Su Wanwan held her phone tightly. The photo of Lu Tingchen with a strange woman was like a thorn pricking her heart. She took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down.
"Sis, could you help me find out the origin of this number?" " She handed the mobile phone to Su Mingwei.
Su Mingwei took the phone and carefully examined the photo: "From this Angle..." It seems like it was taken secretly. Wanwan, don't be in a hurry yet. There might be some misunderstanding.
"I know," Su Wanwan nodded, her eyes determined. "So I have to find out the truth."
She called Lu Tingchen again, and this time she finally got through.
"Wanwan?" " Lu Tingchen's voice came through. The background was very quiet. "Sorry, I was just talking about something and my phone was on silent."
Where are you? Su Wanwan asked directly, "I'm a little worried about you."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone: "I met an old friend at the Blue Island Cafe in the west of the city." It was a bit sudden and I didn't have time to tell you.
This answer matched the photo, which made Su Wanwan feel a little relieved, but she still asked, "What old friend?" Do I know?"
Lu Tingchen's tone was slightly hesitant: "One..." Someone I haven't seen for a long time. Wanwan, I'll tell you in detail when I get back, okay?"
This evasive attitude made Su Wanwan's unease rise again. But she didn't show it. She just said gently, "OK. Then come back early after you finish your work." Take care of yourself and don't overwork yourself.
After the call ended, Su Mingwei looked at her worriedly and asked, "How was it?" "
"He said he was meeting an old friend," Su Wanwan frowned, "but that doesn't sound right."
Just then, Su Wanwan received a new message, still from that unfamiliar number: "Do you want to know the truth?" Now come to the Blue Island Cafe and enjoy the corner booths. Come alone."
Su Wanwan and Su Mingwei exchanged a glance and both got up at the same time.
"I'll go with you," Su Mingwei said firmly, "But I'll wait outside so that I can look after you in case something happens."
Half an hour later, they arrived at the Blue Island Cafe. Su Wanwan walked into the store alone and soon saw the mysterious woman at the corner booth - it turned out to be Lin Wanru, Lu Tingchen's mother.
"Auntie?" Su Wanwan blurted out in surprise.
Lin Wanru motioned for her to sit down, her expression solemn: "Wanwan, I'm very glad you're here." Tingchen just left. There are some things that I think I should tell you.
She pushed over a folder and said, "Take a look at this first."
Su Wanwan opened the folder in puzzlement. Inside were the financial reports of the Zhao Group and some legal documents, indicating that the Zhao Group was suspected of huge financial fraud and illegal financing.
"This is..." "
"Zhao Jing's insistence on Tingchen was not just because of her feelings," Lin Wanru explained. "The Zhao family was on the verge of bankruptcy and she urgently needed funds from the Lu family to save her life." But Tingchen refused her plea for help.
Su Wanwan suddenly realized, "That's why she would stop at nothing to target me."
Lin Wanru nodded. "More importantly, we found out that Zhao Jing cooperated with your cousin Su Qianqian. Not only did she frame your father, but she also attempted to steal the Lu family's business secrets."
She turned to the last few pages of the document, on which were the transaction records and the transcript of the phone call between Su Qianqian and Zhao Jing's assistant.
Su Wanwan was shocked: "Su Qianqian..." How could you be so confused!"
Those driven by profit can do anything. Lin Wanru sighed.
Just then, Su Wanwan's phone rang. It was a message from Lu Tingchen: "Wanwan, where are you?" I went home but didn't see you.
She replied, "I'll meet a friend at the Blue Island Cafe and be right back."
Putting down her phone, she looked at Lin Wanru and said, "Auntie, thank you for telling me this." But I don't understand. Why did you secretly meet Tingchen? Then why did you ask me out in this way?"
A flash of pain crossed Lin Wanru's eyes: "Because there are some truths that Tingchen doesn't want to tell you." He always wants to take on everything by himself and protect the people around him from getting hurt.
She held Su Wanwan's hand and said, "Including his illness, it's actually more serious than you know."
Su Wanwan's heart sank sharply: "What do you mean?" "
His heart disease requires surgery, but the success rate is only 50%. This is why he agreed to get married in the first place - to give an account to the old man before the operation. Lin Wanru's eyes were filled with tears. "He originally planned to divorce you half a year later on the grounds of incompatible personalities, so that you could get the compensation you deserved and not be burdened by his illness." "
This news was like a bolt from the blue. Su Wanwan was stunned on the spot, her whole body shivering. So all those tenderness and promises were built on the premise that he might leave?
"Why didn't you tell me earlier..." " Her voice trembled.
"Because he was afraid," Lin Wan gently patted her hand, "afraid that you would stay out of sympathy, afraid that you would take on unnecessary responsibilities, and even more afraid..." After you truly fell in love with him, he couldn't walk with you any further.
Su Wanwan's tears welled up in her eyes. This fool always thinks of himself but never asks her if she is willing to face it together.
When is the operation? She wiped away her tears, her tone firm.
"Next month," Lin Wanru said worriedly, "but he's still hesitating whether to proceed or not." Because the risk of the operation failing was very high, he might not even be able to get off the operating table.
Su Wanwan stood up: "I know what to do now." Thank you, Auntie."
After leaving the coffee shop, Su Wanwan told Su Mingwei everything. After discussing, the two sisters decided not to alert them at first but to secretly collect evidence of Zhao Jing and Su Qianqian's crimes.
That night, when Lu Tingchen got home, Su Wanwan had already prepared dinner. She greeted him as if nothing had happened, but there was a hidden determination in her eyes.
"Have you seen an old friend?" She pretended to ask casually.
Lu Tingchen nodded, looking a little tired: "An elder I haven't seen for a long time, we chatted about some past events." "
Su Wanwan didn't ask any further questions. She just served him soup and said, "Drink more. It's good for your heart."
In the following days, Su Wanwan appeared to be acting as usual on the surface, but in secret, she and Su Mingwei went their separate ways. Su Mingwei used her network of contacts abroad to investigate the international transactions of the Zhao family, while Su Wanwan tried to get close to Su Qianqian.
The opportunity will come soon. The Su family held a family gathering to celebrate Su Mingwei's return to China and the safe return of Su's father. Su Wanwan arrived early on purpose and took the initiative to chat with Su Qianqian.
"Sis, how have you been recently?" " She pretended to be affectionate and asked.
Su Qianqian was somewhat surprised and then forced a smile: "What else can be done?" I can't compare to you. Now I'm the glamorous Mrs. Lu."
Su Wanwan sighed, "What about being glamorous? Actually, Tingchen..." She deliberately tried to speak but stopped herself.
Su Qianqian was indeed taken in: "What's wrong with Mr. Lu?" "
Su Wanwan lowered her voice and said, "He's not in good health and is considering reducing his workload." Perhaps there will be a major adjustment in the development direction of the Lu family in the future.
This statement implies that the Lu family might scale back its business, which is undoubtedly bad news for the Zhao family, which relies on the Lu family.
Su Qianqian's eyes flickered: "Is it serious?" I haven't heard of it."
"How could such a thing spread outside?" " Su Wanwan pretended to be mysterious, "But Miss Zhao might know something inside. Doesn't she often get in touch with the core information?"
This sentence is a carefully designed trap. If Su Qianqian denies any contact with Zhao Jing, it would seem suspicious. If she admits it, it would be tantamount to exposing the close relationship between the two.
Su Qianqian was indeed deceived: "Sister Jing did mention something, but she didn't explain it clearly." Or... Shall I ask around for you?"
Su Wanwan sneered inwardly but said gratefully on her face, "That's wonderful!" After all, this concerns the future of the Su family.
She deliberately emphasized the "Su family", hinting that Su Qianqian was also a member of the Su family and should jointly care about the family's interests.
After the party, Su Wanwan met up with Su Mingwei who was waiting outside. Su Mingwei shook the voice recorder in her hand and said, "It's all recorded." Sure enough, she called Zhao Jing right away.
Su Wanwan heaved a sigh of relief: "Very good." Now it's just a matter of waiting for them to fall into the trap."
However, plans always fail to keep up with changes. Early the next morning, Su Wanwan received an urgent call from Su Qianqian: "Wanwan, something has happened!" Zhao Jing knew we were investigating her. She was very angry and said she would make you regret it!"
Su Wanwan's heart sank: "How did she know?" "
"I don't know," Su Qianqian's voice was tinged with tears. "She just threatened me, saying that if I didn't cooperate with her, she would send me to prison too." Wanwan, I was wrong. I shouldn't have been bewitched..."
Just then, a chaotic voice came from the other end of the phone, and then the call was abruptly hung up.
Su Wanwan immediately called Lu Tingchen, only to learn that he was in a meeting. With no other choice, she could only contact Su Mingwei first.
The two sisters had made an appointment to meet at a coffee shop. As soon as Su Wanwan reached the door, she received a strange message: "I want to save your cousin. I came to the warehouse area of the wharf alone." Don't tell anyone, or you'll be responsible for the consequences.
Attached is a photo of Su Qianqian being tied up.
Su Wanwan drew in a sharp breath and immediately called Su Mingwei back: "Sis, the plan has changed. Qianqian has been kidnapped by Zhao Jing!" "
Su Mingwei was shocked: "What?" Call the police!"
"No," Su Wanwan looked at the message and warned. "She said it would hurt Qianqian." I have to go.
"Too dangerous!" I'll go with you!"
"No, she said I could only go alone." Su Wanwan calmed down. "But I can share the location of my phone with you." If I don't hear from you within an hour, call the police and inform Tingchen."
After hanging up the phone, Su Wanwan took a deep breath and took a taxi to the pier. On the way, she sent a seemingly ordinary message to Lu Tingchen: "Tingchen, I'm going shopping with my sister. I'll be back later." Love you."
This is the code they agreed upon, meaning "In danger, rescue is needed."
The warehouse area at the wharf is cold and desolate. Su Wanwan followed the instructions to find Warehouse No. 3. Pushing open the door, she saw Su Qianqian tied to a chair, with tape stuck to her mouth and tears all over her face.
Zhao Jing stood aside, with two burly men following her.
"Truly a deep sisterly bond," Zhao Jing clapped. "Knowing it was a trap, they still came to fall into it themselves." "
Su Wanwan asked calmly, "What do you want?" "
"Very simple," Zhao Jing sneered. "Sign this equity transfer agreement and transfer all your rights in the Lu family to me." Then leave Jiangcheng and never come back."
Su Wanwan frowned and said, "I have no equity in the Lu family." "
"Very soon," Zhao Jing's eyes went wild. "Tingchen loves you so much. He must give you a lot, right?" Wait for him... "Since I'm gone, all of these are mine." "
This sentence gave Su Wanwan a chill in her heart: "What do you mean?" "
Zhao Jing smiled smugly, "It seems you still don't know?" Tingchen's heart disease is very serious and he needs surgery. And during the operation, it's very easy for "accidents" to occur, isn't it?
Su Wanwan shivered all over: "How dare you!" "
"Why not?" " Zhao Jing's eyes went wild. "As long as he dies, if I get your shares again, the Lu family will be mine!"
Just then, sirens blared from outside the warehouse. Zhao Jing's expression changed drastically: "Did you call the police?" "
"No," Su Wanwan said calmly, "but my phone has always had location sharing on."
The warehouse door was jolted open and Lu Tingchen, along with the police, rushed in. Seeing Su Wanwan safe and sound, he clearly heaved a sigh of relief.
"Zhao Jing, you've been arrested." The leading police officer presented an arrest warrant, "suspected of kidnapping, extortion and commercial espionage."
Zhao Jing shook her head in disbelief: "No..." Impossible! How could I be discovered..."
Lu Tingchen said coldly, "Do you think your plan is flawless?" Ever since you got close to Su Qianqian, you've been under my surveillance."
He walked up to Su Wanwan and held her hand tightly, saying, "I'm sorry to have put you in danger." But I need conclusive evidence to arrest her.
Su Wanwan shook her head: "I understand." It's just that Qianqian..."
The police have rescued Su Qianqian. She threw herself into Su Wanwan's arms and cried loudly, "Wanwan, I'm sorry!" I really know I was wrong!"
After the turmoil, the three returned to the hotel. After this lesson, Su Qianqian thoroughly repented and agreed to testify in court to accuse Zhao Jing.
When only Su Wanwan and Lu Tingchen were left in the room, she looked straight into his eyes and said, "Now, it's time to tell me about the operation, right?"
Lu Tingchen was stunned, then gave a wry smile and said, "Mother still told you."
Why didn't you tell me? Su Wanwan's eyes were filled with tears. "Do you think I would leave you because of your illness?"
Lu Tingchen gently wiped away her tears: "I just don't want you to worry." I certainly don't want you to stay out of sympathy."
"Fool," Su Wanwan threw herself into his arms, "I stayed not out of sympathy, but because I love you."
She looked up at him seriously and said, "Promise me to have the operation." No matter what the outcome is, let's face it together.
Lu Tingchen gazed into her determined eyes and finally nodded: "OK, I agree to you." "
The two embraced each other for a long time. Suddenly, Su Wanwan remembered something: "By the way, Zhao Jing said that 'accidents' are likely to occur during surgery. What does that mean?"
Lu Tingchen's expression was solemn: "I'm also looking into this matter." It seems that apart from Zhao Jing, there are others who don't want me to live."
This sentence made Su Wanwan's heart, which had just relaxed, rise again. It seems that the real danger has only just begun...
(To be continued...)"