The next morning, Wen Tingxue was woken by her phone ringing.
She glanced at the time; it was only five-ten.
Yu Wenli's voice came from outside the window, calm, only saying 'Mm,' 'Okay,' 'I know' throughout.
Wen Tingxue locked the door and took a taxi to the airport.
The news of her grandfather's passing had already been sent out.
People would be coming in trickles over the next few days.
She had to make arrangements.
By evening, the mourning hall was set up.
Yu Wenli stayed to keep vigil.
The following morning, after washing his face, he went to handle the cremation procedures and select a burial plot.
Then he rushed back to receive the condolences of guests.
He barely had a moment to close his eyes.
He didn't allow himself any rest.
Only after the funeral was completely over did he collapse.
Outside the hospital room.
Many people came to visit, even members of the media.
But he impatiently dealt with them.
However, the media would not let go of news about Yu Wenli.
As a stalemate ensued, Chi Ye arrived with his men.
His authority in Jiang City was such that no one dared to challenge him.
In just a few minutes, the crowded corridor was left with only a dozen or so people.
Chi Ye summoned the attending physician for questioning. Once he confirmed that Yu Wenli was not seriously ill and only needed rest, he left with his men.
They were in frequent contact, but rarely met.
If it weren't for the passing of Old Master Yu, he probably wouldn't have returned to Jiang City.
Shang Ziqian paused and said, "I'll be back again in mid to late January, and then... I probably won't be returning."
Jiang City held no particular attachment for him.
He had taken leave this time for three reasons: to attend Old Master Yu's funeral, to visit his boss, and to see Jiang Jiang and her father.
They were among the few connections he had in this world.
"Mid to late January?" Jiang Jiang's father chuckled, "That's perfect. Jiang Jiang's birthday is on January 17th. Stay a few more days and we can celebrate the New Year together then?"
"January 17th?" A day before my boss gets out of prison?
"Yes," Jiang Jiang's father stepped forward, inviting, "Jiang Jiang has been looking forward to celebrating her birthday with you for a long time. What do you say..."
His eyes held a hopeful plea.
Shang Ziqian's heart stirred. "Okay."
"The New Year is around the twentieth-something this year. Why not together?" Jiang Jiang's father tentatively asked.
Shang Ziqian pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Okay."
Just in time, his boss would have just been released from prison, and he could spend the New Year with him.
Hospital.
When Wen Tingxue pushed the door open, only a few people remained in the corridor.
Chi Zewei, closest to the door, immediately stood straighter and asked, "Is Brother Yu alright?"
The others all looked at her.
The young girl's eyes were tired, and her face still held a trace of dazed confusion from being too startled.
Song Jiamiao was speaking. His master, Xu Ji, sat beside him. Seeing Wen Tingxue, he smiled and greeted her.
Years of being a criminal investigator meant that even his smile carried an intimidating presence.
Wen Tingxue instantly became fully alert. She tugged at her lips and asked, "What were you just talking about?"
"The Meng Xiyao case. The voice actor we're investigating, we've found some useful clues," Song Jiamiao said. "He's not part of Lan Shuo's people; he's Mo Yichen's."
"Mo Yichen?"
Thinking of how he had shamelessly come to pay his respects the day before yesterday, Wen Tingxue frowned.
Song Jiamiao nodded. "Yes, that's him. But his subordinates are tight-lipped. We can't get concrete evidence, and it's difficult to interrogate them."
That was the frustrating part for them.
"No rush," Yu Wenli hooked his lips, his eyes chilling. "A fox will eventually show its tail."
He had plenty of time to play with them.
Play slowly.
The others felt a chill down their spines and couldn't help but exchange glances.
Then, they confirmed a shared thought: After Grandpa Yu's passing, Yu Wenli seemed... even more terrifying?