Chapter 337: Having a Great Time

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 while Shen Shu was investigating, the graves of those people were filled only with their clothing and ornaments.

"In that terror 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 description, Lu Xiwán instantly recalled what had happened back then.

Who wouldn't lament those innocent lives that were lost.

"These people were closest to Leona, so the murderer chose to have them die in the most horrific way," Lu Xiwán paused, "The goal 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."

Even without causing 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 unknown, and they would never have seen her again.

To stir up a pool of murky water in the United States... this time their opponent is even more ferocious than any before.

"No matter what, I have to thank them for not laying a hand on Yao Yao."

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

All to keep the abduction and sale of Yao Yao back then hidden, those people set such a massive scheme.

They even kept everyone in the dark, toyed with them as if clapping.

Yao Yao was lucky to survive in the hands of people like these.

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

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

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

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

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 find 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 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 contents a string of numbers 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 in fright.

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

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

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

"Zhongyi Shu asked me to come up and deliver water to them; Mr. Xie, you're thinking too badly of me."

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

And to react so strongly to just a pat—Xie Zian can't possibly not be suspicious.

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

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

Lilian is fully aware of that.

"You don't need to go in; once they come out, they'll come for water themselves."

Without waiting for a reply, Xie Zian 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'm telling you, you won't get away with it."

Watching Xie Zian's retreating back, Lilian clenched her fingers so tightly that even the nails digging into her flesh felt numb.

Xi Xi, the little kid, resolved to be just a child.

So they played the whole day, and when it was mealtime they felt drowsy, nodding so much they almost stuck their head 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 stern Lilian let out a sudden giggle.

"Who gave you permission to laugh?"

"Everyone present can hear what you say; are you forbidding me to laugh?"

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

"I get along well with them, so whatever they do won't anger me, but you—no, that's unacceptable."

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

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

"Then I'll trouble Mr. Xie: if you truly find me so disagreeable, please advise Auntie Xie early 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 to calm down.

"Miss Lilian, since you can't see eye to eye with Xie Zian, don't argue with him. Here in the Vacation Villa, no one will stop you whatever you do, and just ignore whatever Xie Zian said."

To Xie Zian, Lu Xiwan's behavior was simply an unfounded bias toward Lilian.

He let out a cold snort and then said nothing more.

"Mr. Fu and Mrs. Fu have both been through this stage; living in a family marriage like ours, personal choice doesn't really decide things, and I am merely compelled by family circumstances."

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