The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 437 - 439. disappeared

Chapter 437: 439. disappeared

"So, you mean to say that not only was Qin Yan alive when she was taken away, but the virus in her body was also neutralized?" Allen’s voice was icy cold. If possible, he really wished he could blow away the person in front of him with a single bullet.

Eden remained silent, which amounted to an admission.

"What useless trash. How on Earth did I end up training fools like you?"

"Bringing that up now is of no help," Eden replied coldly.

Allen glared at him, but Eden met his gaze without flinching. After so many years, they were no longer the recruits who used to fear their instructor.

"Heh, seems you’ve grown some spine," Allen chuckled, withdrawing his gaze. "Go call Jin Enxi back, and remember, Xiaoqi cannot know about this matter, otherwise... you know the consequences."

"Understood," Eden answered coldly. As soon as he returned to his room, he immediately called Jin Enxi. She was being affectionate with Daniel at the moment, but upon hearing Eden’s words, she promptly pushed Daniel aside and walked out onto the balcony.

"Alright, I’ll go buy the plane tickets now."

"Remember, no one must know about this, especially An," Eden instructed. In truth, he himself was to blame. The last time Shen Qinglan called him to deal with Qin Yan, he had been distracted by the experimental results and had hesitated to act, leading to today’s tragedy.

"Daniel, I have an urgent matter and need to leave for a while. Be good and stay at home, okay?" Jin Enxi patted Daniel on the face, trying to appear as natural as possible. Daniel and Shen Qinglan were close, and if he found out, he would surely tell Shen Qinglan.

"Enxi," Daniel grabbed Jin Enxi all of a sudden, "are you going on another risky mission?" His gaze was fixed on Jin Enxi’s eyes.

Jin Enxi let out a chuckle. "What wild thoughts are you having? Eden’s experiment results are out, and I just want to take a look and help him out with a little favor. I’ll be back soon."

"Really?" Daniel didn’t believe her.

"Really, I promise," Jin Enxi raised her hand, almost as if taking an oath.

"Then go and come back soon," Daniel said.

"Mhm, but you can’t tell Qinglan about this. There’s something she asked me to investigate and I haven’t figured it out yet. If she knew I went out to have fun, she’d probably get angry."

"Qinglan isn’t that kind of person," Daniel said indifferently, then suddenly realized, "Why can’t we tell Qinglan? Enxi, what are you really going to do?"

Jin Enxi inwardly sighed at how quick Daniel’s reaction was but managed to keep a smile on her face. "Didn’t I just say it? Just a small favor for Eden. If you’re worried, come with me."

Lately, Daniel has been busy preparing for Jonathan’s art exhibition in Xueli City, running back and forth between Beijing and Xueli City, with no time to spare.

"Alright. Wait for me, I’ll go pack right now," Daniel stood up.

"Wait a minute," Jin Enxi pulled him back, "I was just joking with you, and you’re actually going?"

"Of course I’m serious. Jin Enxi, I forbid you to do anything dangerous," Daniel said sternly.

"I’m really not going to do anything dangerous. Really, you have to believe me," Jin Enxi swore, conveying that according to what Eden said, Allen probably wanted her to investigate the whereabouts of the Housekeeper and Qin Yan, which didn’t sound dangerous at all.

"Unacceptable. You either come with me to Xueli City or I accompany you to Country Y. Choose one. If you don’t choose either, I’m going to tell Qinglan." Daniel couldn’t explain why, but he felt extremely uneasy, a feeling he had never had before, not even when Jin Enxi previously helped Eden. It was as if an unforeseeable danger was drawing near.

"Daniel, are you trying to drive me mad?" Jin Enxi said angrily.

Seeing Jin Enxi get angry, Daniel immediately softened his tone, "Enxi, I’m just worried about you. I don’t want to see you get hurt again. Can’t you just not go? You can help them from here as well."

Jin Enxi sighed softly. She had to go this time; Qin Yan was now at the end of her rope, but the more desperate she became, the more dangerous it was—who knew what sort of crazy things she could do. Moreover, with Allen present this time, things would be much easier; they would not be fighting alone.

"Daniel, trust me, I want to grow old with you, how could I just leave like this?" Jin Enxi hugged Daniel, comforting him softly.

Despite his reluctance, Daniel eventually took Jin Enxi to the airport himself.

Later on, Daniel would remember today countless times, endlessly regretting in his heart why he let Jin Enxi leave. If he had insisted on keeping her, would things have turned out differently?

**

Beijing Military Region, family housing.

Since waking up, Shen Qinglan had felt a constant twitching in her eyelid. She rubbed her brow and Fu Hengyi, seeing her do this, asked, "What’s wrong? Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?"

Shen Qinglan shook her head, "No, my eyelid has been twitching since I woke up this morning, and I feel a bit anxious. I keep thinking something might happen."

"You’re overthinking it. What could possibly go wrong? Everything is fine at home; Yu Xiaoxuan has successfully given birth to a daughter, and Qin Yan has been dealt with. Don’t scare yourself."

Shen Qinglan thought about it and, shaking her head with a little laugh, replied, "Perhaps I am worrying too much."

Shen Qinglan had been staying with Fu Hengyi in the military barracks for over a week now.

"Daddy." A child’s tender voice came from the bedroom, and Fu Hengyi walked in. Soon after, he emerged, carrying his baby. He placed his son in a baby walker, then went to make breakfast.

"I’ll come back to cook lunch, remember to buy groceries," Fu Hengyi reminded Shen Qinglan before leaving, and she nodded in agreement.

Anan waved to Daddy, and Fu Hengyi reached out to touch his head.

After Fu Hengyi had left, Shen Qinglan, still feeling uneasy, called home and Yu Xiaoxuan one by one. Finally, she tried to call Jin Enxi, but couldn’t get through. After thinking for a moment, Shen Qinglan decided to call Eden.

"An," Eden tried to keep his voice as normal as possible.

"Eden, how’s everything going recently?" Shen Qinglan asked.

"Good, I’ve already developed an antidote for that virus."

"What about Qin Yan? Has she been dealt with?" Shen Qinglan asked.

Eden stiffened and glanced at Allen before nodding, "Yes, it’s been handled."

Knowing that Qin Yan was dead, Shen Qinglan finally let out a sigh of relief. She chatted with Eden for a few more sentences before hanging up.

"She’s going to find out sooner or later," Eden said to Allen, knowing they couldn’t keep it secret for long.

"So we need to find the traitor and deal with Qin Yan before she does," Allen said icily. "When is Jin Enxi arriving?"

"She’s already on the plane, she’ll be here soon," Eden replied, having never imagined that one day they would be cooperating with Allen.

Jin Enxi arrived five hours later, having heard the whole story from Eden on the way over. Narrowing her eyes, Jin Enxi said, "Eden, just after you figured out the antidote to the virus, Qin Yan was rescued. Isn’t this coincidence a bit too coincidental?"

Eden had been pondering over this question since he woke up. Indeed, everything seemed too coincidental. He had just administered the antidote to Qin Yan, planning to observe her before dealing with her, when the housekeeper arrived with his men, conveniently taking away all the antidote samples as well. Too many coincidences in one event often pointed to conspiracy.

Could it be that Qin Yan had intentionally fallen into their hands for the purpose of making him work out the antidote? Eden thought carefully about the process of capturing Qin Yan, which had indeed gone suspiciously smoothly, almost effortlessly. But, if all this was a scheme of Qin Yan’s, how could she be sure they wouldn’t simply kill her instead of keeping her alive to work on the virus? Furthermore, how could she be certain that he would be able to come up with the antidote?

The more Eden thought, the more confused he became, and his expression grew exceedingly complex.

"There is indeed something eerie about this matter, and that’s why, Enxi, we need your help."

"I know, I’m already off the plane and will be there soon."

After Jin Enxi arrived, she first went to see Cissily. When she found out Cissily might never wake up again, her eyes reddened. "Does Andre know?"

Eden shook his head, "I haven’t told him yet."

"You should tell him, he has the right to know." After all, keeping it secret wasn’t the only way.

"Allen, there are quite a few traitors around you, showing just how much of a failure you are." Jin Enxi’s tone was sarcastic when she saw Allen. If it wasn’t for the housekeeper’s betrayal, Qin Yan would not have been rescued.

Allen’s eyes narrowed slightly, "Indeed, I’ve raised a pack of ungrateful wolves." His voice was indifferent.

Jin Enxi’s gaze shifted. Just as she was about to speak, Eden intervened, "Enxi, time is of the essence."

Jin Enxi knew the urgency of the situation. The sooner they found Qin Yan, the sooner they could prevent Qin Yan’s conspiracy. She immediately switched to work mode, her fingers flying over the computer keyboard. A few men sat beside her, additional help brought in by Allen. With their assistance, they could save a lot of time.

"Allen, I have a sincere piece of advice for you. Keeping An in the dark is not a good choice. Tell her, so she can at least be on guard and not be caught off guard by Qin Yan. If you don’t let her know now, she’ll be unprepared if Qin Yan causes trouble," Jin Enxi said while working.

"Let’s find her before Qin Yan makes her move. If Xiaoqi gets a single hair harmed, you all can go meet God," Allen said, his expression dark and cold.

"You..." Jin Enxi’s face turned ashen instantaneously. "Allen, you’re simply insane."

Allen looked at her coldly, and after a few seconds of staring him down, Jin Enxi eventually withdrew her gaze.

But Jin Enxi’s words made sense, and after a moment, Allen decided to call Fu Hengyi.

Fu Hengyi had just returned home, and Shen Qinglan was on her way back from grocery shopping with Anan. Seeing the unfamiliar caller ID, Fu Hengyi answered and listened to the situation. After a pause, Fu Hengyi’s face darkened, "I understand, I’ll be on alert."

Knowing that Qin Yan was still alive, Fu Hengyi immediately understood why Shen Qinglan had had a sense of unease that morning.

"Fu Hengyi, what are you thinking about? You keep zoning out," Shen Qinglan couldn’t help but say during dinner, seeing that she had spoken several times without any response from him.

Fu Hengyi snapped back to reality, "What did you just say?"

"I said, what were you just thinking about?"

"I was considering a training plan. Was there something you wanted to tell me?" Fu Hengyi deflected the subject.

"I’m taking Anan home tomorrow. I’ve been here for over a week now, it’s time to go back and see Grandpa."

"Stay a little longer, as a favor to me. I’ll talk to Grandpa," Fu Hengyi spoke softly.

Shen Qinglan gave him a sidelong glance. "Fu Hengyi, when did you become so clingy?"

Fu Hengyi smiled faintly, "It seems I wasn’t clear enough before, allowing my dear wife to misunderstand. I’ll pay more attention to that in the future."

Shen Qinglan was speechless. Was that what she meant? However, Fu Hengyi had successfully diverted the topic.

Fu Hengyi saw that she didn’t ask further, which he took as her tacit approval of his suggestion to stay longer. He served her a portion of food with his chopsticks and didn’t forget to feed their son as well.

The Beijing Military Region was certainly much safer than anywhere else. Although Shen Qinglan was now living in the compound and Qin Yan would hardly dare touch her, there’s always a ’what if.’ Only by having her by his side could he truly be at ease.

After finishing her meal, Shen Qinglan tried calling Jin Enxi again, and this time she got through. "Enxi, where are you?"

"Me? I’m in Country Y. I got bored of Beijing and wanted to take a walk around. An, need me to do something for you? I’ll come right back."

"No, it’s just that I couldn’t reach you and was a bit worried. As long as you’re okay, that’s good," Shen Qinglan said.

Jin Enxi glanced at Eden. Eden shook his head slightly, and Jin Enxi laughed, "An, I’ll be back soon."

"Alright, no rush. If you like it there, stay a bit longer. I’ll be in the Beijing Military Region for a while. If you can’t get hold of me, just leave a message."

"Okay." Jin Enxi hung up the phone. Allen, knowing that Shen Qinglan was in the Military Region, instantly felt uneasy. Shen Qinglan’s presence in the Military Region naturally meant she was there for Fu Hengyi. Although he knew the man she loved was Fu Hengyi, the thought of Shen Qinglan spending her days and nights with Fu Hengyi filled him with a jealous rage.

**

In an apartment in Country Y, no one had expected Qin Yan to dare stay in the country.

She lay on the bed, eyes tightly shut, her expression one of agony and her complexion pale. She bit her lower lip hard enough to draw blood. The housekeeper came in and stuffed a towel into Qin Yan’s mouth, to prevent her from hurting herself because of the unbearable pain.

Qin Yan had been tormented into a barely human state by a mysterious virus. Recently, Eden had been using her for experiments, injecting her body daily with strange substances that left her riddled with holes. Although the virus was now cured, she was merely clinging to her last breath; surviving so far had been a stroke of luck.

After a long time, when the pain had completely subsided, Qin Yan was drenched in sweat. She breathed heavily and looked at the housekeeper with a dark and deadly stare.

The housekeeper bowed his head, "Madam, our mission has failed." His purpose for staying by Allen’s side was to find Carl’s ashes, but after such a long time, there’d been no progress. Now that Allen knew he worked for Qin Yan and was wanted all over the world, it was impossible to continue gathering information.

"Who told you to save me?" Qin Yan, upon learning that the housekeeper hadn’t found Carl’s ashes but had come to rescue her instead, was furiously shocked. She would rather have been tortured to death than to be unable to rest with Carl’s ashes after her death.

"I received information that they were planning to kill you," the housekeeper explained softly.

"So, you took it upon yourself to expose your position? Housekeeper, what was the task I originally gave you?" Qin Yan asked coldly.

"To find the ashes of the sir and bury you together with him."

"Housekeeper, so you do remember," Qin Yan said with a mocking smile, her eyes ice cold.

The housekeeper remained silent.

"Get out," Qin Yan said coldly.

"Yes, ma’am."

The housekeeper walked to the door when Qin Yan called him back, "Come back."

The housekeeper returned, standing before Qin Yan. As he heard her plan, a glint of deep light flashed in his eyes, "Yes, ma’am. I will take care of it right away."

"If you fail again, there will be no need for you to stay by my side."

"Yes, ma’am. Oh, ma’am, Su Qing has lost contact."

"She’s just a useless person. If we can’t get in touch, then so be it," Qin Yan said indifferently, assuming Su Qing was dead since that’s how Eden had informed her.

Qin Yan closed her eyes, hugging a picture frame in her arms, Carl’s photo inside. She pressed it to her chest, murmuring softly, "I’m sorry I couldn’t find you, but Carl, you must wait for me. I won’t last much longer. Soon, I’ll be there to join you. Slow down and wait for me. Wait until I finish my last task, and then, I’ll come find you."

Her body was already hollow, with all its functions rapidly deteriorating. Even if no one came to kill her, Qin Yan wouldn’t hold on much longer. She had thought she would die by Eden’s hand and had prepared for death. Her only regret was not being able to destroy the Shen family. Now that she had one last chance, she was determined not to let the Shen family off the hook.

**

"Doug, hurry up!" Ya Xi shouted back at Doug, who whipped his horse and quickly caught up.

"Be careful, this horse is wild. If you’re not careful and it throws you off, you’ll have something to cry about," Doug warned.

Ya Xi gripped the reins tighter, "Doug, you underestimate me. My riding skills are very good now. Even the instructors here say I’m a fast learner."

"Yes, yes, I know your riding is good, but still, be careful."

"I know, Doug. You’ve been nagging a lot lately," Ya Xi giggled, squeezing her legs into the horse’s sides and galloping off, forcing Doug to follow quickly.

"Ah, this is so much fun. Doug, I really don’t want to go back to Xueli City." While stroking the mane on the horse’s neck, Ya Xi spoke with reluctance. She and Doug had been traveling around the world, enjoying one country after another.

Doug was a man of vast knowledge, and following him, Ya Xi found herself wanting to learn so much.

"If you like it, then let’s stay here a bit longer," Doug suggested affectionately, looking at the smile on her face.

Ya Xi nodded and hugged Doug’s waist, "Doug, it’s so good to have you."

Doug hugged her back, "You, always sweet-talking at times like this. Come on, let’s go change clothes, and then I’ll take you out for something delicious."

Ya Xi’s eyes lit up, but then her face fell as she pinched her cheeks, "Doug, at this rate, you’ll really make me fat. Look, I’ve gained so much weight on my face recently."

Doug took her hand away, "A girl should have some curves to look good; you were too skinny before, and it was concerning."

"Giggle, do you really think so? Then, we are in agreement on this point," Ya Xi said, hugging Doug’s arm with a smile.

After dinner, the two returned to the hotel. "Go to bed early after your bath; we’re heading to Las Vegas tomorrow." Outside the hotel room door, Doug reminded her, "Don’t stay up late binging TV series, or if you can’t get up on time tomorrow, I’ll go by myself."

"Mhm, I promise I’ll go to bed early today," Ya Xi nodded vigorously like a pecking chicken, then tiptoed to give Doug a quick kiss on the face, "Goodnight, Doug."

"Goodnight," Doug said with a smile. After watching Ya Xi enter her room, he headed into the neighboring one.

The next morning, Doug and Ya Xi checked out of the hotel room and headed towards Las Vegas. Standing at the entrance of the casino, Ya Xi asked cautiously, "Doug, do we have enough money on us?" If they were to be thrown out for lack of funds, it would be quite embarrassing.

Doug patted her head. "We have enough for a little play, let’s go."

Ya Xi nodded and followed Doug inside. It had taken them a whole day to get there from where they were staying, and by the time they arrived, it was already evening.

The casino was bustling with activity, and each table was surrounded by people. Ya Xi was very curious about everything, looking around. This was her first time in such a place.

"Do you see anything you’d like to play? Let’s give it a try." Doug handed some exchanged chips to her.

Ya Xi shook her head. "I don’t know how to play any of these."

"It doesn’t matter. I didn’t exchange a lot of chips. Even if we lose them all, it’s not a lot of money. Try different games instead of just watching others play. It’s no fun that way."

Encouraged by Doug’s words, Ya Xi was eager to try. Doug pushed her towards a dice game table. "Try this one, it’s the simplest."

Ya Xi didn’t rush to place a bet but stood to the side and watched how others played. After she understood, she looked at Doug, "Shall I give it a try?"

"Yeah, go ahead." Doug encouraged her.

Ya Xi squeezed in, took a few chips, and placed them on the table, betting on small.

"Ah, Doug, I won," said Ya Xi, very excited.

Doug smiled indulgently, "Yes, you won. Want to play again?"

Ya Xi nodded. "Mm-hmm, I’ll play another round." She held up a finger and then placed the chips, along with what she’d just won, back on the table.

After three rounds, Ya Xi lost interest in the game and Doug led her to another table.

"Doug, this looks fun," Ya Xi pointed to a card game at another table, noticing Doug looked at it, "If you like it, give it a try."

Ya Xi’s eyes sparkled, "But I want to see you play. I’ve been playing all evening, and you haven’t tried. Now it’s your turn."

Doug looked at her, "You want to watch me play?"

"Mm-hmm, just give it a try. Didn’t you say that even if we lose, it’s not much money?" Ya Xi thought Doug was afraid of losing money.

Doug gave a laugh and took a seat at the card table, with Ya Xi standing behind him. She watched attentively as Doug played, her eyes growing wider and brighter, full of admiration. At the end of the game, Ya Xi looked at the tall stack of chips in front of her, still in a bit of shock.

"Doug, you’re amazing. Tell me, is there anything in this world you can’t do?" Ya Xi’s eyes sparkled.

Doug gave a wry smile, "I only know this one. If it were another, I wouldn’t know how." Ya Xi hadn’t seen a real expert. Take Eden, for example. He had once come to this casino with Eden and watched him go from the first floor, challenging all the way up to the third floor, playing well at each one.

This casino had a total of five floors. It was said that only those at the level of gambling kings could go up to the fourth and fifth floors. Eden had told him that Shen Qinglan had once made it to the fourth floor, and that was with Shen Qinglan holding back. At that time, Shen Qinglan was only fifteen years old.

"I don’t care about anyone else. In my eyes, you are the most amazing. What else can you do?" Ya Xi wrapped her arms around his, her eyes and eyebrows curving with delight.

Doug smiled affectionately. Being admired by the one he loved was a feeling any man would enjoy, and Doug was no exception.

"What else do you want to play?"

Ya Xi shook her head, "I’m done playing. I just came to experience it; now that I have, let’s leave."

"Okay, let’s go." Doug wrapped his arm around Ya Xi’s shoulder, taking her to exchange the chips. Not only had they not lost tonight, but they had also won quite a bit, making Ya Xi seem very happy.

"Doug, if you ever quit being a psychologist, you could come here," Ya Xi said, counting the money in her hands with a greedy look.

Doug reached out and playfully scratched her nose, "Are you really this happy over such a small amount of money?"

Ya Xi smiled, "It’s different."

Reaching the entrance of the casino, Ya Xi suddenly clutched her stomach, "Doug, I need to use the bathroom."

Doug looked around, there was no public restroom nearby, "The restroom is inside the casino, I’ll go with you."

"No need." Ya Xi shook her head, "Just point me in the direction."

"This place is full of all sorts, I’ll go with you. I’ll wait outside for you," Doug insisted. In a place like a casino, with all walks of life, it was better to be cautious.

Ya Xi couldn’t stand up to Doug’s persistence and went to the restroom with him, "Go on in, I’ll wait here. If anything happens, just call out to me."

Ya Xi laughed, "It’s just a bathroom trip, what could happen?" She was completely unconcerned.

However, as Doug waited, even after fifteen minutes had passed, there was still no sign of Ya Xi. Doug took out his phone to call her, only to find the music was coming from the purse in his hand; Ya Xi hadn’t brought her phone with her at all.

"Ya Xi, Ya Xi, are you done?" Doug called into the ladies’ restroom twice, but Ya Xi did not answer.

Doug’s expression darkened as he stopped a woman coming out of the ladies’ restroom, "Miss, could you please do me a favor? My girlfriend has been in there for a long time and hasn’t come out. Could you check if she’s still in there? She’s a girl from Z country, with black long straight hair, wearing a light yellow dress."

The woman, dressed in a uniform and likely a staff member, nodded, and after a moment came back out, "Sir, there was no one inside. Perhaps your girlfriend already left, and you didn’t notice?"

Doug’s eyes shifted slightly, "Impossible, I’ve been watching the whole time, and she hasn’t come out." Saying this, he realized something was wrong and charged into the ladies’ restroom. Just like the woman had said, there was no one inside, but he was certain that Ya Xi had not left the restroom.

"Does this restroom have any other exits?" Doug asked the woman, pulling her aside.

The woman shook her head, "No, this is the only exit; the only other way out is through the window." The woman pointed to the only window in the restroom.

Doug walked to the window and, seeing the faint footprints on the windowsill, his face changed dramatically; it was clear that Ya Xi had been abducted, "I want to see your manager."

The woman was slightly taken aback, then said, "Sir, our manager is very busy right now." In truth, she was not keen on letting Doug meet the manager. If everyone asking to see the manager would see one, the manager would be swamped.

"My girlfriend is missing, and I suspect that she was taken. I’m now demanding to see surveillance footage to track my girlfriend’s whereabouts. If you refuse to let me see, then I have no choice but to call the police," Doug said with a cold voice.

"Sir, please don’t get excited, perhaps your girlfriend just left without you noticing. Try to contact her first."

Such situations had occurred at the casino before. Just a few days ago, a couple came to gamble. The girl went into the restroom, and when she came out and saw her boyfriend focused on his phone, not even noticing her leaving, she played a trick and left. Only when the boyfriend realized something was wrong did he start searching everywhere. In the end, the manager had to step in, check the surveillance cameras, and found the girl playing excitedly at a gaming table.

The woman thought Doug was just another case like this.

Such words were clearly an excuse. Doug took out his cellphone, pretending to call the police. Seeing that he was really going to call, the woman hurriedly stopped him. "Sir, please don’t rush, I will call our manager right now."

In the manager’s office, Doug was looking at the surveillance video and did not spot Ya Xi’s figure in any corner of the casino. "Where does the window of this restroom lead?" Doug asked the manager.

"It leads to the street behind us, which connects to several main roads." By this time, the manager had also realized that someone had indeed gone missing in their casino, and it was very likely that they had been abducted, which caused some anxiety in his heart.

Their casino was the largest in Las Vegas, and their security measures were considered the best in the city. This was their advantage, and now someone had gone missing right here, which was practically a slap in their face.

"Sir, do you need our help to call the police?" The manager’s attitude was very cordial.

Doug glanced at him and began to make a phone call. When the manager heard it, he realized it was to the Chief of Police, which immediately filled him with curiosity about the man before him, a seemingly ordinary man who knew the Chief of Police.

Doug had also met the local Chief of Police by chance, and they were somewhat acquainted. With Doug’s call, and given the seriousness of the situation, the police arrived quickly. However, after combing through all the available surveillance footage, other than capturing the image of Ya Xi being taken away by a woman, no further trace could be found.

Doug was frantic and called Eden for help, but Eden’s phone was unreachable. With no other option, Doug had no choice but to call Shen Qinglan.

**

In the Beijing Military Region, Shen Qinglan was returning from the market with Sister-in-law Zhang. During this visit to the Military Region, she finally encountered Sister-in-law Zhang, who had come back from her parents’ home but looked much thinner, presumably due to the great shock of her father’s sudden death.

However, Sister-in-law Zhang’s smile remained on her face. In her words, her father’s greatest hope was for her to live happily. Even if only to give peace of mind to her loved ones, she intended to live well.

"Sister, are you planning to stay in the Military Region for good this time?" Sister-in-law Zhang asked Shen Qinglan.

Shen Qinglan shook her head, "No, I’m just here to stay with Hengyi for a while. It’s better for Anan to have Daddy around at this age." At this critical period for shaping a child’s temperament, a father’s presence greatly affects the child’s growth. Therefore, Shen Qinglan intended to spend as much time with Fu Hengyi as possible before Anan turned one.

"Actually, I would like for you to stay. That way, I’d have someone to keep me company, and it would be convenient to find someone to talk to." Sister-in-law Zhang said.

"Sister-in-law, if you’re free, call me. We can go shopping, have tea. It’s been a long time since you went out with friends, hasn’t it?"

"You’re right. After marrying your Brother Zhang, I followed the military and didn’t make many friends in Beijing. After having the baby, I spent all my time with the child. Even going to the mall was a quick trip back. Come to think of it, I haven’t watched a movie in five or six years. The last time I went to the cinema was to celebrate our third wedding anniversary."

"I don’t have much to do at home on weekdays either. If Sister-in-law Zhang gets bored, just give me a call."

"Alright, let’s agree on that. But when both of my kids start going to elementary school, I’ll be looking for a job."

Shen Qinglan glanced at her sideways. Sister-in-law Zhang smiled and said, "Financial independence is important for a woman. Although your Brother Zhang is very good to me and the children, and I’m sure he’ll continue to be so, I still don’t want to depend on him forever."

A flicker of admiration appeared in Shen Qinglan’s eyes as she fully agreed with Sister-in-law Zhang’s words. Having their own careers, even if it’s just a job, provided women with tremendous confidence. They wouldn’t have to constantly worry about household chores or whether their man loved them, thus preventing them from becoming downtrodden housewives.

"Sister-in-law Zhang, your thinking is great; I support you."

"Sister, I’m actually envious of you. At such a young age, you’ve achieved so much. You’re truly talented."

Shen Qinglan smiled, about to speak, when her phone rang. It was Doug calling. "Sister-in-law Zhang, let me take this call first."

Sister-in-law Zhang nodded with a smile.

Shen Qinglan had just picked up the phone and before she could speak, Doug was already talking, "An, Ya Xi is missing."