Jianyu sent his brother a text, saying nothing but a name, "Bai Shen."
As soon as he saw the message, Tang Weimin dialed his big brother's number confusingly.
"Bai Shen? What do you mean?" The perplexed tone was evident in his voice.
"It was him. He sent the text to Hualing to come inside your hotel room. The attacker is also under his control."
Tang Weimin furrowed his brow in frustration, "Isn't he Delun's personal assistant?"
"Yes, he is. But we can only find out about Bai Shen. The real perpetrator behind the curtain is yet to be figured out. Let's not conclude anyone before we find concrete evidence."
What his big brother said was reasonable, he unconsciously nodded his head, "Okay. Thank you, Jianyu Ge. So they agreed to take the land in exchange for information."
"I will make the payment in another way. You can keep your yard."
When Xiulan got back home, she announced she would be the main chef for the coming night. She was inspired by Xiaodai and suddenly wanted to be a good daughter. She had learned two dishes in total and she was going to show off her ultimate skills the next night.
While surfing the net for additional great recipes and tips, Tang Weimin called her. He told her the name of the culprit.
Xiulan wondered if Bai Suying was somehow involved. So she asked him for evidence or traces of how he uncovered the culprit.
"That was… My big brother figured it out for me."
"Doesn't he give you any proof for his allegations?" She asked curiously.
"Not really. He can't disclose some facts but we can trust his words." This is how Li Jianyu worked. He would find you an answer but no proof.
She was baffled and astounded at his response, "You believe him, but I don't. We need more specific evidence to pick out the real culprit. He received a yard in return. Isn't he supposed to do a proper job and hand out all the things in his hand?"
Weimin was taken aback as he had never divulged about the exchange of a property. He hurriedly replied, "He didn't get it. I don't know why, but he changed his mind at the last minute."
Xiulan slowly expressed to negotiate with him, "If we don't have the proof, how are we going to proceed with it? Obviously, it wasn't Bai Shen. He must have some sort of string-pullers. Do you have any grudges against Tang Delun?"
"Not that I can think of." He blabbed the truth.
"Perhaps a battle of authority?" Tang Weimin and Tang Delun were the top nominees for the successor of the Tang enterprise. If Tang Weimin tied the knot with the Zhang family, he would get the strong backing which might threaten Tang Delun's opportunities for advancement.
"Might be. But I doubt he is that kind of person." Although Tang Delun was supercilious and his behaviors drove other people up the wall, he didn't seem like a person who would stoop too low which might hurt his pride as an excellent tycoon.
Xiulan cautiously divulged her thought and tried her best to not sound like offending his brothers, "Are you insinuating your cousin is innocent and some other villains inserted a spy by his side to ruin his reputation? If yes then, who will get the most profits out of it? Quan is not intrigued in doing business. It made your big brother the one and only suspect which is a reason why his words can't be trusted without any solid proof. He started out with getting a yard, but what made him change his mind? Or is there anyone else lining up for Grandpa Tang's position?"
Weimin got her message quite well. "I am sure my big brother meant well. Can you also believe him for my sake?"
"So this is how it's going to work! Tell me a reason why I should trust you? Show me the proof that you fell for their trick and you didn't lure Hualing into your lounge. My best friend is the victim and I have every right to be cautious." She undeniably trusted him but he was the only connection between her and the illegal footage which was essential for filing a suit against the perpetrators. So it was indispensable that she had to coerce him. She was also eager to know the relation of Bai Suying to the case.
"I will talk to my brother about it. I am sorry to bother you." He had no words left to hassle back.
As soon as Xiulan ended the discussion, Hualing gave her a call.
"I am going to elucidate everything regarding Tang Weimin and Liu Tengfei." It was just her habit. She would always elaborate on her problems after she had completely solved them. And then, she recalled Li Jianyu being the mysterious oldest son whose identity her friend was dying to know about. "Who do you think I saw at the Tang house?"
"Obviously it was Grandpa Tang. Now cut to the chase and disclose all the things. I have waited long enough." Xiulan blabbed impatiently.
Hualing sensed her agitated tone and decided to tell about Li Jianyu later. Anyway, it wasn't the be-all and end-all.
Zhang Xiulan took in the entire elucidation before she let out, "Good for you. Weimin has only given me a parure let alone many things worth a box. What did he give you?"
Hualing was chopping an onion, "I guess four or five sets of jewelry, dresses, heels, and a phone. I am not quite sure. I was so occupied with the thought of how I could return them to him."
"Well, bling-bling must be from his mother's company. A phone must be that latest merchandised one. I didn't know he was that generous." She scornfully muttered.
'Indeed men are up to no good if he isn't interested in a woman.' She thought. This posed a question. Like Grandpa Tang said before, did Tang Weimin really take an interest in her or was he making amends?
"So are you really done with Tengfei?"
Bai Hualing was mincing the pork in the grinder before an unexpected query halted her action and she smiled bitterly, "Yes. It happens like that. He didn't contact me after that day at the apartment."
Xiulan became quiet for a while and she hesitantly began to probe into her friend's privacy, "Can I ask you a question?"
Hualing turned on the stove and chuckled upon hearing what she normally didn't, "When did you become so polite? Just ask what you want to know."
"Didn't you say you love Tengfei? Then why did you decide to break up with him?" Her eyes were wide in inquisition.
The question was expected. It didn't catch her off guard and she answered back nonchalantly, "Because love is not the only thing you need for a relationship to work out."
Xiulan had never indulged herself in a romantic relationship. She had no clue what her friend meant, "He assured you that this case would be permanently closed between you two. Don't you trust him?
"I trust him but... I don't know. The risk is too much for me to take. At least, this way he will be a good memory of my youth to be nostalgic about. I have made my choice and I won't regret it."
Xiulan pondered, 'In your shoes, I wouldn't let him go. I might try everything it takes to keep him by my side.' But on second thought, she wondered if Li Jianyu was the mysterious eldest son, would she be grateful that his wife died or would she feel miserable upon him being a single father with a daughter at home? She didn't want to dwell on a possibility and be dejected about uncertain things. Thus, she racked her brain to change the subject. She could overhear the noise of Bai Hualing cooking through the phone.
"Ah, Honey! Come to our house for dinner tomorrow. I will personally cook for you guys." Her tone was obviously arrogant and overconfident.
Hualing's eyes widened in surprise, "Seriously!? Should I come early to help you cook?" She was intrigued by making meals. As a direct disciple of Zhang Honghui, her culinary skill was superior to most people.
"Not necessary! I am going to do all things by myself. Thank you but I don't need an assistant." Xiulan prejudged herself.
"Okay. I am looking forward to it." Yes, you should.