"Your mother is in critical condition, fighting for her life, and you're off enjoying yourself abroad, unreachable by phone! Is it that you're too busy to answer, or is someone preventing you from taking this call?" Old Master He’s sharp gaze then fixed on Chen Lishu, his meaning more than obvious.
Witnessing this, everyone present gasped in surprise, covering their mouths with their hands. "Did you see Old Master He's expression? It was as if he wanted to devour someone. It seems our suspicions are at least partly correct!"
"Jealousy has truly ruined Chen Lishu. She had a bright future ahead of her, but because of one wrong choice, it looks like her career will be destroyed!"
"I don't understand why the second young master of the He family is still shielding Chen Lishu. She's the one who poisoned her own mother! Why is he protecting her? If it were me, I'd want to grind this woman into dust!"
"Could it be that the second young master of the He family has feelings for Chen Lishu? After all, the second young master is the ultimate heir to the He Group. With such a powerful connection, it's no wonder she could do something like poisoning!"
"..."
Old Master He’s eyes twitched as he listened to the murmurs, how could his two most cherished children be discussed by these people?
This scene shouldn't be played out by him alone. Seeing He Zinian looking like he was enjoying the show and showing no intention of explaining, Old Master He couldn't help himself. He raised his cane and struck He Zinian hard, "You scoundrel, why are you still standing here? Get out of the way!"
Seeing that Old Master He was truly angry, He Zinian dared not cause trouble in front of him. He then cupped his fist near his mouth, cleared his throat, and slowly said, "Dad, there are other explanations for this. Chen Lishu could never be the killer!
Don't you remember what Lishu went through when she was imprisoned? The outcome is already quite clear. Do you want to put her at risk again? I can't go to prison again, so I will hold a press conference and conduct an in-depth investigation into this incident in front of the audience and reporters!"
Upon hearing He Zinian’s words, a flicker of vigilance flashed in Zhang Wan'er’s eyes. What did he mean that Chen Lishu couldn't be the killer? Could it be that they had some evidence?
No, she absolutely could not let Chen Lishu have a chance to turn things around. Just as she was about to urge the police to arrest Chen Lishu quickly to avoid any further complications, Old Master He, as if reading her mind, sternly reprimanded her before Zhang Wan'er could speak,
"What other explanations? I think you've been bewitched by this woman. Your mother is in critical condition, and you didn't even go to see her after you landed. Instead, you're defending the killer!"
He Zinian also put on an anxious expression and said, "Dad! She's my sister. She took care of Rui Rui for so long. Look how much Rui Rui likes her. Children naturally feel good about those who treat them well. If Chen Lishu were truly a bad person, how could the child like her so much?"
Listening to the father and son's conversation, Zhang Wan'er finally breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed He Zinian had ulterior motives regarding Chen Lishu, which was why he kept speaking up for her. But it didn't matter; she now had the evidence in her hands! Even if she held a press conference and let the whole world know, it would still be bad for Chen Lishu. This outcome was exactly what she wanted, wasn't it?
With that thought, Zhang Wan'er immediately stepped forward to stand between the father and son, acting as a peacemaker. "Uncle, second brother He, Aunt is in critical condition. Please don't argue. Let second brother go back and see her first. Otherwise, if anything serious happens, second brother will never be able to get over it!
As for Chen Lishu, let her go back for now. Don't worry, these police officers will stay with Chen Lishu until the truth is uncovered, ensuring the murderer doesn't escape. As the saying goes, those who do nothing wrong fear no ghosts. Even if a press conference is held, I don't think Lishu would mind, would she?"
Chen Lishu, whose name was mentioned, raised an eyebrow. She put away her amused expression and quickly pretended to hesitate, saying, "I..."
"Wan'er, you're a good child. Your aunt has been taken care of by you since she fell ill, just like your own daughter. You have such a kind heart. Uncle will listen to you. Let's have Chen Lishu go back with us. I want to see if she shows any guilt seeing the old lady lying in bed!" Old Master He said furiously and turned to leave the airport, followed by Chen Lishu and the others.
Once everyone had left, the people at the airport finally breathed a collective sigh of relief, and the atmosphere instantly became fervent. Someone suddenly shouted, "What are you all still standing here for? Hurry back and get ready to watch the show!"
With that, the crowd at the airport dispersed.
----
Meanwhile, at the He family residence.
As the car pulled up to the house, all eyes turned towards them. Zhang Wan'er felt that something was off. Chen Lishu was supposed to be the culprit, so why did their gazes seem to be directed at her?
Especially Qin Yue. Logically, she should be standing with Zhang Wan'er, helping to condemn Chen Lishu's actions. Why was she standing so far away, watching the situation with a detached expression?
To break the eerie atmosphere, Zhang Wan'er forced out a few tears and cried out, "How is Aunt? Second brother He, go see her quickly. Aunt probably wants to see you the most right now!"
He Zinian pursed his lips and walked towards the room with a frown. When he saw Old Madam He lying on the bed with no color in her face, his mouth twitched slightly. There was truly no trace of acting in it.
After composing himself, He Zinian looked at the people around him with an angry expression and questioned, "What's going on? I've only been away from home for a day or two, how could my mother end up like this? How have you been taking care of her? And wasn't this toxin suppressed? How could it be triggered so suddenly?"
Chen Tong also stepped forward and said, "Second Young Master He, the condition for triggering it is to ingest neurotoxins daily. Only those close to the victim could have administered the poison. Shouldn't you think about who has been lingering around Old Madam's side every day recently?"
He Zinian's gaze sharply fell upon the servants attending to Old Madam He. "Did you do this?"
The servants turned pale with fear. They stammered and explained, "It's not my fault, it's really not my fault! Although we serve Old Madam, she doesn't like us to provide close personal service! We didn't have the opportunity to poison her, but..."