Chapter 113: So This Is How Terrifying Lin Rui Truly Is

In recent years, telecom fraud has run rampant, and online gambling has been endlessly cropping up. Once caught in, it is hard to escape unscathed. Lin Rui used himself as bait, firmly trapping Liu Wenguang on a path of no return.

From then on, Liu Wenguang could only rely on Lin Rui and had no choice but to willingly become a tool for Lin Rui’s revenge.

Shen Mushi inserted the last USB drive into the computer. “The final piece is a surveillance video.”

The video played on the computer screen, showing Lin Rui and Liu Wenguang plotting the kidnapping route and escape plan.

Shen Mushi said, “That kidnapping was jointly orchestrated by Lin Rui and Liu Wenguang. After Liu Wenguang fell into gambling, he maintained close contact with several domestic loan companies. You could say he’s quite the talent—over a year, he built considerable influence within the social circles of Jingzhou. Zhou Jiayan’s ambush and your kidnapping were all planned behind the scenes by him. The police have already been updated; he has been transferred to the relevant department for the next phase of interrogation.”

After speaking, Shen Mushi took the memory card sealed in a bag and placed it in front of Zhou Lichuan.

“Brother Chuan, this is the original surveillance footage file. Keep it safe and remember to back it up.”

Zhou Lichuan took the storage card, but his mind was occupied with another matter. “Except for Lin Rui, all the criminals involved in that kidnapping have been arrested. Why was Liu Wenguang able to remain untouched?”

Shen Mushi explained, “Because he didn’t know Lin Rui had acted. Their plan was to move against Jiang Zao only after you regained consciousness and autonomy. Lin Rui suddenly went mad and advanced the plan by a week. Many things were rushed, which is why we could find and break their scheme so easily.”

Zhou Jiayan sat nearby, dazed, overwhelmed by the flood of information.

“I never imagined Lin Rui was such a terrifying person.”

Her complexion grew slightly grave.

Jiang Zao understood her lingering fear and gently patted her back. “Zhou Lichuan and the others are handling this. You’re only here to know the facts. If you feel scared, it means you must protect yourself well so that nothing happens to worry everyone.”

Zhou Jiayan knew she couldn’t help much and nodded in agreement.

Shen Mushi finished explaining everything quickly, eager to return to the hospital.

Jiang Zao stopped him as he packed up. “Qiao Yuan just called and said you haven’t rested well these past few days. Don’t leave just yet. Hui Jie will be here soon. You should take a nap and eat before you go.”

Shen Mushi’s mind was full of Meng Qiao Yuan; he was already eager to be back by her side.

“No, I’m fine...” Before he could finish, his stomach growled loudly, interrupting him.

Jiang Zao smiled. “Du Bin has been cooking these days, but the three of us aren’t very skilled in the kitchen. Have some snacks to hold you over; Hui Jie will be here soon.”

Shen Mushi resigned himself and sat down again without a trace of awkwardness, taking the sofa with ease. “Alright, I’ll wait for the meal and take a quick nap.”

He went upstairs to Du Bin’s room to rest briefly.

Zhou Jiayan, once awake, remembered the work on her hands. Li Baixiu had been pressing her for two days straight. She hurried back to her room to get busy.

Jiang Zao, with nothing urgent, carefully read through the freshly printed documents.

Zhou Lichuan took the files from her hands and ruffled her loose hair. “What you just said to Zhou Jiayan, I have to say the same to you. These matters are dangerous. You only need to know them for your own safety—to be aware of what to guard against—not to worry yourself sick while pregnant.”

Jiang Zao pouted. “But I’m already involved. Didn’t Meng Qiao Yuan have to face today because she didn’t know who to guard against? Since avoidance is impossible, it’s better to face it head-on. I’m not some fragile damsel who can’t fend for herself. Don’t underestimate me, Mr. Zhou.”

Zhou Lichuan was at a loss for words. He knew Jiang Zao wasn’t one of those delicate, helpless little rabbits needing constant care. She was a dahlia blooming deep in the wilderness—captivating, profound, and dangerous.

“Then don’t keep anything from me. Whatever you’re thinking, tell me immediately. Otherwise, I won’t be at ease.”

A flicker of tenderness passed through Jiang Zao’s eyes. “Got it.”

…

When Hui Jie was brought back, she carried many parcels. Not only did she bring her personal belongings, but also many of Jiang Zao’s things.

The moment she entered the room, Jiang Zao’s enthusiasm startled her.

Having finally washed her hands after following Jiang Zao around, Hui Jie laughed at Jiang Zao’s sparkling eyes and teased, “Zao Zao, have you been craving my cooking?”

Jiang Zao grabbed Hui Jie’s arm, unwilling to let go. “I mainly missed you. The food comes second. Du Bin’s cooking is pretty good, and when we don’t feel like eating it, we can order takeout. But suddenly not seeing you around really threw me off.”

Hui Jie smiled as she arranged her luggage. “It’s only been a few days, but it feels empty without you here. Now that I’m back, what do you want for lunch?”

Jiang Zao followed closely behind Hui Jie like a little duckling chasing its mother, an adorable sight that made Zhou Lichuan’s heart tingle. He stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Jiang Zao’s waist and joining their conversation.

“Hui Jie, since we’re staying here temporarily, please bear with it for now. I bought a place for Zao Zao in this neighborhood—it’ll be ready for move-in any day now. You can go over and get it cleaned up. Zao Zao can move whenever she wants.”

Jiang Zao turned to Zhou Lichuan. “I’m living fine here. Why should I move?”

Zhou Lichuan smiled down at her. “It’s too small and inconvenient here. It’s fine for Zhou Jiayan and Du Bin, but with us added, it gets crowded.”

Jiang Zao frowned. “But I don’t want to move again. We’ve been moving constantly for a whole year and still don’t have a stable home.”

Zhou Lichuan looked at her with adoring affection, holding her waist and laughing. “Then pick a place this time, and once we settle, we won’t move again.”

Hui Jie raised an eyebrow quietly, putting on an apron and heading to her post. Watching young people’s clinging, lovey-dovey behavior too much can give you styes—best not to see or hear it.

Jiang Zao was not so easily consoled. She didn’t want to move, nor to become familiar with a new place again. Yet she also knew Zhou Jiayan’s place was only temporary and couldn’t be an ongoing burden.

But letting go of past grievances and returning to a former home was a mental hurdle she couldn’t easily overcome.