The Twenty-First Chapter

Liu Mumu was still napping in her room and hadn't woken up yet. She vaguely heard someone crying and shouting outside, disturbing her sleep.

Annoyed, she got out of bed, rubbed her eyes, and opened the door.

From the second-floor hallway, she could see into the living room downstairs. Jiang Li was comforting a sobbing Jiang Jia.

Jiang Jia's current appearance was a stark contrast to the refined beauty she had shown the last time they met. Her makeup was smudged from crying, her eyes were swollen, and her hair was a mess.

She was crying and cursing. Liu Mumu listened carefully. Jiang Jia was cursing Zhan Hongye for being heartless and ensuring no descendants, Zhan Huitian for being a wolf in sheep's clothing and an ungrateful wretch, and Zhan Ni for being a bringer of misfortune.

Jiang Li seemed to empathize, patting Jiang Jia's back and offering comfort, even suggesting they report them.

It was quite a scene. Liu Mumu watched from the second floor for a while.

Jiang Li was the first to notice Liu Mumu. She sat up straight and looked over warily.

Jiang Jia turned her head belatedly. Upon seeing Liu Mumu, the grievances she had suffered at the Zhan family seemed to find an immediate outlet.

She grabbed Jiang Li's arm with one hand and pointed at Liu Mumu with the other, saying, "Sister, believe me, this one is a bringer of misfortune, just like Zhan Ni. Neither of them is any good. As soon as they entered the house, something bad happened. Wasn't that how our Old Zhan was killed? Those two little beasts ganged up and kicked me out of the house. Don't let her fool you with her act now. When brother-in-law really has trouble, she'll be the first one to turn on you."

Jiang Li glanced at Liu Mumu warily and whispered sternly, "Shut up, don't talk nonsense."

She was different from Jiang Jia. Jiang Jia appeared prosperous, but all the money was in Zhan Hongye's hands. When she married Dong Zhenghao, there was no prenuptial agreement. Even though Old Dong had his own little schemes, he couldn't mistreat her for the sake of their son. The only thing that bothered her was the unexpected Liu Mumu, who would undoubtedly take money that rightfully belonged to her son in the future.

Originally, Jiang Li had a clever plan, thinking she could easily handle such an inexperienced young girl with a few tricks. But after witnessing Liu Mumu's abilities, she no longer dared to entertain such wicked thoughts. Anyway, no matter what, Old Dong valued his son the most. Even if some money was divided, the lion's share would still be theirs. They could just consider it paying for peace.

Jiang Jia didn't understand her sister's thoughts. Seeing that Liu Mumu completely ignored her and was leisurely walking past them towards the kitchen, she became anxious and jumped around.

"Sister, listen to me... Mmph mmph mmph..."

Jiang Li didn't want to hear it and covered Jiang Jia's mouth.

Seeing Liu Mumu suddenly stop and turn to look at them, Jiang Li quickly forced a smile and stiffly explained, "She's in a bad mood and talking nonsense. Please don't take it to heart."

Liu Mumu didn't take it to heart, but she held a grudge.

"If I were you..." she smiled at Jiang Li, "I'd stay away from her."

The smile on Jiang Li's face froze, and her heart fluttered.

Liu Mumu said unhurriedly, "Your younger sister is cursed with bad luck. Spending too much time with her will spread it."

Since these two sisters liked to tell fortunes, she couldn't disappoint them. Besides, she wasn't lying. She had seen Jiang Jia's face the first time they met, and this was just confirming her initial judgment.

Jiang Li quickly withdrew her hand, pushed Jiang Jia up, and said to her, "Alright, I have something to do. You should go back first. I'll contact you later."

That "I'll contact you later" from Jiang Li probably meant "don't contact me again."

How could Jiang Jia not understand her sister's meaning? She was about to explode. Her expression changed drastically, and she stood up to confront Jiang Li, "Jiang Li, what do you mean? You believe this little bitch after she says a few words, but you don't believe your own sister?"

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Jiang Li's face, but her own importance outweighed it. "I don't mean that. I really have something to do. You should go back. Old Zhan gave you a few properties before, so he didn't treat you too badly."

Jiang Jia wished she could curse out loud. Were those human words? These were the words of her own sister. Back when Jiang Jia mocked her for having a lower status in the Dong family than the nanny, Jiang Li had gritted her teeth in anger. Now, the tables had turned. Seeing the disbelief on Jiang Jia's face, Jiang Li felt a secret surge of satisfaction.

Jiang Jia was panting with anger. She glared fiercely at her own sister and at Liu Mumu, who was watching the drama unfold. Pointing at them, she said, "You just wait, you bunch of snobs."

Then she grabbed her bag, strode out, and slammed the door shut.

Liu Mumu didn't even spare her a second glance, treating it as a free melodrama. She then got a glass of water and went upstairs.

Less than ten minutes later, the front door was suddenly opened again.

Jiang Li thought Jiang Jia had returned and looked over impatiently. To her surprise, she saw a disheveled Dong Zhenghao walking in.

Because Zhan Hongye had died so quickly, everyone was still in shock. They had all forgotten about Dong Zhenghao, who was living elsewhere.

"H-husband, why are you back?"

Dong Zhenghao had just come from the police station. He had been questioned all day and didn't want to say a word now. Even hearing the news of Zhan Hongye's death didn't make him happy.

He walked to the sofa and sat down. A strong smell of sweat wafted over. Jiang Li moved back slightly. "Have you eaten?"

"Anything will do. Where's Mumu?"

"She's upstairs. I'll go get her." Jiang Li found two bread rolls in the kitchen and gave them to Dong Zhenghao to tide him over before going upstairs to call Liu Mumu.

Liu Mumu was a little surprised to hear that Dong Zhenghao was home. As soon as she came downstairs, she heard him say, "Zhan Hongye is dead. The police suspect I did it, and they brought me in the night before last."

"Oh," Liu Mumu replied calmly, thinking, What a coincidence. They suspect you, and they suspect me too. What do you call this? A family that sticks together, right?

"What exactly happened? Do you know?" Dong Zhenghao asked tentatively.

"Why are you so curious? The police have already started investigating. As long as you didn't do anything, it has nothing to do with us." Even if she knew what was going on, Liu Mumu wouldn't tell him.

Dong Zhenghao, who had done something, said awkwardly, "Aren't I afraid of complications?"

Liu Mumu was speechless. "Your business rivals are gone, and you're only thinking about how he died. Is money not easy to make?"

Dong Zhenghao's eyes lit up. This hit the nail on the head. Was Zhan Hongye's ability to make money more important than him!

Jiang Li felt that in Liu Mumu's eyes, her dad was probably just an unfeeling money-making machine.

However, well done!

The Dong family was as "harmonious" as ever. However, the Zhan family villa, with the mistress driven away and only the siblings left, seemed a bit deserted.

Zhan Huitian needed to receive his inheritance, handle some procedures, and had many things to be busy with, leaving Zhan Ni alone at home.

She handled lunch and dinner herself. It wasn't until ten o'clock at night that Zhan Huitian returned home, carrying something heavy.

He glanced at Zhan Ni, who was still sitting in the living room, and was about to go upstairs when he heard Zhan Ni say, "Brother, you're back. Have you eaten? I've heated up some dishes for you in the kitchen."

Zhan Huitian stopped and replied, "Not yet."

"Go wait in the dining room, I'll bring the food to you."

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded and changed direction towards the dining room. As he passed the living room, he casually placed the bag on the sofa.

Zhan Ni brought out the food, only to find that Zhan Huitian wasn't in the dining room. She went to the living room to look for him but couldn't find him.

It wasn't until she heard the sound of water from the bathroom on the first floor that she thought he might be washing his hands.

As she turned, her peripheral vision swept across the sofa, and she saw the bag.

She walked over curiously and peeked inside. The contents seemed to be cylindrical, wrapped in newspaper. A part that wasn't fully covered vaguely revealed the material of the item inside.

It was a very familiar gray.

This was clearly Dad's vase, so why was it in her elder brother's hands?

Before Zhan Ni could figure it out, the sound of water from the bathroom stopped. Zhan Huitian came out and saw Zhan Ni standing by the sofa. He suddenly asked, "What are you looking at?"

Zhan Ni was so startled she almost jumped. She managed to maintain her expression and said in a relaxed tone, "At the thing you brought back, what is it?"

Zhan Huitian's gaze swept over her face. He gave a casual "Oh" and replied, "A vase someone gave me. Be careful, don't break it."

His attitude made it difficult for Zhan Ni to judge whether he knew the vase's purpose.

Actually, after her dad disappeared, the police had searched the house with a warrant but seemed to have found nothing. After they left, she secretly searched the study but didn't find the vase.

She thought this matter was over with her dad's death, until today, when her elder brother brought the vase home.

Zhan Huitian finished his meal and took the bag containing the gray vase back to his room. Zhan Ni hesitated in the kitchen for a long time before deciding to contact Liu Mumu.

For reasons she hadn't fully understood herself, she didn't tell Liu Mumu that the vase was in her elder brother's possession.

Zhan Ni: Mumu, are you there? My dad had an accident these past few days, and I didn't have time to contact you. You're not mad at me, are you?

Liu Mumu was a little surprised when she received Zhan Ni's message.

She knew Zhan Ni reasonably well. Zhan Ni had good grades in class but didn't get along well with her classmates. Her personality could be simply described as arrogant. Sometimes, an unintentional remark from someone else, if overheard by her, might be perceived by her as deliberate targeting. As a result, everyone kept their distance from her.

After she had rejected her so unceremoniously last time, given her personality, she shouldn't have contacted her again.

However, it was possible that Zhan Hongye had just passed away, and with both parents gone at once, she was feeling upset and wanted to talk.

Liu Mumu didn't think too much about it and replied with a single line.

Liu Mumu: I heard about your dad's passing. My condolences.

She didn't blame Zhan Ni, but their personalities were too different, and they were probably not suited to be friends.

Zhan Ni: Thank you. There's one more thing I wanted to ask you. The vase my dad had is missing. Do you think the person who got the vase might come looking for me?

Liu Mumu frowned. The vase was missing?

Liu Mumu: As long as you don't give anyone a chance to draw your blood, you'll be fine.

Zhan Ni: But didn't you say that birthdates and times could also be used to harm people?

Liu Mumu: Yes, but birthdates and times need to be precise to the time of birth. Unless you tell the other person, it's hard for ordinary people to know. Don't worry too much.

Her answer didn't relax Zhan Ni; instead, it made her more nervous.

Of course, ordinary people would find it hard to know, but her family members all knew.

When she had birthdays in the past, her mom would always mention the exact times she and her brother were born, and how difficult it was to give birth to them.

Therefore, she knew her brother's birth time, and her brother knew hers.

Zhan Ni's fingers, gripping her phone, turned slightly pale from the excessive force.

Two days later, Zhan Huitian received a notice from the City Bureau. The autopsy was complete, and they could proceed with the procedures to collect the body.

This time, Zhan Huitian only took Zhan Ni to the City Bureau and did not inform Jiang Jia.

Unexpectedly, upon arriving at the police station, Zhan Huitian discovered that Jiang Jia was also there.

He glanced at Jiang Jia, his expression slightly grim.

It was Zhan Ni who politely called out, "Aunt Jiang."

Jiang Jia didn't even spare her a glance.

Fang Chuan watched the family's strange dynamic and stepped forward, "Shall we proceed with the paperwork first?"

"Thank you for your trouble," Zhan Huitian said politely.

Jiang Jia snorted and followed, her high heels clicking as she swayed her hips.

With Fang Chuan leading the way, the process was quickly completed. Next, relatives needed to confirm the deceased was indeed the person in question.

Fang Chuan led them to see the body. Zhan Hongye's body was well-preserved, not much different from the last time they saw him.

For deceased individuals involved in special cases, the autopsy wasn't the most crucial part. The body was primarily kept to eliminate any lingering impurities and prevent contamination.

After treatment, Zhan Hongye's body had been restored to a normal state and then stitched up, looking even more intact than before.

Zhan Huitian signed the papers and had the hired people move the body.

Fang Chuan escorted them to the police station entrance. Before leaving, Zhan Huitian condescendingly said to Jiang Jia, "Dad's funeral will be held as scheduled in two days. As Dad's wife, I expect you not to be late."

He then got into his car without looking back.

Jiang Jia clenched her fists, her long nails digging into her flesh, but she was still furious.

She turned and found Fang Chuan still there. Her eyes darted, and she asked, "Officer, how is the investigation into my Old Zhan's case progressing? Are there any suspects?"

Fang Chuan replied, "I'm sorry, but I cannot disclose specific details of the case at this time. It is still under investigation."

Jiang Jia hadn't really expected an answer anyway. She smiled, "I understand your difficulties, but..."

She drew out her words and leaned closer to Fang Chuan conspiratorially, "I suggest you investigate Zhan Huitian. He and his father have had a long-standing conflict. He may seem respectful on the surface, but he might harbor deep resentment."

"Does Ms. Jiang have any specific leads to provide?"

"When we first got married, Old Zhan was very harsh when disciplining his child. Zhan Huitian wasn't very driven and was often beaten. He even made threats back then, saying he'd kill his father eventually."

"Young Master Zhan seems very mature now?" Fang Chuan responded appropriately.

"It's all for the money. Old Zhan got so angry that time he said if he didn't behave, he'd send him back to his mother, and he wouldn't get a cent of the family fortune. He was terrified, and that's when he started becoming more obedient."

Fang Chuan nodded slightly, "So, Mr. Zhan's inheritance was ultimately divided among Young Master Zhan?"

Mentioning this, Jiang Jia's anger flared up. She put on a cold face, "Exactly. Even his own daughter didn't get anything, and he took it all."

"Thank you for the information, Ms. Jiang. We will verify it carefully."

This was exactly what Jiang Jia wanted to hear. Even if Zhan Huitian was innocent, she wouldn't let him take all the money without consequence.

She nodded with satisfaction and walked away, carrying her bag.

"What do you think?" Fang Chuan looked at Yan Xiu, who had appeared behind him at some point.

Yan Xiu's deep eyes gazed in the direction Jiang Jia had left, lost in thought. He asked, "Has Zhan Huitian's whereabouts on the night of the banquet been confirmed?"

"Between 10 PM and 12 AM, he claimed he went to a friend's bar, but we only have surveillance footage of him entering and exiting. What's interesting is that the bar also has a back door."

"Witnesses?"

"The only one who could give a clear time saw him after 11 PM. During the time Zhan Hongye was attacked, it's impossible to confirm Zhan Huitian wasn't at the scene."

Yan Xiu nodded and turned to walk back.

Fang Chuan followed him, listening as he said, "A witchcraft tool cannot be separated from its owner for long. Originally, I speculated the witchcraft tool should have remained at the Zhan residence, but clearly, it didn't."

"Our people searched his study and confirmed that something was removed from a specific spot on the antique shelf. I suspect that was the witchcraft tool. Did he take it out that night?" Fang Chuan guessed.

"Let's assume he took it out. After the attack, another person clearly arrived at the scene, perhaps did something to him, and then took the witchcraft tool and his phone. I imagine the phone contained information that couldn't be discovered."

While reviewing the surveillance footage from Binjiang Building, they noticed something strange. Zhan Hongye had four broken ribs, likely from being beaten that night. When he entered Binjiang Building, there was no sign of pain on his face, and he walked freely. That's not how a normal person would react.

Fang Chuan summarized, "Zhan Hongye left home that night with the witchcraft tool, possibly to meet someone. He trusted them so much, I suspect it might have been the person who gave him the witchcraft tool. But he was beaten by a group of people midway. Afterward, someone took the witchcraft tool and used some method to get him back to Binjiang Building to die. Looking at it this way, it seems unrelated to Zhan Huitian?"

Yan Xiu stopped walking and tilted his head to ask Fang Chuan, "What has Zhan Hongye done with the witchcraft tool over the years?"

"Eliminating rivals? I investigated and narrowed it down to the last five years. In the past few years, there have been five death cases that are somewhat related to Zhan Hongye, similar to Qin Kai's case. Those five deceased individuals were all his business rivals."

"Simply put, he killed for money."

Fang Chuan agreed with this assessment.

"Then, why did the person who gave him the witchcraft tool do it?"

Fang Chuan blinked, "Could it be... also for money?"

"Zhan Hongye's company received overseas investment five years ago. More than half of the company's annual profits went into overseas accounts, estimated to be over a hundred million yuan," Yan Xiu smirked.

His words sent a jolt through Fang Chuan, "Hearing you say that, it sounds like a chain of events. Zhan Hongye started killing five years ago after obtaining the witchcraft tool, and his company also received investment five years ago. This is very complicated... So, as the heir, Zhan Huitian, who took over his company and shares, truly knows nothing?"

Yan Xiu remained noncommittal. He was only responsible for providing necessary clues; the case-solving was not his concern.

The police's suspicion towards Zhan Huitian was something he was completely unaware of.

After retrieving his father's body, Zhan Huitian began making arrangements for the funeral.

Fortunately, as long as money was involved, the funeral home had a mature process, and the deceased's family didn't have to worry too much.

That day, Dong Zhenghao and his family were also invited to the memorial service. Initially, only he and his wife were expected to attend, but after some hesitation, he decided to bring Liu Mumu along.

This was the third funeral he had attended this month. Old Dong wasn't sad at all; he hummed a cheerful tune the entire way to the funeral home.

That bastard Zhan Hongye tried to harm others but ended up harming himself. The thought made him happy.

That kid Zhan Huitian actually wanted him to read the eulogy. He scoffed. Not only did he not want to, he even wanted to sing "Good Days."

However, for the sake of his image, he calmly rejected the proposal.

Many people came to pay their respects. Most of those present had heard about the Zhan Family's inheritance dispute and the gossip surrounding Zhan Hongye's cause of death.

But at the scene, everyone's expression was solemn.

Even Jiang Jia put on the act of Zhan Hongye's widow.

Liu Mumu stood beside Dong Zhenghao, not drawing much attention, and could observe the people coming and going with impunity.

For example, Jiang Jia, who was constantly wiping her tears but only shed a few drops. And Zhan Ni, who kept bowing to the mourners, looking very sad.

Liu Mumu didn't quite understand what she was sad about.

Then she saw Mr. Ning, the fortune teller she had met once before.

Zhan Huitian personally received Mr. Ning, treating him with great respect. Mr. Ning offered incense and then left.

The ceremony ended about two hours later, and then a group of people went to the cemetery.

It was then that Zhan Ni finally spotted Liu Mumu in the crowd. They made eye contact, and Zhan Ni walked over to her.

Dong Zhenghao didn't stop her. He took Jiang Li aside, not wanting to disturb them.

He hated Zhan Hongye to the point of grinding his teeth, but he wouldn't take it out on his children. As for his sister-in-law being kicked out by the Zhan Family's children, that had nothing to do with him.

She was Jiang Li's younger sister, not his. If Jiang Li didn't care, why should he?

Liu Mumu stayed by Zhan Ni's side and attended the funeral.

The crowd began to disperse in small groups. The two of them walked slowly.

Ahead, two tall men were walking out of the cemetery, chatting as they walked. They didn't notice that anyone was behind them.

Their conversation easily reached their ears.

One of them curiously asked the other, "Was the Zhan Family's inheritance really only given to his eldest son?"

The other replied with some emotion, "A little over a month ago, Mr. Zhan consulted me about changing his will. After all, he still had a daughter, but unfortunately, he didn't get the chance."

Liu Mumu felt Zhan Ni's hand gripping her arm suddenly tighten. She frowned and shook it off.