With the materials put to use and Aunt Qin helping out, Ji Shuyu had completely freed herself up.
Aunt Qin had even sought out Ji Shuyu specifically to bring her some things.
At this time, Ji Shuyu was resting at home.
Although she had items from the points mall, Ji Shuyu had been following He Yuan around on his endeavors lately and was genuinely exhausted.
She had taken many miscarriage-prevention pills and was also using the health-boosting powder.
Even so, Ji Shuyu rarely felt this level of weariness and strain.
“Sit, sit, don’t get up. I just heard that you and Xiao Yuan were back and came specifically to see you.”
Aunt Qin set the things aside, stepped forward, and took Ji Shuyu’s hands.
She looked at Ji Shuyu’s rounded belly, asked about her condition, and only felt relieved after hearing that everything was fine.
Aunt Qin placed the net bag she was carrying on the table and pulled out two tightly wrapped oil-paper packages.
“Here, this is brown sugar issued by your uncle’s unit. I saved half for you. And this, I thought the color of this fabric was bright and fresh, perfect for making two soft undershirts for the future little one.”
Ji Shuyu touched the soft cotton cloth, her heart warming. “Aunt Qin, you always think of me. This is too generous…”
“What nonsense!”
Aunt Qin patted her hand chidingly.
“You and Xiao Yuan are like my own children. The most important thing for you now is to take good care of yourself and have a safe delivery.”
As she spoke, she deftly picked up a teacup from the table and poured water for Ji Shuyu, her eyes filled with affection.
“When I had my eldest, times were tough. It was hard to even get a taste of something sweet. Things are better now, so you must listen to your auntie and build up your health properly.”
The two were sharing a heartfelt conversation, chatting about the research institute, when a commotion arose outside the window, sounding like someone arguing urgently.
Aunt Qin leaned out to look, her brow slightly furrowed. “Seems like it’s from the next courtyard. Never mind them.”
She turned back, carefully studying Ji Shuyu’s complexion, and suddenly lowered her voice. “Shuyu, tell Auntie the truth. Did you run into any trouble while you were out with Xiao Yuan this time? I can see a bit of weariness between your brows; it doesn’t seem just from tiredness.”
Ji Shuyu’s heart skipped a beat. She was hesitating whether to briefly mention something when the courtyard gate was suddenly shoved open.
A neighbor, an elderly woman, rushed in in a panic, her face deathly pale. Not even bothering with Ji Shuyu, she shouted directly at Aunt Qin, “Sister Qin! Quick, come quick and see! People from your… your youngest son’s unit are here. They said… they said something happened to him!”
The teacup in Aunt Qin’s hand fell to the ground, shattering to pieces.
She shot to her feet, the color draining from her face instantly. The kindness and composure from moments ago vanished, replaced only by shock.
She didn’t even have time to say a word to Ji Shuyu before turning and stumbling out after the woman who brought the news.
Ji Shuyu, supporting her lower back, stood up and walked to the door. She only saw Aunt Qin’s stumbling figure disappearing beyond the courtyard gate.
Aunt Qin’s son was also stationed on the island. What could have happened to make Aunt Qin so frantic?
Aunt Qin was gone for the better part of the day without any news.
Ji Shuyu sat inside, restless and uneasy.
Having spent considerable time with Aunt Qin, she knew well that Aunt Qin was a resilient person. She wouldn’t have lost her composure like that unless it was something major.
She had vaguely heard He Yuan mention Aunt Qin’s youngest son—a honest and decent young man.
He Yuan didn’t return until dusk, weariness etched between his brows.
As soon as he entered, he sensed the unusual atmosphere in the room. Seeing the worried expression on Ji Shuyu’s face, his heart immediately leaped to his throat.
“Shuyu, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
He strode quickly to Ji Shuyu’s side, nervously grasping her hands.
Ji Shuyu shook her head and clasped his cold hand in return. “I’m fine, it’s Aunt Qin… She came to see me this afternoon. We were talking when someone from the next courtyard ran over with news, saying something had happened to her youngest son. Auntie turned pale immediately and left in a hurry. There’s still no news from her.”
“Youngest son?” He Yuan’s brow furrowed sharply. “Qi Weimin?”
“Yes, that seems to be the name. He Yuan, do you know what happened? Is it serious?” Ji Shuyu asked urgently.
He Yuan’s expression darkened. He helped Ji Shuyu sit down, remained silent for a moment, and then spoke in a very low voice.
“I was just about to tell you. The investigation we conducted this time involves significant implications. The place where Qi Weimin is stationed happens to be responsible for producing some key components. Now, there is evidence pointing to him, alleging that he used his position to substitute some important materials, leading to serious consequences.”
“How is that possible?”
Ji Shuyu blurted out. “Aunt Qin’s family discipline is so strict, and Uncle Qi even more so would never tolerate any wrongdoing. How could their son do such a thing?”
“I don’t believe it either,” He Yuan’s gaze was sharp. “I’ve met Qi Weimin a few times; he’s a quiet, hardworking, honest man. But the current evidence is very damaging to him. There seems to be both witness testimony and physical evidence. And… the timing is too coincidental.”
“Coincidental how?”
“Uncle Qi and I have recently had some differences regarding the investigation’s direction and certain personnel assignments. Although it’s all for the sake of the work, it’s inevitable that some people might think too much into it.”
He Yuan’s voice carried a chill.
“At this very time, Uncle Qi’s son gets involved in a case I’m primarily responsible for investigating, and with what seems like solid evidence. If this isn’t handled properly, how will others view it? Might they think that I, He Yuan, am deliberately framing Uncle Qi’s son to remove a dissenting voice?”
Ji Shuyu drew a sharp breath, instantly understanding the underlying issue. “Someone wants to use this matter to drive a wedge between you and Uncle Qi? To cause internal chaos within the investigation team first?”
“Most likely.”
He Yuan nodded. He saw through this kind of petty trick at a glance.
“Uncle Qi is an important member of the investigation team with high prestige. If he develops resentment towards me because of his son’s situation, or even withdraws from the investigation, then those behind this can easily fish in troubled waters. Moreover, Aunt Qin has taken such good care of us. If the Qi family concludes that we harmed their son, that bond will be broken.”
This move could be described as killing two birds with one stone: it strikes at Uncle Qi, isolates He Yuan, and plants a thorn between them.
“How is Qi Weimin now?”
Ji Shuyu was most concerned about Aunt Qin.
“He has been taken away for isolated interrogation,” He Yuan sighed. “Uncle Qi, to avoid any perception of bias, temporarily cannot intervene in the specific investigation of this case. Aunt Qin must be beside herself with worry now.”
Just as they were speaking, hurried footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate.
Ji Shuyu and He Yuan exchanged a glance and immediately stood up to go out and meet whoever it was.
It was Aunt Qin.
In just half a day, she seemed to have aged ten years. Her hair was disheveled, her eyes were red and swollen, and her steps were unsteady.
Seeing He Yuan was also there, she paused for a moment, her expression extremely complex.
“Aunt Qin!”
Ji Shuyu hurried forward to support her.
Aunt Qin grasped Ji Shuyu’s hand; her own hand was ice-cold and trembling slightly.
When she looked at He Yuan, her lips quivered a few times before she managed to ask with a tearful choke in her voice, “Xiao Yuan… You… tell Auntie the truth. Did Weimin, that child… did he really do such a thing? Have you already concluded it was him?”
Her gaze fixed tightly on He Yuan, as if searching his face for an answer, yet also afraid of hearing that answer.
He Yuan looked at this elder who had always treated him like a nephew, now so fragile and helpless, and his heart tightened.
He knew his response was crucial. This was not only about giving Aunt Qin an explanation but also a critical moment to maintain their mutual trust.
He met Aunt Qin’s gaze and spoke firmly.
“Aunt Qin, I, He Yuan, guarantee on my Party integrity that I do not believe Weimin would do such a thing. This is very likely a scheme targeting both me and Uncle Qi. Please rest assured, I will definitely get to the bottom of this matter. I will absolutely not let a good person be wronged, nor will I let those plotting behind the scenes succeed!”
Listening to He Yuan’s resolute words and looking into his candid eyes, the tightly strung chord in Aunt Qin’s heart loosened just a little.
But her tears kept flowing uncontrollably. Leaning on Ji Shuyu, she sobbed, “But the evidence… they all say the evidence is conclusive. My Weimin, where is he now? Is he suffering…”
“Aunt Qin, please don’t worry. Without definitive proof, no one will lay a hand on Weimin,” He Yuan reassured her.
His words acted like a calming pill, finally providing the distraught and panicked Aunt Qin with a pillar of support.
She wiped her tears, allowed Ji Shuyu to help her into a chair, and kept murmuring, “I just knew it… that child Weimin is as timid as a mouse. How would he have the guts or the mind to steal and replace materials?… Someone must be setting him up, they must be…”
Ji Shuyu quickly poured her a cup of warm water and comforted her softly, “Auntie, since He Yuan said he will investigate thoroughly, he definitely has a way. Please try to calm yourself first. Don’t make yourself sick with worry. Brother Weimin still needs you to be strong for him.”
Seeing that Aunt Qin had stabilized a bit, He Yuan felt no relief inwardly. He knew the opponent’s move was ruthless and vicious, and the timing was precisely chosen.
He pondered for a moment before speaking to Aunt Qin, “Auntie, regarding this matter, you and Uncle Qi should not act rashly for now. Especially do not go and confront those in charge of the investigation; it could give them excuses. Leave everything to me. I will find a way through other channels.”
Aunt Qin now placed all her hope on He Yuan and nodded repeatedly. “Okay, okay, Xiao Yuan, Auntie believes you, we all believe you.”
After seeing the distraught Aunt Qin off, Ji Shuyu looked at He Yuan with concern. “Is this matter very troublesome?”
He Yuan rubbed the space between his brows, a trace of weariness on his face, but his eyes remained sharp. “Troublesome it is, but it’s not without leads. Qi Weimin’s role happened to be critical, and he was used as a pawn.”
He paused, took Ji Shuyu’s hand, and said, “But don’t worry, I also have some clues in hand. It’s just that we need more concrete evidence now, and we must guard against the other side becoming desperate and lashing out. Try to stay home these next few days. As for Aunt Qin… comfort her as much as you can, but don’t discuss the details of the investigation for now.”
Ji Shuyu nodded understandingly. “I understand. I’ll take good care of myself and Aunt Qin. You must be careful too.”
In the following days, life on the surface seemed to return to calm. Ji Shuyu rested peacefully at home for her pregnancy. Although Aunt Qin was still worried about her son, having He Yuan’s promise kept her from panicking aimlessly. She still came daily to check on Ji Shuyu and help with some chores, but her smiles were much fewer, and she often drifted off in the middle of conversation.
He Yuan, meanwhile, became even busier, leaving early and returning late. He was intensifying the investigation into the flaws of Qi Weimin’s case behind the scenes. Leveraging the trust he had previously built and the credit earned from bringing back the materials, he quietly contacted people in several key departments, searching for weak points in the chain of evidence.
One afternoon, the sunlight was pleasant. Ji Shuyu sat in the courtyard sunning herself, feeling the soft cotton cloth Aunt Qin had brought, thinking about making some small clothes for the baby, hoping to distract herself from the anxiety. Aunt Qin sat nearby preparing vegetables, but her eyes often strayed beyond the courtyard gate, clearly worrying about her son again.
Suddenly, the courtyard gate was pushed open. He Yuan was back, much earlier than usual. A faint, barely perceptible excitement was on his face.
“Shuyu, Aunt Qin.” He Yuan walked in quickly, first checked on Ji Shuyu’s complexion, then said to Aunt Qin, “Auntie, there’s progress.”
The vegetables in Aunt Qin’s hands fell to the ground, and she stood up abruptly. “Xiao Yuan, is there news about Weimin?”
He Yuan lowered his voice. “Let’s talk inside.”
The three of them went inside. He Yuan closed the door and windows before speaking. “I’ve tracked the true destination of that batch of allegedly stolen and replaced materials. The other side was very covert, but nobody’s perfect. A driver responsible for the transportation slipped up. Those materials were never used in the official project at all! They were resold on the black market!”
Ji Shuyu gasped. “Doesn’t that mean the so-called serious consequences are completely fabricated?”
“Correct,” He Yuan nodded in agreement. “They falsified the usage records and the accident report, trying to pin the blame on Qi Weimin. If we can get that driver to talk, he can prove Qi Weimin’s innocence. Moreover, by following this lead, we might very well uncover the mastermind behind it.”
Aunt Qin trembled with excitement. “Heaven has eyes! Heaven has eyes! Xiao Yuan, then… when can…”
“Auntie, don’t rush,” He Yuan soothed. “I’ve already arranged for reliable people to keep an eye on that driver and the possible channels for fencing the goods. To avoid alerting the enemy, we need a bit more time to set up the surveillance. We should have results by tonight at the earliest, tomorrow at the latest. Please be patient a little longer. Weimin should be able to come home soon.”
This news was like a ray of sunlight, dispelling the gloom of the past few days. Aunt Qin held Ji Shuyu’s and He Yuan’s hands, tears streaming down her face again, but this time they were tears of hope.
That evening, He Yuan didn’t eat at home and hurried out again. Ji Shuyu and Aunt Qin had a simple dinner together. Both had things weighing on their minds, but the atmosphere was no longer as heavy as the previous few days.
Late at night, Ji Shuyu had already gone to bed. Half-asleep, she heard a faint sound at the courtyard gate. She opened her eyes and saw He Yuan tiptoeing in. He carried the chill of the night air, but his face held a look of relief and joy.
He walked to the bedside, leaned down, and whispered in Ji Shuyu’s ear, his tone carrying a hint of excitement, “It’s resolved. We caught them red-handed. The driver and a minor ringleader behind it were both apprehended. They confessed fully to framing Qi Weimin.”
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