"I understand the truth behind Uncle Meng and Auntie’s deaths is important, but it’s not as important as your situation! Right now, Mom has been framed and lies in bed, her life hanging in the balance. How can you expect me to keep this from Second Brother?
If Second Brother knew what happened today, he would hate me for not telling him! Are you willing to see our brothers turn against each other in a few years?
Uncle Meng and Auntie are already dead; the truth can be investigated anytime. For us, your situation takes precedence!" He Ziyu finished speaking, tears welling in his eyes as he stared intently at Old Master He.
"But..." Old Master He hesitated, his gaze falling as he lowered his eyes. The Meng couple held a different significance to him. More importantly, their deaths were partly his fault. If he didn't resolve this matter quickly, his conscience would never be at peace.
Seeing Old Master He still hesitant, He Ziyu felt a surge of exasperation and said through gritted teeth, "Dad, the He family has extensive influence, both in Huaxia and country M. Everyone treats us with respect, even the Empress of country M.
Yet, at this point, someone has the audacity to target us. What does this imply? It means the person behind this has considerable power, or they are driven by a suicidal desire for revenge. Regardless of who this mastermind is, it bodes no good for us. We've already suffered a loss because of them!
Precisely because of this, we should have Second Brother return. Are you really going to let Lishu, a girl, protect you both? I fear she won't be able to protect you and might even get implicated. Do you understand what I'm saying? You wouldn't want our good family to be destroyed like this, would you?"
Upon hearing this, Old Master He turned to Chen Lishu. His brows furrowed deeply. After a moment of contemplation, his eyes filled with sorrow as he said, "Have your Second Brother come back. Lishu has her own matters to attend to during this period and likely won't be able to spare the attention for this matter!"
Chen Lishu shook her head, then rested her chin on her hand, thinking carefully. She then voiced her questions, "Godfather, we can postpone the competition. I'll help deal with matters concerning Godmother. Also, Third Brother, could you investigate how this virus was implanted? Perhaps if we find the method of implantation, we can easily deduce who framed Godmother!"
"You're right. The He family's influence is immense, and we've offended quite a few people. Regarding Zhang Wan'er, I don't think this is something she would do. No one is foolish enough to jeopardize their family's future.
I heard Zhang Wan'er's uncle is in the military. He would be even less likely to collude with spies from country M. This isn't just about money or power; it could lead to the entire family being investigated and branded as traitors for generations to come!
Zhang Wan'er is an adult and should know what's permissible and what's not. However, I can't be certain this fool hasn't been manipulated. Lishu, you and Zhang Wan'er have been entangled for quite some time. I'll entrust this matter to you to investigate whether Zhang Wan'er has colluded with people from country M."
"Alright," Chen Lishu agreed, then looked worriedly in the direction of Old Madam He, her lips parting slightly as she spoke, "The most important thing now isn't finding the culprit, but finding an antidote to alleviate Godmother's suffering. After all, this is a neurotoxin. We have no idea of its full harm, nor how long Godmother's body can endure. We currently have no way to inhibit this toxin!"
As Chen Lishu finished speaking, Chen Tong, who had been silent, stepped forward and said, "It’s not entirely without options."
At these words, everyone's gaze turned towards him.
Chen Lishu asked excitedly, "Uncle Chen, what do you mean by that? Do you have an antidote for this toxin? If you do, why aren't you bringing it out immediately?"
Chen Tong shook his head and slowly explained, "As far as I know, this neurotoxin is a failed product. Its effects aren't as dire as imagined. It's a slow-acting poison. If you don't understand, let me tell you, the medicine Zhang Wan'er brought over during that time can indeed inhibit the spread of this neurotoxin!
Yes, it only inhibits it. An antidote still needs to be found, but the urgency isn't as critical. What I worry about now is that the medicine Zhang Wan'er brought might not be enough, as these drugs are extinct. Even with money, they might not be obtainable. Once these medicines can no longer be supplied, Elder Sister He will have only one outcome: the neurotoxin will be uninhibited and will erode her brain."
Hearing this, everyone present breathed a sigh of relief. Old Master He slumped onto the sofa, patting his chest and saying, "As long as we have time, that's all that matters; I was afraid we wouldn't have any! I'll contact Second Brother right away to discuss the follow-up matters.
Let's quickly understand our tasks and then proceed towards our ultimate goal. I believe this matter will be resolved satisfactorily. Heaven would not be so cruel as to take my wife away from me!"
After muttering this, Old Master He hung up the phone and called He Zinian. When He Zinian received the news, his emotions were even more agitated than He Ziyu's.
"How dare the insignificant Zhang family target Mom? Does he enjoy framing people so much? Fine, I'll let them experience the feeling of their family being destroyed!"
After saying this, He Zinian called his secretary. Just as he was about to instruct the secretary to convey his intention to deal with the Zhang family, Old Master He suddenly intervened, "If you go after the Zhang family now, won't Zhang Shi then know we suspect her? Don't forget, we still need to extract information about the mastermind from her. This is our only lead to follow!
I thought you were mature enough back then, which is why I handed over all of the He family's businesses to your management. Yet, you still behave so rashly. It seems you haven't made any progress these past few days, and have instead regressed!"