Chapter 71 Confused about the eavesdropping saga, Zhu Qingzhi finally called the police. ...
“No, that’s not true. Xiaoning’s trip to Haicheng is for work purposes,” Liu’s mother explained anxiously. “It’s not about pursuing someone.”
"Really? It seems I misunderstood." Zhu Qingzhi suddenly realized and gave a genuine smile. "I heard from others that Sister Xiaoning likes my husband, and I almost believed it."
Who could be so blunt as to expose things like that? It's either stupid or malicious, but looking at Zhu Qingzhi's innocent face, it can only be stupid. Mother Liu's heart skipped a beat; her already limited goodwill towards Zhu Qingzhi almost vanished.
The Lu family's daughter has not appeared in the public eye since birth, disappearing for more than ten years, and only six years ago did some rumors begin to circulate.
Everyone eagerly awaited the announcement, but the Lu family made no mention of holding a welcoming banquet or anything to announce their daughter's identity. Therefore, everyone guessed that it was because this daughter was not favored by the Lu family, and over time, no one cared about her anymore.
Looking at them today, their speech and manners are truly unacceptable. No wonder the Lu couple hasn't made an appearance yet; they probably don't want to get entangled with their daughter and lose face.
She said that children should be raised and properly educated, and their education should continue to improve, rather than giving up halfway and going to the entertainment industry, which is a big dye vat.
Alas, it seems that the Lu family's daughter is doomed.
Liu's mother sighed inwardly and quickly pressed down on Liu Xiaoning's tense forearm, once again taking the initiative to exonerate her: "Xiaoning and Wen Qi were just high school classmates. After she went abroad to study, I never heard of them having any contact. You must have misunderstood."
Zhu Qingzhi smiled and said, "Since Auntie has come forward to refute the rumors, of course I believe her."
Her bright eyes were filled with obvious laughter, as if she really believed it. Liu's mother really didn't expect her to be so easy to fool, and she couldn't bring herself to say the other excuses she had prepared.
By this time, most of the guests had already taken their seats, and few noticed the drama unfolding in the hall. Mother Liu, not wanting to waste any more words with Zhu Qingzhi, simply reminded her, "Qingzhi, your parents haven't arrived yet, so perhaps you..."
Before he could finish speaking, Wen Qi walked over to Zhu Qingzhi and took her from his mother's arms, saying, "Auntie, let's go inside first."
Zhu Qingzhi seemed to want to say something more, but after hearing Wen Qi's words, she didn't say anything more. She just gently patted Liu Xiaoning's hand as she passed by and said, "Sorry."
With her deliberately lowered voice and extremely affectedly cute expression, Zhu Qingzhi knew that this was a great humiliation for Liu Xiaoning, but she just wanted to do it.
Wen Qi pulled her back, slowed down his pace to match hers, and whispered in her ear as if no one else was around, "You said it so smoothly just now, say it again and let me hear it."
The banquet hall was brightly lit, and soft music accompanied by casual conversation filled the air.
Zhu Qingzhi felt a tickle on her neck from his breath, but out of embarrassment, she only shrank her neck slightly: "Really? I don't remember."
"If you don't remember, it seems you've really developed muscle memory." Wen Qi's hand, which was resting on her waist, became restless, teasing her by tickling her. "Didn't you just say it depended on your mood? Why aren't you in a good mood?"
"Whether I'm in a good mood or a bad mood has nothing to do with her." Zhu Qingzhi glared at him, her face contorted with what she thought was a fierce and menacing expression. "You're still not happy?"
"I'm not willing," Wen Qi said with a smile.
How could he still laugh? How could he have the nerve to laugh? If it weren't for him, would she have had someone stabbing her in the back for no reason?
Zhu Qingzhi frowned and reached behind his back to pinch him, but Wen Qi seemed oblivious to pain, his eyes still smiling.
"You were so adorable just now, didn't you see my mom's eyes practically sparkling when she looked at you?" He paused, then his tone suddenly became serious, "If I hadn't dragged you back, were you really planning to go with her?"
Zhu Qingzhi: "..."
Seriously, I'm speechless. How can anyone eat vinegar like this?
Wen Qi grabbed the troublesome hand, rendering it immobile. Zhu Qingzhi stopped struggling and looked into his eyes, telling him in a serious tone, "Filial piety is a traditional virtue of the Chinese nation."
"so?"
So you big idiot!
Zhu Qingzhi conveyed the word "naive" to him with her eyes.
Zhu Qingzhi had already garnered attention because of Lu Yao's protectiveness of her own, and now she's standing shoulder to shoulder with Wen Qi. Their intimate behavior would be a bit excessive if they weren't a married couple.
Suddenly, all the speculation about this little starlet was reduced to one answer: she was the daughter of the Lu family, and the kind they especially loved.
Even the many questions about why she and Wen Qi were married have been answered: Wen Qi was indeed special to her, otherwise a cold-blooded assassin who was indifferent to women would not have changed so quickly in such a short time.
"Is the Lu family trying to make this a public announcement today?"
"Chairman Lu and his wife haven't shown up yet, and Young Master Lu hasn't given any definite answer, so let's not spread the word for now."
"If they didn't want to make it public, they wouldn't have done it so publicly. They must have meant something by it."
"Haven't you suffered enough setbacks before? Let me tell you, I don't want to starve for years to come."
They exchanged glances and tacitly kept it a secret.
*
Liu Xiaoning was angered by Zhu Qingzhi's gaze and tone, and went back to her backstage room alone to calm down after the opening ceremony.
What does Zhu Qingzhi mean? Is she obviously trying to disgust her?
Because of that little incident at the LR dinner party, she still holds a grudge, and today she embarrassed her in front of everyone.
Liu Xiaoning slammed her handbag onto the dressing table, kicked aside the chair that was in the way, braced herself with one hand on the cold tabletop, and pressed her throbbing temples hard with her fingertips.
Just then, her phone rang. The name "Chen Rou" appeared on the screen. She glanced at it and let the ringtone continue in the empty room until it automatically ended.
Immediately afterward, a text message popped up, still from Shen Rou: "Xiao Ning, there's something I want to ask you about Zhu Qingzhi."
Liu Xiaoning's eyes sharpened, but she still didn't reply. Sure enough, Shen Rou's second call came quickly. She watched the screen light up and then go dark, waited a few minutes, and then slowly dialed back.
"Arou, what's wrong? I was a little busy just now." She softened her tone, trying her best to be gentle.
"Oh, I know it's Uncle's birthday today. You must be very busy, right? I hope I didn't bother you?" Shen Rou was understanding and said a bunch of nonsense. "Give my regards to Uncle. I wish him boundless happiness and longevity!"
Liu Xiaoning gave a forced smile and cut straight to the point: "Thank you, Arou. I will definitely convey your sentiments. What did you want to see me about?"
"It's about... the bugging incident. The Civic Hotel just gave me a reply."
Shen Rou's voice was listless, clearly indicating that she was not in a good mood. It seemed that she had run into a snag. But since so much time had passed, why was the hotel still looking for Shen Rou? Had they discovered something?
She steadied her breathing and feigned calmness: "Wasn't that matter already properly resolved? With Mingyuan involved, you'll be fine."
"No, the matter has been investigated and it has nothing to do with me. A cleaning lady was bribed and stole the listening device from my room."
Shen Rou sighed, her tone hesitant, and stammered, "Actually, it's nothing serious... it's just that I was worried that if we investigate further, it might accidentally implicate you. After all, Zhu Qingzhi has already reported it to the police."
"You called the police?" Liu Xiaoning's voice tightened instantly, her fingertips unconsciously digging into her palm. "When did this happen?"
"I reported it the day it happened, didn't I mention it to you?" Shen Rou's voice carried a hint of unease. "It seems the police have already launched an investigation. Xiao Ning, that bugging device... it shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Liu Xiaoning suppressed her panic, but her tone remained calm: "What problem could there be? It's just an ordinary recording device. I sent it to you to help you collect...data. Besides, wasn't it lost a long time ago?"
“That’s true…” Shen Rou hesitated for a moment, “but since the police are involved, they will definitely trace the source. I’m worried they will follow the purchase records to you.”
Liu Xiaoning walked to the window, gazing at the bustling night view outside, her eyes gradually turning cold: "Purchase records? I'm always cautious in my work, using an anonymous account and overseas channels. Even if they investigate thoroughly, they won't be able to trace it back to me."
She paused, her tone suddenly turning serious, "As for you, Arou. You'd better keep this to yourself. If a third person finds out that I provided the bugging device, not only will you be in trouble, but I will be implicated as well."
"I know, I know, Xiaoning, you're the best to me. Don't worry, I definitely won't tell anyone." Shen Rou on the other end of the phone was clearly taken aback and quickly assured him.
After hanging up the phone, Liu Xiaoning slowly sat back in her chair, her expression growing increasingly grim. She opened a drawer, took out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag.
Zhu Qingzhi's move to call the police caught her off guard. Although she was confident that she had not left any evidence, police intervention was still a potential problem.
Amidst the swirling smoke, Liu Xiaoning's hand holding the cigarette trembled slightly as she tried to suppress the unease rising from the depths of her heart with reason.
She repeatedly told herself that she had done everything cleanly. Anonymous accounts, overseas IP addresses, logistics information that changed hands several times... even if the police intervened, it would be difficult to trace it back to her.
But "difficult" doesn't mean "absolute." What if? What if something goes wrong at some point? What if that idiot Shen Rou can't handle the pressure and says something...?
Moreover, the key point is that she bribed the cleaning lady. The reason she sent the bugging device to Shen Rou first was so that she could frame her later.
She didn't even dare to imagine the consequences if the wiretapping were exposed.
What a socialite from Beijing, the heiress of the Liu family, a capable successor candidate... everything she has painstakingly built up over the years will collapse in an instant, becoming the laughing stock of the entire circle.
The Liu family values reputation above all else. At that time, the family will definitely discard her without hesitation, just like throwing away an old garment with a stain.
She stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray, burning her fingers with the cigarette butt. The piercing pain jolted her awake.
I see.
She finally understood why Zhu Qingzhi had acted so unusually today, repeatedly provoking her.
Zhu Qingzhi probably already sensed something, which is why she used this method, both to test her reaction and to show off: "I know you did it, and I have cards to play."
A surge of anger, feeling fooled and belittled, rushed to his head, but then a deeper chill swept over him.
If Zhu Qingzhi has already become suspicious, or even obtained certain clues, then her actions today are far more than just a simple demonstration; it's more like the beginning.
Just then, a series of staggering and heavy footsteps came from outside the door. Liu Xiaoning quickly composed herself, but before she could fully compose herself, the door was rudely pushed open.
A strong smell of alcohol wafted in first, then Zhao Zhixun leaned swaying against the doorframe, his tie loose and his face flushed. He squinted, trying to make out who it was before mumbling, "Sister Xiaoning? Hiding here... for some peace and quiet?"
The strong smell of alcohol made Liu Xiaoning's stomach churn, and she felt extremely disgusted. But since the Liu family was hosting today, she couldn't abandon her guests, especially those of the Zhao family's stature.
She suppressed her discomfort, forced a concerned smile, and stepped forward to support his swaying arm.
"Chih-hoon, you've had too much to drink? Why is there no one taking care of you?" She spoke gently, but used some force in her hands, half-supporting and half-carrying the heavy drunkard to settle him on the sofa in the corner.
Zhao Zhixun let out a burp, and Liu Xiaoning immediately jumped up from the sofa.
He chuckled and slumped onto the sofa: "Don't even mention it, Xiao Tang has disappeared without a trace."
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Author's Note: Kiyoshi [doge emoji]: The show is about to begin.
Wen Qi [starry-eyed]: I want to hear it!
Liu Xiaoning [angry]: I'm going to turn the tables.
Shen Rou [angry]: I'm so angry!
Ah Mei: This is the limit! The six-hour time difference is really too much for me today [laughs] Hope you enjoy reading! [laughs]
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