Chapter 050
Duanmuh Shannchyuan
Shannchyuan opened the door that connected the kitchen to the backyard. Yinqyueh sat on a chair on the kitchen terrace. She turned when she heard the door open. Shannchyuan quickly stepped out. He closed the kitchen door very carefully.
"What do you want to talk about, Uncle?" Yinqyueh's voice was like the voice of someone who didn't want to discuss anything.
What I'm about to say will probably upset her a little. But I have to say it.
Shannchyuan sat on the chair that was next to the chair Yinqyueh was sitting on.
I have to say it very carefully.
"The situation is already very dangerous." Shannchyuan's fingers touched Yinqyueh's fingers.
"I know."
"Tomorrow I will take you to your relative's place in Yuehming."
Yinqyueh turned to Shannchyuan. Her face was a bit sullen. "But I probably won't be able to go home tomorrow either."
"You don't have to go back there. Tomorrow we're just going to see how things are going."
"Is it true that I don't need to go back there?" Yinqyueh's tone seemed to doubt Shannchyuan's words.
Shannchyuan smiled. His left hand grabbed the fingers of Yinqyueh's right hand. "We'll see how things go tomorrow. If we still can't get in, then you don't have to go home."
"So if it turns out that we can go in there, then I have to go home?"
"I didn't mean it like that."
"Then what do you mean, Uncle?"
"I just want us to know how things are over there. You need to see it in person."
"I don't need to go home?"
"If you don't want to go home, then you don't have to go home."
Yinqyueh's face brightened.
It seems that this girl is really reluctant to gather with her family.
"Since arriving in this city, have you tried calling them?" Shannchyuan asked.
"Not at all. I'm way ahead of schedule. If I call and say I'm here, then I'm afraid they'll tell me to come over to their house right away."
"If tomorrow we're still not allowed into the housing complex, then we'll have to call them."
"If there is no one else in their house, then what?"
"Even though your family has all evacuated, but the house is so big there must be a lot of guards and maids living there. It's impossible for everyone to evacuate, either."
"Okay. We'll call them tomorrow." Yinqyueh was still being reluctant.
"Is there nothing you want to ask?"
"About what?"
"Anything is fine. I mean, anything you don't think is clear at all."
"If I ask, will Uncle answer it?"
"Of course!"
"Who is Uncle Jenqyih's friend? He seems to be an important person. All of you seem to be disdainful towards that person."
"I don't know for sure. But he's most likely someone who works for the government."
"Police?"
"Sort of. It's just that maybe the things they do are more mysterious than the police."
"So some kind of special police, huh?"
"Approximately so."
"Hmmmm," Yinqyueh mumbled short.
"I know you don't like the involvement of the police or other law enforcement. But things are like this. Like it or not, the police have to be involved."
"I know, Uncle."
"Is there any more?"
"Of course there is," Yinqyueh said. "If I still can't go home tomorrow, then where will I live? Uncle says things are dangerous here."
"I've had a little talk with Tsaehorng."
"When did Uncle speak to him?"
"A while ago. When I was escorting Tsaehorng and Yihshyong out."
"In such a short time?"
"Yes." Shannchyuan nodded. "Ah! He's mentioned this matter before. So I just need to remind him."
"I know. Brother Tsaehorng already said that when we had lunch."
"Yes. I decided to accept the offer he made earlier."
"What did he say?"
"He said, right now, we could move into his apartment."
"So soon?"
Shannchyuan nodded. "That kid really meant it."
"His apartment must be luxurious." Yinqyueh laughed.
"I don't know. But I think so."
Yinqyueh nodded. "Now it's Uncle's turn!"
"My turn?"
"Uncle asked me to ask about things that I feel are not clear. Now it's Uncle's turn to ask."
"What should I ask?"
"Anything is okay."
Shannchyuan was silent for a moment. He looked deeply into Yinqyueh's face. After about five seconds, he finally opened his mouth. "You don't mind if we have to lie a little?"
"Lie to whom?" Yinqyueh raised her eyebrows.
"I mean, not lying like that."
"Like that, what do you mean, Uncle?"
"I mean lying which is like deceiving. That's not what I want. What I want is not to tell everyone everything we know and experience. So only part of it we tell."
"Ah! I know what you mean. But that's more accurately called hiding the truth than lying."
"Okay! You're right. This would be more appropriate to call it hiding the truth."
"Uncle has already done that. You all didn't tell Mr. Jongli everything."
"Yes. We did. So what do you think? Would you mind if you had to do something like that too?"
Yinqyueh nodded. "But, lying to whom? I mean, apart from Mr. Jongli, who should we hide the truth from?"
"To anyone we don't trust one hundred percent yet."
"Including the police?"
"Yes, including the police."
"Wow!" Yinqyueh shouted.
"We are strangers here, after all. So…."
"Okay. I understand Uncle. I'm not going to just tell everyone I don't trust myself, either."
"Good girl!" Shannchyuan gave a thumbs up.
"Then what are the things I am not allowed to tell for a while?"
"Look! We agreed from the start not to involve you in this incident. The kidnapping you witnessed probably had nothing to do with Shinnshiow's kidnapping. So, later, if the police ask about it, then I will only tell about Songfei and things related to the things he left with me."
"But if the police ask Mr. Hannrong, then they will know about what happened two days ago at Dafeisy Tower."
"You don't have to worry. I'll call Hannrong to tell him not to say anything about it."
"Do you think he is willing to do that?" Yinqyueh looked worried.
"I am one hundred percent sure about it. This matter also has to do with his job."
They both fell silent.
"So, when do we move into Brother Tsaehorng's apartment?" Yinqyueh asked. "There's no way we should move right now, right?"
"You're right. I thought we were going to stay here for a while. But you are different. Today, you have to move there. It's an emergency."
"Am I the only one going there?"
"No. We'll be moving too. But your safety is our priority."
"Hmmmm…," Yinqyueh muttered.
"When Tsaehorng comes back, I hope you're ready!"
"So now I have to start getting ready?"
"Yes!" Shannchyuan replied in a firm voice.
"Okay then. I'll start packing things now." Even though Yinqyueh answered in a soft voice, Shannchyuan could still hear the reluctance in her tone.
"I'm going back to the living room now. About three minutes after I go there, then you go to your room and prepare the things you want to bring," said Shannchyuan.
Yinqyueh showed an astonished expression, but she just nodded. Not the least bit denied.
Luckily, this time this girl is so obedient.
Shannchyuan got up from the chair. He quickly went back into the house. Without stopping in the kitchen, he walked straight to the living room. There he found Jongli, Jenqyih, and Iren having a serious conversation.
"Dahge, my friend wants to say goodbye. He has some things to do," said Jenqyih.
"Wait a minute. I still have a few things to ask," said Shannchyuan.
"Mr. Duanmuh, feel free to ask if something is still unclear." Jongli said.
"Aren't you going to communicate directly with the police, who will come here later?" Shannchyuan asked.
"We think it will make the atmosphere awkward. We don't want the police to feel monitored when carrying out their duties. So we will operate separately. Don't worry, your friend will definitely return safely," Jongli replied.
I think, from the very beginning, the institution where Jongli works has been targeting the people who kidnapped Shinnshiow. This Jongli looks so prepared.
Jongli nodded respectfully.
The police and the agency where Jongli works will conduct separate investigations. But, is this really useful for us?
The fact that Jenqyih's friends would not let the police know about their involvement was an oddity. Faced with this, on the one hand, Shannchyuan was happy that there was more than one side to help them. On the other hand, he was also a bit anxious because the two sides, who were not cooperating, would likely clash on the field.
"Don't worry," said Jongli. It was as if he knew what Shannchyuan was worried about.
"Thank you," said Shannchyuan.
"I'd like to go out for a bit to buy something," Jenqyih said.
"Don't take too long. Maybe later we all have to give information to the police," said Iren.
"Don't worry. I won't be gone for long," Jenqyih said.
Jenqyih and Jongli then walked out of the house. The two of them then left together on a motorbike. Shannchyuan and Iren stood at the entrance of their house, watching the two of them pass.
"Some people have come to our house. If the kidnappers saw this, wouldn't they suspect anything?" Iren asked while frowning.
"If they are suspicious, they will definitely contact us soon to confirm that they are not kidding," said Shannchyuan.
"That means Shinnshiow's safety is in danger?"
"I'm pretty sure this isn't a kidnapping for ransom. Those people want the information we currently have in our hands.
"How can Dahge be sure that they won't hurt Shinnshiow?"
"If they're the kind of people who promote violence, they'd have kidnapped Shinnshiow since yesterday."
Shannchyuan closed the front door. He didn't forget to lock the door. When he turned around, he saw Yinqyueh coming out of the kitchen. The girl walked quickly. He went straight into Shannchyuan's bedroom.
It's been over three minutes. I think she is daydreaming a bit on the back porch.
Iren and Shannchyuan sat back on the living room couch. Iren's face radiated a very dense curious aura.
"What did Dahge talk to Miss Liuchiou earlier?" Iren's voice was so soft. It was as if he didn't want Yinqyueh to hear what he was saying.
She's still in the bedroom. Definitely couldn't hear what you just said!
"Ah! While we were at the diner, Tsaehorng offered to let us live in his apartment until we found a new place to live."
"Dahge agreed right away?"
"Of course not. But after Shinnshiow was kidnapped, I don't think we have any other choice. At least for the time being."
"Where's the apartment?"
"I don't know yet. But it doesn't look too close from here."
"Shall we move there soon?"
"Not really. We'll stay here until the time our landlord gives us. At least until Shinnshiow gets home safely. Maybe I should talk to our landlord about this, too."
"Then Miss Liuchiou?"
"She will be moving into Tsaehorng's apartment today. Her safety is our priority."
"I don't think she should be alone in there."
"Tsaehorng's apartment must be safe. He must be living in an elite place with extra security."
"That's not what I meant ...," said Iren.
Shannchyuan stared at Iren for a while before opening his mouth again. "I have to stay here until Shinnshiow returns. This is my responsibility."
"Shyongge, Yihge, and I are here. Even tonight, Chioujen will come back to this house. You don't have to worry."
Shannchyuan thought for a moment. "I'll stay here. At least until the police come. Then we can talk about this again."
"Okay if you think it's the best thing," said Iren.
The two of them then sat on the sofa in the living room, watching television. Shannchyuan turned up the volume of the television as it broadcasted further news about the fire that broke out in Yuehming.
Hearing the voice coming from the television, Yinqyueh ran out of the bedroom and sat down next to Shannchyuan. According to the latest news, the fire had been completely extinguished. Police and firefighters were still investigating the cause of the fire. Residents were allowed to re-enter the housing complex.
"It's good to hear that," said Iren.
"What time are we going there tomorrow?" Yinqyueh asked Shannchyuan.
"How about a little late," said Shannchyuan. "According to the original schedule, what time are you expected to get there?"
"Around noon," Yinqyueh said.
"Let's see how the Shinnshiow kidnapping case develops," said Shannchyuan. "Now you just continue to prepare the things you will bring."
"I'm done. I don't have much stuff."
Shannchyuan nodded. "That's settled. I'm glad to hear that."
"Is there anything else you still want to ask, Uncle?"
"Have you prepared food for Jenqyih? I mean, the food we brought from the restaurant earlier."
"Ah! I almost forget. Good thing Uncle remind me." Yinqyueh laughed. "I will prepare the dish right away. But, now, where is Uncle Jenqyih?"
"He went out for a while. He said he wanted to buy something," said Iren. "You stay here with Dahge. Let me prepare the food for Jenqyih."
Without waiting for Yinqyueh's approval, Iren stood up instanter. He walked into the kitchen whistling.
Yinqyueh looked at Shannchyuan. Shannchyuan just nodded when he saw Yinqyueh's gaze. The two of them then continued to watch television. There was some news that was actually quite interesting. But because their minds were filled with the problems they were facing, they did not pay close attention to the news.
Less than half an hour later, Jenqyih arrived home. He was carrying a blue plastic bag. His face was so bright. Shannchyuan guessed that Jongli had said something encouraging.
Iren had already prepared the dishes for Jenqyih. He put the dish on the dining table. He smiled and waved when he saw Jenqyih's presence.
"Since earlier, you must have not eaten lunch. Iren has prepared your lunch. Go eat first," said Shannchyuan.
Jenqyih smirked at Shannchyuan's words. "This isn't lunch time. Maybe we should call it an early dinner."
Shannchyuan smiled. "Whatever it's called, you still have to eat."
"Okay!" Jenqyih nodded respectfully. "But wait a minute. I have to change first."
Jenqyih went into the bedroom and was inside for about five minutes. He came out in different clothes. With firm steps, he moved towards the dining table. He looked so excited.
"So many dishes." Jenqyih smiled broadly.
"Please eat." Iren laughed so widely.
"Okay! I'm eating now," said Jenqyih. After that, he guttled the dishes served on the table.
Yinqyueh changed the television channel. Her face was a bit sullen. With great care, Shannchyuan looked at Yinqyueh. He could understand the anger she was feeling right now.
"You don't have to worry. Everything will be fine." Shannchyuan clasped Yinqyueh's palm.
Yinqyueh turned her head. She smiled. "I'm not too worried. I just want tomorrow to come soon."
Shannchyuan laughed. How about you go to sleep first? I'll wake you up when the pick-up car arrives."
"I don't want to!"
"All right. We'll just sit here," said Shannchyuan.
Yinqyueh suddenly stood up. She walked over to the frame where the doors and windows were attached. She looked out through the windowpane.
"What are you doing?" asked Shannchyuan.
"Soon the sun goes down, brother Tsaehorng hasn't shown up yet," Yinqyueh said.
"Just be patient. Tsaehorng's acquaintances are high-ranking cops, so their men will definitely be eager to help us. Even though they haven't shown up here yet, I'm sure they must have started working," Shannchyuan said.
"Ah! This food is delicious," said Jenqyih. He had just finished eating.
"You two come here first," Shannchyuan said.
Iren and Jenqyih approached the living room in a flash.
"I'm going to explain the things we saw and experienced today. The things I didn't get to tell you guys earlier," Shannchyuan said.
Shannchyuan described in detail everything from the atmosphere at the station when they came out of the basement, the situation at the fire site, the painting exhibition Tsaehorng took part in, to the restaurant where Tsaehorng treated them. Iren and Jenqyih listened with solemn faces.
"So, what are our plans now?" Jenqyih asked.
"We will wait for the police to arrive. After that we will give some information to them. Then we'll wait for a call from the Shinnshiow kidnappers. Oh, and of course, we will wait for Chioujen to come home. I am sure he will be very surprised. So when he comes home, take him straight to the room. Explain briefly what happened." Shannchyuan looked at the faces of his two friends.
The two friends of Shannchyuan nodded.
They heard a car stop outside their house.
"Ah! That must be Tsaehorng,” said Shannchyuan.,
Iren got up from the sofa and opened the door. He walked outside. In a moment, he was back with Tsaehorng and Yihshyong. But it was not just the two of them. There was still one more person who came to the house. She was a woman in her sixties. The woman was carrying several plastic packages. So sharp, a fragrant smell wafted from the plastic packages she was having.
"Ah! Let me introduce you first. This is the person who took care of me. Her name is Dihwuu Shyanmeei,” said Tsaehorng. "You can call her Miss Dihwuu."
"Good evening Miss Dihwuu," said Shannchyuan.
"Good evening," said Miss Dihwuu.
"What is this?" Jenqyih pointed to the packages that Miss Dihwuu was carrying.
"Uncles and Miss Liuchiou must not have eaten dinner. Here I brought some dishes." Tsaehorng laughed politely.
Even the sun has not completely set. Of course, we haven't had dinner yet. It's not time yet. Or maybe Tsaehorng used to eat dinner at this time.
"Ah! I just ate," said Jenqyih. His face was like folded paper.
"It's okay. You can eat again," Yihshyong said.
"Good! Good! Incidentally, we haven't cooked at all," said Iren. He laughed out loud.
"Thank you," Yinqyueh said. "Let's go to the kitchen." He took Miss Dihwuu to the kitchen to prepare dinner for the evening.
Tsaehorng smiled. "Dear Uncles. Don't worry! I already called the police. Now let's eat first. Then I will explain in detail."
Shannchyuan smiled. "All right! We'd better sit in the dining room right away. Wait for the food."
They all then moved from the living room to the dining room, which was located directly behind the family room. The dining table in the room, all this time, had really witnessed various important events. There, they chatted lightly about the things going on around them.
"Please call your driver. I want him to eat with us." Shannchyuan patted Tsaehorng on the shoulder.
"But, Uncle. Let him stand guard outside. If we have to leave soon, he can start the car right away."
"I think today he has proven himself to be able to act quickly. He is a very agile person. So that's not a problem," said Shannchyuan.
"Okay, Uncle!"
Tsaehorng left the dining room. Soon he was back again with the driver.
"Please have a seat," Yihshyong said. "We have dinner together."
"Thank you, Sir!" said the driver.
"What time will the police arrive?" Iren asked.
"Be patient, Uncle. After eating, I'll explain!" Tsaehorng answered Iren's question with a smile. In Shannchyuan's eyes, Tsaehorng's smile looked somewhat mysterious.
After about ten minutes of waiting, Yinqyueh and Miss Dihwuu came out of the kitchen carrying their dinner dishes.
"Dinner is ready!" Yinqyueh said in a thunderous voice. This was the first time Shannchyuan heard Yinqyueh make such a loud voice.
Soon after that, they all had dinner. The food was actually fantastic. But everyone's attention was not focused on the dishes. The cases they faced had really caught their attention.
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