Can a System Have Bad Intentions? - Chapter 117

Zhou Jing’s case was actually simple. As long as the prefect interrogated Xie Jin again, the truth could be revealed with a bit of guidance and intimidation.

However, now was not the right time.

Firstly, Qin Mo and Song Qingzhan had no intention of revealing their identities while investigating Huang Yunsheng. Secondly, there was still a mess to deal with regarding Xie Chengnian.

If Zhou Jing was released now, Xie Jin’s father would not let it go easily. It might be better for him to stay in prison for now.

After all, he had been there for three years; a few more days wouldn’t make much difference.

When Lu Tang and Qin Mo arrived at Xie Chengnian’s residence, the place was empty. Neither Xie Chengnian nor Xie Yu was there.

After searching around and finding no one, Lu Tang looked at the lock on the study door and asked Qin Mo, “Did they go out? With Xie Yu’s personality, even if he didn’t attend the trial this morning, he should have come to the inn to find me later.”

Not seeing Xie Yu at the courthouse, Lu Tang had felt something was off.

A person eager for friends wouldn’t miss their friend’s trial and release. Yet, Xie Yu hadn’t shown up.

When Lu Tang was declared innocent, Zhou Shu and the others were waiting outside. They rushed over, lifted her, and carried her back to the inn.

Even at the inn, she didn’t see Xie Yu.

Qin Mo walked to the study window, stared at it for a moment, then wiped the sill with his finger. Seeing the thin layer of dust, he pushed the window open.

It wasn’t latched from the inside and opened easily.

Inside, the room was a mess, with two bookshelves toppled over.

Lu Tang peered in and was shocked. “What happened here? Was there a fight?”

Qin Mo closed the window. “Xie Chengnian took Xie Yu and ran.”

Lu Tang was dumbfounded. “Ran?”

Judging by the state of the study, they left in a hurry!

Qin Mo had deliberately spoken in front of Xie Yu to provoke him into seeking out Xie Chengnian. He wanted to observe Xie Chengnian’s reaction or understand his role in the web of relationships.

Now, it seemed Xie Yu had exposed himself. Perhaps not intentionally, but Xie Chengnian, who had become a minister in his twenties, was far from ordinary.

He had figured things out and fled with Xie Yu. More accurately, he had hidden them.

Why?

Qin Mo sensed danger. Xie Chengnian felt threatened and decided to hide.

Why?

Qin Mo crossed his arms, looking at Lu Tang. She shivered under his icy gaze. “Big boss? What’s wrong?”

His gaze remained cold as he pondered. “Why was Xie Chengnian afraid of you being arrested?”

Lu Tang paused.

Her rarely-used brain suddenly started working. “Because he knows you are backing me and what you want.”

Qin Mo, who had been leaning against the wall, straightened up and draped an arm around Lu Tang’s shoulders as they walked out.

“Do you know what I want?” he asked, his question having a double meaning.

As they walked, he glanced at Lu Tang. The sunlight highlighted her dark hair.

“You want to investigate Huang Yunsheng.”

“So, he knows I will attract Huang Yunsheng. He’s afraid of meeting Huang Yunsheng, or…”

Qin Mo paused, and Lu Tang added, “Xie Yu can’t be seen by Huang Yunsheng?”

Qin Mo laughed. “What magic does this prison have? It seems your brain works much better after a stint in jail.”

Lu Tang rolled her eyes.

“Good feng shui, it nourishes people. You should try it someday.”

Qin Mo looked regretful. “I might never get that chance in this lifetime.”

Lu Tang laughed, “There’s plenty of time, Big boss. Don’t lose hope.”

Suddenly, she remembered something important.

The new seven-day assessment was coming up.

With Xie Yu hiding, who would she get to substitute for the test!

“Can this case be solved in two days?” Lu Tang looked up at Qin Mo.

Qin Mo glanced down at her. “Two days? It takes more than two days for Huang Yunsheng to travel from Qingshui County.”

Lu Tang bit her lip.

“Can we find Xie Yu within two days?”

Qin Mo noticed her biting her lip and looked away. “Xie Yu is just hiding, not in danger. No need to find him now.”

Lu Tang: But I need him!

However, she couldn’t say that.

“If, hypothetically, we found him and kept him with us, would he be in danger?”

Qin Mo raised an eyebrow, sensing her urgency. “Why do you want to find him so soon?”

Lu Tang nodded.

Qin Mo suddenly felt annoyed. “We won’t find him.”

He said this and walked ahead to the carriage.

Lu Tang rolled her eyes and followed: What a fickle man!

Needing his help, she climbed into the carriage and tugged on Qin Mo’s sleeve. “I have something important to discuss with Xie Yu.”

Qin Mo leaned against the carriage wall as it started moving. He looked at Lu Tang, “What is it?”

“Just some academic matters I want to discuss.”

Qin Mo snorted, turning to look out the window, thinking: Does Lu Tang like Xie Yu?

Wait…

Realizing something was off, Qin Mo’s thoughts raced.

Why was he thinking about Lu Tang liking Xie Yu?

They’re both men!

Why was he thinking about this?

The sudden realization made Qin Mo uneasy. Why would he think that way?

Qin Mo turned to look at Lu Tang, her red lips and white teeth, her large eyes, and a face that looked like it could belong to a girl.

Is it because she looks like a girl that I’m confused?

Seeing him stare, Lu Tang touched her face. “Is there something on my face?”

Qin Mo glared at her, “Do you like Xie Yu?”

Lu Tang looked baffled. “Huh?”

Qin Mo waved his hand in frustration. “Why are you so eager to find him? Don’t give me excuses.”

Lu Tang: …

I tell you the truth, and you think I’m lying.

“I’m looking for him because he owes me money. I’m afraid he’ll run away.”

Qin Mo: …

Lu Tang nodded seriously. “He stayed at my family’s inn and hasn’t settled the bill. It’s been days, and it’s not a small amount. If he runs, who do I ask for the money? Besides, this case has nothing to do with me anymore. Once Liang leg heals, I’ll be heading back. I want to get the money before I leave.”

Lu Tang thought her explanation made perfect sense.

When Qin Mo heard she was leaving in a few days, he felt a sudden pang. “You came to Yuhang, said you wanted to investigate the Xie family case, and now that I’m here helping you, you’re leaving?”

Lu Tang: …

Why does this sound like I’m a scumbag?

At a loss for words, the system spoke up.

[System: New mission detected. Prepare yourself, Host.]