Strangers visiting
However, his previous experience of sneaking around to unlock the door taught him a lesson. He couldn't just do something like that recklessly. If there was any real danger, his small frame wouldn't be able to run away properly, so it would be pointless for him to go.
After thinking it over and over, Qin Zheng popped into You Jiale's mind.
Lin Zhi is a simple-minded girl, and she's still young. If something really happens to her, he's afraid he won't be able to protect her and might even drag her down with him. He doesn't know how deep the water is in this situation, so it's more reliable to go to Qin Zheng, that old fox. After all, he's Zhang Xiande's man; he might be able to help in a pinch.
Ever since Qin Zheng was sent by Zhang Xiande to work for him at "Leji Delivery", You Jiale knew that he was a "spy" planted by the boss. But Qin Zheng was a very reliable, meticulous, capable and quick-witted person.
Without hesitation, Xiao You decided to act like a boss and, under the guise of inviting Qin Zheng to dinner, tentatively go with him. Perhaps she could find out some information about "Li's Sauce Shop" without revealing her true intentions.
"Old Qin," You Jiale said with a smile and a polite tone, "you've really worked hard these past few days, busy with everything. To thank you for your hard work, I'll treat you to lunch this afternoon as a reward!"
Upon hearing this, Qin Zheng slightly raised his eyelids, a barely perceptible glance flashing in his eyes. He remained silent for a moment, then nodded, his tone still carrying a hint of distance: "Assistant Yu is too kind."
You Jiale grinned, a smile that hinted at a subtle attempt to lure him into a trap. "Then it's settled. I'll choose the location; I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
After Qin Zheng left, You Jiale put away her exaggerated smile and began to ponder with a frown.
Given Qin Zheng's sycophantic nature, news of this meal will likely reach Zhang Xiande's ears in detail very soon.
But that's alright, since we can't find any useful clues for the time being.
Furthermore, recently, You Jiale himself has indeed been "full of suspicious points": he has asked about the locksmith, he often digs up old company records, and occasionally he uses the excuse of "retrieving files" to go to the secretariat to look through those old documents.
If the boss can't even detect this little trickery, then Zhang Xiande, that old fox, is truly senile.
You Jiale wanted to test where Zhang Xiande's bottom line really was.
In another office, after listening to Qin Zheng's report, Zhang Xiande paused slightly as he turned the pages of his book.
He frowned slightly: "What place did he say?"
"He only said he was inviting me to dinner, but didn't specify the location." Qin Zheng's tone remained calm.
Zhang Xiande pondered for a moment, then softly hummed in agreement, but didn't ask any further questions. He simply turned the page slowly and deliberately.
After a long pause, he finally spoke: "Keep a close eye on You Jiale's every move, make sure he is safe, and at the same time, pay attention to who he is in contact with."
"Yes." Qin Zheng nodded.
Meanwhile, You Jiale was squatting in the courtyard of "Leji Delivery," staring thoughtfully at a clump of weeds that had sprouted out of nowhere in the corner. While pondering what to wear that evening to appear "harmless," she began mentally planning a route to "casually pass by the market."
Danger lurks around some unexpected corner in life—he can't afford to be careless.
You Jiale clapped her hands and stood up. Before she could even pick up her enamel mug to moisten her throat, she caught a glimpse of an unfamiliar face standing at the entrance of the courtyard. The person was wearing a faded blue cloth long gown, with the brim of his hat pulled low. His face carried a hesitant look of uncertainty, as if he were lost, or as if he had finally mustered up his courage.
"Excuse me..." the person said softly, with a hint of cautious probing, "Is this 'Le Ji Delivery'?"
You Jiale subconsciously dusted off the dust on her body, walked over and smiled warmly: "Yes, are you looking for someone to deliver your food? We are still in trial operation, you can pre-order or place an order by phone."
The man shook his head, his expression still reserved. "No... I was just passing by. Seeing all this hustle and bustle reminded me of an... old friend."
"Oh?" You Jiale's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't show it on her face. Her eyes darted around, discreetly glancing at their surroundings to make sure no one was paying them any attention. "That friend, do you live around here?"
"I suppose so." The man paused, his gaze sweeping over You Jiale, his eyes light and fleeting, as if brushing against the edge of an old book. "I haven't seen him in quite a while either."
Following up on his words, You Jiale raised her hand to shield her eyes from the not-too-bright sun as she spoke: "I wander around this area all day long, I might actually have seen it, why don't you tell me?"
The man didn't say anything, he just stared at You Jiale with a complicated look in his eyes, as if he was confirming something, or as if he was saying goodbye silently.
“I just saw you at the door,” the man suddenly said, “and you looked…familiar to me.”
You Jiale's heart skipped a beat, but her lazy smile remained unchanged: "These days, there are plenty of people who look alike, and quite a few who even have similar voices. Maybe your friend... is just as likable as me?"
The man smiled slightly, offering no direct response.
The smile froze for half a second, then immediately became polite again: "Is your likable friend still here?"
"Who knows?" The man withdrew his gaze, his tone suddenly becoming indifferent. "Maybe it's already moved to a different place, or maybe... to a different person."
He paused, a slightly apologetic smile on his face: "I've said too much, I'm sorry to have bothered you."
Before he could finish speaking, he nodded slightly, turned around, and left.
You Jiale squinted as she watched the person walk away, a faint sense of wariness creeping into her heart.
He knew perfectly well that this person wasn't there to order takeout, nor was he just chatting idly.
This person came specifically to verify his identity.
How did this person find this place?
The phrase "the person has changed" was clearly a test to see how much he knew.
You Jiale muttered to herself, "This mess is getting more and more complicated."
Meanwhile, at the base of the wall on the other side of the courtyard.
Qin Zheng stood with his back against the wall in the shadows, having witnessed the entire conversation from beginning to end.
Although they were a bit far apart and he couldn't hear what they were saying clearly, he could guess the gist of it from the stranger's cautious walk and the momentary freeze on You Jiale's face.
Back in Zhang Xiande's office, Qin Zheng stood in front of the desk and calmly reported, "We checked that man earlier; he's not in the local household registration records. I'll try to check again."
Zhang Xiande didn't even lift his eyelids: "Anyone whose identity you can find is definitely fake." He continued to instruct, "Who they are isn't important; what's more important is what they're looking for."
"Keep an eye on things over there, but don't alert them."
"yes."
Zhang Xiande tapped his fingers twice on his palm, as if he was pondering something.
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