Old Mr. He’s expression turned complex upon hearing Gu Xingdong’s words. He sighed deeply and asked, “Do you still remember the incident where Li Shu got into trouble in prison? I had Lin Che investigate, and it turned out the force behind those who instigated it was Old Yang! During the time you were away, I visited Old Yang to sound him out. I found he knew nothing about it. I suddenly recalled the rumors I’d heard about Zhang Wan’er liking you, so I guessed…”
Gu Xingdong’s brows furrowed tightly upon hearing this, his expression troubled as he asked, “Did Zhang Wan’er really do this? Could your investigation be mistaken?”
Hearing Gu Xingdong’s doubt, Old Mr. He became furious. He picked up his cane and gestured as if to strike him, “You scoundrel, do you think my intelligence network isn’t vast enough? That I can’t even investigate such a small matter! Why are you speaking up for her now? Or have you taken a liking to that little girl? I’m telling you, if you dare do anything to betray Li Shu, never mind whether Li Shu forgives you, these two old bones of ours won’t!”
Facing Old Mr. He’s questioning gaze, Gu Xingdong rubbed his temples with a headache, “What are you talking about? I didn’t mean it that way. If this matter was truly done by Zhang Wan’er, it would be difficult for us to question her responsibility now.”
Old Mr. He tapped his cane on the ground a few times, nodding in agreement, “You’re right, it is indeed difficult to question her. However, I mentioned this because something feels off. Zhang Wan’er has always been targeting Li Shu. Why would she suddenly take the blame upon herself? I don’t believe this girl has had a change of heart, or she wouldn’t have tried to collude with criminals to kill Li Shu. I suspect she might be plotting something bigger. You need to be very careful.”
Just then, Chen Li Shu, who had been silent, spoke, “If we want to know the truth, we just need to capture Qin Tai and interrogate him, then we’ll know. To be honest, Zhang Wan’er wanted to kill me at first. I resisted and stalled for time until Li Zhe Ming arrived, which is when she gave up that idea. As for what they plotted afterwards, I’m not very clear, because I had already fainted.”
Upon hearing Chen Li Shu’s words, everyone’s expressions gradually grew solemn. Li Xiu Lan said with great surprise, “So you’re saying Zhang Wan’er might have gambled her own purity to achieve her goals? If that’s the case, then that girl is truly terrifying. We must find Qin Tai at all costs.”
Mother He, however, hesitated at this point, “A girl wouldn’t be foolish enough to joke about her own purity, would she? Everyone wants to make a good impression on the person they like. Let’s not jump to conclusions. Once we find the witness, everything will become clear.”
Just as the atmosphere in the ward fell into an eerie silence, Li Zhe Ming appeared, “Zhang Wan’er, whom you mentioned, has woken up and is asking for you. What are you still waiting for? Come with me!”
Old Mr. He opened the window in front of him, lit a cigarette, and took a deep drag before saying in a low voice, “What are you still waiting for? Hurry up and go! We’ll take care of Li Shu here. What could possibly happen to her?”
Gu Xingdong knew these people would take good care of Chen Li Shu, so he said with reassurance, “Then I’ll go,” and left with Li Zhe Ming.
Meanwhile, in another ward.
Yang Zhiguo stood with his hands behind his back and asked with disappointment, “Why would you be so thoughtless as to help Chen Li Shu? Don’t you hate her the most? If she weren’t standing in your way, you would have been with Gu Xingdong long ago. Why are you so disobedient this time, and playing with your own body!”
“Uncle, I consider you family, and there are some things I don’t want to hide from you. In fact, there’s nothing wrong with my body. It was all a play I staged with Brother Zhe Ming!” After saying this, Zhang Wan’er climbed out of bed and walked around in front of Yang Zhiguo.
Seeing her movements, Yang Zhiguo was so startled that he quickly stood up from his seat, wanting to help her. But when he saw Zhang Wan’er jumping around energetically in front of them, perfectly fine, he was completely stunned.
“Uncle?” Seeing Yang Zhiguo staring at her in a daze, Zhang Wan’er quickly waved her hand in front of him.
“Zhang Wan’er!” Yang Zhiguo angrily pushed her hand away and questioned her with exasperation, “Do you know what you’re doing? When did the Zhang family and the Yang family teach you such underhanded tactics? You’ve truly changed. You’ve become so desperate to achieve your goals that I hardly recognize you anymore.”
“Uncle.” Zhang Wan’er was taken aback by Yang Zhiguo’s yelling, her eyes reddening within seconds, “I had no choice. I need to ensure I get Gu Xingdong’s love without hurting Chen Li Shu. I know my methods are a bit shameless, but… Uncle, I beg you not to reveal this. My reputation is already ruined. If I don’t get Gu Xingdong, who would dare marry a ‘tattered shoe’ like me? Uncle, I promise you, this will never happen again. Just cooperate with me one last time!”
Hearing Zhang Wan’er’s words, Yang Zhiguo fell into silence. He sighed for a long time and then said, “Since you’ve put it this way, if I don’t cooperate with you, how can I be your uncle? Am I supposed to just watch you remain unmarried for the rest of your life? Tell me, what do you want me to do now? As long as it’s not something illegal or immoral, I’ll agree to it!”
Zhang Wan’er immediately hooked her arm around Yang Zhiguo’s, pouting slightly and said coaxingly, “Uncle, don’t worry. I’ve done something wicked once, and I won’t do it a second time. After all, I’m afraid of retribution! I just hope you can ask Gu Xingdong to return to Alice’s place, and create an opportunity for him and me to be alone. He feels guilty towards me now. If I just make a bit more of an effort, with my charm, it won’t be difficult to win him over!”
Yang Zhiguo pretended to be disgusted and pushed her away, then urged, “Win him over or not. Such a young girl, you don’t even know the meaning of shame. Alright, I’ve already asked Li Zhe Ming to call Gu Xingdong over. Hurry up and lie down, so we don’t get exposed!”