The engagement is over, but the black-bellied president won't let go

Xiao Yichen slowly raised his head, and a glimmer of hope suddenly flashed in his dim eyes. He stared at Xiao Yiyang and said anxiously, "Yes, we can't give up like this! Yiyang, tell me in detail what you have heard."

Xiao Yiyang closed his eyes slightly, took a deep breath, and tried to let his thoughts go back to the time when he was asking around for information. When he opened his eyes again, his eyes revealed a look of reminiscence, and he began to describe his experience to Xiao Yichen in as much detail as possible.

"Brother, I almost ran around today and contacted many of our father's friends. But people are so fickle. As soon as they heard about our father, they immediately acted as if they had seen the plague god, trying to protect themselves and find all kinds of excuses to avoid them. Those who were willing to give a few words of comfort were considered quite frank. And when I called them, they didn't dare to answer, as if they would get into some big trouble if they answered the phone."

There was a hint of helplessness in Xiao Yiyang's voice. "I went to find Uncle Li, who is usually on good terms with Dad. I was worried about him on the phone today. I found him with hope, thinking that he would help us out of our past friendship. Who knew that as soon as I mentioned Dad's name, his face changed, he stammered, saying that he was very busy recently and there were a lot of things going on at home, so he couldn't take care of me at all, and then he hurriedly sent me away."

Xiao Yichen listened to Xiao Yiyang's story, his face became more gloomy: "This kind of thing is afraid of being implicated. Your brothers can get together, especially Haoran, he works in the bureau and can tell you some things, it's already very loyal."

Leng Ruofei could hear tears welling up in his eyes as he spoke in a sobbing voice: "What should we do now? Is there really no other way?"

Xiao Yiyang comforted him, "Don't be discouraged. I'll think of a way. At this time, some people can't be asked."

Time passed quietly during their discussion, the night grew darker, and the moonlight outside the window gradually faded. The cold moonlight shone through the window, onto the tired faces of the three people, reflecting their deep worries and firm determination.

Xiao Yichen's brows were always furrowed, and his heart was filled with anxiety and uneasiness.

Leng Ruofei looked at the two brothers and said in a trembling voice: "No matter what, our family must unite together and overcome this difficulty together."

Xiao Yichen nodded, "Dad's health has just recovered. I will contact him tomorrow to see if there is any explanation for his medical treatment."

The living room fell silent again, with only the clock on the wall ticking, as if reminding them that time was running out and could not be wasted.

At three o'clock in the morning, the city was still immersed in a deep sleep, and everything was silent. However, Qin Lan had no desire to sleep at all. She got out of bed quietly, fearing that she would wake up her family who were still sleeping.

When she came to the living room, the scene she saw made her heart clench. Her two sons and daughter-in-law Leng Ruofei were sitting on the sofa, looking haggard and with bloodshot eyes, obviously having not slept all night. The second son was still holding his phone tightly in his hand, contacting acquaintances to inquire about something, his voice full of urgency and anxiety.

Qin Lan looked at them, a bitter and helpless smile appeared on her lips. She slowly walked to the sofa, sat down gently, and swept her eyes over each person's face in turn, her eyes full of heartache and determination.

"Kids, all of you go to sleep." Qin Lan's voice was a little hoarse, but it was full of unquestionable strength. She reached out and gently patted the eldest child on the shoulder, "Big brother, you go to work as usual today. Mom is here to take care of the family matters. Don't let this affect your work." The eldest child raised his head and wanted to say something, but was stopped by Qin Lan's eyes.

Then, she turned her head to look at Leng Ruofei, took her hand, and said in a gentle but firm tone: "Ruofei, after you wake up, put your work aside and wait for my news at home. Don't worry, everything will be fine." Leng Ruofei nodded with tears in his eyes.

Finally, Qin Lan's gaze fixed on the second brother, her eyes full of love and encouragement: "Second brother, after you wake up, accompany me to the Municipal Bureau. I will go to your father's leader to ask what is going on. We have to get to the bottom of this and can't be so confused." The second brother clenched his fists, bit his lips, and nodded heavily.

After arranging all this, Qin Lan stood up and straightened her back, as if she was instantly full of strength. "Go to bed quickly, be obedient! I'll wake you up at seven in the morning." She waved her hand, signaling everyone to go back to their rooms and rest.

Watching the children slowly stand up and drag their heavy steps back to their rooms, Qin Lan felt mixed emotions. But she knew that she couldn't fall down at this moment, she had to be strong and hold up the sky for this family.

After the children returned to their rooms, Qin Lan took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen. The light from the kitchen shone on her, outlining her slightly tired but still resolute figure.

She put on an apron and skillfully took out the ingredients from the refrigerator. Eggs, flour, vegetables... these ordinary ingredients seemed to come alive in her hands. She first poured the flour into a basin, added an appropriate amount of water, and began to knead the dough. Her hands kneaded the dough vigorously, again and again, as if she wanted to knead all the stress and anxiety in her heart into the dough.

After kneading the dough, she put it aside to let it wake up, and then began to wash and cut vegetables. The knife made a rhythmic sound on the chopping board, and every cut was like she was declaring war on fate. Her eyes were focused and determined, and beads of sweat oozed from her forehead, but she didn't bother to wipe them off.

Then, she lit the stove, and the blue flames jumped up. She poured oil into the pan, and when the oil was hot, she slowly poured the beaten eggs into the pan. With a "sizzle", the eggs instantly expanded and exuded an enticing aroma. She skillfully stir-fried them, her movements smooth and neat.

Soon, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of various foods. Qin Lan finally showed a relieved smile on her face. She knew that a warm breakfast might bring some comfort and strength to the children.

After making breakfast, Qin Lan placed the food on the dining table one by one and covered it with a lid to keep it warm. She checked the time, then walked gently to the children's door, listened to the noise inside, and confirmed that everyone had gone to bed. Only then did she feel relieved and returned to the living room, sat on the sofa, and waited quietly.

Although Qin Lan was physically exhausted, her eyes were full of hope and expectation. She believed that as long as the family worked together, there would be no obstacles that could not be overcome.

At seven o'clock in the morning, the morning light slipped into the room through the gap in the curtains. Qin Lan gently opened the door, first woke up the eldest son, then went to the second son's room, and finally came to the bedroom of his daughter-in-law Leng Ruofei.

"Children, get up and have breakfast." Qin Lan's voice was gentle but with a hint of firmness that could not be refused. She stood at the door, looking at the sleepy children on the bed, her eyes revealed heartache, but more of a kind of strength and decisiveness.

The three of them came to the dining table one after another. Qin Lan looked at them, took a deep breath, and began to arrange the work for the day.

Her eyes first fell on Xiao Yiyang, and she said slowly: "Yiyang, this morning Mom found all of your dad Xiao Zhengchun's certificates of honor. Those model worker medals, certificates of outstanding Communist Party members in the city, and medals of first-class merit, Mom put them all in a briefcase." As she spoke, she pointed to the black briefcase placed by the door. The corners of the bag were a little worn. It was the briefcase that Xiao Zhengchun received when he attended the advanced research class. It seemed to have witnessed the vicissitudes of time.

Qin Lan's voice trembled slightly, but she tried to remain calm and continued, "Mom plans to take these to the leaders of the Municipal Bureau to ask what kind of mistake such a conscientious veteran police officer made? I don't believe it, there is no explanation!" Her eyes flashed with anger and unwillingness, and her hands were clenched into fists.

Xiao Yichen raised his head and looked at his mother, his eyes full of worry: "Mom, I'll go with you."

Qin Lan shook her head and said firmly: "No, you go to work. The house can't be in chaos. Mom can handle this matter. The second child's job is more flexible, let him accompany me." Her tone was firm and unquestionable.

Then, she looked at Leng Ruofei and said, "Ruofei, you stay at home today. If there is any news, you can inform everyone in time. Also, take care of yourself and don't worry about it." Leng Ruofei bit his lip and nodded gently.

After saying this, Qin Lan stood up, walked to the door and picked up the black handbag. The bag was a bit heavy, but her hands held it tightly, as if she was grasping the last hope.

"Second brother, Mom will go out with you now and take your car to the Municipal Bureau first." A look of determination appeared on Qin Lan's face.

Xiao Yiyang quickly stood up and followed his mother. Qin Lan walked in front with firm and powerful steps. She was wearing simple clothes and her hair was neatly combed behind her head. Although her face was tired and worried, her straight spine showed her inner strength.

After going downstairs, Xiao Yiyang opened the car door and Qin Lan got in. Along the way, she looked out the window quietly without saying a word. Xiao Yiyang looked at his mother through the rearview mirror and saw that her eyes were sometimes confused and sometimes firm.

Arriving at the gate of the Municipal Public Security Bureau, Xiao Yiyang stopped the car and looked at his mother worriedly: "Mom, you must take care of yourself and don't get too excited. I'm here."

Qin Lan nodded and got out of the car with her bag. Her figure seemed a little lonely in the morning sun, but she was extremely determined. She walked towards the gate of the Public Security Bureau step by step, with determination and courage in every step. Xiao Yiyang walked beside her, and the two of them had unusually tall postures.

Walking into the lobby of the Public Security Bureau, Qin Lan took a deep breath, walked to the information desk, and politely asked the location of the leader's office. When the receptionist looked at her, he was stunned and recognized her. Looking at the bag in her hand, he seemed to understand something, and quickly called the leader to report. After getting permission, he quickly pointed her in the direction.