After Swapping Lives, the Metaphysics Side Character Became the Wealthy Family's Beloved - Chapter 70

“I will.”

Ye Zheng solemnly agreed.

“Second Brother, let’s go.”

Li Shaoyang quickly followed.

On the way back, Li Shaoyang spent the entire journey cursing Ye Sen.

“Second Brother, Ye Sen took two innocent lives. He won’t get away with this.”

“But he has that metaphysics master by his side. What if that person helps him escape…?”

If that happened, the two children’s deaths would be in vain. Li Shaoyang’s heart ached for them.

“Then I’ll have to face him head-on.”

This would also be a good opportunity to test Yang Mao’s skills.

Ye Residence

“Master Yang, I’m entrusting Xiao Sen to you.”

“Master Yang, whatever you need, just say the word. I’ll make sure all your demands are met.” Ye Sen fawned over him.

He only trusted Yang Mao—the man was a top-tier expert in the metaphysical arts.

Flattered by the VIP treatment, Yang Mao felt his ego swell.

“Young Master Sen, you’re too kind. Protecting you is my duty.”

The Ye family elders were pleased with Yang Mao’s attitude.

But when the topic of the missing boy and girl came up, Ye Sen grew uneasy.

What if they came back for revenge?

His eyes darkened with malice. “The best solution is to eliminate the root of the problem.”

“Young Master Sen speaks wisely.”

“Master Yang, do you have a way?”

Under their expectant gazes, Yang Mao pulled out a talisman from his robe and began chanting an incantation.

With a sharp “Break!”, the talisman burst into flames.

The ashes drifted to the ground, forming the character “Nan” (South).

“Found them.” Yang Mao smirked.

Beside him, Ye Sen was ecstatic. “Master, destroy them!”

Without hesitation, Yang Mao agreed.

When Ye Zheng returned and overheard their conversation, his heart sank.

He immediately turned and headed for the Li family.

Li Shaoyang frowned as he saw Ye Zheng return. “President Ye, is there something else?”

“I need your master’s help. Yang Mao has located the children’s hiding spot, and my people haven’t found them yet.”

The only one who could save them now was Li Qiao.

“Get in the car.” Li Qiao said gravely.

During the drive, Ye Zheng called his wife, instructing her to keep a close eye on Ye Sen and the others.

Following Li Qiao’s directions, the driver took them to an urban village.

The place was filthy and chaotic. Even though it was already 11 p.m., the sounds of couples arguing and children crying echoed through the air—

Somewhere nearby, a dog barked incessantly.

Next to a pile of overflowing trash bins, a drunkard lay sprawled on the ground.

The stench of rotting garbage hung thick in the summer heat.

Li Qiao waved a hand in front of her nose, grimacing.

When the three of them stopped in front of an old apartment building, Ye Zheng sighed.

“This place was supposed to be demolished, but there were too many troublemakers here.”

Because of that, the plans had stalled.

An old woman came out carrying a basin of water. When she spotted the three of them, she eyed them suspiciously.

“Who’re you lookin’ for?”

“We… wanted to ask if any families here have lost a son and daughter?” Ye Zheng cut straight to the point.

Unexpectedly, the old woman’s expression turned cold. “Nope. Now scram.”

Ye Zheng: “…”

What’s her problem?

“Hey, what’s with the attitude? We’re just asking a question. No need to be rude.”

“I’ll talk how I want. You got a problem with that? Hmph. This old lady ain’t scared of you. And you—get lost.”

She glared at Ye Zheng with open hostility.

Li Qiao’s sharp eyes narrowed.

This woman had a grudge against Ye Zheng.

Which meant—

She recognized him.

Li Qiao stepped forward with a gentle smile. The girl was pretty, and when she pulled out 200 yuan and handed it to the old woman, her demeanor softened.

“Granny, this is President Ye of Ye Corporation. We’re just gathering information for the demolition plans. The number of residents affects how much housing compensation everyone gets.”

The old woman’s eyes lit up. “So… this place is really gettin’ torn down? We’ll get new houses?”

“Of course. If you don’t believe me, you can ask President Ye yourself.”

The old woman’s gaze toward Ye Zheng turned blazingly eager.

Since Li Qiao had said so, there must be truth to it.

Ye Zheng: “She’s telling the truth. Do you know how many children live here? And how many are currently missing?”

“You should’ve said so earlier! I thought… Ah, never mind. My bad.” The old woman’s mood did a complete turnaround. She became extremely chatty, detailing the situation in the building.

In her rundown apartment block, only five families had both a son and a daughter.

“Now that I think about it, it’s weird. The kids were supposed to be in school, but Wang Tao’s family sent theirs to the countryside. Said the grandparents missed ‘em so much they couldn’t eat.”

“Pfft. As if anyone believes that. Everyone knows Wang Tao’s mom hates him, his wife, and the grandkids. No way she’d miss ‘em. They’re definitely hidin’ somethin’.”

The old woman rambled on, while Li Qiao listened quietly.

This granny was surprisingly well-informed.

Smug, the old woman crossed her arms. “I’m the neighborhood’s gossip queen.”

“Granny, you’re amazing.” Li Shaoyang gave her a thumbs-up. The old woman preened. “Damn right! I know which wives are cheatin’, which husbands got mistresses, and how many secret kids are runnin’ around. Nothin’ gets past me…”

The three of them exchanged awkward glances.

She really did know all the dirty laundry.

“Granny, which floor is Wang Tao’s family on?”

Li Qiao asked.

The old woman pointed upward. “Sixth floor. The one with the curtains open.”

Without another word, Li Qiao headed upstairs.

She reached the sixth floor without breaking a sweat, her breathing steady.

Ye Zheng and Li Shaoyang, on the other hand, were panting heavily, their legs trembling.

“Second Brother, President Ye… you two are really out of shape.”

Li Qiao stood at the top, looking down at them with mild disdain.

The two men felt as if an arrow had pierced their pride.

“I’m used to taking elevators.” Ye Zheng muttered.

Li Shaoyang braced his hands on his knees, gasping. “I’ve… been too busy to work out lately.”

“Oh.”

Ye Zheng: “…”

Li Shaoyang: “…”

She could’ve just stayed quiet.

Being outclassed by a young girl in stamina was downright embarrassing.

Sixth Floor

Li Qiao paused just before knocking.

Then, she rapped on the door.

A middle-aged woman answered—her face weary, her clothes worn. She eyed them warily.

“Who’re you lookin’ for?”

“You.”

Li Qiao studied her, then glanced past her into the apartment.

“I don’t know you.” Wang Jia’s guard was up—until Ye Zheng stepped forward.

“I’m Ye Zhengfei, chairman of Ye Corporation.”

Wang Jia’s eyes brightened instantly.

“President Ye! Hello!”

So everyone here knew him. Then again, since Ye Corp was handling the demolition, it made sense.

Compensation money and relocation housing all depended on Ye Zhengfei’s word.

Wang Jia eagerly ushered them inside, her earlier exhaustion fading slightly.

Li Qiao scanned the apartment—a single room with a living area, shared kitchen, and bathroom outside.

Inside the bedroom were two beds, one of them a bunk bed.

“It must be cramped living here.” Li Qiao remarked.

“Yeah. Four people squeezed into one room… it’s tight.”

Wang Jia sighed.