Chapter 125 Ulterior Motives
Then, he slowly nodded: "Yes, I think you're right. Her reaction was too abnormal; it's impossible for it to be unrelated."
Qiao Wanyin was slightly taken aback and unconsciously looked up at him.
She hadn't expected him to agree with her point of view so directly.
It made something inside her soften slightly.
"Qingqing, don't worry."
He continued, "No matter how Commander Fang ultimately handles this matter, no matter how many rumors circulate outside... I will stand by your side."
But these words, when heard by Qiao Wanyin, silently pierced her heart.
Is it really just that I'm on her side?
Even if they say they support her, do they still have any lingering warmth from the past in their hearts?
No—she absolutely wouldn't allow it!
We absolutely cannot allow that seemingly innocent and pitiful girl to be allowed to...
She used her fragile facade to slowly erode their relationship.
The next morning, Qiao Wanyin opened her eyes early.
She glanced at Fu Lian, who was still fast asleep.
Her eyes were filled with mixed emotions, including past warmth, as well as present hesitation and confusion.
This man was once the one she thought she could spend her life with.
He was the person she was willing to entrust her life to during the most difficult years.
But now, his silence is like a wall.
He pushed her further and further away, making her increasingly unable to understand him.
She turned and walked out, her steps light, yet carrying a resolute coldness.
The morning at the performing arts troupe was much noisier than expected.
Qiao Wanyin stood outside the rehearsal hall and saw Liu Piaopiao leading everyone in their morning practice.
Qiao Wanyin didn't rush in. She crossed her arms and kept her eyes fixed on the figure.
When Liu Piaopiao came out wiping her sweat, Qiao Wanyin immediately went to greet her.
"Comrade Fang, we've met again."
Liu Piaopiao was clearly taken aback, and the towel in her hand almost slipped to the ground.
She instinctively took a half step back, forcing a smile, "Did you need something so early?"
"You still haven't given me the truth about what happened yesterday."
Qiao Wanyin stared into her eyes, her gaze sharp as a knife. "I'm here today to hear the truth."
Liu Piaopiao glanced around, seemingly to make sure no one was nearby.
She lowered her voice and said, "It's not convenient to talk here."
"Then let's find a place where we can talk."
Qiao Wanyin stood ramrod straight, not retreating an inch. "I won't leave. Wherever you go, I'll follow."
Liu Piaopiao bit her lip.
She was silent for a few seconds, then turned and led her to the small garden behind the cultural troupe.
"Can you tell me now?"
Qiao Wanyin's tone was devoid of any unnecessary emotion.
“You lied to me yesterday. You did go to the mutual aid center.”
Liu Piaopiao's expression changed, as if someone had touched a hidden wound.
She looked up abruptly, "Why are you still harping on me? I've already told you I didn't poison it!"
"I didn't say you poisoned him."
Qiao Wanyin's tone turned cold, but her voice became clearer, "I'm just asking you, why were you there?"
Liu Piaopiao's face turned pale, and her lips trembled slightly.
“I…I was just passing by. Really, I didn’t do anything, I just happened to be there.”
"Just passing by?"
Qiao Wanyin chuckled lightly, her eyes filled with disdain and skepticism.
"The mutual aid center is a full two kilometers away from here, separated by a wasteland and a muddy path. How could you, a young lady who usually frowns even at the slightest dirt on your shoes, 'pass by' so accurately?"
Her gaze was like a knife, piercing straight into the other person.
"The security team found your earring in the bushes near the back gate. It was covered in mud, clearly indicating it was dropped in a hurry. Liu Piaopiao, how long are you going to keep this a secret?"
Liu Piaopiao suddenly looked up, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes. "That...that earring, I lost it a long time ago! I lost it near my house last week. Maybe someone picked it up and took it there!"
"Yeah?"
Qiao Wanyin sneered and took out a small plastic bag from her pocket.
Inside was a pearl earring, with a tiny "Y" engraved on the hook.
Is this yours?
Qiao Wanyin's voice lowered, but sounded even colder.
Liu Piaopiao subconsciously touched her left ear, and her face turned deathly pale.
"Liu Piaopiao!"
Qiao Wanyin suddenly raised her voice, "Do you know what happened that day? Those children almost died! Hu Zi was only seven years old. He vomited until his face turned blue, and when he was taken to the hospital, his stomach was bleeding! The doctor said it was severe food poisoning!"
She took a step closer. "Fang Yueyue is your own cousin! She's lying in the hospital bed convulsing, foaming at the mouth, and unconscious! When you heard the news, didn't you feel sad? Didn't you feel pain? You're also a member of the Fang family, how could you do this!"
Liu Piaopiao's chest heaved violently, and her breathing became rapid and disordered.
"I..." She opened her mouth, then forced it shut, not daring to look Qiao Wanyin in the eye.
Qiao Wanyin didn't press her any further, and just stood there quietly.
She was waiting, waiting for an answer, waiting for the truth to emerge.
She could sense that Liu Piaopiao's emotions were like a string stretched to its limit, ready to snap at any moment.
After a long silence, Liu Piaopiao finally spoke, "I...did go to the mutual aid center. Yesterday afternoon, I...went there secretly."
Qiao Wanyin did not interrupt, and continued to look at her in silence.
"But I didn't poison it."
Liu Piaopiao shook her head vigorously, her voice tinged with stubbornness, "I didn't touch the kitchen, nor did I go near the children's plates. I swear... I really didn't!"
Qiao Wanyin narrowed her eyes, her gaze sharp as needles. "Then what were you doing there? You traveled two kilometers just to 'take a look'? Tell me, what exactly do you want?"
Liu Piaopiao took a deep breath, as if she had used all her strength to calm herself down.
She lowered her head, her fingers twisting tightly together. "I just... wanted to see what you were up to. You suddenly came back, took over the mutual aid center, took in so many children from other families, and even used the Fang family's funds... Everyone says you have ulterior motives."
She paused, then lowered her voice.
“I know I’ve never liked you. From childhood to adulthood, you’ve taken away what should have been mine, even my father’s last moments before he died… I remember it all.”
This answer startled Qiao Wanyin, and a complex emotion flashed across her eyes.
She clenched her fists, but her voice was eerily calm. "And then? What did you find out? What 'shady stuff' did you discover?"
Liu Piaopiao kept her head down, not daring to look at her. "I... I just wanted to find something on you. I wanted everyone to see your true colors. But I... I really didn't poison you, and I never expected anyone to be poisoned... I..."
Her voice grew softer and softer until only weak gasps remained, and she swayed precariously.
Qiao Wanyin took a deep breath, trying to make her voice sound calm, "Go on."
You weren't there that day.
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