Gu Xingdong: "Judging by Zhang Zhihui's character, he wouldn't leave any evidence that would incriminate him. So, I think the person who tied the knot must untie it."
He Ziyu looked up, "So, you mean we should start with Zhu Shasha?"
Gu Xingdong nodded, "Anyone whose will has been worn down will try their best to seize any glimmer of hope they see."
He Ziyu nodded.
With the matter mostly resolved, the two flew back to the capital from Hong Kong.
He Ziyu specifically took a car to the prison where Zhu Shasha was held.
Having shed her former glamour, and weakened by prolonged depression and labor, Zhu Shasha had lost a lot of weight. At thirty, she looked over forty.
Her complexion was sallow, and her eyes were listless.
She was arranged by the detention personnel to sit by the iron bars. When she clearly saw that the person opposite was He Ziyu, her eyes flinched.
"Is Qingqing Zhang Zhihui's child?" He Ziyu stated directly.
"No."
He Ziyu had been watching her intently, so the fleeting panic in Zhu Shasha's eyes did not escape his notice.
"How about this, let's make a deal. If you cooperate, I can arrange a transfer for you, and if you do well, you might even get a reduced sentence. What do you think?"
Upon hearing his words, Zhu Shasha's body visibly trembled.
She couldn't bear to live another day in this dark, hopeless existence. However, the He family had given her instructions. She thought she would spend the rest of her life in this darkness, but now He Ziyu had given her hope again.
Therefore, no matter what, she had to grasp it.
"What do you want me to do?"
...
When He Wenxin learned that He Ziyu had returned from Hong Kong, she sought him out immediately.
"Ziyu, is there some misunderstanding here? I understand Zhihui's character quite well. Although as a businessman, he might sometimes focus on gains and losses, he would never engage in illegal or criminal activities."
"Wenxin, you've been deceived by Zhang Zhihui's appearance. Do you know what I found out in Hong Kong? Do you remember the child Zhu Shasha gave birth to back then?"
He Wenxin nodded, a hint of pain flashing across her face, "Zhihui has confessed to me. He was confused at the time. I don't want to dwell on who was right or wrong back then."
Although she was deeply pained and couldn't accept the fact, Zhang Zhihui had been by her side and given her warmth during her most difficult times.
Therefore, He Wenxin just wanted the matter to end quickly, and then take Ruirui back to Hong Kong to live a peaceful life.
He Ziyu looked up, "Do you know that Rui Rui's disappearance back then was also related to Zhang Zhihui?"
He Wenxin thought she misheard and said in disbelief, "Ziyu, what are you saying?"
Although he knew that He Wenxin might not be able to bear the truth, he still heartlessly told her everything he had learned from Zhu Shasha, as well as his own investigation results.
After He Ziyu finished his last sentence, He Wenxin felt her vision go black, unable to concentrate and think for a long time...
Zhang Zhihui never imagined that after planning meticulously for half his life, and calculating everything, Zhu Shasha would betray him.
What he didn't expect even more was that Luo Yaowu, to be on the safe side, had a contingency when they signed the contract.
All that awaited him was a prison sentence.
Not only did he have to return all the money from the properties he sold to He Zinian, but his company was also auctioned off due to insolvency.
Chen Lishu seized the opportunity, not only taking over his company in the capital at a low price but also acquiring Zhang Zhihui's garment factory in Pengcheng.
Xinxin Apparel thus became a branch company under the Shu Se brand.
He Wenxin was greatly affected by this incident.
He Wenxin's elder brother personally approached the He family to discuss, earnestly requesting that Rui Rui be allowed to stay in Hong Kong for a period, even out of consideration for their past relationship.
The elder Mr. and Mrs. He could not refuse.
Chen Lishu and Gu Xingdong also had a talk with Rui Rui.
Despite their reluctance, everyone waved goodbye, watching Rui Rui board the plane with He Wenxin and her elder brother...
Ten years later.
In a villa, a beautiful girl of twelve or thirteen was eating breakfast properly at the dining table when suddenly, her sandwich was snatched away.
Turning her head, she saw the other person had already put the sandwich into his mouth.
"Gu Yicheng!"
"Xiaobai, don't be angry. It's a rare day off, and brother has already arranged to play basketball with Wang Yanhui. There's no time. Be good, make yourself another one."
The short-haired boy took a bite of the sandwich, then picked up the girl's milk and drank a couple of gulps before heading towards the door.
"Gu Yicheng."
A familiar voice sounded from behind, and the boy's footsteps immediately faltered.
He stiffly turned around, forcing a smile, "Mom, it's a rare day off, why are you up so early?"
"It's precisely because it's a rare day off that you're rushing out to have fun first thing in the morning. When do you plan to do your homework? Your teacher has already contacted me twice this month. You know that three times and you're out, right?"
The boy chuckled, trying to appease her, "Mom, I'll write it as soon as I get back at noon. I promise."
Chen Lishu said helplessly, "Your elder brother was never this much of a worry when he was in school. How come you're so troublesome? If you don't behave, I'll have to tell your dad when he gets back from his business trip."
The boy begged, "No, no, no, Mom, you're my mom. Give me another chance, please don't let that fascist dad know, or I'll have no life left."
Chen Lishu looked at him without speaking.
The boy put down his sandwich and obediently sat back down at the table, saying somewhat aggrievedly, "I won't go, alright?"
"Your dad and your brother are coming back today. You'd better behave."
"Mom, is older brother coming back from Hong Kong?" Hearing his mother's words, the girl's eyes, like gemstones, lit up suddenly. "Older brother hasn't come back to see us for so long."
"He's graduated from university and has time now. Coincidentally, your dad has almost finished discussing the development project with your Uncle Li in Pengcheng. They'll return to the provincial capital together. After your summer vacation starts in a few days, you'll all go to the capital to visit your Uncle He and his family."
"Great!" The little boy clenched his fist excitedly. "Last time I called my older brother, he mentioned a game console that's only sold there. I wonder if he'll bring it for me this time."
As the mother and sons chatted over breakfast, the doorbell rang, and the little boy quickly put down his sandwich to open the door.
"Auntie, Uncle, Auntie, Uncle, why are you all here? Please come in."
Looking at his grown-up demeanor, Gu Xingping, holding her daughter's hand, couldn't help but pat his head. "Isn't today the day your dad and brother are coming back? Your mom called last night and asked everyone to gather here. Your grandparents and second uncle will probably be a little later."
Last year, Zhang Xiaoju became pregnant unexpectedly. She had to take care of the child and the shop, and was too busy. Li Xiulan and her husband moved in with Gu Xingye to help.
Chen Liyuan and Lin Qi got married and had a son, who was now six years old and looked very endearing.
Around ten o'clock, the elder couple Li Xiulan and Gu Shoufu, as well as the families of Gu Xingmin and Gu Xingye, also arrived.
With the whole family present, the house became very lively.
The women went into the kitchen to get busy, while the men and children talked and played in the living room.
At noon, Gu Xingdong entered with a tall and handsome young man of eighteen or nineteen.
Looking at her son, who was almost as tall as her husband, Chen Lishu felt a mix of emotions.
"Mom."
Although Rui Rui had changed his name back to He Mingrui, Chen Lishu and Gu Xingdong were forever his parents in his heart.
"Mom made your favorite dishes. Put your things down with Dad, wash your hands, and let's eat."
The familiar words made time seem to rewind to many years ago, when he had just returned from school, and that gentle, beautiful woman would always have dinner ready, saying the same words to her husband and son with a smile...
This book concludes here, though it may have many imperfections.
Thank you all for your continued support.