Fang Jiangyi knew that Lu Qianzhou chose to keep it a secret from Yan Xia because he didn't want her to know that her father had once done such beastly things. Nor did he want her to pity him. He would never mention those sordid past events to anyone.
As for the reasons for his secrecy, firstly, there was just an inexplicable reluctance to let her know. Secondly, he didn't want to face his past self.
"You're perfect in every way, but this unyielding and stubborn nature of yours is truly beyond my reach," Fang Jiangyi said helplessly. "Since you already know that knowing too much about some things will only bring you danger, and you're also aware that the current situation is unstable, why do you insist on getting an answer?"
The situation today was still vivid in his mind. Jiang Yue's incident was a good example. He was afraid that Yan Xia would also be implicated and become a target for the mastermind behind the scenes.
Yan Xia was completely heart - broken. Her heart felt like it was being fried, steamed, boiled, and deep - fried in a pan, enduring all kinds of torments.
"The reason why I'm so persistent about this matter is two - fold. Firstly, it's my rebellious nature. The more you all hide it from me, the more curious I'll be. Secondly, all my family members are gone. Now that I'm alone, I don't want to live my whole life in the dark. So I must find out the truth."
Fang Jiangyi frowned. "Even if the price is your life, you still insist on investigating, right?"
Yan Xia nodded. "I must."
She didn't know how she had ended up in this situation. One by one, her loved ones had left. When she looked back, she suddenly found herself all alone.
Those without desires or attachments fear no death.
Since she had made up her mind, no one could persuade her otherwise.
Long Tao hadn't contacted her for quite a while. Knowing that so many things had happened to her recently, Shangguan Yao also didn't urge her. Especially after Yan Xia's doubts last time.
It wasn't until Long Tao contacted her himself. Presumably, the news that she had been invited by Lu Huairen for a chat and then left unscathed had reached Long Tao's ears.
Shangguan Yao was cooperating with her in the background, making a show of strength to let Long Tao know about the forces behind her.
Even if she offended someone and ended up in the police station, she could still come out unscathed.
Long Tao called to invite her to meet. On the phone, he said with a very considerate smile, "I know Miss Cheng has been tied up with many things recently and really can't get away. So I've been looking for a suitable opportunity. I wonder if Miss Cheng is free to meet me now so that we can have a detailed talk."
After the previous two confrontations and contacts, Long Tao should try the waters this time and mention the matter of cooperation in goods supply. But he wouldn't show his big fish so soon, nor would he easily trust her. Testing the waters was to test her attitude and, more importantly, her ability.
Yan Xia had to be fully prepared to deal with all kinds of changes and prove her determination. Only by making Long Tao trust her and completely accept her as one of them could she have a chance to get involved in their money - laundering business.
After many days, Yan Xia finally contacted Shangguan Yao actively for the first time.
The long - awaited days had finally worn away his flippant tone. He spoke to her in a serious and solemn manner.
Yan Xia told him about Long Tao's invitation. While Shangguan Yao let out a sigh of relief, another worry rose in his heart.
Yan Xia said, "I'll go to the appointment on time and bring the necklace and earrings to help you get the evidence."
Shangguan Yao pondered for a long time. "To be honest, I'm starting to regret it. I really shouldn't have asked you to come back. I don't want you to do this now. It's too dangerous. You're just an ordinary person, but you're being involved because of me."
Yan Xia understood this very well, but she still comforted Shangguan Yao.
"I made this choice myself. Now that I'm alone with no attachments, I have no worries. You should be more at ease."
Shangguan Yao was even more worried about her nonchalant attitude.
"No, you don't understand. You've never dealt with people like them before. These people seem gentle and courteous on the surface and very moral, but once things get out of hand, the situation you'll face will be thousands of times more complicated than dealing with people like Fang Jiangyi and Lu Qianzhou. And by then, there'll be no chance to regret."
He thought Yan Xia didn't realize the seriousness of the matter.
Hearing his worried tone, Yan Xia fell silent suddenly.
In fact, she didn't have to continue being involved in these things at all. She could ask to quit right away.
But just as her sister had once said about her, she was such a competitive person. Once she started something, she would surely see it through and do it to the best of her ability.
Shangguan Yao's tone was unprecedentedly serious. "You must follow our instructions at all times. Stop the loss in time if there are any changes. Most importantly, as I told you from the very beginning, never do anything illegal under any circumstances."
"I know," Yan Xia replied.
The solemn atmosphere gave her the illusion that she was signing a life - and - death agreement.
"One more thing I forgot to tell you. Last time, Lu Qianzhou picked me up at the police station. He seems to know your identity and has guessed that there's some agreement between you and me. He's so smart that he should already know why I'm getting close to Long Tao."
Shangguan Yao asked, "Will Lu Qianzhou tell Long Tao your identity?"
If he wanted to, he should have done it long ago instead of waiting until now.
"Lu Qianzhou should have some genuine feelings for me. Once he reveals my identity to Long Tao, I might be on the blacklist of their forces behind the scenes right away and could be killed at any time. He should find a way to keep me alive."
She was basically gambling with her life.
Shangguan Yao replied, "That's good. Let's make a quick decision."
After hanging up the phone, Yan Xia silently put on the earrings and necklace she had prepared in advance and tentatively asked Shangguan Yao on the other end.
"Can you see the picture?"
"The picture and sound are both very clear. You're going alone, so be sure to pay attention to your safety," Shangguan Yao reminded her for the last time.
She got herself ready and went to the appointment alone.
This time, Long Tao had chosen an indoor shooting range. When Yan Xia arrived, she found the place empty, with only a couple of staff members waiting. In the innermost area, Long Tao was wearing goggles and aiming his gun at the target for practice.
The staff led her to Long Tao's side. Just then, Long Tao fired a steady shot. It was a nine - ring, almost hitting the bull's - eye.
His shooting skills were really good. It seemed that he either practiced often or had actual combat experience.
Yan Xia clapped for him and exclaimed, "Mr. Long has really good marksmanship. Booking the whole place and inviting me here today, it seems you're going to have a good competition with me."
Long Tao reached out and handed her a gun, inviting her, "Miss Cheng, why don't you give it a try?"
Yan Xia wasn't intimidated. For a rich second - generation like her, there were so many things to learn in the past, and shooting was one of them.
It had been years since she last practiced, so she didn't know how good she was now.