The journey to the Northwest was filled with comfort and warmth, but upon returning home, that subtle tension returned.
Li Xiumei showed extraordinary enthusiasm for Qin Tian's scientific research.
"Old Qin, how's your project going? When will you see results?" Li Xiumei brought it up again at the dinner table.
Qin Tian was serving food to Su Wantang when he heard this, and he just casually replied, "Soon, it's still in the data analysis stage."
"You'd better hurry! I heard that your company's bonus this time is particularly high. If we can get it, our family's life will be much better." Li Xiumei's eyes gleamed.
Lu Linchuan put down his chopsticks and observed her discreetly.
It's highly unusual for a woman who usually knows nothing about scientific research and only cares about daily necessities to suddenly become so interested in this national-level classified project, even finding out the exact amount of the prize money.
Qin Tian said impatiently, "Alright, I know, just don't keep bringing this up during dinner."
Li Xiumei pursed her lips and didn't continue, but her eagerness remained undiminished.
Lu Linchuan witnessed all of this, and a seed of doubt was planted in his heart.
That afternoon, Qin Tian and Lu Linchuan went to their workplaces, while Su Wantang rested in her room.
Seeing that no one was around, Li Xiumei changed into an inconspicuous set of clothes, put on a hat and a mask, and sneaked out the door.
She wandered around and eventually came to a secluded alley.
At the end of the alley, a man in a Zhongshan suit with a crew cut was already waiting. The man was not tall, but his eyes were sinister; he was the Japanese soldier who had used the alias "Wang Wu".
"Why are you so late?" Wang Wu asked, sounding quite displeased.
Li Xiumei took off her mask and smiled ingratiatingly, "My family is all here, it's hard to get away. Fifth Brother, what's the matter that you urgently need me for?"
"Research results! Where's what I asked for?" Wang Wu cut to the chase, grabbing her wrist. "The higher-ups are pressuring us; have you gotten it yet?"
Li Xiumei winced in pain and quickly begged for mercy: "Fifth Brother, be gentle! Qin Tian is so stubborn, he's been keeping a close watch on me lately, he's even locked the study door, I haven't had a chance at all. He said the project isn't in its final stage yet."
"Useless!" Wang Wu shoved her away. "How much longer? I don't have that much time to wait!"
"Almost there, almost there. He said all that's left is the final data. I've been urging him on. Please give me a little more time," Li Xiumei said, rubbing her reddened wrist and pleading.
Wang Wu snorted and took an envelope out of his pocket, handing it to her. "This is your activity fund for this month. Remember, get the stuff as soon as possible."
Li Xiumei took the envelope, a flicker of greed and fear crossing her face. She nodded repeatedly, "I understand, Fifth Brother, I will do it as soon as possible."
Wang Wu ignored her and turned to disappear into the depths of the alley.
Li Xiumei clutched the envelope, let out a long sigh, straightened her clothes, and hurriedly left.
Meanwhile, Su Wantang was completely unaware of all of this.
That evening, while she was taking a walk with Qin Tian, she casually asked, "Uncle, how did you and Aunt meet?"
A hint of unease flashed across Qin Tian's face when this was mentioned.
He mumbled, "Many years ago, I was drinking outside and on my way back I encountered some thugs who stabbed me. She happened to be passing by and took me to the hospital. She took care of me for several days without taking off her clothes."
“At that time, I was alone in the city, without any relatives around. She was a woman, and she was so kind, taking care of me day and night... Later, after a while, I fell in love with her and felt that I should take responsibility for her.”
Qin Tian concealed the most crucial and embarrassing part of it.
Su Wantang nodded as she listened to this twisted version of the "hero saves the beauty" story.
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