Chapter 335: Obedient Human Pup

Shen Shu took a deep breath, as if he had made a huge decision; when he spoke, his voice carried an extra weight.

"The few people who were close to him were brutally attacked in a protest; several died on the spot, their deaths gruesome."

Even while Shen Shu was investigating, the burial sites of those few were filled only with their garments and headgear.

"In that terrorist attack, many innocent people also met untimely deaths."

Shen Shu strained to speak these words in a calm tone, masking his inner sympathy for those people.

Based on earlier investigations, it can basically be concluded that Leona's friends and the dean died at the hands of the same faction.

After hearing Shen Shu's account, Lu Xiwán instantly recalled the events of that year.

Anyone would lament those innocent lives lost.

"These people were closest to Leona, so the murderer chose to have them die in the most horrific way," Lu Xiwán paused, "the purpose was to kill a chicken to warn the monkey, to make Leona shut up from then on."

What a vile heart, and what cruel methods.

"Then why did he spare Leona? Clearly, killing her outright would have been the best solution."

It wouldn't even have caused such a huge uproar.

Lu Xiwán looked at Zhong He, who had raised the question, "Because their reach hasn't extended to China yet, and facts prove Leona chose correctly."

Had she fled to another country back then, the outcome would have been unknown, and they would never have seen her again.

To stir up a mess in the United States… this time their opponent is even more ferocious than any before.

"Regardless, I have to thank them for not harming Yao Yao."

Lu Xiwán felt heavy‑hearted; she didn't even know whether it was a blessing or a disaster.

All to keep the past kidnapping of Yao Yao hidden, those people played such a massive scheme.

They even kept everyone in the dark, toyed with them while applauding.

Yao Yao was lucky to survive in the hands of such people.

"Let's not talk about that for now; this time we have not a single clue?"

"The person I sent out says they found a witness, but…"

After all, several years have passed; no one can verify whether that person's statement is true or false.

"As long as there's any hope, we should seize it; otherwise, the next chance won't be this good."

Lu Xiwán thought that herself, but she also needed to see others' opinions; she looked at Zhong He and Fu Sijue.

"I have no objection; if we can find it, that would be best."

Fu Sijue also nodded, "No matter the cost, we must locate the real mastermind from back then."

That person five years ago could reach into the hospital and have someone take Yao Yao away; five years later, they can likewise use another method to shatter the hard‑won peace.

Fu Sijue would never allow such a thing to happen.

"The gentleman said he hopes to talk with the child's parents."

Shen Shu took out a sheet of paper and placed it on the table, on which a string of numbers was written in flamboyant script.

He solemnly said, "This will be our last hope."

Xie Zian gave Lilian a heavy pat on the shoulder, causing her to jump up in fright.

"What are you doing here? Do you still have the habit of listening at the corner?"

Lu Xiwán had already told him beforehand that they were discussing something important inside; Xie Zian came up to help Lu Xixi fetch a toy and bumped into Lilian standing at the door.

This made Xie Zian, who already doubted Lilian, tense up instantly, watching her warily.

"Uncle Zhongyi asked me to come up and help deliver water to them; Mr. Xie must be thinking too badly of me."

Xie Zian: "Just go straight in to deliver the water; skulking around outside, who knows if you're eavesdropping?"

And being slapped once and reacting this much, Xie Zian thought it impossible not to suspect.

"If, by chance, I entered and accidentally overheard their secrets, Mr. Xie wouldn't think I have a double heart toward the Fu Clan, would he?"

Regardless, it's an established fact that Xie Zian doesn't like Lilian, so whatever Lilian does is suspicious in his eyes.

Lilian was fully aware of that.

"You don't need to bring it in; after they come out, they'll fetch water themselves."

Xie Zian, without waiting for a reply, dragged Lilian downstairs, "If you don't want me to suspect you, then don't do anything that raises suspicion. If you have other motives, I tell you, you won't get away with it."

Watching Xie Zian's retreating back, Lilian clenched her fingers tightly, her nails digging into her flesh as if feeling nothing.

Little Lu Xixi decided to be a child.

So they played all day, and felt drowsy at mealtime, nodding so much they almost shoved their head into the rice bowl.

"Don't judge me; since Xi Xi's cold last time, I haven't taken them to the creek. Today we just played hide‑and‑seek in the courtyard, then I had them do a bit of exercise."

Xie Zian, nervous, explained everything.

His demeanor made the usually stoic Lilian let out a sudden giggle.

"Who gave you permission to laugh?"

"Everyone present can hear what you say; are you forbidding me from laughing?"

Lilian was clearly very displeased with Xie Zian's differential treatment and retorted bluntly.

"I'm close with them, so whatever they do I won't get angry, but you—no, that's not allowed."

Xie Zian made his attitude obvious: he simply doesn't like Lilian.

Whether this person was sent by Mrs. Xie or anyone else, Xie Zian dislikes them.

"Then I trouble Mr. Xie: if you really find me so disagreeable, please advise Aunt Xie in advance so that when I go home there won't be so many troubles."

Lilian may appear soft on the outside, but her heart is very resilient, unmoved by Xie Zian's threats.

Lu Xiwán had to step in again as a mediator, gently persuading both of them.

"Since Miss Lilian can't get along with Xie Zian, then you shouldn't argue with him. In this Vacation Villa, no one will stop you whatever you do; as for what Xie Zian said, just pretend you didn't hear it."

To Xie Zian, Lu Xiwan was simply blindly favoring Lilian.

He let out a cold snort and then fell silent.

"Mr. Fu and Mrs. Fu both came from this stage; living in a family marriage like ours, personal choice doesn't come into it; I too am merely compelled by family circumstances."

Otherwise I wouldn't be putting up with Mr. Xie's anger here; I hope Mrs. Fu can still discipline him well, so he won't make things difficult for me."