Chapter 212 The Person Has Disappeared
She remained expressionless, took out a piece, and said, "Mom, have a piece too."
The walnut shortbread had a smoky sheen from years of aging oil, and the edges were slightly cracked.
She handed it to Song Yazhi, her gaze open and honest.
"I won't eat them, I'll save them all for you."
Song Yazhi smiled and waved her hand, her tone full of affection, "You're carrying two people now, you need to eat more nourishing food."
She emphasized the phrase "two people" and her gaze fell on Qiao Wanyin's lower abdomen, her expression meaningful.
But whether that smile concealed scheming or genuine sincerity, only she herself knew.
The mother-in-law suddenly became considerate for only one reason—Fu Li'an's conversation had an effect.
That day, her husband, Fu Li'an, finally couldn't hold back and had a serious talk with his mother.
His words were sincere, expressing both his support for his wife and a reminder to his mother not to let prejudice hurt the family's feelings.
Perhaps it was those words that forced Song Yazhi to tone down her sharp edge.
But given Song Yazhi's temperament, she wouldn't give in so easily.
She has always been assertive and has a strong desire for control, so how could she be willing to be disciplined by her son?
Even if they appear compliant, they will not truly submit in their hearts.
This sudden display of tenderness seemed more like a carefully planned disguise.
Beneath this gentle facade, there likely lies a deeper scheme...
Qiao Wanyin knew in her heart that the more unusual the kindness, the more vigilant she should be about the motives behind it.
She wouldn't be so naive as to think that the relationship between her and her mother-in-law would improve, nor would she easily believe everything she sees.
"Sigh, the face cream I usually use is sold out. I went to several stores and they all said it was sold out."
As Song Yazhi spoke, she sighed, but secretly glanced at Qiao Wanyin out of the corner of her eye.
She frowned, her tone full of helplessness, and gently stroked her cheek with her hand, as if she were truly troubled by dry skin.
But that fleeting glance was fixed firmly on his daughter-in-law's expression, like a hook.
Upon hearing this, Qiao Wanyin paused slightly with her fingers. "Really? That's really inconvenient."
She stopped folding clothes, her fingertips gripping a shirt cuff, tightening slightly.
She didn't look up, her tone was flat, but she was already calculating the other person's intention in her heart.
"but……"
Song Yazhi deliberately lowered her voice, as if sharing a secret, "I heard that someone nearby is secretly selling them. Although they are a bit expensive, they are genuine."
She spoke mysteriously, her tone suggestive.
His eyes flickered, clearly waiting for Qiao Wanyin to respond.
Qiao Wanyin looked up and met her mother-in-law's meaningful gaze.
There was probing, enticement, and a hint of barely perceptible smugness in his gaze.
It was as if the moment she showed even a hint of interest, the next move would be quietly laid out.
"A private deal..."
She feigned hesitation, her brows furrowing slightly, and said softly, "That kind of place... isn't it a bit unreliable?"
She spoke cautiously, as if she were genuinely worried about safety, her tone tinged with hesitation and apprehension.
Song Yazhi immediately chimed in, "That's right! How could an old lady like me dare to go to a place like that?"
She shook her head repeatedly, looking timid and afraid of trouble. "Those alleys are very chaotic. Who knows if they're lying?"
She sighed again, "Never mind, it's fine without it, it's just that my skin is dry and itchy."
She reached out and scratched her arm, making a gesture of discomfort, her voice full of grievance and helplessness, as if she had suffered greatly.
Watching her mother-in-law's performance, Qiao Wanyin suddenly smiled and said, "If Mom really wants it, I'll go outside tomorrow and see if I can find it."
Her smile was faint, and her tone was gentle, as if she had taken on the task out of filial piety.
But deep within those calm eyes, a sharp glint flashed.
The next morning, Qiao Wanyin changed into an inconspicuous outfit, slung a cloth bag over her shoulder, and went out.
She wore a faded blue cotton shirt, her hair was simply tied in a ponytail, and she wore a pair of old cloth shoes.
She looked like an ordinary housewife, inconspicuous and easily lost in the crowd.
She deliberately paused for a moment at the alley entrance, and out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Fang Xiaoju hiding behind a tree. She immediately understood and gave a cold laugh.
The neighbor who usually ran errands and relayed messages for Song Yazhi was now hiding behind the sycamore tree, peeking furtively in their direction.
Qiao Wanyin pretended not to see and slowly adjusted the cloth bag on her shoulder.
"As expected, they couldn't wait any longer."
She murmured to herself, a slight upturn at the corners of her lips, a growing chill in her eyes.
She was fully aware of the trap they had set; and she was ready to put on a good show for herself.
She pretended not to know anything and slowly walked towards the city gate.
Their steps were neither hurried nor slow, as if they were strolling leisurely, or enjoying the cool morning air.
Her back view looked calm and composed, as if everything was under control, without the slightest tension or panic.
She would stop every few steps to touch her belly, looking very cautious.
Her hand gently rested on her lower abdomen, her brows furrowed slightly, but a gentle smile appeared on her lips, as if she were comforting the baby in her womb.
This action appeared remarkably natural, filled with a mother's warmth, making it impossible to associate her with any conspiracy.
Fang Xiaoju followed from a distance, her eyes full of excitement, "Qiao Wanyin, you can't escape this time!"
She hid in the shadows of the corner, her fingers gripping her sleeves tightly, her nails almost digging into her palms.
Those eyes were fixed on the figure in front of her, her pupils flashing with barely suppressed pleasure and greed—this time, she had finally caught them red-handed!
The atmosphere became a bit tense as we approached the black market.
The vendors on both sides of the street looked hurried; some packed up their stalls, while others talked in hushed tones. An inexplicable sense of wariness permeated the air.
Several figures wearing red armbands were patrolling in the distance, their leather boots making a dull thud on the ground, which made one's nerves tense.
As soon as Qiao Wanyin turned into the alley, Fang Xiaoju quickly quickened her pace to catch up.
But as soon as they turned the corner, the figure disappeared.
The alley was narrow and winding, with mottled gray walls on both sides. The ground was wet, reflecting the hazy sky.
She stopped abruptly, looked around, and her breathing became rapid—she had just been in front of him, how could he have disappeared in the blink of an eye?
"Where did they go?!"
Her voice trembled slightly, echoing faintly in the empty alley.
She reached out and braced herself against the wall, her heart pounding, cold sweat trickling down her forehead.
As she looked around, a cold voice suddenly sounded behind her—
The voice wasn't loud, but it felt like an ice blade piercing her eardrums, making her freeze.
Every word seemed to carry a chill that shot up my spine and up to the back of my head.
"Little Ju, aren't you tired after following me for so long?"
Her tone was so gentle it was almost sarcastic, like an older sister speaking to a younger sister who didn't know any better, yet it was laced with biting sarcasm.
Fang Xiaoju was startled and turned around abruptly.
Qiao Wanyin was leaning against the wall, a smile on her lips, but her eyes were devoid of any warmth.
She leaned against the mottled brick wall, relaxed and elegant, but her eyes were like a deep pool, cold and unfathomable.
The sunlight shone on her face, outlining a cold and aloof profile, which inexplicably made Fang Xiaoju feel a sense of fear.
"What nonsense are you talking about! I just happened to be passing by!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
