I became the Counterpart of the Winner in a Period Novel-Chapter 256 - 253: Missing?

"After that day, Yuan Qingqing confessed to me that she couldn’t stand her mother-in-law’s behavior. It was so embarrassing that she dared not openly invite colleagues over to her house to play, fearing it would spread and become a laughingstock."

"After that day, my relationship with Yuan Qingqing gradually became distant. I also have a mother, I also have a mother-in-law, and the fact that someone can lay their hands on and abuse vulnerable elders shows a truly vicious heart. If I were to continue associating with her, who knows when I might be bitten by this cobra."

"Did you tell Zheng Gang about Yuan Qingqing’s abuse of the elderly woman?"

"Initially, I didn’t tell him; Yuan Qingqing cried in front of me, begging me not to tell anyone. Considering our years as sisters, I softened and agreed. I told her back then, ’I can promise, but from now on, we will go our separate ways.’

But not long after, Yuan Qingqing took leave, saying her mother-in-law had fallen from upstairs and was hospitalized. I had a vague feeling that this was not simple. After all, she was a pitiable old woman, and I couldn’t feel at ease not speaking up. So I secretly went to tell Zheng Gang."

"What kind of person is Zheng Gang?"

"Nothing special, but as I mentioned before, he is particularly good to his mother."

"How is their marriage relationship?"

"Regarding their marriage, I truly have no idea. After that incident, I don’t believe anything Yuan Qingqing said before."

"Based on the old man’s reaction just now, are you still friends at the factory?"

"I severed ties unilaterally and switched departments after that incident. I went to the union, she remains in the workshop. Unless something comes up, I might not see her for six months, so everyone’s impression should still be stuck from long ago."

"Final question, do you believe Yao Qiu is really missing?"

Ding Fen was taken aback: "Comrade, what do you mean?"

"Just the literal meaning. Alright, sorry to bother you today. Goodbye!" Jiang Mingyue shook hands as she said farewell.

Then she went to Yuan Qingqing’s house again, with no results.

Met up with An Jian at noon.

Jiang Mingyue: "How’s it going?"

An Jian gulped down a bowl of water, wiped away the drops, and said, "We asked Yuan Qingqing’s son and daughter-in-law; they don’t know where Yuan Qingqing went."

Jiang Mingyue was thoughtful: "So, the three days of leave Yuan Qingqing took claiming family issues were a complete lie?"

"That’s indeed the case!"

"When did Yao Qiu go missing? Specific time."

An Jian’s brow slightly twitched: "I remember it’s tomorrow, August 8th... wouldn’t it be the death anniversary? Then... Duke of Thunder, take people to check Yao Qiu’s old home. It’s not far; you can reach it by bike in half a day. There’s no train, don’t bother."

"How about over there? How’s your investigation?" This was a polite inquiry, though An Jian knew of Jiang Mingyue’s special abilities, she had never investigated a case before. Having no trouble on the first day was already something for gratitude.

Jiang Mingyue certainly also knew what An Jian would think of her, but it didn’t matter, as long as she handled things beautifully.

But when this presumed rookie recited Ding Fen’s words, including the very tone, An Jian dared not underestimate her, even his posture became more proper.

"You mean Yuan Qingqing might be abused by Zheng Gang? Let me think this through... Yuan Qingqing maintains appearances, often bringing dishes back from the factory to improve her mother-in-law’s meals, yet secretly abuses the deaf-mute mother-in-law. After Ding Fen witnessed this, she told the mother-devoted Zheng Gang. After Zheng Gang learned the truth, he retaliated by abusing Yuan Qingqing?

And Yuan Qingqing feels the root of everything is the deaf-mute mother-in-law— the mother-in-law makes her feel ashamed, so she doesn’t even dare invite colleagues home to play; living cautiously. The mother-in-law even caused her to break ties with childhood friends, making their marriage worse, and her husband even hits her. So, Yuan Qingqing developed a murderous intent? That’s the motive!

Mr. Jiang, do you think my deduction is correct?"

"You called it a deduction, so it’s determined by what evidence you can find next."

"Tsk! Mr. Jiang, didn’t expect you to be this serious in just half a day, like you’re possessed by the Gan Institute. This afternoon we’ll keep looking for people; you can rest. Once we find Yuan Qingqing’s whereabouts, I’ll notify you when we need you to step in."

Jiang Mingyue felt this person was very astute and decided to bring him some food next time.

Jiang Mingyue returned to No. 42 Magpie Street; her brother’s No. 43 was uninhabited, and Jiang Mingyue withdrew her spiritual power.

Big Black saw her return and let out a whimper while rubbing against her clothes pitifully.

Lightning: You finally came back! I’m starving!

Jiang Mingyue forgot that Lightning could only freely access space with the aid of her spiritual power.

Like today, it remains hungry if she’s not around.

Jiang Mingyue rubbed its head: "I’ll leave food for you in future when I’m not here." She thought for a moment, then added: "What about setting up a chicken coop and rabbit den in the yard, so you can eat at your leisure?"

See, only I, your master, am this generous; you’ll never find another owner as good as me.

Lightning rolled its eyes: Why do you have that face like receiving a grand favor? Compared to Xiao Yanzi, this is abuse, understand?

"What do you mean by that? Not happy?"

Lightning tilted its head. Of course, it wasn’t happy. Its favorite was pine-needle roasted chicken and rabbit, wasn’t it? It thought its master was absolutely being deliberate; she clearly knew what it liked.

"Ha! Seems like you don’t like it, so you can stay hungry then." 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Lightning: "..." pounding its chest and stomping its feet— heartless owner!

Jiang Mingyue only casually closed the door without locking it, then went inside with Lightning, and the next second entered the space.

"First day of work, giving you a special meal." Jiang Mingyue generously gave Lightning a roast chicken and a roast rabbit; as for steamed buns, they were piled around Lightning, enough for it to eat till its belly was round.

Lightning was very satisfied with its master’s astuteness, and was about to enjoy its feast when it was thrown out of space by its master; fortunately, its food followed along.

Lightning: So unfair, no rights for wolves— heartless owner!

Jiang Mingyue scooped a bowl of rice and prepared for herself a small bowl of mushroom chicken soup, a small portion of canned beef sliced and stir-fried with green pepper strips, then began eating.

After filling her stomach, Jiang Mingyue took a basket to No. 55 Pear Blossom Lane. As the door opened, the young caretaker was nearly moved to tears, having waited for Mr. Jiang for so long.

Jiang Mingyue closed the door properly. Then she saw the young man who always wandered across from her house enthusiastically running over, the noon sunlight a bit dazzling; she was temporarily blinded by the sight of a dog wagging its tail at her.

"Mr. Jiang, you finally came; um, Pan wants to meet you."

"Alright," Jiang Mingyue signaled understanding, but as she was stepping forward, she retreated, considering his door-keeping efforts. Jiang Mingyue retrieved an apple from her basket and handed it to him.

The young caretaker was overjoyed, having heard that Mr. Jiang’s fruit was unreachable even for Pan and Du Shouqiang, except Uncle Mute had that privilege. Now he got an apple— does it mean he ranks higher in Mr. Jiang’s mind than Pan?

Wow! Can’t think further, too exhilarating.