Chapter 105: The Terrifying World of Adulthood

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Jiang Zao had seen her photograph before; on Meng Qiaoyuan’s phone, there was a group photo of their three children. Meng Qiaoyan held a high status in the world of art collection, and Meng Qiaoyuan had mentioned more than once that she could help Jiang Zao promote her paintings.

Yet, she never imagined their first meeting would be under such circumstances.

Shen Mushi helped Jiang Zao sit down nearby, then looked up at Meng Qiaochong. After signing the critical condition notification, he had gone to the entrance to meet Meng Qiaoyan, who had gotten lost. Now, both men looked pale and worried.

Meng Qiaochong and Shen Mushi exchanged a glance and nodded slightly, silently communicating with each other.

The busyness of the past few days had forged a tacit understanding between these two men; a simple glance was enough to grasp each other’s thoughts.

Shen Mushi bent down and patted Jiang Zao’s shoulder. “Jiang Zao, Qiaoyuan has been admitted to the ICU and visits are not allowed. Sitting here won’t do much good. You should go back for now. There’s something strange about this whole affair—the culprit confessed to everything during interrogation, so there must be a reason behind it. Take a breather and investigate this matter, okay? Qiaoyuan has me here.”

Jiang Zao looked at Shen Mushi and said, “I’ve been investigating all along, and the results are nearly in. I’m not that fragile. Let me stay with her a little longer. If I need your help, I’ll let you know.”

Shen Mushi nodded and stood straight beside her.

Two and a half hours later.

A doctor in a white coat emerged from the ICU doors, removing his mask to glance at Shen Mushi. He nodded and said, “Dr. Meng is out of danger now. The family can rest assured. Teacher Shen, you’ve been exhausted for days—you should take some time to rest.”

Shen Mushi thanked his colleague but remained standing, unwilling to leave.

Jiang Zao glanced at him, sighed, and stood up to take her leave.

As she stepped out of the hospital building, a stranger’s female voice called from behind.

“Miss Jiang, please wait.”

Jiang Zao steadied herself and turned around.

“Ms. Meng, hello.”

Meng Qiaoyan, walking in high heels, approached with a courteous smile on her worried face.

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“I often hear Xiao Yuan mention you. I never expected our first meeting to be under such circumstances. No need to be so formal—just call me sister, like Xiao Yuan does.”

Jiang Zao looked at her and said, “Sister Qiaoyan, did you want to see me about something?”

Meng Qiaoyan hesitated for a moment, then said, “Xiao Yuan told me that when she hesitates and doesn’t know what to do next, she comes to talk with you. I thought… since you’re so close, it’s best to talk to you about this.”

Jiang Zao gestured outside, inviting Meng Qiaoyan to walk with her. “Let’s take a stroll and relax. You can tell me anything in your own time, Sister Qiaoyan.”

Meng Qiaoyan stepped forward and walked alongside Jiang Zao. “My family negotiated once with the hospital, discussing how to publicize the incident and the legal efforts the hospital and our family can pursue.”

Jiang Zao nodded. “Yes, I know roughly—Zhou Lichuan accompanied Uncle Li that day and told me a bit when he returned.”

Meng Qiaoyan looked towards the hurried passersby in the distance, her gaze distant and thoughtful. “But the victims aren’t just Xiao Yuan. Zeng Yingying lost her life, and that intern named Wei Xu was injured and can no longer perform surgeries. Apart from Xiao Yuan, I want to seek justice for them as well.”

Jiang Zao stopped walking. Not far ahead, she saw Zhou Jiayan carrying grocery bags approaching.

Turning back to Meng Qiaoyan, she said, “I understand what you mean, Sister Qiaoyan. You probably overheard something and feel that this was targeted at Qiaoyuan, while others were caught up unnecessarily. So you want to make amends as much as possible.”

Meng Qiaoyan nodded sincerely. “Yes. The situation is complicated. If our Meng family were to openly defend those two, it might cause gossip and not be good for them.”

Zhou Jiayan noticed the conversation but wisely did not approach, standing nearby to wait for Jiang Zao to finish talking.

Jiang Zao waved to her and, smiling, continued speaking with Meng Qiaoyan.

“I know families like the Mengs have their own code of ethics flowing in their veins. Rest assured, I will do everything I can. But Sister Qiaoyan, this matter might be more terrifying than you think. It’s not something easily explained with a few words. For your own safety, it’s best not to get too involved.”

Meng Qiaoyan’s expression softened somewhat. “Thank you. I understand what you mean. I will handle my family’s affairs properly. Miss Jiang, please take care of yourself in your daily life. If there’s anything I can help with, just say the word—I won’t refuse.”

Jiang Zao thanked her and headed toward Zhou Jiayan.

Zhou Jiayan nodded to Meng Qiaoyan in greeting and linked arms with Jiang Zao as they walked to the parking lot.

“What did Meng Qiaoyan say to you?” she asked.

Jiang Zao replied, “She was testing to see how this matter relates to the Zhou family and me. I didn’t reveal much, but she probably has a good idea already.”

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Zhou Jiayan shrugged her shoulders. “It’s really scary—your adult world is truly frightening.”

Jiang Zao laughed. “You’re only a year younger than me. How can you say ‘our adult world’? Aren’t you part of it too?”

Zhou Jiayan tugged Jiang Zao’s hand and walked on. “Yeah, but I can’t handle all the scheming. As long as I don’t understand it, I’ll just stay a kid.”

Jiang Zao pulled her hand back. “Alright, kiddo, now you can’t run away even if you want to. Meng Qiaoyan asked me to help settle matters for the other two victims. Zeng Yingying has already been laid to rest, and her family must need help. That intern, Wei Xu—I want you to see if you can find a way to help them out.”

Zhou Jiayan thought for a moment. “That won’t be hard. I may not have much else now, but I do have money. In charity, money can solve almost anything. Leave it to me, don’t worry.”

...

Not long after returning home, Li Baixiu came knocking on Zhou Jiayan’s door with the information he had gathered.

“Wow, this house is nice! How big is it? Must be expensive. I want to buy one too.”

Jiang Zao watched him crane his neck to look around and smiled. “Li, you have a bright future. Buying a house is easy for you.”

Li Baixiu sat on the sofa opposite Jiang Zao. “I like lofts. I’ll use this as a standard when choosing a house in the future.”

Zhou Jiayan placed a juice in front of him. “There seem to be some units for sale in this neighborhood recently. If you like, you should check them out. Everyone needs a place to live. But, speaking of which, what did you find out? Jiang Zao has been waiting a long time without a single update.”

Li Baixiu took a sip of juice. “My sister really lives up to being my sister—sharp and logical. This matter is definitely connected to Lin Rui.”

Zhou Jiayan was stunned for a moment, then sat beside Jiang Zao, urging him to continue.

Li Baixiu slowly shared the information he had uncovered over the past two days at Lin Rui’s old family home.