Mrs. Pi covered her face with trembling hands, tears dripping through her fingers.
She needed some time.
If it were Shen Qingqing, she might not have been able to remain calm either, with her loved ones taken to unknown places and subjected to unknown suffering.
The mere thought made her want to strangle Director Liu on the spot.
But thankfully, Mrs. Pi, tempered by life's storms and hardships, was no longer so fragile. She stopped crying after less than five minutes, lowered her hands, wiped the tears from her face, and her aged features revealed a spirit of resilience and determination.
"Whatever you want to ask, I will cooperate. I have only one request."
"If what you say is true, then please ensure Director Liu is brought to justice."
Shen Qingqing nodded heavily, "I promise you."
The conversation lasted about two hours. Shen Qingqing had her assistant see Mrs. Pi out and then hurried to meet the second person with Fu Jingshu.
There were too many people on the ledger; she couldn't possibly meet them all herself.
Therefore, she delegated the others to her young apprentice, Lü Shu.
This boy had been quiet since their last encounter, and she had almost forgotten about him. It was Lü Shu who called, asking when he could learn techniques from her.
At that moment, she felt the call came just in time.
Lü Shu complained at first when he learned he had to listen to people tell stories. Although he appeared to be a sunny youth, he was quite rebellious at heart. Otherwise, he wouldn't have insisted on striking out on his own against his family's wishes.
Shen Qingqing only said one sentence: "These stories are built on human lives."
Lü Shu's eyes widened slightly. "Who could be involved in so many lives?"
Shen Qingqing remained silent.
Lü Shu, being clever, immediately guessed something and took a breath. "Is it Director Liu?"
Shen Qingqing nodded solemnly.
"Holy shit..." Lü Shu couldn't help but curse, then he gave a sheepish scratch to the back of his head after Shen Qingqing cast him a cool glance. "I was just too shocked. I knew last time he fabricated cases for people, but I thought it was just to get them admitted to the hospital and charge more money. I didn't realize it involved lives!"
Shen Qingqing patted his head. "Go."
This time, no further instruction was needed. Knowing it involved human lives, Lü Shu would handle it with utmost seriousness and caution.
After a busy day, Shen Qingqing and Lü Shu returned to the hospital one after another. Upon entering, Lü Shu collapsed onto the soft sofa.
"I'm exhausted."
Although he was just listening to stories, he had to meet different people and find ways to make them lower their guard against him, a stranger.
It was truly different.
Shen Qingqing also sat opposite him. While she appeared calm, deep within her eyes lay fatigue.
It was mental exhaustion. After listening to so many people's accounts, her suspicions grew deeper. She sympathized with those people and felt disgust towards Director Liu.
Fu Jingshu poured her a glass of hot water. "Rest for a while. I'll have someone bring food."
"Mhm."
Shen Qingqing held the cup and fell into thought.
After meeting so many people today, their stories were all similar: they either had a cold or fever, or came for a physical examination. The one responsible for them was Director Liu. At first, Director Liu was gentle, polite in his dealings with people, and very amiable, making a good impression.
So, when he informed the families that their patients had contracted an infectious disease, no one suspected he was lying.
When he said isolation was necessary, everyone cooperated. When he said they couldn't see their family members, everyone cooperated. When he said what medication to use, and how long they needed to stay in the hospital...
No one objected; everyone was compliant, hoping for their loved ones to recover.
Who knew that in the end, they couldn't even get a final look?
Because Director Liu said that for infectious disease patients, bodies had to be cremated immediately to prevent the virus from spreading to others. In the end, they were only given a handful of ashes.
Soon, Fu Jingshu's people brought the meals, and the three of them, along with Shen Jinxi, sat around to eat.
Fu Old Madam had also woken up, but due to her health, she couldn't eat this food. Her meals were always well-balanced vegetarian dishes with good nutrition.
However, the atmosphere at the dinner table was heavy.
Shen Jinxi wanted to lighten the mood but didn't dare to speak.
Fu Old Madam knew what they had been doing and couldn't help but sigh. After they finished eating, she beckoned Shen Qingqing over. "Qing Yatou, come here."
"Grandma, what is it?" Shen Qingqing walked towards her.
"Yatou, you're feeling uncomfortable, aren't you?"
Her words hit Shen Qingqing right in the heart. After a moment of silence, she said, "Yes."
The ledger only recorded words; cold words held no emotion, and reading them was only shocking.
But when the relatives of so many people recounted their experiences in person, and she saw the lingering pain in their eyes, Shen Qingqing couldn't remain detached.
Because she also had family.
Putting herself in their shoes, if it were her, Director Liu wouldn't die enough times to atone for his sins!
Fu Old Madam took her hand. "Yatou, some things are destined. Since they cannot be avoided, they are fate. Since they have already happened and we cannot change them, we can change what comes next."
Shen Qingqing's eyes showed contemplation.
"I believe that with Yatou's abilities, plus Jingshu's full support, those who have done wrong will surely be punished."
Fu Old Madam, being older, had seen more and had a more open mind.
Although she was saddened, she didn't dwell on it too much.
Shen Qingqing pursed her lips and held the old lady's hand against her cheek. Her hand was a little dry, and her skin wasn't as smooth as her own, but it was very warm.
"Grandma, I understand. Don't worry."
"Good. I've never worried about Yatou's methods, and I believe you can rescue Asheng."
"Mhm." Shen Qingqing flashed a bright smile.
Fu Old Madam looked at her with affection, stroking her temple. "But don't force yourself. Do your best. Asheng is very important to me, and you and Jingshu are just as important."
Shen Qingqing pursed her lips and smiled. "Don't worry, Grandma, I promise everyone in the family will be fine."
Fu Jingshu, not far away, looked at her delicate profile, his eyes full of tenderness.
Lü Shu, standing beside him, gawked.
He had heard the rumors of the renowned Master Fu and his wife being deeply in love, but seeing it today, he realized that heroes truly fall for beauties.
...
The next day, Shen Qingqing received a piece of news.
Director Liu was to represent the hospital and give a lecture at a medical university as a professor. She immediately realized her opportunity had arrived.
"You stay here and help me look after Mother and Xixi. I'm going out."
She instructed Fu Jingshu.
Fu Jingshu grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to Director Liu's office. Gao Qi's ledger was a copy of Director Liu's ledger. I believe the second half of the ledger is still in his office."
"But..."
"Listen to me. I'll be fine. I'll be back soon."
Shen Qingqing stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek, then turned and left.
Fu Jingshu didn't even have time to stop her.