So, Shao Yunduan selected a few respected elders from the community to help him search the room. As they began the search, Qiao Hongxi couldn't help but feel a surge of envy at how well-liked Shao Yunduan was among the neighbors.
Inwardly, he started to entertain the idea that his grandmother might have been right – perhaps Qiao Xuan had stolen their family fortune and given it to Shao Yunduan. How else could he have such strong support and freedom to act as he pleased? Qiao Hongxi's annoyance grew, and he glared at Shao Yunduan, determined to teach him a lesson.
Believing that finding his sister would prove Shao Yunduan's deceit, Qiao Hongxi stormed into the room, accompanied by the others.
To their surprise, they couldn't find Qiao Wei anywhere, leaving them dumbfounded. Qiao Hongxi didn't realize the significance of this, but Shao Yunduan did. The idle men exchanged anxious glances, sensing that something was amiss.
