Han Yu's expression grew increasingly grim, a thick, unshakeable gloom settling on his face, tinged with a hint of anger.
Just then, Meng Jingwei and Song Ci returned and got into the car.
Han Yu glanced at his phone, didn't reply to the message, and pocketed it directly.
The sedan slowly started, heading towards their destination.
After going inside, Meng Jingwei quickly bought two outfits, stated her sizes, changed into one in the fitting room, and took another set for washing.
She wore a thin, off-white knit sweater, layered with a black Chanel-style jacket. The loose knit sweater was just right to cover her pregnant belly.
Though the clothes were casually chosen, they accentuated her tall figure, making her face appear rosy and bright, her features as picturesque as a painting. She exuded a mature yet lazily charming aura.
"Are we almost there?"
Outside the car window, scattered white-walled, blue-tiled courtyards, small bridges over flowing water, and riverside flowers and green willows created a scene. The clear river reflected the densely packed houses and the delicate branches of the willows. A gentle breeze stirred, blurring the image into a natural abstract painting.
Looking up, the scenery was as beautiful as a painting, but Meng Jingwei had no time to appreciate the picturesque view; she only wanted to see Qing Muye as soon as possible.
"We're almost there."
Lu Yanming replied.
Through the rearview mirror, he saw Meng Jingwei's impatient look, her fair cheeks filled with anticipation.
Ever since Qing Muye's disappearance, Meng Jingwei had maintained a sufficient degree of calm and composure.
Yet, upon receiving the news, all her emotional restraint instantly collapsed, and she was uncontrollably eager to see Qing Muye.
The sedan slowly drove along the bluestone path, avoiding pedestrians. It turned right and finally stopped in a parking space by the roadside.
"We're here."
Lu Yanming stopped the car and said.
Meng Jingwei immediately pushed open the car door and got out. She stood by the roadside, looking around. Not seeing anyone, she asked Han Yu, who was walking over, "Where is he?"
Thump, thump, thump—
Her heart pounded wildly, the sound amplified countless times, as if her heart was about to leap out of her throat.
So extremely nervous that her breathing hitched, the hands hanging by her sides couldn't stop sweating.
Han Yu looked troubled. He glanced sideways at Lu Yanming, who had gotten out of the driver's seat. His gaze flickered to the person emerging from the courtyard ahead, and he pointed, "Over there."
He pointed behind Meng Jingwei.
At that moment, Meng Jingwei's beautiful eyes sparkled, her gaze truly brightening like a radiant pearl.
Meng Jingwei, nervous and flustered, abruptly turned her head, her lips parting slightly, "A..."
She instinctively wanted to call out "A Ye," but the moment she saw the scene before her, the "Ye" that had not yet fully formed in her mouth was mercilessly scattered by the wind.
About twenty meters away, at the entrance of a courtyard, a woman was pushing a wheelchair. Seated in the wheelchair was a man in black casual wear.
The man's left sleeve was empty. As a gust of wind brushed past, the sleeve swayed in the breeze.
And the man's face, half of it was marred by the hideous scars left from severe burns, making his appearance truly frightening.
Meng Jingwei froze, her feet feeling as if they were cast in lead, too heavy to lift.
Her mind was filled with the image of Qing Muye's handsome and dashing appearance, his tall stature, his every smile and glance, so captivatingly handsome, charming people's hearts.
But now, his handsomeness was gone. Half of his face was destroyed, and his left arm was completely gone.
Hum—
Meng Jingwei's head buzzed. Her body went weak, and Han Yu, with quick reflexes, supported her.
"Calm down."
He comforted Meng Jingwei and glared at Lu Yanming, "I told you, we shouldn't have let her know."
Lu Yanming tugged at the tie around his neck. A flicker of pain appeared in his eyes behind his glasses, and he cast a sympathetic glance at Meng Jingwei, "She is Muye's wife, she has the right to know."