Chapter 48 My sparrow is about to...
The rain in Wancheng was drizzling, shrouding the entire city in a damp and cold gray curtain.
The dark convoy drove in an orderly fashion, one car after another, until it came to a stop outside the Fang family's gate. As soon as the lead car came to a stop, two people dressed in black got out of the car and opened their umbrellas to tightly cover the rear door of the Rolls-Royce in the middle.
One person bent down to open the car door, while the other tilted the umbrella forward, as if afraid that the people in the car would get even a speck of rain on them.
At this moment, the lights in the Fang family hall were bright and warm, and the dishes on the dining table were still steaming.
Fang Yi was smiling as he served food to his son, the sound of rain making the room feel exceptionally quiet and peaceful.
Suddenly the door was pushed open, and a gust of cold wind carrying rain vapor swept in, making one shiver.
Immediately afterwards, dozens of people dressed in black suits filed in, creating a very imposing atmosphere.
Fang Yi looked up, and the smile on his face instantly froze.
Under the black umbrella, Huo Lan stood at the boundary of light, which was blurred by the rain and mist. He was surrounded by bodyguards, and his murderous aura was terrifying.
He really didn't expect Huo Lan to arrive so quickly. He didn't even have time to eat before he hurriedly told his wife and children to get up and greet him.
Huo Lan walked slowly into the hall, not in the mood to observe their obsequiousness, and went straight to the point.
"Where's the necklace?"
"The necklace has already been set up for Mr. Huo, but I didn't expect you to arrive so soon." Fang Yi bowed, his face full of flattery. "It's dinner time, Mr. Huo, would you do me the honor of having dinner with me?"
Fang Yi is a renowned private jewelry collector in Wancheng. He is knowledgeable about all kinds of jewelry and has collected rare and precious treasures from all over the world.
So when the search of the Huo family's jewelry was decentralized, he quickly learned of it.
Actually, he didn't specifically look for these necklaces; someone just came to visit him.
The visitor said he had received several exceptional items from the market and asked Fang Yi to come and appraise them.
Seeing the other party's nonchalant appearance, Fang Yi thought it was impossible for him to have received any valuable treasures. He intended to send him away directly, but to his surprise, the other party took out three glittering gold jewelry pieces from his bag, which immediately captivated him.
Fang Yi recognized the necklace at first glance. Fortunately, the other party didn't know its value. Although they knew the necklace was worth a lot, they asked for a price far below the actual value.
For two million, he got back three pieces of jewelry that the Huo family had lost. The other party was so happy with the money that they almost fainted.
Fang Yi chased the people out and couldn't wait to tell Huo Lan's assistant, Lin Lang, about obtaining the necklace.
He just didn't expect that Huo Lan would arrive in a flurry of activity shortly after the message was sent, catching him completely off guard.
Fang Yi also had his own selfish motives. His company had recently been in talks about the construction project of the central square, but a deal had not been reached for a long time. At this time, he needed the support and resources of the Huo family.
Huo Lan has always been astute in the business world and immediately saw through Fang Yi's intentions.
"Speak, what do you want?"
Seeing that Huo Lan's expression softened, Fang Yi became even more certain that these necklaces were of great significance to the Huo family, so he began to push his luck.
"For the construction project of the central square on Wancheng's main street, I need the Huo family to invest in Fangcheng Construction." Seeing that Huo Lan's expression was normal, Fang Yi added, "In addition, the investment will be split 30/70, with Fangcheng Construction taking 70%..."
Huo Lan's gaze suddenly sharpened, causing Fang Yi's smile to freeze instantly, and he almost trembled. "Mr. Huo, if you feel this is inappropriate, you can compromise a little..."
"The Huo family's investment projects have never been distributed in this way before. It seems that Fangcheng Construction does not really want to develop in Wancheng."
Huo Lan's tone was calm, yet intimidating enough.
Fang Yi was desperate to secure the project, so he stubbornly refused to budge. "One thing at a time. I went to great lengths to find the Huo family's lost jewelry."
Huo Lan chuckled, but Fang Yi felt a chill run down his spine.
“Every item belonging to the Huo family is meticulously documented, yet it has appeared in your Fang family’s possessions. Shouldn’t that be considered theft? How many years would one be sentenced for stealing jewelry of this value?”
Fang Yi broke out in a cold sweat after hearing those words, and his tone immediately softened.
"Mr. Huo, I was just joking," Fang Yi said obsequiously. "The things have been packed for you, I'll bring them to you right away."
After saying that, he told the servant beside him to go inside the room to fetch it.
Huo Lan finally saw the missing necklaces and was so excited he almost lost control.
"Tell me, where did you get this from!"
In his memory, the person in charge of the Huo family had always been aloof and dignified, decisive and ruthless, never showing any superfluous emotions.
But the person in front of me already had red eyes and could no longer maintain his composure.
Fang Yi knew that if he tried to play tricks on this matter again, he would only end up shooting himself in the foot, so he told Huo Lan everything.
"Bishui Village in Wancheng?" Huo Lan's fingertips turned white as he whispered, "So she's never even left Wancheng...?"
Fang Yi said, "I heard from the jewelry seller that it was bought from the staff of the archaeological team in Bishui Village."
When Fang Yi accepts jewelry, he needs to find out its origins. He wouldn't dare accept something of dubious origin, let alone something from the Huo family.
"The archaeological team..."
Huo Lan's expression was somewhat manic.
"My sparrow is about to be caught."
His wish was always so clever and bold. Despite having so many options, she chose to hide right under his nose and never gave up on her dream of studying archaeology.
Since they're being so bold, they should be prepared to get caught.
Upon learning the news, Huo Lan did not linger at the Huo family residence and led his men directly to Bishui Village.
The night rain was still falling. Lightning flashed across the dark sky, instantly illuminating the world as if it were daytime, with intermittent rumbles of thunder.
This rain will continue for a very long time.
Huo Lan stared intently at the necklaces in the car, a subtle ache rising in his heart.
Why sell them? Was it because I needed money? Or was I about to head to my next hiding place, a place you thought I would never find?
Huo Lan gripped the necklace tightly, his frustration washing over him like a tidal wave, making it hard for him to breathe.
"So what if you run away? I'll always find a way to bring you back." He almost gritted his teeth, but then softened and gently rubbed his cheek against the necklace on his hand. "Shiyuan, don't suffer outside anymore. Come back to me."
*
Jiang Shiyuan finally waited until nightfall, but the weather became increasingly worse.
Thunder and lightning raged, and rain fell like curtains. She stood at the doorway, looking up at the dark sky, still hesitating whether to take action tonight.
If she doesn't get her things back, she'll be penniless and unable to move an inch. She'll just have to obediently wait for Huo Lan to find her and imprison her again.
But if she went, there was at least a sliver of a chance. If the necklace hadn't been sold, she could buy the nearest plane ticket and fly abroad. After taking several hidden routes, Huo Lan wouldn't be able to find her for at least the next few years.
Jiang Shiyuan steeled her resolve, put on her raincoat, and tried to go out, but was stopped by someone.
She was in Xianghai Town, one of the famous ancient towns in Wancheng.
The town is nestled against the mountains and beside the water, exuding an ancient charm. The residences of the town's residents have also been built in the style of ancient buildings.
Staying in a hotel would expose her information, and having nowhere else to go, she turned to Dazhuang again, asking him to introduce her to a familiar and trustworthy guesthouse. She checked in without recording her identity information.
The guesthouse owner was a very gentle middle-aged woman who spoke softly and was very kind to her.
Jiang Shiyuan slept for an afternoon at the guesthouse, and when she was ready to go find the antique stall owner, she was stopped by her.
"It's raining, and the roads outside are all paved with bluestone, so they're very slippery. You're a single girl, so don't wander around like that."
The proprietress pressed Jiang Shiyuan down onto the sofa in the reception room and poured her a glass of hot water.
"It's not that you lost your ID card, it's that you're afraid someone will find you, right?"
Jiang Shiyuan's hand holding the water glass stiffened, and she tensed up.
She feigned composure and said, "No, it really is lost, so I can't register."
Jiang Shiyuan smiled sweetly, "Thank you for taking me in, sister."
The proprietress looked at Jiang Shiyuan gently and smiled, "My name is Mu Xin. You can call me Sister Xin. That's what everyone calls me."
Seeing that Jiang Shiyuan was still glancing at the rain outside from time to time, Mu Xin silently walked over and closed the door.
Jiang Shiyuan then came to her senses, "Why is the door closed?"
Mu Xin said, "I don't think many people will come to stay tonight. I'll take you to the backyard to rest."
Jiang Shi didn't want to go; she still wanted to find a chance to find the person who stole her necklace. She couldn't eat or sleep until she found them.
"Sister Xin, I really have something to do and need to go out. Please let me through."
Mu Xin still didn't open the door, looking at Jiang Shiyuan as if she could see right through her.
"Are you looking for those people at the antique market?"
These words startled Jiang Shiyuan, who couldn't come up with a reason at all. How could she know?
Mu Xin said, "Da Zhuang told me that a few people from your archaeological team were cheated out of eight thousand yuan at the antique market. You must have gone to see them about this, right?"
Only after confirming that Mu Xin was unaware of her identity did Jiang Shiyuan feel slightly relieved.
“During my daytime meals, I overheard someone saying that they like to play cards at night, and I want to call the police to report them for gambling.”
Jiang Shiyuan revealed his entire plan. Since Mu Xin didn't know who he was, telling her the plan might be able to help her out.
Mu Xin raised an eyebrow, neither confirming nor denying, "And then?"
"After they are taken away, I can find what I'm looking for in their house."
Although Jiang Shiyuan had been planning this in her mind for a long time, she still lacked confidence when she actually said it.
This plan was not only imperfect but also extremely dangerous, with a low chance of success. However, she was pressed for time and could not stay here any longer to wait for an opportunity. She had no other choice.
Mu Xin was a little confused, "It's not the eight thousand yuan, it's something else?"
Jiang Shiyuan could only nod. "They stole my gold necklace. I'm almost out of money. I don't know what to do if I can't find it."
"So that's how it is. But why did you pretend to have lost your ID card?"
Mu Xin still didn't believe she didn't have an ID card, and brought the topic back to the present.
Jiang Shiyuan had no choice but to continue using the excuse she had made up before.
"Because my family doesn't agree with me doing archaeological work, and my family has some power, it would be easy for them to track me down through my identity information."
The more information Mu Xin knew, the more considerations she had.
"Power? Is it those powerful families in Wancheng?"
Jiang Shiyuan's pupils dilated; she was truly frightened this time.
"The Huo family? The Xie family? Or the Shen family and the Xu family?" Mu Xin thought for a moment, then shook her head. "But your surname is Jiang."
Jiang Shiyuan quickly replied, "Yes, of course not. My family is alright, but not that powerful."
Mu Xin remained silent, seemingly lost in thought, before bringing up the previous topic again.
"The plan you just mentioned is not very feasible; the police can't do anything about it."
Jiang Shiyuan said, "It can at least buy us some time."
"What if someone hides inside and isn't discovered, or someone is outside and doesn't come back?"
Mu Xin's words left her speechless.
"You're oversimplifying things." Mu Xin glanced at the torrential rain in the backyard. "Stay here for the next couple of days, and I'll find a way to help you."
Jiang Shiyuan did not readily agree, but simply looked at her quietly.
She had only known Mu Xin for less than an afternoon, and her personality prevented her from letting her guard down with others so quickly.
“Many people come and go from all over the country to my guesthouse, and I can tell what many people are thinking at a glance. I’m also a very kind person and I want to get involved in everything. Since you’ve chosen to stay here, I have to take responsibility for you.”
Mu Xin led Jiang Shiyuan to the backyard, which was decorated very elegantly because it was a characteristic guesthouse.
The artificial hills and strange rocks, the babbling brook, and the winding corridors made it resemble a miniature Huo Garden, which only made her feel more depressed, even though she clearly loved Chinese architecture.
Mu Xin walked ahead, glancing sideways at Jiang Shiyuan with a faint smile on her lips.
"I'm guessing it's someone from the Huo family looking for you?"
Jiang Shiyuan stopped abruptly, clutching her backpack tightly, instinctively wanting to run away.
Seeing Jiang Shiyuan's nervous expression, Mu Xin knew that her guess was pretty much correct.
The news of the Huo family's search for the gold necklace has spread to almost half of Wancheng. With such a large and powerful family, how could the Huo family go to such lengths for a few gold necklaces?
And Jiang Shiyuan, by such a coincidence, also escaped from a very powerful family and lost a gold necklace. It's hard for her not to connect the two events.
Why would the Huo family choose a girl like this?
Mu Xin glanced at Jiang Shiyuan a few more times, and seeing that her eyes were full of fear, she did not continue to ask questions.
"Get some rest. I'm really not a bad person." Mu Xin sighed and comforted Jiang Shiyuan in a gentle tone. "If you really are the person the Huo family is looking for, then give up on looking for those necklaces. They are already searching with all their might."
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