Coveted for a Long Time 67

Chapter 67

The entire compound felt empty. In the season of revival, it was comparable to a harsh winter, with everything completely depressed.

Collusion between officials and businessmen has always been a grave crime. Without a doubt, it would be dealt with severely, and no one involved could escape. Second Master Tan did nothing wrong. In small terms, it was successful revenge; in big terms, it was ridding the people of a scourge. Liang Jincheng and his ilk had unclean hands and did too many dirty things. Ending up like this was entirely their own fault. As for that backer in the high position, having fallen from grace, he would likely be eating free prison food for many years.

When the official announcement came out, making the matter completely public, it finally sparked intense discussion in Jiang City. People cursed while watching the news after meals. However, these were only temporary; within three days, no one cared anymore.

Qiao Xi saw relevant reports on the news. Liang Jincheng and Zhou Qun were on the notification list. She didn’t know the others, and there was no one from the Fu family.

Qiao Jianliang was right next to her while watching the news. Roughly knowing what happened, he glanced at his daughter but said nothing.

With Liang Jincheng in trouble, the Liang family definitely couldn’t escape involvement. The future was hard to predict. As for the Fu family, being related by marriage, their future probably wouldn’t be easy either. Restrictions were certain. Now many people avoided the Fu, Liang, and Zhou families like the plague, daring not interact too much, let alone doing business and getting rich together.

This incident was partly due to Fu Bei’s efforts and her maneuvering in the middle. Bringing down her own uncle in one fell swoop while trying to protect her own family—otherwise, how could she exit so easily? As for Liang Yuzhi, she was smart enough. She didn’t leave any leverage when cleaning up messes for Liang Jincheng before, nor did she have any profit dealings. In this incident, seeing the situation was set, she was forced to grit her teeth and turn witness, adding bricks and tiles to Liang Jincheng’s imprisonment.

The Fu family escaping this calamity was thanks to the old lady. If not for her strenuous efforts to block the infiltration of interests between the two families when she was alive, the disaster this time would have been unimaginable.

But even so, the Fu family couldn’t avoid a heavy blow. Accepting a thorough investigation was mandatory, and there were many other matters to resolve.

As soon as the investigation ended, the Fu family moved away. Firstly, to actively withdraw from the scene; secondly, to avoid the limelight. Such a big case couldn’t just end like this. Reckoning, catching everyone in one net… no one could guarantee there wouldn’t be more changes and accidents.

At the heart of the storm, Qiao Xi could only take care of her own side, looking after Qiao Jianliang while continuing to wait.

**

“Disappearing” was a choice made out of necessity. Fu Bei had been under protection recently. As one of the witnesses, Second Master Tan treated her with courtesy.

Before going abroad back then, Fu Bei already knew some things. The old lady had euphemistically said that no one could save Liang Jincheng; he had cut off his own way back, and anyone involved with him would be unlucky. This man was too ruthless and his methods too extreme, doing shady things with an unclean foundation.

The choice back then was a helpless move. At that time, Fu Bei didn’t have enough ability. Everything she did was both to protect the Qiao family and a way of repayment. After all, the disaster started because of Liang Jincheng, and the Fu family added fuel to the fire, causing the Qiao family so much misery. These things were more or less related to Fu Bei. Fu Bei didn’t have deep feelings for this uncle, nor for the Liang family. She had been lying low all these years. Agreeing to Liang Yuzhi to plead with Second Master Tan was helping on the surface, but secretly she had already stated her position to Second Master Tan and promised to stand on his side to protect herself and escape.

The struggle between Second Master Tan and the one in the high position was no longer a secret. Fu Bei knew about this and was clear that something big would happen in the future. Sure enough.

Liang Jincheng and Zhou Qun licked blood on the knife’s edge; reaping what they sowed, they deserved this end. The others weren’t innocent either. As for the Fu family, people sighed endlessly, but no one sympathized.

When one big mountain falls, another will rise.

After the matter ended, Liang Yuzhi was sent abroad, while the others went their separate ways in disgrace. Additionally, some operations couldn’t be discussed openly. For example, some people with high awareness had predicted today’s outcome long ago, either transferring assets abroad or transferring them to others’ names through other means. As for how these people would be dealt with and what would happen later, that wasn’t for ordinary spectators to care about; the higher-ups had their own ways to handle it.

Anyway, after this, all those implicated wouldn’t be able to climb up again for a few years. Whether to fall or linger on depended on their own fortune.

Second Master Tan found a place for Fu Bei. Before parting, they sat together for two cups of tea.

Looking at the young person with a promising future in front of him, Second Master Tan felt secret regret but couldn’t say anything. The development of things to this point was beyond his control. The higher-ups were paying close attention, and subordinates had to execute strictly without any shielding behavior. Filling Fu Bei’s cup, he sighed, “It’s been hard on you…”

To be able to do this much was truly not easy.

Fu Bei restrained her expression, showing no extra emotion, saying neither humbly nor arrogantly, “It’s all what I should do.”

Second Master Tan sighed again, full of regret.

Liang Jincheng, a piece of rat dropping spoiling a pot of soup, was equivalent to a huge stain. The Liang and Fu families would probably experience a period of difficulty. The current situation changed daily. What it would become in a few years, whether there would still be a place for these two families in Jiang City, was hard to predict.

The law is the bottom line. Those who cross the line won’t have good fruits to eat.

**

During this period, Zhuang Qiyang came to the Qiao family once, giving Qiao Xi a gift box.

“She left it for you; keep it,” Zhuang Qiyang said.

The gift box contained all the birthday gifts Fu Bei hadn’t been able to deliver to Qiao Xi personally over the years she was away. This time, they were all given.

Fu Bei still owed Qiao Xi an explanation; this gift box was the best explanation.

Qiao Xi’s throat felt dry. Gripping the box tightly, her tone was relatively calm. “Where did she go?”

Zhuang Qiyang remained silent, not answering.

Fu Bei wouldn’t risk coming back to see Qiao Xi. The storm hadn’t completely passed; returning would be a burden. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have asked Zhuang Qiyang to deliver things. Qiao Xi naturally understood this principle. Calming her emotions, she added, “I won’t go looking for her; just asking.”

Her voice was low and light, so light the tone was indistinguishable.

Zhuang Qiyang couldn’t bear it. After a stalemate, he finally said, “Back in the hometown. Will return when the storm passes.”

Hometown, still in Jiang City, but far from the urban area, in a town with decent economic development called Cijing Town.

Qiao Xi’s eyelashes trembled. After a long while, she replied, “Thank you.”

Zhuang Qiyang was helpless. “No need to be so polite.” Hesitating for a moment, struggling internally, he added, “She has always been worried about you. You know the current situation; all actions are being watched, can’t come over. Fortunately, there are no major problems now. It’ll be fine after getting through this.”

As long as she could pass through safely, the future could be discussed later.

Qiao Xi knew what she should do.

Do her best to stabilize the company’s situation and take care of Qiao Jianliang.

This time last year, she never thought she would have a day of standing alone, but reaching this step, there was no choice.

Qiao Jianliang recovered well. When the new buds on the trees completely replaced the green leaves, he could already walk a few steps with a cane. His mind wasn’t as blurry as before, gradually clearing up. Although still unable to work, at least he was improving.

Though his brain wasn’t working well, Qiao Jianliang saw some things. He wasn’t blind; how could he not notice anything after so many years? He knew clearly in his heart.

He didn’t approve of Qiao Xi and Fu Bei, but knowing his daughter’s nature too well, he turned a blind eye, pretending not to know. Besides, he had always held a grudge against the Fu and Liang families’ actions before. But after walking through the gates of hell and seeing everything up to now, seeing these two families get their due, he gradually let it go. As for the Zhou family, considering he and Zhou Meihe were a couple, he still didn’t know how to handle it. Many things were hard to clarify and decide.

With the Zhou family completely fallen, Zhou Meihe returned not long after. She was sensible this time, never making a scene about it again, not even mentioning it, staying quiet for a long time.

No matter how big the previous trouble was, life had to go on; time wouldn’t stop turning.

One day by chance, Qiao Xi met Zhu Xubai while picking up Tang Yi.

Seeing her, Zhu Xubai was also very surprised, coming over enthusiastically to chat. Zhu Xubai hadn’t paid attention to the turmoil in Jiang City. Besides, he didn’t have the news channels to know the specifics, only hearing that a certain high official fell, knowing nothing else.

Chatting along, he suddenly said, “What a coincidence, running into you guys all the time lately. Met Professor Fu two days ago, and seeing you today.”

Qiao Xi was stunned. “Fu Bei?”

Zhu Xubai smiled. “Went to my aunt’s place for the holidays and happened to meet. Professor Fu’s family is traveling there.”

This kid really knew nothing; quite easy to fool.

Qiao Xi followed his words, chatting for a while.

Zhu Xubai suddenly said, “I even talked about you with the Professor then. She asked about you, but I haven’t met you recently, so didn’t know what to say.”

Qiao Xi paused, responding casually with a couple of sentences.

When Tang Yi came over, the chat ended. Zhu Xubai greeted Tang Yi and left with a classmate.

Tang Yi was curious. “What were you chatting about with the junior?”

Qiao Xi reined in her emotions. “Nothing.”

“Hiding things; guilty conscience.”

**

Time was like water dripping from a cliff, drop by drop, always very slow.

The company arranged a business trip to a county in Jiang City. Secretary Fang should have gone, but hearing the county’s name, Qiao Xi insisted on following.

The business trip location was very close to Cijing Town, just an hour’s drive.

Cijing Town was a tourist attraction. After finishing work, Secretary Fang asked Qiao Xi if she wanted to visit the town. Qiao Xi refused, but later called him, changing her mind to go.

The tourist town was livelier than the county town, with many people. It was especially beautiful at sunset. The golden crow fell into the horizon, afterglow spreading everywhere, the scenery having a hazy sense of peace.

Secretary Fang got out of the car with Qiao Xi, walking around.

A town isn’t big, but not small either. Not so easy to meet the person in one’s heart; a hurried trip was just in vain.

Qiao Xi wasn’t disappointed, just coming for a walk. Returning to the car, when the engine started, she clung to the window and looked back. All she saw was empty, quiet scenery, clean streets, and passing crowds—exactly the same as when she arrived.

Turning back, rolling up the window.

Just then, in a distant alley, a tall figure appeared unhurriedly, walking alone on the profound stone road.

Just missed.

**

Time is a good medicine. When everything returns to dust, the conflicts once cared about so much gradually fade. Looking back, actually didn’t care that much; dispensable.

The day Qiao Jianliang could walk without a cane, Zhou Meihe was overjoyed. Secretary Chen visited repeatedly. Qiao Jianliang was happy himself; daring not drink alcohol, he drank two extra cups of tea.

Zhuang Qiyang came over once again, this time to visit Qiao Jianliang, bringing many gifts.

Zhuang Qiyang wasn’t familiar with the Qiao family at all. Why he came and whom he represented, Qiao Jianliang knew clearly in his heart, accepting the things pretending to know nothing, his attitude lukewarm.

During this time, Zhao Shihuan didn’t appear once. She threw herself completely into the construction of the family business, looking like she would take the lead. Qiao Xi had no more dealings with her. The adult world is simple and crisp, needing no intense words.

Instead, Qin Si appeared more frequently. Her overtures were too obvious. No matter how obtuse, Qiao Xi sensed something wrong. But ultimately hard to say explicitly, she could only distance herself step by step.

Qin Si seemed unable to feel Qiao Xi’s attitude, not changing a bit, doing the same things as usual.

The limelight was hard to pass, but fewer and fewer people outside mentioned the Liang family, let alone the Fu family. In just four or five months, things dissipated like passing clouds, like a dream, feeling lost.

Running between the company and home, a three-point line life, dull and boring. After a long time, the whole person became numb.

Busy days almost gave Qiao Xi an illusionary feeling. She didn’t like living like this, completely unlike herself, like a lost traveler lost in an endless desert, only able to walk forward mechanically, unable to stop, yet unable to see the end.

One night, she suffered insomnia, tossing and turning unable to sleep. Holding her phone, hesitating for a long time, turning over, she finally pressed that familiar number. But it was useless; the number had long been cancelled—she had called many times before and knew this result.

Used to caring about this and that, always unwilling. Now, feelings were mixed, sour and astringent.

Actually not that important anymore.

Knowing the other party was living well and safe was enough.

Maybe luck was good. Early the next morning, she received a call from an unfamiliar number.

A local Jiang City number.

After connecting, the other party didn’t speak first. The sound of morning breeze blowing could be heard on the phone. Qiao Xi woke up instantly, gripping the phone tight, heart tightening, asking tentatively and softly, “Fu Bei?”

After a long time, a low reply came from that side: “Mmh.”

Qiao Xi had many words she wanted to say. Those words piled up in her heart, almost full. But now really contacting this person, she didn’t know how to start.

It wasn’t that they couldn’t contact each other these days. But for no reason, both tacitly didn’t seek the other, deliberately burying and suppressing feelings, not paying attention, as if it were a scar that couldn’t be touched.

Probably neither wanted to make it difficult for the other.

Mumbling for a while, Qiao Xi calmed her emotions, asking, “How have you been lately?”