Chapter 22: It’s Not Like I’m Going to Eat You (Fifth Update)

Liu Hui, a childhood friend of Shen Zhi and a professional private investigator, sat across from him. "This was the work of your precious Miss Ming."

"Miss Ming? Ming Zilu?" Shen Zhi looked grave. "Don't play such jokes with me."

Liu Hui gestured to his own face. "Look at me—do I look like I’m joking?" He sighed, adding, "I know you don't believe it. Fortunately, I have proof."

Liu Hui reached into his bag, pulled out a photograph, and handed it to Shen Zhi. "The image isn't very sharp, but you can clearly see Ming Zilu's face. Take a good look."

Shen Zhi took the photo. In the dim light, Shang Meixiang was seen sprawled on the ground, her right arm pinned beneath Ming Zilu’s foot, surrounded by Ming Zilu’s bodyguards.

"Are you certain this photo is authentic?" Shen Zhi asked.

Liu Hui rolled his eyes. "The evidence is right in front of you, yet you still doubt it. By the way, Zhi, have you been in contact with this Shang Meixiang?"

"I suppose so."

Liu Hui nodded. "That explains it. When you met Shang Meixiang, Ming Zilu must have been there. Shang Meixiang’s tragedy is inextricably linked to you."

"What do you mean?" Shen Zhi asked.

"I did a little digging into Miss Ming for this," Liu Hui explained. "She’s a ruthless woman. To win her grandfather’s affection, she once stabbed herself and nearly died."

"She never mentioned that to me," Shen Zhi said.

"She wouldn't. It’s hardly something to boast about. I don’t know what kind of karma you’ve incurred to get entangled with such a terrifying woman. Shang Meixiang’s fate is definitely her doing. If you still don't believe me, there’s nothing more I can do."

Seeing Shen Zhi deep in thought, Liu Hui added, "Deep down, you already have the answer. You just refuse to believe it; you aren't willing to accept it."

After sitting for a while longer and finishing his tea, Liu Hui picked up his bag. "I have things to attend to, so I’ll be going. You’ll have to decide how to handle this yourself."

"Thank you," Shen Zhi said, seeing him to the door.

...

Shen Zhi stood by the window, staring at the photo in his hand. His mind drifted back to two women from his university days.

One was named Ning Xue, the other Wang Ye.

Shortly after Ning Xue wrote him a love letter, her mother came and withdrew her from school. Wang Ye had shared a meal with him, only to vanish the next day; she had never been found.

Could they have...?

Shen Zhi tucked the photo away, pulled out his phone, and dialed a number saved as "Er Liang." "Help me look into two people."

...

"Brother Ziyu, why are we at your house?" Ever since Xu Ziyu had acted inappropriately toward her while drunk, Guan Yueyue had been afraid to get too close to him.

Xu Ziyu, oblivious to her discomfort, smiled and said, "My brother said the house was too quiet and told me to bring you over for a visit more often."

As he spoke, Shen Zhi descended the stairs.

He wore a crisp white shirt buttoned to the collar, an air of asceticism radiating from him. Guan Yueyue found herself staring at him, transfixed, for a full ten seconds.

"Brother, you're home," Xu Ziyu said, as if struck by a thought. "Oh, right—Yueyue, didn't you say you were studying design? It just so happens that my brother is quite skilled at it. You two should exchange ideas."

Exchange ideas with Shen Zhi? Guan Yueyue waved her hands dismissively. "No, thank you. I'm just a beginner; I’ve only scratched the surface..."

"If you don't mind, Third Miss, I would be happy to discuss design with you," Shen Zhi said, stepping toward her.

The sheer sense of pressure made Guan Yueyue instinctively take two steps back.

Xu Ziyu chuckled at her. "What are you afraid of? My brother isn’t going to eat you."

Guan Yueyue glared at Xu Ziyu. This was the same man who used to boss her around and treat her like a servant—why had he suddenly turned against her?