Chapter 339: She Has No Husband

"Everyone, look! There's Huafeng brand clothing here!"

"Impossible!"

"How's it impossible? Isn't the actress on this poster Ning Pingping? Haven't you seen the advertisement on Channel One? How could you mistake it?"

"So it's true? Huafeng brand clothing has even reached Li Jiapo?"

In the largest shopping mall in Li Jiapo, Li Ye and the others stopped before a clothing counter, staring at the prominent model advertisement and murmuring in amazement.

The Beijing University debate team ultimately won the championship of this debate competition, earning a small prize fund.

So everyone finally had a bit of discretionary cash and couldn't pass up the chance for a pleasant "overseas shopping" experience.

But after just a few minutes of browsing, they spotted "made in China."

Li Ye laughed: "Why act so surprised? Seeing your own country's products abroad—shouldn't you feel proud?"

"Hehe, we're proud indeed! Come on, let's go support domestic goods!"

Qin Yongsheng chuckled, waved his hand, and led the way forward.

The others followed suit; everyone had money to spend now and was determined to show their support.

But just half a minute later, everyone was stunned.

"Why is it so expensive? Is this really Huafeng brand?"

"Of course it is—take it down and compare it with what we're wearing. Look at the anti-counterfeit buttons, the rainbow-woven labels. Genuine article."

"But how come it's several times more expensive than in mainland China?"

Everyone was baffled, since most exported goods, when bought abroad with foreign currency, were significantly cheaper than in mainland China.

But the Huafeng brand here was absurdly overpriced.

Finally, a student asked Li Ye: "Li Ye, do you know why?"

Why? Because my trade company is pocketing the markup!

Pei Wencong, under Li Ye's orders, acquired two Hong Kong export firms and established sales channels across Southeast Asia—how could he not make a profit?

"Cough—"

Li Ye cleared his throat lightly and said coolly: "This is a market economy—prices follow supply and demand. If it's priced this high, it's worth it.

As for why it's cheaper in mainland China? The advertisements clearly state: export surplus, domestic sale at a Liangxin price!"

The group remained skeptical, but within minutes, someone came over and bought two sets of Huafeng clothing—paid promptly, cleanly, without a hint of complaint.

"It really is true—Huafeng is truly a Liangxin domestic brand."

Several students were deeply moved; they looked at their own clothes and calculated the exchange rate.

Unbelievable—this outfit's value had skyrocketed. Back home, they'd have to put it in a case; even a single crease would make them ache for days.

Alright, alright—everyone, shop quickly! There's a student gathering tonight!

Team Leader Zhou checked his watch and urged everyone to hurry, not to get distracted by too many choices.

The gathering venue was another hotel, slightly more upscale than the one where the Beijing University debate team stayed—at least it had a swimming pool.

The students from various universities who had just clashed fiercely in debate now smiled warmly, exchanged polite greetings, expressed mutual goodwill, and hoped their friendship would last forever.

Only He Qiusheng, with his slightly rebellious air, grinned at Li Ye and said, "Not guilty of debate," clearly still resentful.

In his view, the Beijing University team had exploited every advantage: first they picked the softest opponent, then chose the most favorable affirmative side—virtually guaranteed victory.

Li Ye smiled and didn't argue.

Debating on stage might turn rivals into friends; but private bickering could turn them into enemies.

Whether there was foul play in this competition remains uncertain—but even if there was, it was due to real strength. If you're weaker, don't expect perfect fairness.

Luck in drawing lots is strength. The mainland's dominance is strength.

Besides, the Beijing University debate team's skill isn't inferior to anyone's!

"Li Ye, someone's looking for you!"

Li Ye was chatting with classmates when he heard someone call his name.

He turned—and saw Wen Rui'an and Pei Wencong together.

Wen Rui'an stepped forward, smiling: "Young brother, congratulations on winning the championship—and thank you for your contributions to Confucian thought."

Li Ye replied: "What contribution have we made? If we're talking real contributions, Mr. Wen's came earlier and were far greater—we should be thanking you."

"You're too modest, too modest," Wen Rui'an waved his hand and laughed. "You were so busy competing, you missed meeting many friends. Next time, we must have a long, proper chat."

Li Ye had only attended two cultural exchange events due to the debate competition—truly a pity.

But Pei Wencong said: "If you didn't get enough this time, we can host one in Hong Kong! It's more convenient than Li Jiapo. We hope you, Mr. Wen and Mr. Li, will grace us with your presence."

"Hah! You stingy bastard suddenly so generous? What's your motive, showing off like this?"

Wen Rui'an looked at Pei Wencong, laughing and mocking—whether sincerely or not, no one could tell.

Li Ye didn't want them to clash, so he smiled and intervened: "Mr. Wen, don't take offense. I don't know if Mr. Pei is stingy, but his character is solid, isn't it?"

"Hahaha, that's true—no one knows what luck this guy stumbled into, suddenly becoming rich without cheating or swindling."

"."

Pei Wencong politely ignored Wen Rui'an, but inside he smirked: "What luck? You can't see the sky-high fortune right before your eyes? I won't tell you—because I won't."

Li Ye had something on his mind, so he pulled Wen Rui'an forward and introduced him to the group as a famous figure in martial arts fiction.

Naturally, Wen Rui'an was warmly welcomed by the college students.

Some didn't like novels—but they loved poetry!

Even students who disliked novels and poetry now saw Wen Rui'an as Hong Kong ATV's creative manager—a valuable connection, wasn't he?

Once Wen Rui'an was surrounded, Li Ye walked with Pei Wencong to the other side of the pool.

"Old Pei, why did you suddenly come to Li Jiapo? Is it because of the Youth Martial Arts Alliance… or…"

"It's about the matter you assigned me," Pei Wencong said directly. "After your call, I contacted suitable detective agencies and booked flights—I arrived in Malaysia yesterday morning."

Li Ye's eyes sharpened. "So… you've got news?"

"Yes!"

Pei Wencong said: "Funny thing—I went to the address you gave me, and that family's been in chaos these past few days. A lot of info was easy to get—just ask around at roadside shops."

"In chaos?"

Li Ye's heart sank, but his face remained calm. "Tell me everything."

Pei Wencong opened his briefcase, pulled out a notebook, flipped through it, and said: "The owner of the address you gave me is Ms. Fu, who came to Malaysia from Dongshan over ten years ago."

"Ms. Fu is the niece of Fu Yinglun, head of the Johor Fu Corporation, and now serves as its general manager—she still holds some shares, a minor shareholder."

"Three months ago, Fu Yinglun died, so his older brother began fighting for control."

"Fu Yinglun had only one daughter, but he designated most of his shares and assets to be inherited by Ms. Fu's adopted son—every member of the Fu family objected, and it's now in court."

"Wait!"

Li Ye suddenly looked up, cutting Pei Wencong off, and asked sharply: "What adopted son? Which Ms. Fu's adopted son?"

Pei Wencong blinked. "Ms. Fu Guiru's adopted son! Didn't you ask me to investigate Ms. Fu Guiru?"

Li Ye blinked, a fog forming on his forehead.

Pei Wencong was equally confused—if he'd investigated the wrong person, this would be a disaster.

Li Ye waved his hand. "Continue. Tell me about the adopted son."

Pei Wencong flipped through his notebook. "Ms. Fu's adopted son is Fu Zhiman, eleven years old, attending the best Chinese school in Johor. He's been doted on by the Fu family since childhood—has a bad temper."

Pei Wencong went on at length, even learning what flavor of ice cream Fu Zhiman preferred.

But when he finished, Li Ye stared at him coldly, teeth clenched: "What about Fu Zhiman's adoptive father?"

Pei Wencong shook his head. "Fu Zhiman has no adoptive father—only Ms. Fu as his adoptive mother."

"."

Li Ye felt a toothache coming on. He asked again: "What about Ms. Fu Guiru's husband?"

Pei Wencong shook his head faster. "Ms. Fu Guiru has no husband."

"What kind of investigation is this? No husband? Then how did her daughter come out of a rock crevice?"

Li Ye exploded.

He believed the boy who stared with knife-like eyes was an adopted son—he was ugly enough.

But the girl named "Xiao Ruo"? No way. He'd never believe she was an adopted daughter.

She looked seventy or eighty percent like Fu Guiru—could she be some stray child?

Pei Wencong's jaw twitched, fighting back a laugh, finally lowering his eyes to the notebook: "Ms. Fu Guiru has a daughter—Fu Yiruo."

"She was born in autumn of 1967, after Ms. Fu arrived in Johor. No one knows who her father is."

Li Ye reached out and snatched the notebook from Pei Wencong's hands.

"Give me a pen!"

Pei Wencong swiftly pulled out a fountain pen from his briefcase, unscrewed the cap, and handed it to Li Ye.

Li Ye took the pen and glanced at Pei Wencong.

Pei Wencong immediately turned and walked over ten meters away, ensuring he couldn't see what Li Ye would do next.

Though he was deeply puzzled—what was up with this man of fortune today?

Based on his knowledge of Li Ye, he was usually calm, unmoved as a mountain—even facing billion-dollar deals, he remained as casual as a high roller in a casino.

But now—

Don't look. Don't guess. Don't make trouble for yourself.

Li Ye held the pen, connecting the dots in the notebook, his mind racing.

Fu Guiru arrived in Johor in spring 1967; Fu Yiruo was born in autumn 1967.

In the spring of 1973, Fu Guiru's uncle Fu Yinglun had strongly promoted a marriage between Fu Guiru and a local man surnamed Zhao, but the arrangement ultimately fell through. Then, in the summer of 1973, he adopted Fu Zhiman.

Li Ye was born in the spring of 1963; Fu Yiruo was born in the autumn of 1967, so they were four and a half years apart. Li Ye left Island City when he was under four years old.

【When did she leave Island City?】

«.

«Old Pei, come with me to make a phone call.

«Oh oh, there's our company's car outside.