Chapter 386: Chapter 386: Wang Qiushuang’s Unusual Behavior

Although it hasn’t been long since arriving in Jing City from Huaixi County, Yi Roujing hadn’t seen Li Xipei for quite a long time, even back in Huaixi County.

Yi Roujing felt no sympathy for Li Xipei’s deeds and resulting downfall; it was self-inflicted.

But once such a person gains freedom, a backlash is certain, or perhaps revenge has been what sustains her until now.

"Could the person Baozi saw just now be Li Xipei?" Yi Roujing’s face showed concern.

"I’ll have someone investigate." Xu Ancheng’s heart sank, thinking there’s a seventy to eighty percent chance. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"Recently, Baozi just stays in Baiqian Village, and as long as he doesn’t go out, there isn’t much danger." Xu Ancheng was confident in Baiqian Village’s safety. "I’m going to Beiluo Lane now; I’m just worried that if Li Xipei can’t get to us, she’ll harm mom and the others. I need to warn them and arrange some people for covert protection."

Yi Roujing nodded.

Xu Ancheng didn’t just go to Beiluo Lane; he also went to the Huang Family. If it were just Li Xipei alone, Xu Ancheng wouldn’t be so cautious, but Li Xipei managed to escape from a place he had people guarding—not possible solely on her own. Someone intervened, but who this person is, Xu Ancheng has no clues yet.

The Deng Family would resent him, but Xu Ancheng didn’t think the Deng Family currently has the capability. Nor would they confront the Xu Family at this point; the Zheng Family, with Deng Yiyi’s fiancé, Zheng Zhongyong, had been investigated before due to an injury, practically invisible to the public with no suspicious traces, plus the Zheng and Xu families were cordial; the Song Family didn’t have that ability yet.

Other than those, Xu Ancheng had no suspects; presently, he didn’t obstruct anyone, and the Xu Family had no adversaries.

Xu Ancheng, being cautious, didn’t bear this matter concerning personal safety alone. He informed Xu Zongyin and also sought help from people like Zhou Zeyuan and Ni Yanqing.

With the surrounding people all deployed, Xu Ancheng felt half-relieved.

Yet, since that day, Xu Ancheng investigated for several days without any news; the person believed to be Li Xipei previously seen was also missing, with no suspicious figures appearing near Baiqian Village or Beiluo Lane.

"Are we overthinking?" Ding Anmin, previously tense, relaxed somewhat, suspiciously commenting to Xu Ancheng and Yi Roujing sitting together in Beiluo Lane’s courtyard.

"Hopefully, that’s the case, but we can’t let our guard down. The worst is thinking there’s no issue, relaxing vigilance, then receiving a hard blow from the enemy," Xu Ancheng said. "We cannot afford the consequences."

"Understood, brother." From a young age, Ding Anmin always listened and agreed with Xu Ancheng’s words. "Mantou is now staying with my mother-in-law, just at home; we don’t dare take him out. Even for school, family members transport him, and at night, they pick him up, then I collect Xiaobao and second brother."

"Yes, but be vigilant of those around you," Xu Ancheng warned. "Strangers won’t fool us, but if they’re familiar figures we see daily, like classmates, teachers, or neighbors, don’t trust them easily or isolate; many problems arise because of such people creating opportunities."

Ding Anmin and others all obediently nodded.

After taking two days leave, Yi Roujing returned to school. After attending classes for several days, nothing seemed unusual; everything and everyone around was as before.

Until Wang Qiushuang approached.

Wang Qiushuang arrived on June 5th, her face carrying an appreciative smile, waiting under a ginkgo tree at Jing University’s gate. Wearing a blue shirt, black pants, and black shoes, with neatly styled short hair, her demeanor seemed much improved than last time.

"Roujing." Upon seeing Yi Roujing exit, Wang Qiushuang smiled, walking forward a few steps.

"How’s Niuniu recovering?" Yi Roujing asked with concern.

"She’s doing well; she’ll be discharged tomorrow. Today, I specifically came to tell you and would like to invite you to dinner, thank you." Wang Qiushuang grasped Yi Roujing’s hand, a smiling face yet her trembling pupils appeared somewhat inconsistent.

The back of Yi Roujing’s hand could distinctly feel Wang Qiushuang’s slightly sweaty palm, her heart more suspicious. Wang Qiushuang lacked funds; the expenses for Niuniu’s hospitalization were covered by Yi Roujing herself. Currently, Wang Qiushuang wouldn’t think to invite for dinner, for she can’t afford it.

Moreover, regarding Niuniu’s condition, two days ago, Yi Roujing phoned Mu Guixian, who said the child’s recovery was good, but pneumonia endured long enough that half a month of treatment and recuperation was necessary before discharge. How could she be discharged tomorrow?

"Alright, it’s great Niuniu’s health is improving. We’ll consider this meal as a celebration dinner for her recovery," Yi Roujing responded calmly yet with clarified intent in her eyes when looking at Wang Qiushuang.

Wang Qiushuang released her hand, her smile growing brighter. "Then I’ll wait for you after class tomorrow, again here."

"Okay," Yi Roujing smiled and agreed.

"Really, it’s thanks to you. Otherwise, my Niuniu..." Wang Qiushuang’s eyes reddened, yet she held back tears. "Roujing, thank you for arranging such a good hospital without holding grudges."

"I’ll head off then, anyway, we’ll see each other tomorrow." Wang Qiushuang seized Yi Roujing’s hand, exerting some force, then released after a few breaths, smiling and waving as she left.

Yi Roujing watched Wang Qiushuang’s departing figure momentarily before she turned to return to school.

Yi Roujing didn’t return to the medical faculty but directly went to the mathematics department to find Xu Ancheng.

Xu Ancheng was in class; Yi Roujing waited directly in his office.

"What’s the matter?" Xu Ancheng saw Yi Roujing sitting in his office as soon as class ended.

"I think Li Xipei approached Wang Qiushuang," Yi Roujing immediately revealed her conjecture. "Wang Qiushuang came to school just now to ask me to dinner tomorrow after class, to meet back here."

"Plus, she said Niuniu could be discharged tomorrow," Yi Roujing frowned. "Two days ago, I inquired with Aunt Guixian; Niuniu shouldn’t be discharged for a few more days. Wang Qiushuang nowadays wouldn’t pretend to have wealth she doesn’t possess; her usual behavior being stingy and frugal. Now, she’d likely be thinking of repaying debts instead of inviting me to dinner."

"Given Wang Qiushuang’s straightforward invitation to dinner without specifying a location, hinting she’ll personally meet me, it seems probable that the path I take with her will be ambushed."

"I believe it’s highly possible Li Xipei’s group is using Niuniu as leverage, forcing Wang Qiushuang to act like this," Yi Roujing detailed Mr. Wang’s unusual actions today.