"So you all know," Lü Ying said, a flicker of pain in her expression. "Han Shan's death is not something to be proud of. For years, Hao Ming has forbidden me from mentioning it to others."
"We completely understand how you and Han Hao Ming must feel. After all, Uncle Han passed away in his prime, and his life ended in such a manner. It must have caused you great trauma."
Shen Xi looked at her intently and continued,
"Si Yue and I came here specifically today to help you uncover the truth of that year and provide you with closure.
We also know that the reason Han Hao Ming rejected Si Yue is because of this matter.
Only by restoring the truth of that time can Han Hao Ming's inner demons be exorcised, allowing him to let go of everything and bravely face his feelings."
"Good, good," Lü Ying's eyes welled up with tears upon hearing this. She turned and patted Qin Si Yue's hand. "Si Yue is a good child. I've hoped for them to be together for a long time."
Thus, Lü Ying recounted all the inside information she knew from that year.
The details about theft, being fired from the company, and succumbing to depression leading to a suicide jump were largely consistent with what Han Hao Ming had said.
However, there was one detail that Han Hao Ming did not know: Han Shan frequently wrote four characters on paper: "I am not a thief."
"Where are those writings?" Shen Xi immediately asked.
She wanted to see if there were any other characters on those papers besides these four.
"After his death, they were all burned," Lü Ying replied with a pained expression.
For a moment, silence fell upon the room, the air seemingly thick with sorrow.
After a long pause, Lü Ying continued with a mournful sigh, "None of our family believed he would do such a thing. It was just some scrap metal. No matter how poor we were, Han Shan wouldn't have stolen it to sell."
It turned out that Zhuo Sheng had suspected Han Shan of stealing a large bundle of unused copper bars from the warehouse back then.
Lü Ying paused for a moment before continuing, "After he passed away, my relatives supported me in going to Zhuo Sheng to make a fuss. We couldn't let Han Shan die with such a false accusation, as it could have affected Hao Ming's future education and career.
Only then did I gather the courage to approach them. To my surprise, after I cried outside the Zhuo Sheng building for a while, they brought me inside. Not only did they agree to compensate us with a sum of money and burial expenses, but they also publicly apologized, clearing Han Shan's name.
Oh, the woman who met me said she was from the public relations department and her surname was Cong. Everyone called her Director Cong."
"Cong? Alright, I've noted it down. Auntie, please rest assured, Si Yue's brother will investigate this person thoroughly and will surely uncover the truth of that year soon," Shen Xi said, holding Lü Ying's hand, her peach-blossom eyes blinking.
"Auntie, think carefully again. Did Uncle leave behind any writings or objects before he passed?"
Lü Ying lowered her head and pondered for a moment before replying, "There really isn't anything. His belongings from that year were basically all burned for him. Even if there were, we've moved several times, and they would have been lost long ago."
"Oh. Alright. Then we'll conclude our conversation for today." Shen Xi gave Qin Si Yue a meaningful glance and slowly stood up. "We're leaving now. Auntie, please go and rest on the bed for a while; don't overexert yourself."
"Alright. I'll see you out." Lü Ying stood up with Qin Si Yue's support and patted her hand, saying, "Next time you're free, come over and keep me company."
"Okay. Auntie." Qin Si Yue gave her a warm smile.
Of course, she wanted to come, but she was afraid Han Hao Ming would be displeased if he knew. If he thought she was pushing him too hard, wouldn't all their efforts be in vain?
At this moment, Shen Xi, who was walking ahead, suddenly stopped. She exchanged phone numbers with Lü Ying, telling her that if she remembered anything, she could call her directly.
Finally, she said with a smile, "Auntie Lü, I hope you won't tell Han Hao Ming about our visit today for now. I'm afraid he'll blame us for disturbing you, and then we won't even be able to be friends."
"Okay. I understand. Hao Ming is a bit stubborn sometimes; once he sets his mind on something, it's hard for him to change," Lü Ying said with a wry smile.
After bidding farewell to Lü Ying, the two took the elevator downstairs.
Recalling the man they had encountered there earlier, Qin Si Yue couldn't help but ask, "Sister Xi, do you really think the man I met just now is the thief who broke into Han Hao Ming's house?"
"Yes, not only do I think so, but I also feel that person is connected to what we discussed today."
"It couldn't be such a coincidence, could it?"
"Things often happen by coincidence. Think about it, how could he have seized the opportunity to break in just as Han Hao Ming's nanny left? It only shows that he had been lurking around there for a long time, waiting for the right moment."
"Ah? Will he come back again? Isn't Aunt Lü in danger at home?"