In Shanghai's political circles, by noon everyone knew that members of the Liu family had been arrested or were under investigation, and even those who hadn't been arrested had been suspended from their duties and had their freedom of movement restricted.
This caused quite a stir. Liu Shiren's wife was seen by someone she knew while eating at a restaurant, and the person told her about it, which is how she learned that something had happened to the Liu family.
She stood there stunned for a moment, somewhat dumbfounded. The person who told her the news seemed to regret it and left while she was in a daze. When she came to her senses and wanted to ask what had happened, there was no one waiting for her anymore; they had all vanished.
She didn't even finish her meal; she hurriedly left the restaurant to inquire about information from the government.
After making inquiries, she learned that almost everyone in the Liu family had been arrested. Those who hadn't been arrested were just like her—unemployed or children still in school.
But something even worse awaited her. When she returned home, a group of people were ransacking her house. The messy state of the house was nothing compared to the fact that all the places where she had hidden her treasures had been found. Several large boxes containing the treasures were placed in the middle of the yard, guarded and inventoried by people. The glittering gold and silver jewelry and banknotes were so dazzling that she couldn't open her eyes. She collapsed to the ground.
It's over! This is it, completely over!
The people conducting the raid discovered her, walked over, and asked, "Liu Shiren's wife?"
When she didn't answer, the man asked a neighboring elderly woman who was watching nearby, "Comrade, isn't the woman sitting on the ground Liu Shiren's wife?"
The neighbor asked very enthusiastically, "Yes, comrade, what did the Liu family do that they came to ransack their home?"
The staff member didn't answer her question directly, but instead asked, "Given the Liu family's wealth, should they have the things in the boxes in this yard? We welcome everyone to report any misconduct; the government will reward those who report it."
After he finished speaking, he went into the courtyard to continue working, regardless of the reactions of the onlookers.
The masses always have sharp eyes, and the discussion was exceptionally lively.
"Looking at the things in the yard, the Liu family knew that something serious had really happened, and now even a god couldn't save them."
"Keep your voices down. The good times have just begun, why are you spouting all this feudal superstition? I think trouble is bound to happen sooner or later. Have you forgotten? Their family has people working in the cabinet committee. In the first few years, who among us didn't fawn over them? Back then, they were so arrogant!"
"Absolutely! They always eat and dress well, especially this guy on the ground, he's a regular at big hotels in Shanghai!"
“That’s right! I’ve always felt that they’re not simple. Logically speaking, all the people who have worked for the government since then have gotten into trouble, so why is their family the only one who’s safe and sound? They must have pulled some strings and given some big gifts. Where did those gifts come from? Their family used to be just an ordinary family, so they shouldn’t have those gold, silver and jade artifacts in their yard.”
"That's right, they've probably profited off someone's misfortune, and who knows how many they've done!"
An elderly man said, "Look at that 'Boy Bringing Blessings' piece. Doesn't it look like the one from the old Shao family? It's said that it was given by Liu Qing, the head of the gang at the time! People admired the Shao family's benevolence and gave it to Old Master Shao as a 70th birthday gift."
"You know what, although I've never seen it, I've heard that it supposedly has an official seal on it. Shouldn't we report this to the government? If it weren't for the old folks, they might not even know about this."
"The Shao family were red capitalists back then. They donated airplanes to the country, reportedly twenty of them! And the rest were countless."
"Of course, could it be? The Shao family's misfortune is also related to the Liu family, isn't it?"
"It's hard to say! Back then, the Liu family had someone on the cabinet committee."
"I've suspected something was off with the Liu family for a while now. Their food, clothing, and daily necessities are just too good! It's a pity I had no evidence. I wonder which kind soul managed to find evidence against the Liu family."
"I heard that the other members of the Liu family have also been arrested. They can't escape now."
"Tell me quickly, what happened?"
When Manager Ma of the Grand Hotel heard the news about the Liu family, he found a secluded spot, wiped the cold sweat from his body, and mustered his courage before going out.
Fortunately, I don't think I offended that big shot!
This swift and decisive action is truly terrifying!
You must serve them with utmost care and attention.
Despite the wind and rain raging outside, An Moxue slept soundly until there was a knock on the door. She glanced at her watch and saw it was already one o'clock in the afternoon. She got dressed, went to open the door, and saw two happy faces.
"Uncle Ma, Auntie, you're back! It seems your trip went very smoothly!" An Moxue said, opening the door and entering the house with the elderly couple.
Aunt Ma said happily, "It went smoothly. I feel much more at ease now that I've been there. This is the first time I've been there in so many years, and it's better than I expected."
An Moxue said, "You can go whenever you want in the future. If you have money and are in good health, it won't be a problem."
Aunt Ma replied with a smile, "Your Uncle Ma said the same thing, which shows that you two think alike."
An Moxue looked at Old Ma and said, "Uncle Ma, why aren't you saying anything? You seem quite happy."
Old Ma looked at her and said, "Ai Guo said you told us to go back to the North after we returned. Is there something wrong? Especially since you've been sleeping until now. Weren't you busy all night? Didn't you come out to have fun? How come you still have things to do?"
An Moxue chuckled. "So, Uncle Ma, you're worried about me! Don't worry, there's no danger. Wasn't our original plan to go back to the North as soon as you and Auntie returned? It's just that I'm missing now. I have to go to Hong Kong for a while. Don't worry, it's related to investments. Next time, I'll take you two to Hong Kong Island. I have a big villa with a view on the hillside there. I'll take you there to stay and experience the charm of money."
Old Ma glared at him. "Stop trying to bluff. I only have one requirement: safety first. Everything else is secondary. Got it?"
An Moxue pleaded softly, "Yes, yes, yes, I remember, I remember, I'll bring you Hong Kong specialties when I come back!"
Old Ma said arrogantly, "No need. Didn't you say you'd take us there in two years? I'll buy whatever I like then, but you'll have to pay for it."
“Okay, no problem. I’ll pay for your expenses when you two go.”
Aunt Ma stood by without intervening, watching the father and son argue, and happily took things out.
Without An Moxue noticing, a pile of things was left on the table.
"Auntie, what are you doing?"
Aunt Ma said with a smile, "These are all local specialties; I brought you some of each."
An Moxue stared in disbelief, “I can’t eat all of this! There’s so much, I’ll get sick. Let’s share some with Ai Guo.”
Aunt Ma said, "He's prepared. If you can't finish it, give it away. Isn't there a childhood friend of Comrade Wu? You can take it and give it to him."
"Alright! Whatever you say."
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