Seeking help from a love rival
During the two days that You Jiale was missing, inside Yunyin Hall...
“A bunch of useless trash!” Zhang Xiande pointed at the people he had sent out to protect You Jiale.
The thought of the possible misfortunes that You Jiale might encounter—being arrested? Injured? Or worse—made Zhang Xiande feel a chill run from the soles of his feet to his head, and his heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to jump out of his chest.
He abruptly stopped, a flicker of struggle crossing his eyes. The situation was tense; to openly search now would be tantamount to exposing his position.
At this critical juncture, the only people we can mobilize who won't be exposed are...
Zhang Xiande picked up the phone, hesitated for less than three seconds, and then dialed the number he was extremely reluctant to dial, saying, "It's me, Zhang Xiande."
The call was quickly answered, and He Mingzhou's slightly arrogant voice came through: "Hey, Mr. Zhang, what a rare guest. What brings you here to call me?"
Zhang Xiande took a deep breath. "He Mingzhou, there's something I need your help with."
He Mingzhou clearly sensed the unusual tone in Zhang Xiande's voice, and chuckled lightly, with a distinctly sarcastic undertone. "Does Boss Zhang still need my help?"
Zhang Xiande knew what He Mingzhou was talking about. He had indeed attacked He Mingzhou that time because of Pei Zhiyuan, and the attack wasn't light. But he didn't have time to think about that now, so he cut to the chase. "You Jiale is missing."
He Mingzhou was silent for a moment, seemingly surprised by the news. "When did this happen? Did you scare them away?" His tone was a little gloating, but also afraid that something had really happened.
"It's dangerous for him to be out there alone right now, you know what that means." The Japanese are making a big fuss about it now, and if he gets caught by them, the consequences would be unimaginable.
“I can’t conduct a large-scale search right now. You need to use your connections to do a thorough, house-to-house search. You must find him for me, I’m afraid something might happen to him!” Zhang Xiande’s voice was filled with obvious anxiety, and there was even a hint of pleading in it.
Zhang Xiande closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and almost squeezed out the words through clenched teeth: "Help me find You Jiale, and I'll owe you a favor." This was the first time in his life that Zhang Xiande had said such a thing to his rival in love, but he was willing to do it for You Jiale's safety.
He Mingzhou didn't really intend to take advantage of someone's misfortune, at least not in this matter. What he needed wasn't Zhang Xiande's favor, but rather… His voice turned serious. "Mr. Zhang underestimates me. I'm not that kind of petty person." After saying this, he hung up the phone.
Upon receiving Zhang Xiande's urgent call, He Mingzhou immediately contacted his connections at the police station.
Yu Jiale's photo was quickly sent to the police officers in charge of the search. He Mingzhou emphasized that once the person was found, he must be notified immediately.
The search operation was quickly launched.
As police officers were conducting searches in the western part of the city, one of the officers in charge pointed to a small courtyard and said, "Sir, this place hasn't been searched yet?"
Just as they were about to step inside, the faint sounds of conversation coming from the courtyard caught their attention. The officers quickened their pace.
They entered the courtyard, their gaze sweeping over the small house, taking in everything at a glance, before their eyes quickly locked onto the young man sitting on the bed. He was wearing an ill-fitting old jacket, his hair was somewhat disheveled, and his face was a little pale, but that face was exactly the one they were looking for in the photo He Mingzhou had sent out.
After confirming the identity, the police officers immediately reported to their superiors.
Upon receiving the call from the police station, He Mingzhou didn't hesitate for a moment. After dialing Zhang Xiande's number, he immediately rushed over. He wanted to confirm You Jiale's safety as soon as possible.
Zhang Xiande felt like he was being roasted over a fire during this period, and he practically rushed to answer the phone whenever it rang.
"Found it?" Upon hearing the address given by He Mingzhou, Zhang Xiande grabbed his coat and rushed out of the study.
"Get the car ready!" Zhang Xiande's tone carried a suppressed anxiety, as if... as if he had lost something most precious and finally saw hope of finding it again.
The car screeched to a halt at the entrance of the old alley. Zhang Xiande opened the car door almost before the car had come to a complete stop. He immediately saw the small courtyard; several police officers were standing at the gate, and He Mingzhou was also there, talking to the old lady. Zhang Xiande ignored everything else and strode over.
He stepped past He Mingzhou and the old lady, his gaze sweeping into the cramped room. There was nothing to hide in, and his eyes immediately settled on the figure. It was You Jiale, pale-faced, her hair disheveled, wearing an ill-fitting old jacket, looking thin and disheveled.
"How did it get like this?!"
You Jiale's gaze was fixed on Zhang Xiande, who was walking towards him. He felt that Zhang Xiande looked quite haggard during the two days that he had been unconscious, and he hadn't even shaved.
He had so many questions he wanted to ask, he was practically bursting with pent-up frustration. How was the evacuation going? Had the crowd reached the safe zone safely? Had the main force arrived? He'd been unconscious for two days; had the Japanese invaders entered the city and killed anyone during that time? Had anyone lost their lives? His mind raced, a barrage of questions gushing out relentlessly. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but before the words could even reach his throat, the dense crowd in front of him silenced him.
This situation clearly wasn't something he could keep asking questions about. He had no choice but to suppress his anxiety, worry, and even a little bit of grievance.
Just then, a gentle voice rang out: "Jiale."
You Jiale then shifted her gaze from Zhang Xiande to the person who had spoken. It was He Mingzhou.
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