To ensure her holiday trip wouldn't be delayed, Qin Ran quickly made her final move right before the festival. The informant, holding her ID, released a video accusing Sun Zhiyan of accepting bribes during a previous film production and laundering money for dubious enterprises.
She also released an audio recording she had secretly made.
Previously, netizens might not have been able to discern if the voice belonged to Sun Zhiyan. However, after the series of incidents involving Yu Shuman, they were very familiar with Sun Zhiyan's voice. The moment they heard the audio, they knew: Yep, it was Sun Zhiyan.
With this revelation, Sun Zhiyan's downfall seemed imminent. Though he attempted to put up a fight, the informant had already reported to the authorities when she released the video. Sun Zhiyan was soon detained for investigation. The film crew was also affected, with production indefinitely postponed. It was now almost certain that the film would never see the light of day.
Having pulled off her plan, Qin Ran felt no guilt. After all, Sun Zhiyan had chosen his associates, and anyone who could work alongside him wasn't likely to be a good person. There might even be some who were involved in the money laundering from back then. It wouldn't be surprising if Sun Zhiyan ended up implicating half the film crew when he eventually confessed.
The sudden and dramatic turn of events left the public reeling:
[Wow, really? Didn't expect it to escalate this quickly]
[What happened? Detained already? I missed some juicy details here. This escalated too fast!]
[Remember how he was acting not long ago? I'd say karma hit him quick]
[Quick? It took too long. The actress who came forward to expose him filmed that movie 14 years ago. He's been living the high life for way too long]
[No wonder those cringeworthy teen dramas dominated the box office—they were laundering money. They deserve their low ratings. They should be removed from the platform]
[Better investigate for tax evasion too. This lawbreaker probably has a lot of dirt. And about the bribery for roles, I bet that's true as well]
As the online discussion intensified, Assistant Wu had to stay back and work overtime. Meanwhile, Qin Ran, with her luggage in hand, accompanied by the on-duty bodyguard, boarded a train home. She had initially wanted to pick up Yu Shuman, but since they both got off at the same time, Yu Shuman had suggested they meet at home instead.
At the time, Qin Ran was so charmed by Yu Shuman's words that she cheerfully promised, "Sure, no problem! I'm not a directionally challenged person; I'll definitely find your house." She then eagerly prepared gifts for Mother Yu and Yu Shuman for the Mid-Autumn Festival and happily packed her bags.
She maintained a cheerful demeanor up until she got off the plane. But when she reached Yu Shuman's house, she found herself at a loss. She had changed into some slightly outdated clothes and wore her contact lenses, forgetting to bring her glasses. She stood at the entrance of Yu Shuman's house, dragging her suitcase.
Only then did Qin Ran start to feel nervous. Yu Shuman's flight was scheduled to arrive a bit later than hers. Qin Ran had wanted to wait for her at the airport, but Yu Shuman had told her to go home first. Usually, Qin Ran listened to Yu Shuman, so she made her way straight to the house.
However, when she got there, she realized: Wouldn't this mean she would have to be alone with Mother Yu? And she didn't have a key to the house, so she had to knock.
Qin Ran hesitated at the door for a while, mustering the courage to raise her hand and knock. At first, her knocks were soft, but there was no response from inside. She knocked a bit harder, and the sound of knocking echoed through the door for a while.
After knocking a few more times without any response, Qin Ran realized: Could Mother Yu not be home?
She grew more anxious, considering calling Yu Shuman to let her know. But then she remembered Yu Shuman might still be on the plane and couldn't come to open the door immediately. If she called Mother Yu, what if she was busy? Would Mother Yu think poorly of her, viewing her as an impatient person?
Qin Ran was so caught up in her thoughts that she couldn't bring herself to take out her phone to contact Yu Shuman. She stood there for a while, feeling her legs grow tired. Finally, she set her suitcase on the ground, sat down on it, and hugged her knees, waiting obediently at the door.
Luckily, Mother Yu wasn't out for long. After about half an hour, she returned with a plastic bag. She was startled to see Qin Ran sitting there. "Xiao Ran? Why are you sitting here instead of going inside…?" Then she remembered that Yu Shuman hadn't returned yet, so Qin Ran couldn't get in.
Mother Yu quickly came over, opened the door, and invited Qin Ran in. Once inside, she warmly welcomed her to sit down and handed her a glass of milk to hold while waiting. After settling her in, Mother Yu hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Xiao Ran, why don't you take a spare key? Shuman is always flying around, and you'll probably come over during the holidays. This way, you can come to keep me company if she's not around."
"Don't wait outside next time; I felt bad seeing you out there just now."
Qin Ran obediently agreed. Mother Yu went to a drawer, pulled out a key, and handed it to Qin Ran. Almost instinctively, Qin Ran reached out to take it. The key was cold and hard in her warm palm. It was a standard house key with a black plastic handle and a silver metal body.
It was an ordinary key for a regular door, but in Qin Ran's eyes, it seemed to glow. Her eyes sparkled as if she were a primary school student receiving her first house key, filled with excitement.
Mother Yu couldn't help but laugh, "From now on, treat this place as your home. I said it before, and I meant it."
Qin Ran smiled too, "Alright, from now on, this will be my home."
Mother Yu went to the kitchen to start preparing lunch. Qin Ran offered to help, but Mother Yu made her sit back down, "You'll have your turn later. You can take care of dinner for our family reunion. I'll handle lunch. When Shuman comes back, you two can eat and then rest."
Qin Ran agreed. She was guided back to the sofa, and Mother Yu turned on the TV, placing the remote in Qin Ran's hand before heading to the kitchen. Qin Ran occasionally checked the time on her phone, wondering where Yu Shuman was. The sounds of Mother Yu chopping, washing, and cooking blended with the TV's noise, filling the house with a homely feeling.
After a while, the sound of keys jingling came from the door. Knowing it was Yu Shuman, Qin Ran quickly got up from the sofa and opened the door. Yu Shuman stood outside, reaching for her keys. She smiled at Qin Ran, "So you're the one opening the door for me today."
"Yeah, come in quickly! Auntie's almost done with lunch, so we can eat soon."
Qin Ran instinctively reached out to take Yu Shuman's suitcase. Yu Shuman didn't refuse, nor did she, like last year, comment on Qin Ran's strength. Over time, Qin Ran had been working out, significantly improving her stamina and strength, making lifting a suitcase a breeze.
Yu Shuman greeted her mother. Mother Yu was busy in the kitchen and didn't have much time to chat, so she told Yu Shuman to sit and wait while she finished up. After exchanging greetings, Qin Ran, eager to show off, presented the key Mother Yu had given her to Yu Shuman.
Qin Ran looked like a child showing off her new toy. Yu Shuman couldn't help but smile. She patted Qin Ran's head, "Xiao Ran, you're amazing. Now you have your own key." Sensing the teasing tone, Qin Ran felt a bit embarrassed. So, just like she would at home, she wrapped her arms around Yu Shuman's waist and started to act spoiled.
She buried her head in Yu Shuman's chest, mumbling, "If you're not around, I'll come back here on my own and take over the house. Auntie will be my mom from now on!"
Hearing her words, Yu Shuman didn't get upset or jealous. In fact, it made her feel warm and happy. As Qin Ran cuddled her, Yu Shuman pinched Qin Ran's cheeks. Qin Ran's face still had a bit of baby fat, soft and squishy to the touch.
Not pleased with the cheek-pinching, Qin Ran felt that Yu Shuman was treating her like a child. So, she boldly leaned in and planted a kiss on Yu Shuman's cheek.
—How daring of her at this moment.
Yu Shuman thought, preparing to scold her when Mother Yu happened to bring out a dish from the kitchen. Qin Ran, who had just been acting like a spoiled child, immediately straightened up and put on a well-behaved demeanor.
She even stood up and offered eagerly, "Auntie, you're done? Let me help you carry the dishes."
Mother Yu responded, "Alright, Xiao Ran, Shuman, wash your hands and get ready to eat."
Watching Qin Ran's stiff back, Yu Shuman couldn't help but giggle. She knew Qin Ran too well, knowing she was now fretting over whether Mother Yu had seen her being affectionate with Yu Shuman. Was Mother Yu going to think she was too forward?
Just a moment ago, she had said she would treat this place as her home and take Mother Yu as her own mother. But now, she was all flustered because of a simple display of affection. It seemed Qin Ran still had a long way to go before she could truly feel at ease in this home.
Yu Shuman tidied her hair and walked towards the kitchen. She wasn't in a hurry. After all, they had plenty of time, and there was still a long way to go for Qin Ran to grow comfortable in this home.
Qin Ran: (Takes out a key) "Hmph hmph, guess what this is!" (Showing off excitedly) "It's a key!" (Spins around, dancing and showing it off)
Yu Shuman: ... (A little embarrassed)