering the bamboo house, Sun Miao'er quickly cleared a clean space, dusted off her hands, and said, "Sit down, Dongli girl."
Dongli smiled gratefully, her delicate figure swaying like a willow in the breeze, and said, "Thank you so much, Miss Sun. You don't need to be so polite, just call me Xiaoxiao. I was really fortunate to have you help me out just now."
Because Dongli Xiaoxiao was very thirsty, Shanqiu had to go out to find some water to tide them over. Only the three of them remained in the bamboo house, and the atmosphere eased considerably.
Seeing that Fu Yuchi had already chosen a place to sit, Sun Miao'er leaned over and asked with a smile, "Master, how is Xiaoxiao's health? Did you say that to help me?"
Yes and no.
Fu Yuchi's tone was indifferent, and he focused entirely on Sun Miao'er, remaining unmoved by the beauty before him.
Dongli smiled and asked, "Sir, what does this mean?"
Fu Yuchi leaned back, closed his eyes to rest, and replied casually, "The foot injury is minor, the poisoning is real."
"Poisoning?" Sun Miao'er raised an eyebrow. "Is it Datura poisoning?"
Fu Yuchi shook his head, his handsome face showing a gentle expression: "Of course I am. In addition, I haven't eaten or drunk anything for two days, so my body is depleted. It's certain that I can't walk right now, but with a little care, it won't kill me."
Dongli smiled as she pulled up the coat that Shan Qiu had thrown to her, coughed twice, and said with her head bowed, "Thank you, sir. If it weren't for you two, I'm afraid I would be in grave danger today. That official was really heartless."
Just as she finished speaking, Shan Qiu stood at the door of the dilapidated house, his face ashen. He had rolled a leaf into a ladle shape in his hand, filled it with water, and a lot of it was leaking out through the cracks.
He strode up to Dongli Xiaoxiao and said seriously, "Drink up."
Dongli smiled and looked up. The water, which should have been full, had leaked down to half its original volume. She quickly took the water, sipped it, and said, "Thank you, Officer Shan."
Upon seeing this, Sun Miao'er couldn't help but tease, "It seems that Constable Shan is cold on the outside but warm on the inside."
Shan Qiu remained calm and said seriously, "Protecting the people involved in this case is my duty."
Sun Miao'er suddenly remembered what the old woman from Duhuanlou had said. Logically speaking, the cinnamon powder in the tobacco cake was put in by Dongli Xiaoxiao herself, but she was also poisoned. Could it be that she was crying wolf?
If she really just wanted to run away, why bother having those men in black do it? Instigating others to commit violence in public is a capital offense.
Since she ran away, why is she coming back now?
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