Chapter 336: Will Come Back to Take

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 during a parade; several of them died on the spot, their deaths gruesome."

Even when Shen Shu investigated, the graves of those people were buried with only their clothing and hats.

"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 be basically 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 what had happened back then.

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 make an example, to silence Leona forever."

What a vile heart, and what cruel methods.

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

And it wouldn't 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; the facts prove Leona chose correctly."

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

To stir up a pool of murky water in the United States… the opponent they face this time is 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 curse.

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

They even kept everyone in the dark, manipulating them like a drum.

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

"Let's not talk about that for now; this time we have no clues at all?"

"The person I sent reported finding a witness, but…"

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

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

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

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

Fu Sijue nodded, "Regardless of the cost, we must locate the true 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 could similarly disrupt the hard‑won peace in another way.

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, its numbers written in a flamboyant, flowing script.

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

Xie Zian gave Lilian a heavy pat on the shoulder, causing her to startle and nearly jump up.

"What are you doing here? Do you still have the habit of eavesdropping in the corner?"

Lu Xiwán had already told him in advance; they were discussing something important inside, and Xie Zian came up to help Lu Xixi fetch a toy, only to run into Lilian standing at the doorway.

This made Xie Zian, already suspicious of Lilian, tense up instantly, watching her warily.

"Uncle Zhongyi asked me to come up and deliver water to them; Mr. Xie, you're assuming the worst about me."

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

And reacting so dramatically to just a pat, Xie Zian couldn't possibly not be suspicious.

"If I accidentally overhear their secrets when I go in, Mr. Xie wouldn't think I have a double agenda against the Fu Clan, would he?"

Regardless, it's a given that Xie Zian dislikes Lilian, so whatever Lilian does is suspect in his eyes.

Lilian was well aware of that.

"You don't need to bring it in; they'll come out and get water themselves later."

Xie Zian, without letting her speak, dragged Lilian downstairs, "If you don't want me to suspect you, then don't do anything that raises suspicion; if you have other intentions, I tell you, don't even think of succeeding."

Watching Xie Zian's back retreat, 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 during meals they became drowsy, nodding so much they almost stuck their heads into the rice bowl.

"Don't look at me; since Xi Xi caught a cold last time, I haven't taken them to the creek. Today we only played hide‑and‑seek in the yard, 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 still forbidding me to laugh?"

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

"I'm close with them, so I won't get angry no matter what they do, but you—no, that's unacceptable."

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 ask 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.

"Miss Lilian, since you can't get along with Xie Zian, don't argue with him. Here in the Vacation Villa, no one will stop you whatever you do, and as for what Xie Zian said, just pretend you didn't hear it."

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

He snorted coldly and then fell silent.

"Mr. Fu and Mrs. Fu both came from this stage; living in a family marriage like ours, personal choice is never up to the individual, and I am merely forced 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."