Zhan Mohan knew that with Feng Shiyin’s animosity towards Wei Yumeng, her return this time was very likely aimed at Wei Yumeng, and helping Wen Yulan orchestrate the fake death was probably just a side project.
Regardless, he had to ensure the safety of his wife and child first before he could concern himself with other matters.
When he called Zhan Yichen to tell him that they had found nothing, Zhan Yichen wasn't too surprised.
These days, hope had descended and been shattered so many times that he had become somewhat numb.
On the phone, he murmured, “Brother, perhaps Lin Jing has truly…”
The fact that he had already entertained such thoughts made Zhan Mohan feel a sense of danger. He sternly reprimanded him, “Where are all these ‘maybes’ coming from? Isn’t the person you thought had an accident back safe and sound? Mu Linjing will be fine too. Be mindful of what you say and don’t let Yu Meng hear it.”
Zhan Yichen knew that his brother was more concerned about Wei Yumeng overhearing. In truth, he himself wasn’t sure if he could really find Mu Linjing.
But even so, as long as Mu Linjing wasn't found, there was still a sliver of hope, and he couldn't give up the search easily.
He forced himself to adjust his mood. “Brother, where are you? I’ll come find you. Lin Jing is the woman I love. I can’t give up on her. Even if there’s only a sliver of hope, a tiny clue, I must grasp it.”
This remark, however, reminded Zhan Mohan. That was right, any clue, no matter how small, should be seized.
So, he immediately told Zhan Yichen his location. “Come find me, we’ll meet up, and then we’ll go somewhere together.”
The place he wanted to take Zhan Yichen to was none other than the origin of the package Wei Yumeng had received – that small village.
If someone was indeed deliberately luring them there, he wanted to see who was so interested in them and going to such lengths to harm them.
And if Mu Linjing was truly at that location, they could rescue her then and there.
After much deliberation, this was a place they had to see for themselves.
After explaining the entire situation to Zhan Yichen, they didn’t waste a moment. They changed into an inconspicuous car and drove towards that village.
Everyone carried weapons, so at least they could protect themselves if danger arose.
Upon arriving at the location, they discovered the area was undergoing demolition, with no residents in sight, let alone anyone to send a package.
As soon as Zhan Yichen entered the village, he warily placed his hands behind his back. “The shipping label must be fake. Clearly, someone set a trap for us. This place doesn’t look like it can hide anyone.”
The moment he spoke, Zhan Mohan made a shushing gesture, indicating for him to look at the end of the road.
A scooter was parked by the roadside, and not far from it was a house, its door locked.
Since it was a demolition zone, everyone should have moved out by now. Moreover, houses in other areas had been razed, yet this one remained.
At this point, Fang Xun whispered, “This might be a holdout. Usually, during demolitions, there are always a few holdouts for various reasons; they refuse to move. Construction projects can’t start if there are bad omens before the launch. These people are the biggest headache for developers.”
“So, you mean there are still people living here?” Zhan Yichen thoughtfully looked at the door of the house. “Do you think Lin Jing might be inside?”
If anywhere in this area could hide someone, it would likely be this one house.
“Regardless, we came here to find someone. Even if there’s only a one in ten-thousand chance, we have to go in and look. Everyone, take out your phones and be ready. Be careful.”
The group approached the house with their hands behind their backs. Zhan Mohan knocked on the door, but there was no answer.
Just as he thought no one was inside, Fang Xun reminded him, “Usually, when you knock during the day, holdouts won’t open the door. They won’t leave easily, for fear of losing their homes if they do. There’s likely someone inside.”
So, he took over from Zhan Mohan and knocked again. “Hello, we’re not here to force you to leave. We’re lost and can’t find our way. Could you please open the door?”
A faint sound of movement came from inside. After a while, a woman’s voice emerged from behind the iron gate. “I don’t know the way either. I won’t open the door. Please ask elsewhere.”
A few simple sentences left those outside the door somewhat stunned. This voice… how was it so familiar?
The group exchanged glances. Fang Xun spoke again, “I’m sorry, we’re really just asking for directions. If you’re willing to guide us, we can offer you some compensation.”
This time, there was another long silence. Just as they thought they would be refused again, the sound of a bolt being drawn back came from behind the door.
As the gate opened, the group was shocked to see that familiar yet unfamiliar face.
Jiang Siyu also hadn’t expected them to be at the door. She immediately tried to close it, but her speed and strength were no match for the men. Fang Xun gave a simple push, making it impossible for her to close the gate.
She let go and tried to run back into the house, but Zhan Mohan was faster, catching her arm. “How did you escape?”
She couldn’t break free, and sweat broke out on her forehead. “Zhan Mohan, are you really this persistent? What good does locking me up and giving me a life sentence do for you? I don’t love you anymore, and I’m not competing with you. Why can’t you just let me go?”
“I’m asking how you escaped.”
Zhan Mohan was only concerned with this. Zhan Yichen also stepped forward, interrogating her, “Lin Jing? What did you do with Lin Jing?”
This made it even harder for her to speak. “How would I know where she is? What do you people want? Are you bothered even by me being a holdout here? If you hadn’t swindled all my assets, would I be living such a pathetic life?”
Zhan Yichen ignored her words and barged into the house, starting to search. However, in the small house, he searched every corner, but Mu Linjing was nowhere to be found.
This made him, already restless, somewhat lose control. “Where did you take Lin Jing?”
Jiang Siyu tried to break free several times but to no avail, so she had to let them control her.
“I really don’t know what you’re talking about. What do you want? Even in this state, you’re not satisfied? Zhan Mohan, I wanted to die, but you wouldn’t let me. Now that I’ve escaped, I haven’t disturbed your life. Why can’t you let me go?”
She was now convinced that Zhan Mohan was relentlessly pursuing her. Seeing the doubt in his indifferent eyes, she gave up resisting and sank to her knees.