Chapter 59: The Canary’s Self-Cultivation (24)

When Lingqiong left, Zhou Jing had not suspected that person. She was only furious at their haggling for a higher price. But for her own interests, Zhou Jing finally agreed to pay more. The other party was extremely cautious, refusing even to transact online, insisting she deliver the money to a designated location.

Zhou Jing wasn’t so generous; she had someone surveil the spot, hoping to catch the person collecting the money. Yet after hours of watching, no one showed up. When they checked again, the money was already gone.

Fortunately, Zhou Jing soon received a USB drive, but she was far from relieved. The drive contained two gigabytes of animated “Gourd Brothers” episodes…

She had been played. Furious, Zhou Jing tried to find that person again, only to discover they had vanished without a trace. One can imagine the shadow this cast over her mind.

...

Zhou Jing wasn’t foolish. Upon reflection, she realized something was amiss. How could someone she’d hired suddenly turn against her without reason? Clearly, something happened in between.

Thinking back to that day’s events, Zhou Jing grasped the crucial point.

"Ye Qingtang..." Zhou Jing sneered coldly. "That little brat dared to fool me."

She beckoned her assistant and whispered instructions.

...

Lingqiong, meanwhile, was oblivious to Zhou Jing’s movements, enjoying several carefree days with her newfound wealth.

That day, as Lingqiong entered the villa, Kelly called her over and anxiously led her to the dining room.

"What’s the matter?"

"Miss Ye, please take a look at this." Kelly produced a courier box, opening it for Lingqiong to see.

"I haven’t ordered anything..." Lingqiong muttered as she walked over.

The contents of the box were shocking—Lingqiong’s expression changed as she stepped back.

"Miss Ye, this is addressed to you," Kelly said. "It claims to be from your father..."

Lingqiong clutched her chest, gasping. "Who?"

Kelly replied, "Your father’s finger."

Lingqiong continued to retreat. "Call the police! Why are you showing me this?"

Kelly was baffled. What? Was she serious? This was clearly meant to intimidate her!

Lingqiong declared righteously, "This is assault, and they’re threatening me! Of course I’ll call the police! The officers will stand up for me!"

Anyway, Zhou Jing must have realized she’d been duped.

---

With no more money to gain, there was nothing left to maintain.

Kelly hesitated, "But your father..." Wouldn’t that put him in danger?

Lingqiong was entirely unconcerned about the fate of her so-called father and called the police on the spot.

Police arrived, investigated, took statements, examined the scene, and so forth.

Kelly watched as Lingqiong perfectly played the role of a helpless, threatened young woman, barely able to suppress a twitch at the corner of his mouth. Miss Ye’s acting was truly superb...

As soon as everyone left, Lingqiong tilted her head back, forced her tears away, and instantly transformed into a calm, composed figure, instructing Kelly to bring her water to recover her strength.

Kelly was speechless.

He was genuinely worried. "Miss Ye, aren’t you afraid your father will..." be, well, ‘snapped’?

Lingqiong smiled with a curled lip. "If you want that kind of father, I’ll gladly give him to you."

"..."

No, thank you! That’s absolutely unnecessary!

Kelly had thought she might seek the young master’s help in this matter, but she solved it herself with one bold move.

All Lingqiong’s antics, Kelly faithfully reported to Zhou Jing—after all, he was still a spy. If he didn’t, someone else would; he might as well do the job well.

If Zhou Jing still didn’t realize that Lingqiong cared nothing for her father, then she really must have tofu stuffed in her brain.

This matter was unlikely to trace back to Zhou Jing. At most, it would lead to the debt collectors, who would insist their only aim was to force Lingqiong to repay her father’s debts, threatening her out of desperation. Who would dig deeper?

Zhou Jing hadn’t expected to be played so thoroughly by a little girl.

From the very start, Lingqiong had never intended to take her side.

Zhou Jing threw a massive tantrum, terrifying her assistant into cowering like a quail.

"Director Zhou... In my earlier investigation, she really did care about her father..."

Who could have predicted she’d suddenly change like this? Besides, her earlier actions were obviously just a cash grab, and Zhou Jing hadn’t even noticed...

Zhou Jing grabbed whatever was on her desk and hurled it at the assistant. "Get out!"

The assistant fled as if granted a pardon, tail between their legs.

...

That evening, Shen Handeng learned of the incident and went to Lingqiong’s room.

Lingqiong was already asleep. Woken by Shen Handeng, her entire demeanor radiated the fury of, ‘If what you have to say isn’t important, you’re dead.’

"That’s how you handled your father’s situation?"

"What, am I supposed to rescue him? Let him keep ruining my life? I’m not insane." Lingqiong hugged her blanket. "Is that all you came to tell me?"

"Yes."

Lingqiong rolled her eyes at him, elegantly as possible, then flopped back onto the bed, closed her eyes, and resumed her slumber.

Shen Handeng was speechless.

---

Shen Handeng investigated the man who had met with Zhou Jing.

Pan Xiuliang had been with Zhou Jing before she met Shen’s father. After meeting Shen’s father, the two cut off contact. When Shen’s father died, they suddenly reconnected.

For years, they had secret rendezvous, and Zhou Jing gave Pan Xiuliang considerable sums of money. He now owned substantial assets under his company.

Pan Xiuliang’s family background was ordinary, his resume unremarkable, and he had no notable achievements. It was clear Zhou Jing had arranged all this for him.

Zhou Jing was cautious; Pan Xiuliang was careful around her, but when drunk in public, he boasted more than once.

However, he never named her, only bragged about having a powerful girlfriend willing to do anything for him.

"Young master, Pan Xiuliang often visits here," Kelly said as he drove. Outside the car was a club, "Pan Xiuliang has just gone inside."

It was peak hours; neon lights glimmered in the night, crowds moved in and out, reveling in the nightlife.

Pan Xiuliang stayed in the club until dawn, finally emerging with a tall, slender woman in revealing attire.

He pulled her into his car, and Shen Handeng instructed Kelly to follow.

Pan Xiuliang didn’t return to his place but went to an apartment complex that appeared to be the woman’s residence.

Shen Handeng turned off his phone screen and got out of the car.

At this hour, the residents were long asleep, only a few floors still lit.

Just as Shen Handeng prepared to go upstairs, his phone rang.

"Young master…" Lingqiong’s weak voice came through, "Where are you?"

Shen Handeng frowned, "What’s wrong?"

"My stomach hurts." Her voice was soft and kittenish, feeble but irresistibly endearing.

Shen Handeng got back in the car and told Kelly to return.

...

He strode upstairs and pushed open Lingqiong’s bedroom door.

In the darkened room, Lingqiong was curled up on the bed. Shen Handeng’s heart clenched, and he hurried to her side.

"What’s wrong?"

"It hurts," Lingqiong murmured, clutching her stomach.

"Stomach pain?" Shen Handeng helped her sit up. "What did you eat tonight? Kelly, start the car."

Kelly had just come in and, hearing the order, rushed back out to start the vehicle.

Shen Handeng picked Lingqiong up and swiftly carried her downstairs.

———Little Fairy———

Lingqiong: Guess why I’m in pain? Isn’t it because you all aren’t voting!

End of page.