A Girl Traveling Through Troubled Times

Chapter 1136 The Cruel Truth

Gui'er waited for three more days. During these three days, she was often absent-minded. She was not unmoved by Wu Mingqiang's confession, after all, they had grown up together since childhood.

But what if Wu Mingqiang really conspired with Liu Lanfang to deceive her? She had never considered this possibility, so she had never thought about it.

Wu Mingqiang sensed Gui'er's evasiveness and cautiously asked, "Miss, why do you seem a little unhappy these past two days? Is it because the things I sent you aren't to your liking?"

Gui'er quickly smiled and said, "No, I'm probably just a little tired because I've been studying a lot lately."

Seeing Gui'er's melancholy, Wu Mingqiang felt extremely anxious for some reason. He knew that Gui'er didn't particularly care for expensive jewelry and fine clothes, but he still tried his best to get them, hoping to make her smile.

The third day was Sunday, and Gui'er was thinking of a reason to go to Xinxin Bookstore to see Detective Feng.

Dingxiang suddenly came over and told me that she had her phone number, saying that a male classmate was looking for her.

Gui'er's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly answered the phone. Sure enough, it was Detective Feng calling.

“Miss Sha, I have found evidence, and it is evidence that you can completely believe. Please come to room 208 on the second floor of the Grand World Hotel at 3 p.m.

Gui'er hung up the phone and saw Dingxiang looking at her curiously. She smiled and said, "I forgot. I had arranged to have a party with my classmates at the Grand World Hotel yesterday. The classmate who organized it just called to ask why I didn't go."

"Oh dear, I'll go down and tell Brother Cheng to prepare the car. Miss, please change your clothes first."

Gui'er specially changed into a somewhat gorgeous dress that she doesn't usually wear, in order to avoid being recognized by acquaintances.

The Grand World Hotel stands on the street corner, its off-white walls covered with dark green vines. A doorman in a red uniform stands beside the revolving door, the gold thread on his hat brim gleaming in the sunlight.

Gui'er walked into the lobby clutching her handbag. The light from the crystal chandelier fell on the polished marble floor, making her figure sway slightly. Following Detective Feng's instructions, she didn't take the elevator but quietly went up the stairs to the second floor. The corridor was covered with thick carpets, making it silent when she stepped on them.

The door to room 208 was ajar. Detective Feng peeked out and gave her a shushing gesture before leading her into the room. The room was simply furnished, with a sofa by the window, a double bed next to it, and a washroom.

Gui'er wasn't familiar with Detective Feng and was wary of him, so she brought a miniature pistol with her on this trip.

"Detective Feng, why did you call me here in such a hurry..."

Shh. "

Detective Feng pointed to the sofa, then to the wall—Gui'er immediately understood; he wanted her to eavesdrop. Gui'er pressed her ear against the wall, and it turned out the wall was very thin; the sounds of conversation from next door could be faintly heard.

"Wu Mingqiang, are you even sincere?" It was Liu Lanfang's voice, tinged with a hint of spoiled impatience. "That day, you even protected Tianhu after he taught her a lesson. Do you really think I can't see through you?"

Gui'er's heart sank suddenly, and her fingertips dug into her palm.

"Lanfang, don't be angry." Wu Mingqiang's voice came over, so gentle that it felt unfamiliar to Gui'er. "I'm protecting her only because I'm afraid her older brother will become suspicious. Have you forgotten? Her older brother, Sha Yanyao, is the head of the Nationalist Army's intelligence service. He has many informants. If he finds out that something happened to his sister, none of us will be in a good position."

"I just can't stand her taking up your time."

"What feelings could I possibly have for her?" Wu Mingqiang chuckled, his voice deliberately flippant. "She's only after the Marshal's Mansion's wealth. You know she's frail; she even coughed up blood recently and won't last more than a few years. Once she's gone, all those properties will be mine, right? I'll give them all to you as my dowry, okay?"

Gui'er felt her blood run cold and her ears were ringing.

"That's more like it." Liu Lanfang's tone softened. "You rascal, I admire your ruthlessness in getting things done. My father said that the Imperial Army will be here in a few months. He's really trying to curry favor with them. Otherwise, why would he spend so much money to have Zhao Tianhu do so many things and kill so many people? Speaking of Zhao Tianhu, he was sentenced to death for murder and robbery on the mainland. He just happened to run into the Imperial Army and escaped from prison in the chaos. My father saw that he had some skills, so he recruited him. For him, killing one more or one less makes no difference. If you drag this out for too long, I'll have him take care of this problem. Understand?"

"My darling, don't worry. Do you think I wouldn't choose between an orphan and the daughter of a high-ranking official?" Wu Mingqiang's voice was laced with ruthlessness. "Your father wants to curry favor with the Japanese, I'll clear the obstacles for you. When the Japanese occupy Hong Kong, your father will be the head of the maintenance association, and I'll manage those businesses for you, and we'll..."

"Hmph, who wants to be with you or us?" Liu Lanfang interrupted him. "Let me tell you, don't try to fool me. If I find out you have even the slightest bit of genuine affection for Sha Guier, I'll have my father smash up all your businesses!"

"How could that be?" Wu Mingqiang's voice softened again. "I fell in love with you at first sight. From the very first moment I saw you, I couldn't see anyone else. Just trust me this once, don't hurt Gui'er again. Once she's gone, won't we be able to be together forever?"

"Really?"

"More real than pearls," Wu Mingqiang swore. "If I have even the slightest bit of genuine feeling for her, may I be shot dead outside..."

Gui'er couldn't hear what was said after that. She felt dizzy and had to hold onto the sofa armrest to keep her balance. Her stomach was churning.

Detective Feng heard this and shook his head and sighed, his eyes filled with sympathy. Gui'er didn't take it; she just stared intently at the wall, as if she could see through the thin layer of lime plaster.

At this point, the voices from next door gradually lowered, turning into faint teasing.

"Miss Sha, I've found out about this matter for you. Now, do you think I can get my reward?"

Gui'er sat down expressionlessly, took out some money from her handbag, and slapped it on the table.

Detective Feng counted the money with a broad smile, put it in his pocket, and said with a smile, "Miss Sha, you are a good customer. Actually, I have seen countless cases of this kind of extortion. It's no big deal. Just get rid of him and find a better husband. If you need any help, or if you need to hire thugs, I have connections here. Do you need any help? But as for the price, we need to discuss it properly."

Gui'er was in a state of turmoil. She still couldn't accept that Wu Mingqiang wanted to murder her, seize the family property, and be with Liu Lanfang.