Chapter 049
Nangong Iren
Iren's words made Yihshyong jump out of the car instantly. His eyes widen. "When did it happen?" Yihshyong's hand swung and landed right on Iren's shoulder.
Iren straightened his back before opening his mouth again. "About an hour after Shinnshiow and Jenqyih left the house, someone called me."
"Let's go inside first. It's not nice to shout in front of the house like this. Our neighbors will think we're fighting." Shannchyuan, who also got out of the car, said firmly. Although their dahge tried to appear calm, Iren could see that Shannchyuan's facial muscles were tightening, and his voice was shaking a bit.
"Dahge is right," Yihshyong said. His face was full of anxiety.
After Yinqyueh also got out of the car, Shannchyuan immediately said to the car driver. "Thank you, Sir! You'd better go back to the exhibition site."
The driver said nothing. But, his face was tense. He started the car right away and drove from there. Without waiting for the car to disappear from their sight, the four of them went straight into the house. Arriving in the living room, they all instantly sat on the couch, which had been a silent witness to all their conversations.
"Now tell me slowly and steadily about what happened." Shannchyuan's voice sounded slightly trembling. Iren knew that their dahge was trying hard to control his emotion.
Dahge must have felt that everyone here is his responsibility.
Iren gulped. He began to say in a slightly shaky voice. "An hour after Shinnshiow and Jenqyih left, I received a call. The caller said that Shinnshiow was in their hands."
"Did they allow Shinnshiow to talk to you on the phone?" Shannchyuan rubbed his chin with the palm of his right hand. Maybe it was a way to calm him down.
"They said that Shinnshiow was unconscious, so he couldn't speak."
"So what's the proof that they've kidnapped Shinnshiow?" Yihshyong asked.
"They'll call again tonight when Shinnshiow wakes up."
"What time will they call again?" Yihshyong asked.
"Hmm, hmm, maybe around ten o'clock!" Iren stuttered while trying to remember the conversation on the phone between him and the kidnapper.
"They said it was a possibility, or surely they would call at that time?" Shannchyuan's voice was a little softer but still firm.
"They said they'd call at ten," Iren said in a tone of voice that he tried to be full of confidence.
Shannchyuan and Yihshyong looked at each other. Their eyes looked so weird.
Do they doubt what I just said?
"I remember now. They actually said they'd call back tonight at ten. They even said your name." Iren added the information he had conveyed. "They want to talk to Duanmuh Shannchyuan."
Shannchyuan's face changed slightly when he heard Iren's last words.
Does Dahge think those people had anything to do with him?
"Did they say why they wanted to talk to me?" Shannchyuan's eyebrows rose.
Iren just shook his head.
"What about Jenqyih? Didn't he go with Shinnshiow earlier?" Shannchyuan leaned forward.
"Yihge called here. He called not long after the kidnappers contacted me. So I told him the news right away."
"How did Jenqyih react when he heard this?" Yihshyong rubbed his palms together.
What a strange question, Shyongge!
"Of course he was surprised, too. I told him to come home straight away. But just like yesterday, it seems he has something else on his mind."
"What other things?" Shannchyuan asked.
"He said he would find a way to solve this problem."
"Jenqyih said so?" Shannchyuan asked.
"Right! So maybe Yihge won't be home soon," answered Iren.
"This is a serious matter. I think we should call the police!" Yihshyong stared at Shannchyuan intently.
"They said they would know if we called the police," said Iren.
"All kidnappers say that," Yihshyong said. "It could just be a bluff!"
"But maybe they are serious about it," said Iren.
"Did they say anything else that made you think that way?" Yihshyong asked.
"I only use logic," said Iren. "In fact, they've been watching us since yesterday." He turned his gaze towards Shannchyuan. "What do you think of, Dahge?"
"I have to admit that there is a possibility that they are still watching our house right now!" Shannchyuan lifted his head. "So indeed, we have to be very careful if we want to report to the police."
"Have you told anyone else about this matter?" Yihshyong asked. "Take our neighbors, for example."
Iren shook his head. He didn't go anywhere at all.
I can't possibly leave this house before someone comes home.
"Earlier, after you received the call, did you have time to see how things were outside the house?" Shannchyuan asked.
"About ten minutes after receiving the call, I did went outside. But I was not going anywhere. I was just standing on the fence. Just like when I greeted you a moment ago."
"Back then, did you see any suspicious people outside the house?" Yihshyong asked.
"I just saw a boxcar from an electronics shop stop at the house next door," said Iren. 'They came to deliver the television to this neighbor to the left of our house.'
"Did you say something to them? I mean, not telling them about this kidnapping, but sort of saying hello, or just making small talk to them," Shannchyuan said.
"Absolutely not. Earlier, I was very confused and panicked, so it didn't even occur to me to be friendly with our neighbors. Especially with the people who deliver television to our neighbors."
"How did you know those people were delivering television?" Yinqyueh, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up.
"Because we already knew that our neighbor was waiting for the electronics shop to deliver the television to his house. So, four days ago, he bought a new television. Then the next day, the television had no picture and sound. He reported it with no delay. But, he had to wait until yesterday when a technician from an electronics shop finally came to check. Our neighbor demanded that the television be replaced with a new one, not just repaired. So when I saw a truck bearing the auto electronics shop logo, I instantly thought they were delivering a new television. Besides, the big cardboard to wrap the television in, the writing is pretty clear." Iren waved his hands while explaining that.
Yinqyueh looked deep in thought. "Let's just tell Brother Tsaehorng. Maybe he has a better way out."
"Earlier, the driver had also heard what Iren said. So he must have reported this to Tsaehorng in a flash after he got there," said Yihshyong. "I think Tsaehorng will be here soon."
"Let's wait for Jenqyih and Tsaehorng to come before we decide to report this to the police. Maybe they will bring a little surprise," said Shannchyuan.
"What surprise?" Iren asked.
"You'll see," said Shannchyuan.
"Dahge isn't worried about Shinnshiow?" Iren asked.
"Of course I'm anxious. But I don't think they will hurt him. At least for the time being. They want some of the things we currently have in exchange for Shinnshiow," Shannchyuan said. He then patted Iren's shoulder. "Have you had lunch yet?"
"In this situation, will I still have an appetite?"
"Eating is an important activity and you must do it. We won't be able to think clearly when we are hungry," said Shannchyuan.
Iren looked at his friends. "What about you guys?"
"We've all had lunch. Tsaehorng treated us to lunch earlier. Here we brought some food." Yihshyong pointed to the two plastic packages still lying on the living room table.
"Please, bring these foods to the kitchen first." Shannchyuan smiled at Yinqyueh.
The girl nodded. She swiftly carried the package of food into the kitchen.
Iren still doubted. He really didn't know what their priorities should be.
"Now, you're panicking like this. I don't think it's any good," Shannchyuan said.
Iren understood that Shannchyuan was trying hard to be calm, to keep his friends and also Yinqyueh from panicking. If he panicked now, it would be the same as sabotaging Shannchyuan's efforts. Therefore, Iren would follow what Shannchyuan said. He walked to the kitchen. There, Yinqyueh had already unwrapped the food and transferred it to several plates. Iren brought the plates containing the dishes to the dining room and started eating there.
Several kinds of food were all delicious. At first, Iren thought a situation like this would eliminate his appetite. But it didn't. He could eat voraciously. However, because there was so much food, it took Iren quite a while to finish it all.
Before Iren finished eating, it turned out that someone had come to their house. Exactly as Yihshyong said, Tsaehorng was already in front of the gate. Yihshyong came out to open the gate and let Tsaehorng in.
"How did it happen?" When he came into the house, not yet sitting down, Tsaehorng had already asked them about it.
"We don't know for sure either. You sit down first," Shannchyuan replied.
Iren quickly tried to finish his lunch. He waved his hand at Tsaehorng.
"Why don't you eat slowly? Don't be in a hurry." Yihshyong shouted from the living room. "Didn't you say the thugs would be calling us tonight, not soon after?"
"I'm almost done eating." Iren pointed at his plate. Between the living room and the dining room, there was another room. But there was no partition between each of those rooms. So, Iren could clearly see what they did, and hear all their conversations.
Yinqyueh came out of the kitchen with a tray of tea for them all. She put the teacups on the table in the living room.
"Brother Tsaehorng, please have some tea," Yinqyueh said.
"Thank you." Tsaehorng nodded.
They all then drank the tea.
"Eh?" Yihshyong let out a short exclamation after taking a sip of the tea.
"What's wrong, Uncle?" Tsaehorng asked.
"It's okay. I think this tea is specially made for someone," Yihshyong said. He looked at Yinqyueh with a small smile.
"This tea is just so sweet!" Shannchyuan gave a thumbs up.
Unlike the people in this city, the people from Yeuandong usually add sugar to the tea so that it tastes sweet. However, Shannchyuan was different from the ordinary Yeuandong people. He didn't really like sweet tea. So, usually, he only drank plain tea at home. Apparently, the tea that Yinqyueh made this time wasn't sweet tea, but it wasn't plain tea either. Iren guessed she had added a bit of sugar to the tea. Shannchyuan sometimes drank tea like that, which was tea to which very little sugar was added. It turned out that Yinqyueh had learned Shannchyuan's taste in tea. Shannchyuan hardly ever told anyone about his drink preferences. Maybe Jenqyih or Shinnshiow told the girl about Shannchyuan's habits.
"Where's your driver?" Shannchyuan asked.
"I told him to wait in the car."
"Why don't you take him into the house?" Yihshyong asked.
"He's used to it. He's waiting for me in the car. So if I have to leave again, he's ready."
"Please, give a glass of water to the driver outside. He must be thirsty." Shannchyuan looked at Yinqyueh.
"No need, Uncle! In the car there is a supply of drinks," said Tsaehorng.
Yinqyueh looked at Shannchyuan. The girl seemed to be asking for consideration from their dahge.
"You just sit here, please." Shannchyuan patted the girl's shoulder gently.
Yinqyueh nodded. "I'll return this to the kitchen first."
Yinqyueh returned to the kitchen to return the tray. Afterward, she walked into the dining room and sat down on one chair in front of the dining table. She looked at Iren, who was busy finishing his food.
"Isn't it delicious?" Yinqyueh's voice was so slow. Almost like a whisper.
"Of course, it's delicious," replied Iren. Also, at a low volume.
"There's still a lot in the kitchen if you still want to add more portions."
"The other portion is for Yihge. He'll be angry if I eat his portion." Iren smiled.
"Don't worry. There are two plastic packages. The first one contained food for you, while the second one was for Uncle Jenqyih. What I have opened is only the first plastic bag. The second one, I put it in the fridge at once. So the food that's still in the kitchen isn't food for Uncle Jenqyih."
"Well then, I'll just eat again later. Right now, there are much more important things to do." Iren tried to be as firm as possible.
The people sitting in the living room were busy talking. The absence of any partition was really very useful in such circumstances. Iren and Yinqyueh could hear all the things their friends were saying.
"It's possible that they were just bluffing when they said they would know if we called the police," said Yihshyong, shortly after sipping the tea made by Yinqyueh.
"You're right," said Shannchyuan. "But we can't take the risk."
"Uncle, don't worry. The police will definitely act professionally. They will be very careful in handling kidnapping cases," said Tsaehorng.
This time Iren had finished eating. He cleaned up his plates and bowls and took the cutlery to the kitchen. After that, he walked into the living room. As soon as he got there, he put his ass right next to Yihshyong in a flash.
"I think we should contact the police as soon as possible. I happen to know some of the police officers," said Tsaehorng.
Shannchyuan smiled at Tsaehorng's words. "Just be patient. We'll just have to wait a little longer."
Shannchyuan now looked much calmer than when he had just arrived home. Maybe there were other things in his consideration that he could be so calm.
"Dahge! What if you explain your plan to all of us now," said Iren.
Shannchyuan nodded. But before he could start speaking, he heard the sound of a motorbike from outside the house. Yihshyong stood up and opened the living room door. In front of the fence, there was a motorbike that stopped. The two people who rode the motorcycle then took off their helmets.
"Jenqyih is home," Yihshyong shouted.
About thirty seconds later, Jenqyih entered the living room. He was carrying the backpack that he had taken away yesterday. Jenqyih did not come alone. He was with someone they didn't know. They all stood up to greet Jenqyih and his friend.
"Let me introduce him to you. This is an old friend of mine." Jenqyih's voice sounded so formal. "His name is Jongli."
"My name is Jongli Jyhren. I am an old friend of Jenqyih." The person bowed respectfully.
After that, they introduced themselves to each other. Iren looked at Jenqyih's friend. He was taller and more robust than Jenqyih.
Could this be what Dahge meant by a "surprise"?
"You brought this backpack home again?" Shannchyuan smiled. His fingers pointed at the thing Jenqyih was carrying.
"I didn't have time to put it in our new lockers. Maybe tomorrow I'll take this backpack there."
"It's okay." Shannchyuan smiled. "Now, that's not our priority. Just put it inside your room first."
Jenqyih walked to his room.
"We wait for Jenqyih to return, then we can continue the conversation," said Shannchyuan.
Less than two minutes later, Jenqyih was back in the living room.
"How about it, sir? Have you got an idea of what we're going to say?" Shannchyuan looked at Jenqyih's friend.
"I've heard from Jenqyih about what happened," the person said.
Jenqyih's friend seemed to be someone who didn't like small talk. He directly talked about what his goal was. Iren tried to guess who Jenqyih's friend really was. According to his estimation, this person was definitely not an ordinary person. It was possible he was a law enforcement officer.
"Now please tell Mr. Jongli what happened." Shannchyuan turned to Iren.
Iren then told the things he experienced starting from when all his friends left the house until the return of Shannchyuan, Yihshyong, and Yinqyueh.
Jongli Jyhren listened to Iren's story seriously. Every now and then, he asked about something that he felt was not clear or asked Iren to repeat some of the things Iren had said.
At first, Iren always looked at Shannchyuan before answering Jongli's questions. Shannchyuan always nodded. From Shannchyuan's facial expressions and body language, it seemed that Shannchyuan really intended to tell all of their problems to Jenqyih's friend. Therefore, Iren then answered everything so smoothly.
"I think you've more or less heard of what we went through from Jenqyih," Shannchyuan said.
After Iren finished telling the story, Shannchyuan took over the speaker's position from Iren's hands.
"I've heard a little. But it would be better if you tell me again now," asked Jenqyih's friend.
Shannchyuan recounted in detail the things they had experienced. He didn't tell everything. There were things he kept hiding. Iren nodded, hearing the things that were said by Shannchyuan. Iren was sure that this was Shannchyuan's way of telling them all what things other people were allowed to know and things they weren't allowed to tell. The things that should not be told were, for example, where Shannchyuan met Yinqyueh and the events that Yinqyueh witnessed. It was clear that Shannchyuan didn't want Yinqyueh to get into trouble. Also, regarding some of the things they found in Songfei's bag. There were things that Shannchyuan didn't mention. And then, of course, Shannchyuan didn't tell him about the dungeons and secret passages they'd found.
"What now? Is it time to report this to the police?" Jenqyih asked.
Tsaehorng, who, since Jongli's arrival, had just sat there listening, looked at Jenqyih. After that, he looked at Shannchyuan. His eyes shone with a million questions. Iren knew Tsaehorng must be confused as to why they should ask Jongli for advice on when to call the police. Let alone Tsaehorng, Iren himself didn't really understand either. He didn't know who Jongli was. However, seeing Shannchyuan's reaction while talking to Jongli, it seemed Iren's guess about who Jongli really was might not be far off the mark.
"Right. It's clear we have to report to the police," Jongli replied. "I think Young Master Mingju must have the right acquaintances to handle this."
Tsaehorng looked awkward. With hesitation, he looked at Shannchyuan. Shannchyuan then nodded.
"May I borrow the phone?" Tsaehorng asked.
"I think Young Master Mingju shouldn't be calling from here. We don't know yet whether the phone in this house is free from bugs," said Jongli.
"Mr. Jongli, may I ask you to check whether there is a bug in our phone?" Shannchyuan's tone was calm when he made the request. Iren didn't know if Shannchyuan really wanted Jongli to do that, or if he just wanted to test the person's readiness.
"I would love to do that. But, sorry Sir, at this time I don't bring the tool." There seemed to be a hint of regret on Jongli's face. "Besides, the absence of a wiretapping device on the telephone here does not guarantee that your telephone line is not tapped. Telephone signals may be intercepted elsewhere. For example, in places where telephone cables are connected, such as in a device whose function is similar to a splitter attached to metal poles outside." Jongli pointed to the telephone pole outside.
"That means we can't use this phone for a while, right, Sir?" Yihshyong asked.
"I think it's okay to just say things that don't contain important information. For example, if you want to order food or other things like that."
"Okay! Then from now on, we shouldn't use this phone to exchange news or information," said Shannchyuan.
Everyone in the living room nodded.
"Then let me call the police from my place," said Tsaehorng.
"Your place at the paintings exhibition or your apartment?" Yihshyong asked.
"At the exhibition. My apartment is too far from here." Tsaehorng then stood up. He prepared to leave. But before moving, he still opened his mouth. "What about Uncle Beeihae's family? Shouldn't we call them to tell them what just happened?"
Tsaehorng's question did make sense. Everyone's eyes were on Shannchyuan.
"I know what you just said is what we should have done." Shannchyuan let out those words with a solemn face. "Almost all members of his nuclear and extended family live in Yeuandong. There are indeed some of his relatives who work outside Yeuandong. But none of them are here. So it is almost impossible for his relatives to come here."
"So, you don't think we need to tell them?" Tsaehorng looked at Shannchyuan.
"It's not that there's no need to tell them. But right now, the information we have is not accurate enough. I don't want us to have to rectify what we've already told them," Shannchyuan said.
"I agree with Dahge," Yihshyong said. "We don't know yet how true the claims of the people who called this house are. They said that Shinnshiow was with them. But they couldn't show any proof. So we shouldn't just believe what they said. It could be, this is one of the latest ways of fraud. There is currently no news from Shinnshiow. We can't reach him either. So, things are still not clear."
"Let's just wait for the call from the kidnappers tonight," said Iren. "Although I'm inclined to believe at this point that Shinnshiow has been kidnapped, it's not until tonight that we can be certain that this kidnapping did happen."
"Back to the matter of contacting the Shinnshiow's family," said Shannchyuan. "We can't rule out doing that. I just don't think now is the time."
Tsaehorng nodded. He seemed to have understood the stand of the occupants of this house.
"Besides, I'm afraid that if we contact them now, they'll definitely panic. Their panic will cause additional problems. After all, whether or not his family knows about this matter, will not change the situation here," said Shannchyuan.
"And there's more," said Yihshyong. "After the kidnappers free him, his family will probably forbid him to stay here. They might force him to return home. I'm sure Shinnshiow wouldn't like that idea."
"Okay Uncle. I understand," said Tsaehorng. "Now I want one uncle here to come with me. So, later, the person concerned can directly give information to the police."
Shannchyuan patted Yihshyong on the shoulder. "You come with Tsaehorng."
Yihshyong nodded without the slightest hesitation. He quickly stood up and walked over to Tsaehorng. Tsaehorng and Yihshyong then said goodbye to them all. Shannchyuan led the two men to the front of the fence.
From inside the house, Iren could see Shannchyuan chatting briefly with Tsaehorng. Shannchyuan patted Tsaehorng on the shoulder. Just as Tsaehorng and Yihshyong got into the car, the driver started the vehicle instanter.
Shannchyuan was still standing outside the fence for about thirty seconds. After that, he turned around. With quick steps, Shannchyuan went back into the house. He returned forthwith to where he had been sitting before. He raised his cup. It turned out to be empty. Clearly, Iren saw Shannchyuan glance sharply at him.
Yinqyueh then stood up. "Let me make some more tea."
"Ah, I'm sorry if we even bothered you," said Shannchyuan.
"It's okay," Yinqyueh smiled.
"How about you make one for them, too?" Shannchyuan pointed to the other people who were there. "Looks like they've run out of drinks, too."
Yinqyueh nodded. "No problem."
Iren stood up. He said, "Let me help you. To make it faster."
Yinqyueh stared with a slightly surprised look. But without saying anything, she let Iren help her. Iren and the girl together walked to the kitchen.
Arriving at the kitchen, Iren said softly in Yinqyueh's ear. "I think Dahge has something to say to you. But he doesn't want Jenqyih's friend to hear what he has to say. So then, I'll just go out to serve them the drinks."
Yinqyueh remained silent. She just nodded.
She could understand in an instant. This girl is much more mature than her actual age.
After finishing making the drinks, Yinqyueh came out of the kitchen. From the kitchen window, Iren saw the girl sitting on a chair on the backyard terrace. Iren brought the drink into the living room. He put the cups on the table instantly.
"Are you adding sugar again?" Shannchyuan looked probingly at Iren.
"Don't you want sugar?" Iren asked back.
"That's not what I meant. It just, I think I've had too much sugar today."
"Then I'll make a fresh drink again. One that doesn't use sugar."
Iren rose again from his seat. Shannchyuan stood up promptly and held Iren's shoulder.
"No need. Let me make it myself. You sit here accompanying Jenqyih and Mr. Jongli." After saying that, Shannchyuan stood up and walked speedily towards the kitchen.
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