Chapter Thirty-Five

Shen Huaijing nodded silently, signaling them to step outside. Yu Yunxi reacted quickly, grabbing He An and heading out with her. The three walked to the roadside, where there were few people around.

In a low voice, Shen Huaijing asked, “He An, do you know what kind of people are kept in solitary confinement?”

He An thought for a moment before answering, “Those whose cases are still undecided, or people with connections.”

“That house is unfit for anyone to live in, damp from floor to ceiling. He An, let me tell you where it is—could you help me find a way to check on him if you have time?” Shen Huaijing lowered herself, her tone pleading.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be well compensated,” she added, fearing He An might refuse.

But He An, hearing those words, looked indignant and waved his hand. “President Shen, never mind that my cousin asked me for this favor—even if it were a stranger, I’d feel this was an injustice. I became a police officer to help those in need. How could I accept anything from you?”

Yu Yunxi looked at He An with admiration, nudging him with her elbow and teasing, “Oh? Is this the same cousin who bullied me as a kid? I might have to see you in a new light today.”

He An played along, lifting his chin with a smug grin. “Don’t underestimate me. I can still put you in your place.” With that, he playfully tucked Yu Yunxi’s head under his arm.

Their lighthearted banter eased the tense atmosphere, and even Shen Huaijing found herself smiling faintly.

Amid Yu Yunxi’s cries and the stares of passersby, He An finally let her go. He turned to Shen Huaijing and said earnestly, “Don’t worry. I’ll do everything I can to get a look inside. If anything happens, I’ll tell you immediately.”

He An glanced at Yu Yunxi, who was rubbing her neck. “Hey, don’t forget to give President Shen my WeChat!”

“Well, I’ll get back to work now, before anyone gets suspicious.”

Shen Huaijing watched He An walk away, then murmured softly, “Yunxi, your cousin is a good man.” She turned to Yu Yunxi, “Don’t call me President Shen anymore—just call me Huaijing. I have no friends in Nancheng; for now, you’re my first.”

Yu Yunxi was a little surprised. At the magazine office, her nickname was the “Iron Lady”—no one dared get close. Her private life was simple: she stayed home with her pets and tended to her flowers.

Strictly speaking, she had no close friends either.

“Alright. Actually, I don’t have friends either—just colleagues who need each other for work.” Yu Yunxi’s smile was charming, unexpectedly sweet compared to her usual competent demeanor.

The two chatted a little longer before parting ways.

Shen Huaijing sat in her car, staring blankly out the window. She had originally planned to confront Fu Chen as soon as she got home, but now she realized he must have grown deeply suspicious about her identity. She couldn’t act rashly.

For now, she could only set the matter aside and hope Mu Jinghuai would be alright.

After all these years, she still owed him.

After such a long day, Shen Huaijing’s stomach was growling again. Despite her delicate appearance, she actually never skipped a meal.

“Uncle Liu, where does Fu Chen usually eat?” she asked the driver.

Uncle Liu had driven for the Fu family for many years and knew Fu Chen’s habits well. Without thinking, he replied, “Young Master often goes to the Beishan Clubhouse—a lot of rich young men gather there.”

“Let’s go there, then. I’m hungry, too.” Shen Huaijing closed her eyes and leaned back for a nap.

Uncle Liu’s driving was smooth, and Shen Huaijing soon drifted off into a dreamless, comfortable sleep.

When she awoke, they had just arrived at the entrance of the Beishan Clubhouse.

It was truly a high-end venue: the parking lot was filled with luxury cars worth millions, and even the sign and the archway at the entrance looked extravagant.

Wearing high heels, Shen Huaijing walked into the lobby. The receptionist greeted her warmly, “Good evening, welcome to Beishan Clubhouse. Do you have a reservation?”

Shen Huaijing looked the young woman up and down—her looks would be striking even among ordinary people. Clearly, Beishan Clubhouse was no ordinary place.

“Does Fu Chen have a private suite here?” Shen Huaijing knew Fu Chen—he always reserved a private room wherever he frequented. He was a man with a strong sense of possession.

The receptionist hesitated, looking uncomfortable. “I’m sorry, may I ask who you are?”

“I’m his wife, Shen Huaijing.”

The words had barely left her lips when the receptionist tensed, nervously clutching her radio and whispering with someone else.

Shen Huaijing was puzzled. “Is there a problem? Should I call Fu Chen right now?” As she spoke, she took out her phone.

At that moment, a man in his thirties approached, bowing politely. “Excuse me, Miss Shen, I’m the lobby manager. She’s new and not yet familiar with all the procedures.” He pressed her phone down and glanced at the receptionist, who quickly hurried away.

“No need to call Mr. Fu. It’s just that there’s someone in his suite right now. Would you mind waiting a moment?”

Shen Huaijing’s expression darkened, her gaze turning cold. “Who could possibly be in my husband’s suite that I’m not allowed to enter?”

Sweat beaded at the manager’s temples. He silently wished the receptionist would hurry up, and apologized repeatedly, “I’m sorry, but Mr. Fu has given strict instructions—no one is to disturb him.”

“Take me there. I won’t hold you responsible,” she said coldly, her voice devoid of emotion.

The manager anxiously waited for a response on the radio, but as none came, he could only steel himself and reply, “I’m truly sorry, but I really can’t take you.”

“Very well,” Shen Huaijing said coolly, pacing across the marble floor in her heels and smashing whatever she could lay her hands on.

The decorations at Beishan Clubhouse were all expensive, and the manager couldn’t possibly afford to compensate for the destruction.

Gradually, more and more people turned to watch.

“Isn’t that Fu Chen’s wife, Shen Huaijing? What’s going on?” an elegantly dressed woman whispered curiously.

“Hmph, you don’t know? Beishan Clubhouse is famous for catching cheaters. I just saw Fu Chen bring a woman inside, and not long after, Shen Huaijing came in too. That manager’s probably blocking her on purpose,” another woman replied disdainfully.

Every word reached Shen Huaijing’s ears. With her stomach growling and the events at the police station weighing on her, her anger had reached its peak.