A few days later, Director Wang indeed called He Yuan. His tone was casual, yet it carried a hint of showing off.
“Xiao He, there’s a gathering tonight with a few friends. Why don’t you join us? It’ll be a good chance to broaden your horizons.”
On the other end of the line, He Yuan’s voice immediately became flustered and grateful: “Oh! Director Wang! Thank you for thinking of me! I’ll definitely be there on time!”
That evening, Director Wang brought He Yuan to a private room in the county’s most upscale state-run restaurant.
As soon as the door opened, smoky air wafted out. Four or five people were already seated inside.
He Yuan quickly scanned the room and felt a chill in his heart.
Although these men were dressed in ordinary Zhongshan suits or shirts, they carried an imposing aura. Their eyes held the aloofness and scrutiny of those long accustomed to power.
Director Wang enthusiastically introduced them one by one—deputy directors, various bosses. Each title made He Yuan’s heart beat faster.
These were all important figures. Though compared to He Yuan, they still seemed somewhat insignificant, in this small county, they held enough power to dominate.
When introducing He Yuan, Director Wang’s tone held a note of pride: “This is Xiao He, He Jianshe. Young and promising, a very sensible brother. Let’s all look out for him in the future.”
He Yuan immediately bent his waist slightly, his face full of humility and excitement. He held out a cigarette case with both hands, offering cigarettes to each person in turn.
“I’m He Jianshe. It’s my first time meeting you all. Please guide me!”
The important figures merely nodded faintly, accepting the cigarettes. Some didn’t even bother to look at him directly.
In their eyes, He Yuan was just an underling brought by Director Wang or a businessman trying to climb the social ladder—insignificant.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the atmosphere in the private room warmed up.
After a few glasses of Maotai, these usually reserved big shots became more talkative. They exchanged compliments but also discussed some sensitive topics.
He Yuan consistently played the perfect attendant—pouring wine, serving food, handing out towels—but his ears were like radar, capturing every word.
He didn’t speak much, but whenever he did, it was always the right remark. He never made the leaders feel neglected, nor did he ever steal the spotlight.
As the dinner neared its end and everyone was somewhat drunk, Deputy Director Liu took a sip of wine and, as if suddenly remembering something, said to a boss surnamed Ma on the other side:
“Lao Ma, recently, your side has been cooperating with the region on some kind of audit, right? I heard it’s quite a big deal?”
Lao Ma waved his hand, a look of impatience on his face.
“Don’t even mention it. It’s just some old accounts. The higher-ups issued a directive to review the allocation of supplies over the past few years, especially those with incomplete procedures or unclear origins.”
“It’s a real headache. It involves a lot of people.”
After saying this, everyone tacitly fell silent. For the rest of the evening, even if He Yuan wanted to hear more, he couldn’t.
These people were truly vigilant.
In the end, He Yuan tactfully picked up the bill and saw each of the important figures to their cars.
By the time Director Wang, reeking of alcohol, returned home, it was already late at night.
Zhao Xiaocui was still awake, sitting in the main room under a dim light bulb, mending clothes. Her face was as dark as storm clouds.
That afternoon, she had once again caught her brother, Zhao Dezhu, sneaking around to see Director Wang. The two had whispered in the inner room for a long time.
Although she hadn’t heard everything, she didn’t need to think hard to know that whenever Zhao Dezhu showed up, it was never for anything good.
“You finally decided to come back?”
Zhao Xiaocui thumped her sewing basket onto the table.
Director Wang, drunk and struggling out of his coat, was taken aback by the sudden accusation, then grew angry.
“Since when do I report my comings and goings to you? I’m out there working hard, socializing! All for this family!”
“For this family?” Zhao Xiaocui shot to her feet, her voice rising. “It’s so you can line your own pockets! Wang Youcai, don’t think I don’t know anything! What was Zhao Dezhu doing here again today?”
“Is it because you’ve done something shady and you’re scared of the audit?”
Director Wang hated his wife meddling in his affairs, especially when her words hit a potential nerve. The alcohol and anger made him lose control.
Smack!
He raised his hand and slapped Zhao Xiaocui across the face!
“You shrew! Shut your damn mouth! My conduct is upright, I’ve got nothing to fear from any audit! If you say another word, I’ll…”
He pointed a trembling finger at her nose, his face contorted with rage.
Zhao Xiaocui staggered from the blow, clutching her cheek, staring in disbelief at the man she’d shared a bed with for years.
Tears streamed down her face, but she stubbornly refused to sob.
“Fine! Fine, Wang Youcai! You hit me! You hit me over your dirty money!” Her voice trembled.
“Just keep digging your own grave! Let’s see how long your smugness lasts! Don’t you dare drag me and the children down with you when it all falls apart!”
With that, she ran weeping into the inner room and slammed the door shut.
Director Wang felt a twinge of regret after hitting her, but his pride wouldn’t let him admit it. Muttering curses, he collapsed into a chair in the main room and was soon snoring loudly.
The next day, Zhao Xiaocui’s eyes were swollen like peaches. Her heart was cold and filled with fear.
Not wanting to stay home, she wandered out the door, walking aimlessly through the streets.
By chance, she met Ji Shuyu.
Ji Shuyu never expected to run into Zhao Xiaocui today; it was a complete coincidence.
She immediately noticed something was wrong with Zhao Xiaocui—especially the faint red mark on her face and her puffy, red eyes.
She hurried over with concern. “Sister Cui? What’s wrong? You look terrible.”
Seeing Ji Shuyu’s kind, worried face, Zhao Xiaocui’s fragile composure shattered. Fresh tears welled up. She grabbed Ji Shuyu’s hand, choking on her words.
Ji Shuyu quickly guided her to a quiet spot by the roadside. “Sister Cui, don’t cry. Take your time. What happened? Did you… have a fight with Director Wang?”
Between sobs, Zhao Xiaocui recounted how Wang had come home drunk and hit her the previous night.
“Shuyu, I can’t live like this. Before, he was just impatient… but now… now he’s hitting me over money… He must have a guilty conscience, scared I’ll expose him!”
Ji Shuyu listened, her face showing sympathy and indignation. “How could Director Wang do that! No matter what, he shouldn’t hit you! Sister Cui, you’ve suffered…”
She gently patted Zhao Xiaocui’s back and offered her a handkerchief.
When Zhao Xiaocui had calmed down a little, Ji Shuyu subtly guided the conversation.
“Sister Cui, don’t torment yourself too much. Maybe… maybe Director Wang is just under a lot of pressure at work?”
Her words made Zhao Xiaocui sigh. “I wish that were true. You’re right. I need to find a way out for myself.”
Her eyes grew determined. After talking with Ji Shuyu a while longer, she left.
If not for herself, she had to think of her children.
She couldn’t let them lose everything they depended on.
Even if Wang Youcai fell from grace, she had to ensure she and the children emerged unscathed.
…
The night was deep. Only a dim desk lamp lit the small room in the guesthouse.
He Yuan gently closed the door, shutting out the outside world. The fawning and humility had long faded from his face, leaving only exhaustion.
Ji Shuyu was still awake, leaning against the headboard, reading an old book on childcare by the lamplight. Her pregnancy was very noticeable now, the soft light outlining her gentle profile and the round curve of her belly.
Hearing the noise, she looked up and offered a soft smile. “You’re back? Did it go smoothly?”
“Yeah.” He Yuan responded, walking to the bedside. He didn’t speak immediately, instead first reaching out to gently place his hand on Ji Shuyu’s belly.
A slight movement met his palm, the vitality of life easing his taut nerves a little. His eyes held complex emotions—tenderness, guilt, and resolve.
“What’s wrong?” Ji Shuyu, sensitive to her husband’s mood, put down her book and grasped the hand resting on her stomach. “Did the dinner not go well?”
He Yuan shook his head, sat down on the edge of the bed, and sighed. He told Ji Shuyu in detail about what he had seen and heard at the dinner.
“…Even though they got cautious later and didn’t say more, those few sentences alone were very telling.” He Yuan said quietly. “This likely ties into the lead we found earlier.”
After listening, Ji Shuyu frowned slightly, thinking carefully.
“If that’s really the case, then this audit from above is our opportunity. As long as we can get solid evidence proving they resold things they shouldn’t have touched, then Wang Youcai, this rotten tree, can be pulled up by the roots.”
“Right.” He Yuan nodded, but his gaze lingered on Ji Shuyu’s swollen abdomen, filled with heartache and reluctance.
“Shuyu…” His voice was slightly hoarse. “I’ve wronged you. You’re pregnant, yet you have to deal with this nerve-wracking, deceptive business with me… You shouldn’t have been put in danger.”
Seeing the genuine pain and care in his eyes, Ji Shuyu’s heart warmed. She held his hand tighter and spoke in a gentle yet firm tone.
“Don’t be silly. We’re one. Your matters are my matters. And this isn’t just for us.”
She paused, her gaze becoming distant, her voice soft but clear.
“Exposing the masterminds behind Wang Youcai’s network, finding their ironclad proof… that’s a great service. If handled well, perhaps… it could become a key bargaining chip to get Lin Fang’s sentence reduced.”
The moment the name ‘Lin Fang’ was uttered, He Yuan’s body visibly stiffened.
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