The walk up from the residential complex was short, only a few minutes, but Xu Ruyi's heart raced like a roller coaster, unable to settle.
She repeatedly told herself to stay calm.
Xiao Zhi had also reassured her: "Sis, don't worry, don't be afraid. The evidence is solid, the timeline is clear. No matter how much Qin Guan thrashes around, it's useless!"
He'd given her this assurance: "Sis, every detail is fine. No one has found out now, and they never will."
But now, Old He had come knocking, getting straight to the point about those cash withdrawals.
Seventy thousand. The numbers on the bank statement couldn't lie. Withdrawing such a large sum in just one month was bound to raise suspicions—Xu Ruyi had known this all along, but she had no choice.
"Zeng Demei," or rather, Zhu Laixiu, was greedy and cunning, proving even more troublesome than Qi Min.
One day she said she was sick and needed money for treatment, the next she claimed she needed surgery, the day after that it was a family emergency requiring funds, or else she said creditors were at her door demanding repayment…
In short, every day she found a new excuse to demand money, money, and more money.
"I'm just a useless poor person, barely earning a few coins in my whole life. This money is life-saving for me, but for you, it's just a drop in the bucket! Think of it as buying peace and quiet. Oh dear, if Qin Guan finds out I'm here... that would be terrible! If he kicks up a fuss, you wouldn't be able to handle him! He's a lawyer, you know. I heard he's defending himself now, hired a whole team of lawyers to assist him, and he's offering rewards everywhere to find me! But I'm a person who believes in integrity and rules. I took your money, so naturally, I'm thinking of you. I said I wouldn't talk, so I won't. Rest assured!"
Zhu Laixiu employed both soft and hard tactics, precisely tightening her grip on Xu Ruyi's neck.
She was a formidable opponent.
Even though Xu Ruyi knew it was extortion, she was powerless.
"Planning to open a shop? That's great, great! A vintage boutique? What's that mean? Selling what, jewelry, ornaments, little decorations? Girl stuff, I don't really understand. Sounds nice though. Honestly, having a career is good. Keeps you busy, fills your time, and stops a lot of useless worrying."
Old He said this as he entered.
He seemed to buy the "opening a shop" explanation.
But he would definitely go to see the "shop"—that vintage boutique was her friend's idea, and Xu Ruyi had invested in it. It could buy her some time to stall.
She watched Old He's figure—so, was that why he came today? To clarify where that money went?
Or... had he discovered something else?
"This place is really nice," Old He, having been here several times already, was quite familiar. He deftly changed into slippers and, like a guest, complimented the apartment.
"Private elevator for each unit, and the space outside is all yours too. Really great."
He wandered around the room. "The decor is elegant too. Warm, cozy, clean. Really nice. Are you really sure about selling it? Can you bear to part with it?"
Xu Ruyi nodded. She'd already listed the property—she wanted to sever all ties with Qin Guan completely, including this newlywed home they'd once shared.
Auntie Feng had already brewed the tea.
Xu Ruyi poured the tea, filling the room with its fragrance.
In the kitchen, Auntie Feng was busy cooking. Little Pear sat on the carpet, thoroughly engrossed in playing with her newly acquired toy rabbit. The TV was on, the cheerful music of a cartoon echoing through the room.
"What a good life. Life should be like this. Peaceful, harmonious. Adults chatting and laughing, children growing up healthy." Old He sipped his tea, making casual conversation. "Seeing him in court last time—were you very surprised?"
He had finally brought up Qin Guan.
"A bit," Xu Ruyi didn't know his intent with this question. She could only slow her speech, keeping her expression neutral. "He's lost a lot of weight. Changed a lot."
Only his appearance had changed. The man hadn't.
On that face, there was still not a trace of remorse or guilt.
Only the desperation to escape his predicament, his hatred and anger towards her, and the vicious eagerness to take revenge.
This executioner, the executioner who had killed her parents, would never truly admit his guilt.
Now, he was still straining every nerve to overturn the case, to regain his freedom—lured by hefty rewards, some were truly running around for him. Xu Ruyi knew a law firm had taken on Qin Guan's case. Not only that, but a group of his supporters had appeared online.
"A live-in son-in-law bowed and scraped in his in-laws' home, never treated like a human being his whole life. Anything he does gets him branded as ungrateful. I understand his frustration all too well!"
"Some people are like that. They give a little charity and expect a lifetime of worship. That lawyer is really pitiful. His birth family is a mess, and he ran into a whole family of bloodsuckers. I heard his wife doesn't even work! The whole family depends on him!"
"His in-laws weren't sincere with him. They're dead, and the property still isn't transferred to their daughter! What does that mean? They were guarding against him! Talked about treating him like a son, but really? With that much wariness, they clearly weren't sincere either! No wonder he had an affair!"
"I feel that lawyer was framed. I'm waiting for this to turn around. There's definitely going to be a twist! Maybe it really was his wife setting him up. Probably she has someone on the side and found a way to kick her penniless husband to the curb! Don't be fooled by these rich white-collar beauties; they seem harmless but are deep schemers!"
...
These mindless supporters, with their bewildering theories, had boosted Qin Guan's confidence—members of his legal team had already visited Guanlan Court several times and repeatedly warned Xu Ruyi not to sell the property easily.
"I heard you two were each other's first love. Dated for many years, always had a good relationship. Back then, your parents didn't approve of the marriage, but you were unusually determined. You even argued with your parents over it, had a falling out for a while, didn't you?"
Old He turned his head to ask.
What was the meaning of this?
Why was he bringing this up?
The turmoil in Xu Ruyi's heart intensified, though her face remained calm as still water.
"Yes. We were young and foolish back then. Just thought he was outstanding, had good character, was handsome, and treated me well. Just drifted into the relationship like that. Thought once we had a child, we'd definitely live well together. Who could have imagined he'd betray the marriage?"
She lowered her eyelids and took a sip of tea. The slightly bitter green tea forced down the bitterness and regret surging up from the depths of her heart.
That hadn't been just any casual romance. It was the man she had loved with her entire youth—how could she have imagined that this man would take her parents' lives?
"Indeed. What he did wronged you, and wronged your parents even more. Your parents truly poured their heart and soul into him."
Old He nodded.
Why was he mentioning her parents?
"They started sponsoring him in elementary school, right? Later, they practically treated Qin Guan as their own son. It's a pity, the two elders couldn't enjoy more time with their grandchild..."
He wasn't bringing this up casually. He was aiming for it.
Xu Ruyi's heart fluttered uneasily—throughout the entire trial, Qin Guan had never mentioned her parents. Why was Old He bringing them up now?
"Besides Qin Guan and Feng Zhi, who else did your parents sponsor?" Old He took a sip of tea and looked up calmly.
Was this also just casual conversation? Xu Ruyi's heart gave a jolt.