Gu Xingdong shook his head, then reached out and ruffled Chen Lishu's hair, explaining, "Things over there haven't been resolved yet, but someone from above assigned me a partner, so I won't be as busy from now on. I heard about the trouble at home, so I rushed back. What happened? What exactly is going on?"
Chen Lishu recounted recent events to Gu Xingdong. When Gu Xingdong heard about the nerve toxin from country M, he raised an eyebrow, a flash of surprise in his eyes before it was quickly hidden.
After a long moment, Gu Xingdong lowered his head and whispered in Chen Lishu's ear, "We've also been investigating the matter of the nerve toxin these past few days. Does that mean Zhang Wan'er likely has contact with that group from country M?
I can't tell you too much about the nerve toxin because it's a secret mission. Knowing too much isn't good for you. But don't worry, I'll assist you in finding the truth and identifying the mastermind!"
Chen Lishu felt a sense of calm as she heard that Gu Xingdong's recent activities were the same as theirs. She held Gu Xingdong's hand firmly and said, "Okay, thank you for telling me this. At least I know I'm not fighting alone.
The matters at home have been arranged. You don't need to worry about them. Are your tasks busy these days? If not, stay home and have a good meal. The two children haven't seen you in quite some time."
Gu Xingdong nodded, then teased, "Since I'm back, of course, I'll stay for a meal! Otherwise, if I stay away for too long, the children might not recognize me anymore."
Chen Lishu couldn't help but roll her eyes. As they were about to return to their room, Old Master He walked over, leaning on his cane. "I was just about to call you, and unexpectedly you're back. Speak of the devil!"
Upon hearing Old Master He's words, Chen Lishu asked with some confusion, "What is it, Godfather? Do you need Gu Xingdong for something?"
Old Master He smiled and said, "Yes, I have something I'd like to ask for your help with. Xingdong, could you accompany me? If you two want to rekindle your romance, there will be time for that later."
Seeing Old Master He's playful demeanor, Chen Lishu's heavy burden was lifted. This meant her godmother was fine, otherwise, given such an event...
How could he joke around?
With that thought, Chen Lishu reached out and nudged Gu Xingdong, then said, "Go ahead. Whatever it is, we can discuss it after you return."
"Mmm." Gu Xingdong reluctantly bid farewell to Chen Lishu, then followed Old Master He to the study.
Old Master He rapped on the desk and said with disappointment, "Look at you, so lacking in backbone. I'm only asking you to be apart for a moment, not for your entire lives!"
Facing Old Master He's teasing, Gu Xingdong simply shook his head and replied, "But you know I haven't had much quality time with Lishu recently. Now that I finally have a chance, you want to separate us.
Tell me, what do you need me to do? If it's not important enough, don't blame me if I tell Madam He what you've done today!"
Old Master He glared at Gu Xingdong and cut to the chase, "How can you learn so many bad things? You've even learned to tattle! To be honest, I need you to go to Kyoto Prison for a while. It's a secret operation.
I assume Lishu has told you everything that's happened these past few days? I hope you can keep an eye on He Gu. If he shows any unusual behavior, help me protect him. After all, my status makes it difficult for me to interfere in official matters.
Oh, and I heard you've been on missions outside these days. Is there anything you can tell me? That way I can speak to Zifeng and have him grant you a few days off appropriately. You know I don't have many trusted people to rely on for this matter."
The task assigned to him by those above was to investigate the whereabouts of the nerve toxin. Now, this matter had fallen directly into his lap and was connected to Madam He. Gu Xingdong didn't hesitate and immediately said, "No need to request leave. With such major issues at home, I should naturally be diligent in helping out.
I can put the mission aside for now. Anyway, the people above have assigned me a partner. He just needs to report the investigation results to me, and I will summarize them. You don't need to worry about this. I'll head to the prison tomorrow, but since it's a secret operation, I'll need Eldest Brother's help."
Old Master He narrowed his eyes and instructed, "Alright.
I've already notified He Zifeng, Ziyu, and Zinian about the family matters. If you discover anything or need any assistance, feel free to contact them."
The two talked in the study for a long while until night fell. When dinner was ready, Chen Lishu called them to eat, and only then did they realize they had emerged from the study.
----
"Zinian, why are you back? I was thinking of you when I was lying in bed today, and here you are!" Mother He exclaimed, rushing towards He Zinian.
He Zinian quickly supported Mother He, saying with a helpless look, "Mom, your injuries aren't healed yet. Can you be a bit more settled?"
Mother He snorted, "What do you mean not healed? Look at me, I'm full of energy. You brat, you must wish your mother wasn't well, aren't you?"
"Not at all." He Zinian smiled, shaking his head. The moment his gaze fell upon Chen Lishu, his expression suddenly turned grim.
Chen Lishu pursed her lips and said softly, "I've prepared the meal. Why don't we all sit down and discuss things slowly?"
"Mmm." He Zinian responded impatiently, then helped Mother He to her seat.
Qin Yue, watching Chen Lishu's awkward situation, a hint of excitement flashed in her eyes. She then said nonchalantly, "Second Brother, are you back specifically because of Aunt He's situation? Lishu is just being ignorant. Perhaps she's trying to get Aunt He's attention this way, wanting to compete with Wan'er. She's desperate and resorted to such measures. She doesn't have any bad intentions! Please don't hold it against her."
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere at the dinner table became frigid. He Zinian slammed his palm on the table and declared, "For the sake of our past relationship, I don't want to argue with you about this. However, your jealousy is too strong. Mother will only be more dangerous staying here. I've decided to move out!"