Red Bean Lives in the Republic of China - Chapter 26.2

Chapter 26.2

They waited most of the night, but there was still no news from Yu Chongyi.

As the sun was rising slowly, the sky was getting brighter. They realised they couldn’t stay here anymore. If Director Bai and the others spotted them, it could cause trouble for Yu Chongyi. Plus, Yu Hongdou needed to get back to school.

After waiting a bit, since Yu Chongyi didn’t show up, He Yunqin decided to move the car and asked Yu Hongdou, “I need to go home to change. Inspector Wang, can you take me back to Fuhua Lane? Miss Yu, do you want to head home or go straight to school?”

Yu Hongdou thought briefly and replied, “Master Yan from our Chinese Department is teaching the first class today. I can’t be late or miss it. Mr. He, please take me to school first. After class, I’ll go home to change. By the way, Mr. He, when are you heading to Liuyun Temple? Can I join you after class?”

Just as He Yunqin was about to respond, he noticed Wang Peter looking at him eagerly. He quickly composed himself and said, “I’m afraid you can’t. Miss Yu should head home and get some rest.”

Yu Hongdou noticed the man’s firm refusal and thought he didn’t want her to tag along. She glanced at him in the mirror, said, ‘Oh,’ and dropped the subject.

When they reached St. John’s gate, students started streaming in. Yu Hongdou hopped out of the car and before she could say goodbye to He Yunqin and Wang Peter, she spotted the He family’s car. He Zhujun and Duan Mingyi got out of the car together.

Because Yu Hongdou dodged in time, the He family didn’t see her.

Suddenly, He Zhujun turned around and spotted He Yunqin’s car. She approached with a big smile and asked, “Hey, second brother, what brings you here so early?”

Duan Mingyi also got out but just stood quietly by the car, not following along with her sister-in-law.

He Yunqin remembered that Yu Hongdou hadn’t eaten breakfast and, being the gentleman he was, he was planning to grab a snack for her. But when he saw his sister, he decided to let that go and said with a grin, “Just passing through to take care of some things.” As he spoke, he casually looked out the window and noticed Yu Hongdou had already walked away without a word.

He Zhujun, always attentive to her second brother, followed his gaze and saw Yu Hongdou behind her.

Before Yu Hongdou could act like she just noticed He Zhujun, she felt two pairs of eyes on her. She realized it was Duan Mingyi. Just as she was about to force a smile and greet her, someone blocked her view.

“Hongdou,” Qin Xuekai said.

Yu Hongdou’s smile faltered and greeted the man. “Senior Qin.”

She thought to herself that she had run into quite a few people this morning.

Qin Xuekai told Yu Hongdou seriously, “Remember how you asked about the Xuanzong Wild Records yesterday? I talked to a bunch of people, but no one knew where it came from. Later, I checked the fellowship’s book list and saw that Senior Deng, the founder, knew it. So, I found out where he is now. Yesterday afternoon, I happened to visit a guy in the department who knows Senior Deng. He mentioned that Deng just got back to Shanghai from Peking and lives near St. John’s. He even gave me Deng’s address. I’m planning to visit him this morning to welcome him and ask about the book’s origins. Deng studied math, but he seems to know a lot about Xuanzong. Maybe he can shed some light on this unusual formation.” His voice was loud and intense, making the air in the car feel heavier for He Yunqin.

He was restless and confused, so he stepped out of the car and looked at He Zhujun, unsure of what to do. He frowned and asked, “What classes do you have today? I can pick you up if I’m free.”

Hearing Qin Xuekai’s words, Yu Hongdou was still in shock. Who would have thought Qin Xuekai would take her offhand comment so seriously? After a long pause, she shyly replied, “Thank you so much, Senior Qin. Do you know where Senior Deng is? I really need to ask him something important.”

End of chapter 26

Have a nice day!