Reborn in the 80s: My Whole Family Secretly Hears My Thoughts and Goes Wild with Success! - Chapter 22

“This is what happened…”

After Wu Qingyun detailed the events, she turned to Shen Zhiqiu and asked, “Zhiqiu, are those notes really not connected to you at all?”

From the moment she entered, Wu Qingyun had already guessed the truth based on Shen Zhiqiu’s expression.

Shen Zhiqiu nodded in admission. “They are related to me.”

“Lu Shuangshuang, don’t speak yet.” Wu Qingyun raised her hand to stop Lu Shuangshuang from interrupting. She continued questioning Shen Zhiqiu, “Zhiqiu, why did you do this? I believe you wouldn’t act without reason.”

“Team Leader, I apologize for the negative impact this has caused and for troubling you.”

Shen Zhiqiu bowed slightly in apology, but when explaining her motive, her gaze turned sharp as ice. “But I had to uncover the real culprit behind the incident that caused my premature labor.”

“The real culprit?!”

Wu Qingyun froze, then pointed at Lu Shuangshuang. “Wasn’t it Lu Shuangshuang who pushed you down that day?”

“Yes, but Lu Shuangshuang later told me she didn’t do it intentionally—someone pushed her, causing her to lose balance and knock into me.”

“Lu Shuangshuang, is this true?” Wu Qingyun quickly turned to her.

Lu Shuangshuang nodded vigorously. “Yes! I said so, but no one believed me!”

She sounded aggrieved. “I tried explaining, but nobody listened.”

“Shen Zhiqiu, wait… so those notes weren’t about me?” Lu Shuangshuang belatedly realized, pointing at herself.

Shen Zhiqiu shook her head lightly. “No.”

“I used those notes to force the real culprit into the open.”

She addressed Wu Qingyun firmly. “Team Leader, with so many people in our troupe, someone must have seen who pushed Lu Shuangshuang. I hope the troupe will investigate thoroughly—not just for my sake, but also to clear Lu Shuangshuang’s name.”

Her gaze shifted to Lu Shuangshuang, defending her despite their history. “Lu Shuangshuang may be spoiled and domineering, but I don’t believe she’s capable of such malice. She bears some blame, but she’s also an innocent victim here.”

“Yes, I am innocent!”

For once, Lu Shuangshuang agreed with Shen Zhiqiu. She grabbed Wu Qingyun’s arm and shook it urgently. “Team Leader, you have to find out who did this! Once we catch them, I’ll make sure they regret it!” She punched the air furiously, venting her anger.

Wu Qingyun made an immediate decision. “We will investigate this thoroughly, and the culprit will face severe consequences!”

Her expression darkened at the thought of someone so vicious hiding among them. Had things gone worse, Shen Zhiqiu and her baby could have died—two lives lost.

…

“Liya, are you feeling unwell? You’re pale and sweating.”

Shen Zhiqiu’s sudden question drew everyone’s attention to Shen Liya, whose visible discomfort became impossible to ignore.

“I-I’m fine!”

Realizing her mistake too late, Shen Liya panicked further. She lowered her eyes to hide her guilt, digging her nails into her palm to steady herself—but the harder she tried, the more she faltered. “I just… I only…”

“You’re just nervous and scared, aren’t you?”

“Y-Yes—I mean, no!”

Shen Liya jerked upright, nearly ensnared by Shen Zhiqiu’s trap. “Shen Zhiqiu, what are you implying? Why would I be scared? What exactly are you accusing me of?” She glared, defiance masking her terror.

“Liya, why such a strong reaction?”

Shen Zhiqiu feigned surprise, pressing a hand to her chest. “I was just worried about you. You looked unwell.”

“Stop lying!” Shen Liya lashed out. “You’re trying to pin this on me! Ever since I married Chen Can, you’ve hated me!”

Her voice shook with desperation. “I’ve told you a thousand times—Chen Can chose me after your accident. But you refuse to believe me! And now you’re scheming like this?”

“Liya, I didn’t realize you misunderstood me so deeply.”

Shen Zhiqiu sighed, layering her tone with sorrow. “I’ve always given you what you wanted. When you insisted on joining the troupe, I even threatened to quit if you weren’t accepted.”

Her eyes glistened with manufactured hurt. “You’re right—my mistakes led to my breakup with Chen Can. I bear no grudge over your marriage. How could I ever suspect my beloved little sister?”

If Shen Liya could play the devoted sibling, so could she.

“Shen Liya—I remember now! That day, you were the only one near me!”

The pieces clicked for Lu Shuangshuang. She lunged at Shen Liya, slapping her hard across the face. “You set me up!”

“Shuangshuang, stop! It wasn’t me!” Shen Liya clutched her cheek, pointing wildly at Shen Zhiqiu. “She’s manipulating you!”

“You think I’m stupid?!”

Blind with rage, Lu Shuangshuang yanked Shen Liya’s hair. “I treated you like a friend!”

“You never saw me as a friend!” Shen Liya fought back, scratching. “I was just your servant!”

“ENOUGH!” Wu Qingyun forcibly separated them.

Lu Shuangshuang clung to Wu Qingyun’s arm. “Team Leader, she’s the one!”

Tears of fury spilled from Shen Liya’s eyes. “I’m being framed!”

“The investigation will determine that.” Wu Qingyun’s voice brooked no argument. “Both of you are suspended until further notice. You’ll be informed of the outcome.”

“Team Leader Wu,” Tan Yingjun cut in coldly, her disdain for Shen Liya undisguised, “once the truth is uncovered, notify me immediately. The Chen family will not tolerate a daughter-in-law who tarnishes our reputation.”

Shen Liya’s mind raced—she couldn’t let them find proof. But who had seen her push Lu Shuangshuang?