Chapter 198 - 196: Why Wasn’t It Him? (First Update)

Chapter 198: Chapter 196: Why Wasn’t It Him? (First Update)

Xu Jing, Xiao Yi, and Mr. Yao were all focused on the Government Official speaking, not noticing Xin Lei’s actions until they saw the sudden change in the Official’s expression, causing their hearts to skip a beat.

The next moment, Xu Jing heard a "clang" behind her and quickly turned around, only to see Zhou Xian rushing over at some point and kicking Xin Lei to the ground.

Not far away on the ground lay a dagger gleaming with cold light, evidently the source of the sound when it fell to the ground earlier.

Xu Jing was momentarily stunned, then immediately understood what had happened, and quickly looked towards Zhou Xian standing in front of her.

Earlier, when everyone went inside to search, Xu Jing thought he would run in as well, but unexpectedly, he stayed outside with them without saying a word, so Xu Jing didn’t pay him any mind.

Suddenly, Xu Jing frowned and said, "Your hand is injured, go bandage it."

There was a cut on the back of Zhou Xian’s right hand as long as a little finger, constantly dripping blood, likely caused when he knocked away the dagger.

Zhou Xian glanced at his hand and casually said, "It’s nothing, just a small..."

Before he finished speaking, he saw Xu Jing frowning more deeply with a look of disapproval in her eyes, prompting him to quickly change his phrasing, "I’ll... I’ll go right away."

Xu Jing was silent for a moment, seeing Xin Lei already subdued by the approaching Government Official, and quietly said, "I owe you one."

When she realized what happened, it was already too late; if not for Zhou Xian, she would have been at least injured.

Zhou Xian pursed his lips, seemingly making some decision, and said solemnly, "This is nothing, if not for you, we wouldn’t have been able to save Wanwan in time. I should be the one thanking you. You were right to scold me, I was immature and impulsive, and like this, I can’t protect my family..."

Seeing the pain in his eyes, Xu Jing slightly raised her eyebrows.

Could this be a blessing in disguise? Has this guy finally matured?

Zhou Xian was clearly not used to such self-reflective talk, his face reddening with every word, "I... I never looked down on you, I always thought you were amazing. I know A-brother wanted me to stay by your side to learn, I... I will definitely study obediently from now on.

I’ll go take care of my wound first!"

He said, turning away and running off as if fleeing.

Xu Jing watched his quickly departing figure in a daze.

So this guy was just sulking, ignoring her all that time.

And now he says he wants to obediently learn from her... She’s not heartless, but she doesn’t have the energy to teach a rebellious kid...

Suddenly, a shadow cast over Xu Jing’s eyes, pulling her thoughts back. She looked up to see Xiao Yi standing in front of her, his voice deep, "You’re alright?"

Xu Jing blinked, "What could happen to me? Xin Lei’s knife didn’t even touch me before Zhou Wulang knocked it away."

Xiao Yi looked at her intently, softly humming, and then unconsciously clenched his fists, feeling a weight in his chest like a stone.

His emotions were unspeakably complex at that moment.

He was relieved someone had saved her, yet annoyed that person wasn’t him.

Clearly earlier, he had been standing closer to her.

Watching her absentmindedly stare at the departing man, he suddenly felt a pang of panic, as if if he didn’t do something soon, she would drift away from him.

Xu Jing looked at Xiao Yi with some confusion. Now that both criminals had been caught and the Smiling Killer case was solved, why did he seem unhappy?

She glanced ahead unwittingly and saw Xin Lei being taken away by several Government Officials, which reminded her of Jiang Yanxia, prompting her to ask softly, "Who will interrogate him next? Will anyone else from the Marquis Huaiyin’s household be implicated?"

Xiao Yi suppressed his chaotic thoughts and said, "The Ministry of Justice has taken over this case and will see it through. As for whether anyone else from the Marquis Huaiyin’s household will be implicated, they’ll need to find out if his family was aware of his crimes or if there was any cover-up, even if not, having committed such heinous acts, he cannot keep his position as Princely Heir. The title of Marquis Huaiyin may be revoked as well."

Indeed, in ancient families, one person’s wrongdoing affected all. Xin Lei’s actions could not be completely detached from the family.

Only Young Madam Jiang was a bit pitiful.

Xiao Yi looked down at the silent Xu Jing and said, "The case was solved thanks to Miss Xu. Compared to the efforts Miss Xu put in, the reward discussed earlier seems stingy. Is there anything Miss Xu wants?"

Xu Jing was momentarily taken aback and said with amusement, "I don’t let just anyone take advantage of me like this, it’s only out of respect for Vice Minister Xiao. If Vice Minister Xiao feels uneasy, just increase my reward next time. I’ll be heading back now."

Saying that she turned and walked towards the door, unaware that the man behind her continued to watch her departing figure with intense eyes.

That night, Xiao Yi sent someone to inform Xu Jing that they had caught up with He Qiusheng, but it was too late; He Qiusheng was already dead, having hanged himself and left a handwritten note.

In the note, he simply wrote a sentence—Looking back on my life, half of it was futile, the other half was filled with sins, and I can only atone with death. The local forensic doctor confirmed he committed suicide, and the handwriting on the note was confirmed to be his own.

Xu Jing guessed he knew Xin Lei wouldn’t spare him, and in extreme fear and distress, chose death to end it.

Thus, the two culprits in the Smiling Killer case were caught and brought to justice.

The next day, Xu Jing delivered fifty jars of Purple Gromwell Ointment to the Zhao Family, and upon returning to the Zhou Family, Steward Yuan greeted her with a strange expression, saying, "Miss Xu, you have a visitor."

Xu Jing was momentarily stunned, as Steward Yuan, with a furrowed old face, continued, "I’m not sure if it’s just my feeling, but your guest doesn’t seem well-intentioned, Miss Xu. Be careful, if I’ve misunderstood, I apologize in advance."

Xu Jing’s gaze darkened.

In the Western Capital, there were only a few people who would seek her out with ill intentions.

Having already prepared herself mentally, when Xu Jing entered the hall and saw Wu Youbing sitting leisurely on a chair with his legs crossed, she remained calm and said coldly, "Should I commend Wu Sanlang for not ambushing me on my way this time, but actually visiting properly?"

Her words were filled with sarcasm, something that would usually make Wu Youbing jump in anger, but this time he was unfazed, a greasy smile remaining on his face as he brazenly looked Xu Jing up and down, sneering, "After all, we will soon be reunited. I’m always considerate of my woman, so of course, I must give you some respect."

Xu Jing was momentarily stunned as Wu Youbing got up, swaggering towards her, reaching out to lift her veil, "Why wear this wretched veil all the time? Though your personality is annoying, your face isn’t bad..."

Xu Jing coldly slapped his hand away, sternly saying, "Wu Sanlang, please respect yourself. You’re not welcome here."

"You!"

Wu Youbing clutched his reddening hand, glaring at Xu Jing, then suddenly seemed to think of something, a disgusting smile reappearing on his face as he smugly declared, "You can have this attitude towards other men, but not towards your husband. I’m here today to tell you, wrap up your affairs, I’ve decided to forgive and take you back. Of course, a woman like you, disgraced by her own family and previously married, isn’t fit to be my main wife. Be grateful I’m even considering you as a concubine, you should be grateful."