The person who had been in contact with Jian Yiling sent her a video confession from the person responsible for managing the surveillance footage at Jiayun Mountain Resort Hotel. Jian Yiling put on her headphones and carefully listened to the man's statement.
In his confession, the man revealed that He Yan had paid him a large sum of money. She instructed him to immediately leave Hengyuan City after completing the task and demanded that he delete all traces of their communication. The entire operation had been carried out with extreme caution, leaving almost no flaws or evidence behind.
Jian Yiling saved the video and, after a brief pause, replied:
[I agree to your terms. I also need that man.]
Jian Yiling accepted their offer, though they would need to deliver the video she wanted for the deal to be finalized. Merely obtaining information about its whereabouts wasn't enough.
[No problem, we'll keep an eye on him for now. He won't have the chance to escape from Hengyuan City. Also, we'll help you get the video as soon as possible,] the contact reassured her. They seemed even more eager than Jian Yiling to move the matter forward.
[Understood,] Jian Yiling responded.
[By the way, aside from us chasing after this man, we ran into some others who are also looking for him,] her contact added, not holding back any relevant information.
[Who are they?] Jian Yiling asked, her curiosity piqued.
[We're not sure who sent them yet, but we're certain they're from Hengyuan City as well.]
[Got it, thanks.]
It seemed that Jian Yiling wasn't the only one searching for the hotel surveillance manager who had suddenly quit. Yet, she still had no clue about the identity or intentions of the other party involved.
Just as she finished the conversation, Hu Jiao Jiao leaned over and tugged at Jian Yiling's sleeve, excitement written all over her face:
"Yiling, look! There's a new post on the school forum, and it's blowing up fast!"
Jian Yiling wasn't in the habit of browsing the school forum, but Hu Jiao Jiao often checked it whenever she had some free time. Whenever something juicy, funny, or shocking popped up, Hu Jiao Jiao would eagerly share it with her.
Curious, Jian Yiling opened the school's forum app and found that the top trending post was about none other than Mo Shiyun.
The post's title was eye-catching:
[The Goddess' Father is a Scoundrel, Causing a Scene at School—It's Beyond Embarrassing!]
The original post featured several pictures. The man in the photos looked disheveled, thin, and exuded a sleazy, rogue-like demeanor. Judging solely by his facial features, he wasn't exactly unattractive. In fact, there was a clear resemblance between him and Mo Shiyun. However, his shabby appearance and uncouth behavior were a far cry from Mo Shiyun's graceful and refined image.
In the photos, the middle-aged man was first seen arguing with the school's security guards, then with the school administrators, and finally, there was a shot of him having a heated argument with Mo Shiyun herself. Since the post only contained images, it was impossible to discern what exactly they were arguing about, but the expressions and body language of those involved were enough to stir up gossip.
Jian Yiling, having read the original novel, already knew the backstory. Mo Shiyun's father, He Jianjun, had been a thug in his youth. Although he had good looks, he was a troublemaker who drifted from one shady activity to another. After having an affair with another woman, he abandoned Mo Shiyun and her mother without a second thought.
He Jianjun was a despicable character who reappeared later in the novel after Mo Shiyun had already entered society. At that point, Mo Shiyun's relationship with Qin Chuan was already well-established, and despite her difficult family situation, Qin Chuan did not hold her father's actions against her. In fact, he pitied her even more.
Eventually, Qin Chuan taught He Jianjun a harsh lesson, ensuring that the man never dared to bother Mo Shiyun again.
However, in the current timeline, Mo Shiyun was only seventeen, and according to the novel, He Jianjun hadn't made an appearance at this stage. Jian Yiling had no idea why He Jianjun had suddenly shown up at Mo Shiyun's school or why he was causing such a commotion now. The incident didn't seem to align with the events that were supposed to happen at this point in the story.
As she scrolled through the forum comments, it became clear that many of the students were mocking and criticizing Mo Shiyun for her father's behavior. The comments were relentless, further fueling the controversy surrounding the incident. Yet, Jian Yiling couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than met the eye.
Why had He Jianjun come back into Mo Shiyun's life now, and what could have driven him to make such a public scene at her school?