The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 368 - 371. An Unsolvable Knot (First Update)

Chapter 368: 371. An Unsolvable Knot (First Update)

Shen Qinglan found out about Zhao Jiaqing’s death three days later, along with the news that Qin Yan had disappeared.

"An, I’ve already checked, there are no immigration records for Qin Yan, nor any information on train or bus tickets. It’s as if this person has vanished from the face of the earth."

Vanished from the face of the earth? Shen Qinglan pondered quietly, "Isn’t vanishing something we can manage too?"

Jin Enxi immediately understood, "You mean she left under another identity?"

"Yes, don’t forget, this woman has always been no simple character, she just slipped away anonymously," Shen Qinglan said indifferently, "Since she has already left, let’s not pursue this matter further."

"I’ll look into it again, I might have been looking in the wrong direction before. Now, changing the direction, I might just figure it out," Jin Enxi didn’t want to give up. Qin Yan had piqued her intense curiosity, and without unveiling her veil, she couldn’t get her out of her mind.

Shen Qinglan didn’t stop her and hung up the phone, her brows and eyes filled with worry. Zhao Jiaqing’s death was a massive blow and shock for Ya Xi, and if something were to happen...

She made a call to Doug, initially to ask how to handle a situation like Ya Xi’s. Learning that Doug was now in Nancheng at Ya Xi’s side, Shen Qinglan felt considerably relieved.

Fu Hengyi knew she was worried about Ya Xi, and sighed silently. Once Shen Qinglan was back to her senses, he spoke gently, "If you want to visit Ya Xi in Nancheng, I can accompany you."

Shen Qinglan shook her head, "There’s no need. My presence might not be a good thing. Since Doug is there, there shouldn’t be any problems. I’m just puzzled why Zhao Jiaqing died at this time and why Qin Yan disappeared."

Zhao Jiaqing had become comatose, facing the constant risk of genuine death. Although Doug had asked the doctors and they said Zhao Jiaqing’s condition was stable and unlikely to deteriorate soon, could it be understood that what happened to Zhao Jiaqing was deliberate? Combining this with Qin Yan’s departure, could there be a connection to Qin Yan, and if so, what was her purpose?

Fu Hengyi listened quietly to Shen Qinglan’s analysis and spoke softly, "If your speculations are true, and Qin Yan came back for revenge against Yan Anbang, then Zhao Jiaqing’s death must be her doing. Yan Anbang is already divorced, his reputation ruined. Zhao Jiaqing’s death marks an insurmountable barrier between Yan Anbang and his two children. That incident will forever be an unresolved grievance in the memories of Ya Xi and Yan Shengyu."

Fu Hengyi’s words helped clear up Shen Qinglan’s somewhat chaotic thoughts—indeed, if Zhao Jiaqing’s incident was connected to Qin Yan, then once the truth surfaced, Ya Xi and Yan Shengyu would definitely not forgive Yan Anbang. Yan Anbang would have to face the reality that his once thought innocent and lovely lover was actually a woman with a venomous heart, as well as his children’s resentment.

If this was Qin Yan’s revenge, it was indeed cruel, and sadly, Ya Xi was the victim.

"What about the investigations regarding the military drill leak?" Shen Qinglan suddenly asked.

Fu Hengyi’s expression was indifferent, a chill flashing in his eyes, "It’s still under investigation. I thought deeply about what you said last time; it’s possible, but as you said, it’s hard to gather concrete evidence." Even if we were to find out who leaked it, there’s no way to hold that person accountable.

Shen Qinglan fell silent, thinking for a moment before speaking, "If you find it difficult to handle, you can hand it over to me." Fu Hengyi is a soldier, and some matters are sensitive for him to handle, but she is not.

Fu Hengyi smiled, "Qinglan, I have a grasp on this affair, don’t worry."

The phone rang, and Fu Hengyi answered. His expression changed instantly, his hand gripping the wheelchair tightened, and Shen Qinglan looked at him; Fu Hengyi’s emotions were stirred.

"Okay, I understand, I’ll be right there," Fu Hengyi said hoarsely, then turned to Shen Qinglan, "Meng Liang is awake."

Meng Liang had been originally injured gravely for taking two bullets meant for Fu Hengyi, had been in and out of consciousness ever since. It was unexpected that he would awaken now.

"We need to go to the hospital immediately," said Shen Qinglan.

When the pair arrived at the hospital, Meng Liang’s parents had already reached there; Meng Liang was undergoing a checkup. Seeing Fu Hengyi, he attempted to get off the bed, but Fu Hengyi gestured, "Don’t move yet, wait for the doctor to finish."

Meng Liang’s eyes landed on Fu Hengyi’s legs, wanting to speak, but with so many people in the room, he remained silent.

"The recovery is mostly good; he can be discharged after some more observation in the hospital," the doctor said.

"Thank you, doctor, thank you," Meng Liang’s parents were overjoyed. Ever since the accident, his mother had been constantly distressed, not even returning for the new year.

Knowing Meng Liang and Fu Hengyi had things to discuss, his parents, having confirmed Meng Liang was alright, left the room. Meng Liang looked at Fu Hengyi’s legs, "Captain." Due to his extended unconsciousness, his voice was hoarse; Shen Qinglan poured him a glass of water.

"Thank you, sister-in-law," Meng Liang expressed gratitude. Shen Qinglan replied it was no problem and then exited the room, leaving the space to them.

Meng Liang’s gaze remained on Fu Hengyi, "Captain, your legs..."

"I’m not crippled, I just can’t stand up for now," Fu Hengyi said calmly, not revealing that his leg would never return to its original condition. "It’s good that you’re awake now; just focus on recovering."

"That’s good, that’s good." Meng Liang let out a sigh of relief but then remembered Qian Fei, who had sacrificed himself. His heart, which had just begun to relax, immediately sank again. "Is Qian Fei...?"

"Qian Fei’s affairs have been settled. You can visit him once you are discharged from the hospital."

A flash of sorrow crossed Meng Liang’s eyes. This was his brother who had faced life and death with him for so many years, always prepared to sacrifice. He had imagined that they might be permanently separated during a mission someday, but when such a scenario actually unfolded, it was impossible for anyone to remain indifferent.

"Captain, what about King?" Meng Liang asked through gritted teeth.

"He’s dead. I killed him myself," Fu Hengyi declared. The strike to King’s heart was delivered by his own hand, ensuring King was undoubtedly dead.

At this, Meng Liang’s sorrowful mood lifted slightly, "Good. If he hadn’t died, I would have sought revenge myself."

Meng Liang had been unconscious for over a month and naturally didn’t know that Fu Hengyi had left the Sharp Blade Unit. When Fu Hengyi told him, Meng Liang fell silent. "Captain, is it because of the injury to your leg?"

Fu Hengyi neither confirmed nor denied, effectively acknowledging it by silence, which caused Meng Liang’s eyes to redden. "Captain."

"From now on, I’m no longer your captain. Liancheng will be. You should stop calling me captain."

"No, as long as you were our captain for one day, you will be for a lifetime. I believe the brothers of Sharp Blade feel the same," Meng Liang clenched his fist, his voice restrained. "Captain, is your leg truly beyond full recovery? If it can’t be done here, we can seek treatment abroad and consult the best experts in the world."

Fu Hengyi was Meng Liang’s instructor and the person who brought him into Sharp Blade. Over the years, he had saved Meng Liang multiple times during missions. Meng Liang’s feelings for Fu Hengyi ran deep, and seeing him like this now pained him deeply.

Yet Fu Hengyi was not as emotional, "I had already considered leaving, and this situation merely provided an opportunity. You don’t need to be so upset."

Meng Liang took this as a consolation and fell silent. After a moment, as if making up his mind, he looked at Fu Hengyi, "Captain, may I go with you to the Beijing Military Region?"

Fu Hengyi was taken aback and frowned, "What nonsensical things are you saying?"

Meng Liang stared resolutely at him, "Captain, I’m not speaking nonsense. I want to go with you to the Beijing Military Region. I joined Sharp Blade because of you. Now that you are no longer there, there’s no reason for me to stay. I want to go with you, even if it’s just to be your guard."

Meng Liang had his own military rank, making it impractical for him to serve as a guard, and Fu Hengyi would never agree to him leaving Sharp Blade.

"Sharp Blade still has many brothers—Mu Liancheng, Zhang Wei, Qin Yong... Are you willing to leave these brothers behind?" Fu Hengyi asked gravely.

Meng Liang remained silent.

Fu Hengyi softened his expression. "I’m leaving Sharp Blade not just because of my leg injury, but also because of my wife and the child about to be born. I want to spend more time with them. So you don’t need to do this for me."

Meng Liang was a capable man, and it was not easy for Sharp Blade to train someone like him. Fu Hengyi naturally couldn’t let Meng leave because of his own reasons.

"Moreover, now that I can no longer stay at Sharp Blade, you should stay and fight alongside them."

Meng Liang continued to remain silent as Fu Hengyi stopped talking, leaving him to think for himself.

"Captain, I understand. After my recovery, I will return to Sharp Blade," Meng Liang said hoarsely.

Fu Hengyi wasn’t surprised by this decision and, after discussing the events of the military exercise that followed, left with Shen Qinglan.

Two days later, Eden came back to conduct the third surgery on Fu Hengyi.

"The recovery is better than expected," Eden said as he examined the test results. "After this surgery, your leg should recover within six months at most."

When Fu Hengyi first got injured, Eden treated him, and his legs had been severely damaged. Managing to recover to a point where it didn’t affect normal life was already the limit, but after two surgeries, the progress was surprisingly good, and full recovery wasn’t out of the question.

"When is the surgery?" Shen Qinglan asked.

"His condition is very good, we can operate anytime."

"Let’s do it as soon as possible," Fu Hengyi said. Qinglan was getting more and more pregnant and needed more care. Fu Hengyi didn’t want Qinglan, with her big belly, taking care of him.

"Let’s do it in three days then. Get some good rest these days and adjust your physical condition," Eden suggested.

**

Xinhe International General Manager’s office.

Annie sat on Wen Xiyao’s boss’s chair, crossing her legs, "This is still the most comfortable place, look at this office, comfortable, luxurious yet simple. Your boss really treats you well, not every CEO’s office is as comfy as yours."

Wen Xiyao brewed a cup of tea for her. Annie frowned, "I don’t want tea, I want coffee."

"I only have tea here, no coffee. Will you drink it? If not, just have some plain water."

Annie quietly stared at her, "Xi Yao, you’ve changed, you really have transferred your affections. Remember how we used to go clubbing, travel, and admire handsome men together, even vowing to charm all the handsome men in the world? And now you’ve actually reformed for a man."

Wen Xiyao smiled, "Reformed isn’t the right word, I never really intended to pursue handsome men."

Annie stared at her, "Wow, you really plan to settle down for a man?"

Wen Xiyao countered, "Can’t I?"

Annie shook her head, clicking her tongue, "It’s truly unexpected. Last time at the annual meeting, when I found out you were engaged, I didn’t feel much because, after all, we all have to get married someday, and Shen Junyu does have that kind of status."

"So you think I’m entering into a marriage alliance?"

"Yeah, that’s the first reaction anyone would have. Look at my dad, calling me back from overseas, saying he missed me, when actually he just wanted me to meet potential partners. You don’t know how excessive my dad is; I met three men in one day. If you hadn’t already been engaged to Shen Junyu, I bet he would’ve been one of my dad’s targets," Annie said, not worrying about offending Wen Xiyao as they were close.

Wen Xiyao chuckled, "So many blind dates and you didn’t like any of them, huh? I guess the one who’s probably upset now is your dad."

Annie shrugged, nonchalantly, "He’s old yet still so quick to anger, I can’t help it. He keeps introducing me to young masters and rich second generations, all relying on their family, hardly any of them capable on their own. Even if they are, they’re not handsome enough. You know, I’m a sucker for good looks. If I’m going to find someone, he has to be both a feast for the eyes and competent."

Wen Xiyao stared at her until Annie felt goosebumps, "What’s wrong, why are you staring at me like that?"

"Do you already have someone in mind?" Wen Xiyao asked.

Annie’s eyes widened, she covered her face shyly, "Is it that obvious? I thought I hid it well!"

Wen Xiayo rolled her eyes, "Your thoughts are written all over your face, practically announcing it to the world."

Annie dropped her hands, giggling foolishly. It was the first time Wen Xiyao saw Annie with such a lovestruck expression. In the past, although Annie was bolder and had flirted with good-looking guys, she was never serious about any of them. But this situation looked quite different.

Wen Xi Yao curiously asked, "Who is this remarkable person, and how long have you been together?"

Hearing this, Annie’s expression changed instantly, her face fell, "He doesn’t like me."

Wen Xiyao was even more surprised, "Is there actually someone you, Miss Eldest An, can’t win over?"

"Right, shocking, isn’t it? I’ve been chasing him for a long time, from M country to Y country, and now back to our country, but he doesn’t even give me a second glance."

"Could it be that he’s playing hard to get?" Wen Xiyao speculated. There were such men who, despite being interested in a woman, deliberately kept her hanging just to make her fall deeper and then take her for granted once they had her hooked.

"Annie, did you run into a jerk?"

Annie immediately shook her head, "Absolutely not. I can tell; he genuinely doesn’t like me. You wouldn’t believe it, he acts like I’m the plague. It’s so infuriating. He doesn’t answer my calls and even blocked me."

With that said, Wen Xiyao grew curious about this man, "What does he do? He seems hard to deal with."

"He’s a doctor. But from the way other doctors treat him at the hospital, his medical skills seem quite good. Most importantly, he’s very handsome. My heart, oh, it was captured at first sight, and there’s no turning back now."

"What’s his name? Which hospital is he from?"

"I can’t tell you yet, but once I’ve got him all figured out, I’ll definitely bring you to meet him. He’s top-notch, almost as good as Shen Junyu. Just thinking about his spring-like smile makes my heart melt." Annie’s eyes sparkled with heart shapes.

Wen Xiyao shook her head, "I think you’re truly smitten. I just wonder if this man can keep your enthusiasm for three months."

Annie had many boyfriends, but none of them lasted long; even the longest relationships hadn’t lasted more than three months. In Annie’s words, "They were all interested in my family background and beauty, they wanted to be with me just to hook up. I’m not that kind of girl; why should I let them take advantage of me? I had to get out before things got too serious."

Thus, outsiders didn’t know the truth and thought Annie’s personal life was very chaotic, with one man after another. When she was studying abroad, some girls who were jealous of her even called her a "bus," and she had beaten them up badly when she found out.

Annie giggled, "Absolutely he can. Xiyao, you know, when I was with those other guys, no matter how happy and excited I appeared on the outside, my heart was calm. But with him, whenever I see him, my heart trembles. For the first time, I knew my heart could beat so crazily for a man. From that moment, I knew he was the one, he’s the man I could be with for a lifetime without ever feeling tired or disgusted."

By the end, her playful smile was replaced with seriousness, and seeing her expression, Wen Xiyao knew that Annie was really serious this time.

"Good luck, dear," Wen Xiyao said sincerely.

"Yep, he’s currently in Beijing. Once I find out which hospital he’s at, I’ll make my move. I refuse to believe that with my beauty and intelligence, I can’t win over a man." Annie clenched her fist, looking determined.

"You followed him all the way here and you still don’t know which hospital he’s at?" Wen Xiyao was curious.

Annie became dejected at the mention, "I’m frustrated too. I followed him closely and I thought I was being stealthy, but who knew, just as we got out of security, I turned around and he had vanished, like he evaporated."

Hearing this, Wen Xiyao became even more curious about this man Annie was talking about, "From what you’re saying, this guy seems pretty cold."

Unexpectedly, Annie shook her head, "No, no, no, he’s only cold towards me. To everyone else, especially his patients, he’s like the warmth of spring. But towards me, he’s like the cold air from Siberia, absolutely chilling." After a pause, her expression changed, "But now I’ve realized, if he’s only like this with me, doesn’t it mean he feels something for me? Maybe he does like me but just feels awkward accepting me because he initially rejected me. He must be pretending to be cold, yes, that must be it."

Her face was full of glee, leaving Wen Xiyao helplessly unveiling her, "You really look like a delusional fangirl."

Annie rolled her eyes, "Wen Xiyao, you’re becoming less cute by the minute. Do you still want me to be your bridesmaid?"

"You don’t have to be, I’ll find someone else."

Annie huffed, "Hmph, I’m not falling for that. You just don’t want me to steal your thunder. Well, I’m going to be your bridesmaid, and I’ll be the center of attention, capturing all the handsome groomsmen."

"You’re giving up on your doctor then? You just said you wanted to bag him."

"That’s what you don’t get, he’s my Mr. Right, but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating other handsome guys. Everyone enjoys beauty, right?"

Wen Xiyao shook her head and laughed, "Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. It’s almost noon, let’s go have lunch."

Annie had indeed come to have lunch with Wen Xiyao, so she gladly agreed, "Xiyao, do you have enough break time at noon?"

"What’s up?" Wen Xiyao asked.

"If you have enough time, let’s eat at Jingang Road. There’s a restaurant there that’s pretty good."

Wen Xiyao checked the map, "Travel across half the city for a meal, are you sure?"

Annie grinned, "I’m sure. You have a lunch break, right? We can eat dinner and stroll around. The scenery there is quite nice too. Walking after meals helps with digestion and maintaining your figure. As a soon-to-be bride, you need to keep an eye on your figure."

Wen Xiyao chuckled, "I see your intent is not just on the meal. I checked earlier, there’s a hospital nearby, your doctor guy is there, isn’t he?"

Annie wasn’t embarrassed at being exposed, "This is killing two birds with one stone. If I happen to bump into the handsome doctor, it’s fate." Actually, Annie didn’t know if that person was in that hospital; these days, she went to have meals near different hospitals daily and casually strolled inside to ask about him. Today, it just happened to be that hospital.

"Fine, for your happiness, I’ll cross half the city to join you for this lunch. But just so we’re clear, you’re buying."

"No problem."