Reborn in the 80s: My Whole Family Secretly Hears My Thoughts and Goes Wild with Success! - Chapter 102

“Finally, I can breathe fresh air again.”

Shen Zhiqiu pushed her bicycle forward, but when she noticed Chen Can still following her, she turned and snapped, “Stop tailing me! I need to get as far away from you as possible. God, it’s unbearable—how can anyone smell this bad? It’s literally suffocating.”

Muttering under her breath, Shen Zhiqiu subtly massaged her temples while glancing toward a nearby alley.

The alley was too narrow for Chen Can’s car, meaning he wouldn’t be able to chase her in.

“Shen Zhiqiu!”

Only when she swiftly mounted her bike and disappeared into the alley did Chen Can realize he’d been played.

By the time he drove to the alley’s entrance, she was long gone. Furious, he slammed his fist against the steering wheel, his refined demeanor completely shattered, replaced by something dark and venomous.

“Damn bitch. Just you wait.”

“One day, I’ll make you kneel beneath me. Then you’ll see who’s the better man—me or Yue Mingyuan.”

If not for his impending promotion, he’d never have humbled himself to coax her. And how did she repay him? By acting high and mighty—even having the audacity to claim he had bad breath!

Chen Can clenched his jaw, resisting the urge, but finally gave in. He exhaled sharply into his palm and sniffed.

There was a slight odor. But that was only because Shen Zhiqiu had enraged him. Shen Liya’s situation had him so stressed he’d developed internal heat.

Shen Zhiqiu wouldn’t let Shen Liya go, and he couldn’t interfere. His only option now was divorce.

He’d originally planned to wait until his relationship with Xu Wan stabilized, but it seemed he’d have to accelerate things.

…..

Once Chen Can was gone, Shen Zhiqiu emerged from the alley and cycled home.

“Zhiqiu.”

Li Xing was waiting for her. Shen Zhiqiu led her to the study, where Li Xing pulled a file from her bag.

“The medicine pot’s materials did contain powdered arsenic. The amount was small, but each time it was heated, toxins seeped into the decoction.”

She handed Shen Zhiqiu the material analysis report. “Even if the daily dose was minimal, for Auntie Ye’s condition at the time, that poison was a death sentence.”

Even though she’d braced herself, hearing the truth still felt like a knife twisting in her heart.

Shen Daqiang and Wang Fengqin deserved to die.

She would make them pay for her mother’s life.

“Zhiqiu.”

Noticing her pallor, Li Xing helped her sit and poured her a glass of water. She wanted to offer comfort, but words felt hollow in the face of such cruelty.

“I’m fine, Xing. Thank you.” Shen Zhiqiu steadied herself after drinking.

Li Xing squeezed her shoulder. “Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Xing, any updates on Uncle Shunzi’s case? I’ve been staying with my uncle’s family and haven’t seen Mingli. My sister-in-law said he’s been busy, so I didn’t call.”

Li Xing’s fists clenched. “Still under investigation.”

“Xing?” Shen Zhiqiu had noticed her odd behavior last time, but Li Xing hadn’t been ready to talk.

Li Xing met her gaze. “I’m not keeping it from you, Zhiqiu. I just don’t know how to explain yet.”

“I understand.” Shen Zhiqiu nodded. “Whenever you’re ready, I’m here.”

“Okay.”

After Li Xing left, Shen Zhiqiu remained in the study, lost in thought. Memories of her mother’s agonizing final days fueled her hatred like weeds run wild.

But the evidence wasn’t enough to conclusively prove Shen Daqiang and Wang Fengqin’s murder plot.

The arsenic in the pot couldn’t be directly tied to them—they needed the potter’s testimony, someone who could confirm Shen Daqiang had ordered the arsenic added.

She would nail their crimes shut, leaving no room for escape.

But how to find the potter after all these years? Shen Daqiang would never talk, and her only memory was of him bringing the pot home. There were no other leads.

“Auntie Shen, come quick! Yaya won’t stop crying—I can’t calm her down!”

Huo Jiusi’s knock pulled her from her thoughts.

“Coming.”

She followed him to the nursery, where Yaya sat with tear-filled eyes and a wobbly lower lip.

[Yaya had a bad dream. Yaya wants Mama.]

The moment Yaya reached for her, Shen Zhiqiu’s heart melted into aching tenderness. She scooped her up, murmuring, “It’s okay, baby. Mama’s here.”

Yaya sniffled, pressing Shen Zhiqiu’s hand to her cheek, her big eyes brimming with love.

[Yaya feels Mama is sad. Why is Mama sad?]

[Is Mama thinking about Grandma again? Yaya misses Grandma too. Yaya wishes Grandma was still here.]

[Grandma said Yaya must love Mama extra, enough for both of us.]

[Mama, don’t be sad. Yaya will love you for Grandma too.]

[If anyone hurts Mama, Yaya will scratch them!]

She puffed her cheeks and waved tiny fists.

Shen Zhiqiu’s eyes stung. She nuzzled Yaya’s face. “You’re Grandma’s gift to me, sweetheart.”

Yaya giggled, patting her mother’s cheek in agreement.

…..

After putting Yaya to bed, Shen Zhiqiu found Shen Xiang sitting alone in the pavilion.

“Xiang.”

“Eldest Sister!” He shot to his feet, flustered.

She smiled. “Did I startle you?”

“N-no.”

“Sit. Talk with me.” She gestured to the stone bench beside her.

Once seated, Shen Xiang hesitated before speaking.

“Eldest Sister… will Dad, Mom, and Second Sister all go to jail?”

“Yes.” Her voice was gentle but firm. “They broke the law, so they must face the consequences.”

“Xiang, are you afraid people will judge you? Or worried no one will take care of you?”

“Both,” he admitted quietly.

“I’ll take care of you. From now on, you’ll stay with me.”

“R-really?” His voice wavered. “But I’m—”

“You are you,” she cut in firmly. “Their actions have nothing to do with you. Never forget that.”

She’d tell him the truth about his birth parents later. With everything happening now, he didn’t need another shock.

For a child, this wasn’t just a small matter.