MWC – Chapter 113 Hello, Auntie

I AM DROPPING THIS NOVEL. IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTINUE THEY CAN. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE SHARE THE LINK SO I CAN BINGE READ TOO.

Looking at Silov’s statement, it was very detailed.

He came to Donghai and cheated in the casino, got caught and beaten up by Little Renault, who probably noticed that Silov was eloquent and quite handsome. Little Renault then had him pursue Nicole’s assistant and report any details about Nicole’s movements.

Of course, Little Renault didn’t disguise himself or hide his identity from Silov. After all, being a well-known figure, Silov would eventually recognize him from tabloid magazines as the young master of Renault Films and the manager of Tower Restaurant.

In the beginning, Little Renault might have genuinely wanted to pursue Nicole or at least monitor this rising star within his family’s film company. Two years ago, Nicole was on the rise but not yet as famous as she is now. Thus, Little Renault didn’t need to act mysteriously.

However, in the past two months, Little Renault pressured Silov to find out every detail of Nicole’s daily schedule, what she was doing, and also to get information from his “girlfriend” about why Nicole didn’t want to renew her contract and if there was any chance she might change her mind.

Silov seemed unaware that he had committed any crime, thinking he had merely deceived his “girlfriend.” His reluctance to confess initially was simply because he wanted to continue his deceit and live off others.

If the matter came to light, he would obviously lose all his benefits.

Reading the statement, Lu Ming shook his head.

Regarding the attack, since the radical elements’ target was hypothesized to be himself, even if Little Renault knew Nicole’s itinerary, there wouldn’t be an official link to the attack.

However, this was just the preliminary stage. As more evidence accumulates and the evidence chain closes, this might become a crucial link.

Looking at Team Leader Zhang Xianhe, Lu Ming said, “Don’t release Silov yet. Tomorrow, take him and his lawyer Li Dagui to Nado Films and record a video of this statement. Have him narrate it while Li Dagui is present.”

Zhang Xianhe was taken aback. Recording a statement at the film studio? It seemed a bit excessive.

Lu Ming continued, “Even if Silov gets silenced, this video evidence will still hold some weight.”

Zhang Xianhe felt a chill down his spine.

Now, through this statement, he had an idea that Commissioner Lu was investigating those who knew about Nicole’s whereabouts.

Nicole reported a missing sponsored child from the orphanage.

Commissioner Lu and Nicole were attacked while in the same car, suggesting that the assailants’ target might have been Nicole.

In that case, Silov’s statement becomes very important, and Little Renault joins the list of suspects.

“We’ll handle it tomorrow. Our budget is still sufficient for now. If it falls short later, I’ll find a way to request more funds,” Lu Ming said with a smile.

“Understood!” Zhang Xianhe responded immediately, standing at attention. With money, everything was easier to manage.

“Go home and rest. You’ve worked hard today!” Lu Ming glanced at the clock on the wall; it was past eleven at night.

“Commissioner, you’ve worked harder. Aren’t you going home tonight?” Zhang Xianhe asked with a smile.

“Yeah.” Lu Ming looked at Han Annie. “Annie, you look quite tired. Are your shoulders sore? Should I prepare the cushions?”

Zhang Xianhe’s face dropped, and he quickly took his leave.

Han Annie had no choice but to pretend she didn’t hear and got up to see Zhang Xianhe out. She noticed Lu Ming’s coffee had gone cold and made a new cup for him.

“By the way, why do you keep looking at your watch? Do you have something to do?” Lu Ming asked again.

Han Annie nodded slightly. “I have something to do, but I can make it in time. Will you rest before midnight today?”

Lu Ming responded, “I might not sleep, but if you have something to do, go ahead. Be careful at night. Should I have Datou accompany you?” He then asked, “What’s the matter?”

Han Annie hesitated, “My mother is arriving tonight by train at one o’clock.”

Lu Ming was taken aback. “Your mother is coming? You’ve only been here for two days.”

“It was arranged a while ago. As soon as I received my graduation certificate, I called my mother. She left three days ago and will arrive tonight.”

Traveling from the northern provinces to Donghai by train at today’s speeds indeed takes about two days and nights, not including transfers.

“It’s a bit rushed. It’s not urgent to visit you right away. You and your mother must be very close.” Lu Ming smiled.

Han Annie shook her head and said, “My mother will be staying with me temporarily and won’t be returning to the north.”

Lu Ming looked at Han Annie and suddenly had an inkling. Han Annie’s reason for coming to Donghai to compete for the prosecutor’s position wasn’t just about the allure of metropolitan life but perhaps to escape something. Bringing her mother quickly suggested a need to escape her home life.

Putting down the documents, he said, “Let’s go. I’ll go with you to pick up your mother. You’ve only been here for two days, and finding a car and everything else might be inconvenient. Plus, you might not be very familiar with the roads.”

Han Annie was momentarily stunned. “No need, I remember the route well, and I have the taxi service number.”

“It’s not safe at night. If I can get ambushed, what about you?” Lu Ming waved his hand. “Alright, I’ll have Datou prepare the car.”

…

At Beiguan Railway Station, a line of burly armed guards with submachine guns or automatic rifles surrounded the area, and another circle of heavily armed police officers kept the other waiting people at a distance, too scared to approach.

Beside Lu Ming stood a middle-aged, chubby man in a police officer’s uniform with three yellow stripes on his sleeve, the patrol chief of Beiguan Station, named Zhou.

Patrol Chief Zhou stood by with a smile, explaining the station’s situation.

Although he didn’t know the details of this Commissioner Lu, having a special armed escort meant he was someone important.

So, he specifically had his men enforce strict security, a treatment usually reserved for high-level officials.

“Commissioner, look over there. Next year, another track will be added. I hear a lot of bonds are being issued for this,” Patrol Chief Zhou said, pointing to a distant hill.

Lu Ming thought to himself, don’t I know? I have a stake in those bonds.

A distant train whistle echoed under the moonlight as the train approached, spewing smoke.

“Ah, the elderly lady must be here!” Patrol Chief Zhou ended the small talk, saying, “Rest assured, I’ve signaled our men. The elderly lady’s car will stop right here! We’ve asked the train police to maintain order. We’ll board the train to meet the lady.”

Sure enough, the train clattered closer and slowly stopped. The first-class car was right by the platform where Lu Ming and the others stood.

Seeing the first-class sign, Han Annie bit her lip.

Lu Ming took a few steps forward and smiled, “It’s been over two days. It’s only right for an elderly lady to travel first class.”

As the car door slowly opened, there seemed to be some commotion inside, likely passengers wanting to disembark but being stopped by the train police, causing frustration. After all, those in first class are either rich or noble.

Patrol Chief Zhou frowned and shouted instructions in the local dialect to his men. Several armed soldiers immediately boarded the train, and it soon quieted down.

Coming from the north, it didn’t matter who you were; here, you’d better behave.

Patrol Chief Zhou smiled at Lu Ming, “Shall I accompany you to greet the elderly lady?”

Lu Ming smiled, “Thank you, Chief Zhou. My friend and I can manage.”

“Alright, I’ll wait here,” Chief Zhou said, gesturing politely.

“Let’s go meet our…” Lu Ming nearly slipped, almost saying “our mom.” Sometimes, being around Han Annie felt like being back with old classmates and friends where saying “our mom” was normal.

“Let’s go meet your mother…” he corrected himself.

Han Annie, momentarily dazed, snapped back to reality.

Han Annie led the way, followed by Lu Ming. Inside, several armed soldiers kept the passengers seated, looking anxious, fearing a mix-up in the arrest.

“Mom!” Han Annie called out clearly. Lu Ming followed her voice and saw a beautiful woman standing up from the wide sofa seat at the end. Lu Ming was stunned.

She resembled Han Annie, with delicate skin and a unique womanly charm, a lovely face with seductive, watery phoenix eyes, her hair styled in an elegant, slightly curled front fringe, and dressed in a light red round-collared jacket and soft green skirt. She looked very glamorous and charming.

A blend of traditional and modern elegance.

Lu Ming smirked inwardly, realizing this was Han Annie’s sister. Their demeanor was entirely different, though. This one looked like a classical wealthy lady.

Glancing aside, he saw a middle-aged maid in a white jacket and black pants sitting next to Han Annie’s “sister.”

So, this was Han Annie’s mother, Madam Tang?

Lu Ming immediately knew something was wrong and returned his gaze to the lady resembling Han Annie. Could she be Han Annie’s mother?

This…?

Although northern families married young, Han Annie’s mother had to be at least thirty-three or thirty-four, but she looked so well-maintained.

“Ni, sit down. Don’t move. They’re catching a fugitive here…” The real Madam Tang nervously cautioned Han Annie, glancing uneasily at the armed soldiers, her voice soft and gentle, unlike Han Annie’s clear and crisp tone.

“Mom, it’s alright. Let’s get off. This is arranged by our superior…” Han Annie said softly.

“Your superior officer?” Madam Tang was somewhat surprised.

Lu Ming stepped forward and smiled, “Auntie, you must have been startled. Please get off the train.”

Madam Tang, who was very astute, likely passed this trait on to Han Annie. She pinched her handkerchief and pointed at the police and soldiers, asking Lu Ming, “Are these soldiers your men?”

Han Annie quickly said, “Mom, let’s get off the train.” She seemed to know what was about to happen.

“How can that be?” Madam Tang immediately pointed at an elderly man in a silk robe not far from her seat. “This old man has been leering at me the entire time. When I said something, he cursed at me. I’ve been furious the whole journey, nearly bursting with anger! Quick, arrest him!”

The old man turned pale with fright.

“Mom, let’s go, get off the train!” Han Annie was almost in tears, glancing at Lu Ming in embarrassment and panic.

Lu Ming was dumbfounded. How could such a mother raise such an outstanding daughter like Han Annie?

Seeing the situation, he waved his hand and pointed at the old man. “After we get off the train, arrest him and take him back for questioning. See if he’s a rebel.”

The police and soldiers immediately pointed their guns at the old man, who collapsed in his seat, paralyzed with fear.

Han Annie was stunned, but she quickly persuaded her mother to get off the train.

Madam Tang, feeling triumphant, snorted at the other passengers in the carriage and got off the train with her daughter’s help.

Lu Ming lingered behind for a few moments. Once off the train, he told Patrol Chief Zhou to release the old man, apologize to him, and send some fruits as a peace offering. He would personally cover the costs later.

Chief Zhou nodded in agreement.

Lu Ming then got into the front passenger seat, while Han Annie, her mother, and their maid Liu Ma sat in the back.

All the luggage was loaded into another car by the police.

Seeing the busy soldiers, Madam Tang looked very pleased and said to Lu Ming, “Young man, you must be an aide. I’ll put in a good word for you with your superior officer!” Then she turned to Han Annie and said, “Nizi, your superior likes you very much. I always said you should find someone higher in rank than your father…”

Before she could finish, Han Annie urgently said, “Mom, this is our superior officer, Commissioner Lu…” Her expression was no longer as embarrassed as on the train, perhaps because she knew her mother’s behavior had already been witnessed.

Madam Tang was taken aback, scrutinizing Lu Ming, and feeling a bit awkward. Before she could say anything, Lu Ming smiled and said, “Auntie, I really like Han Annie!”

Madam Tang immediately giggled, “Is that so, Nizi…”

“Mom, please say less,” Han Annie tugged at her mother’s sleeve, feeling helpless.

Madam Tang bit her red lips and leaned back in her seat, somewhat annoyed, “What kind of world is this, where daughters boss around their mothers!”

Lu Ming chuckled, “Auntie, Annie has been looking forward to seeing you. You wouldn’t know, but she’s been busy arranging everything since early morning, worked overtime last night without much sleep, and now she’s come to the station in the middle of the night.”

“Her?!” Madam Tang pursed her lips and looked at Lu Ming with her watery eyes, “You, Commissioner Lu, right?” Lu Ming smiled, “You can just call me Qianxing.”

“How can that be? Respect must be shown. Commissioner, my daughter left home with nothing, not even a penny, while I wasn’t allowed to bring anything with me. I even had to buy my own first-class ticket, and she got angry with me…”

Lu Ming smiled, “That’s her fault. Traveling such a long distance from the north, you deserve to be comfortable. After all, you’re still young but also a senior.”

“Isn’t that right!” Madam Tang brightened up immediately. “I said so…”

“Auntie, once you’re settled, I’ll take you around Donghai. If you ever need anything, just let me know. Annie is my most capable assistant. If you’re upset, that means Annie is upset, and that won’t make me happy!”

Madam Tang was stunned for a moment, feeling that something was off. But this young superior, despite his youth, had the demeanor of a high-ranking official, taking control of the conversation skillfully.

She had experienced this feeling before with Annie’s father, who always dominated conversations.

Now, this young man seemed to share the same aura as Annie’s father. However, when her father was his age, he was likely still playing with mud.

“Thank you, Commissioner!” Madam Tang finally felt some respect for this young man.

Han Annie, standing silently beside her mother, suddenly remembered something, “Sir, that old gentleman…”

“What old…” Madam Tang began, but seeing Lu Ming, she stopped.

Lu Ming lightly shook his head at Han Annie.

Han Annie understood. The train was too chaotic at that moment, so he made a quick decision to give her mother some face, allowing her to get off the train with dignity. He would release the old man later.

“Thank you…” Han Annie felt a sudden warmth in her heart.

Despite all the recent hardships, it turned out that the one who cared most for her was this guy.

“There’s no need to thank me. We’re a team. Are you tired, Annie? I got you a mattress that’s great for relieving fatigue. I’ll set it up for you myself when we get back.” Lu Ming said with a smile.

Han Annie was speechless, turning her head away, feeling that any small touch of gratitude she had was gone.

He was deliberately acting playful, teasing her every day.

Madam Tang looked at Lu Ming and then at her daughter, a sparkle in her eyes.

…

The cars drove directly to the Wende Bao Club.

Lu Ming led Madam Tang and her maid to Room 408, had a staff member introduce the room, and said with a smile, “This is my long-term suite. I’m not using it recently, so you can stay here, Auntie. Don’t worry, this place is run by a friend of mine. If you need anything, just ask the staff. Although they’re gang members, they can be a bit temperamental, but I’m here, so you can relax and treat it like home!”

Madam Tang wandered around the luxurious room, very pleased. Though she was startled when Lu Ming mentioned it was run by a gang, she couldn’t bear to leave. At most, she would avoid troubling them too much.

Lu Ming continued, “Auntie, Prosecutor Han and I are working on a big case together. She will stay with you today, but she needs to report for duty tomorrow!”

Madam Tang laughed, “Commissioner, don’t worry. I understand priorities! Nizi, you don’t need to stay with me. Go with the commissioner! Work is important!”

Han Annie escorted Lu Ming to the hallway and said, “I’ll stay with my mother tonight. May I take a day off?”

Lu Ming nodded and said, “Stay here for now. I have an empty two-story house in Jing’an Alley, but it’s not safe there lately. This place is safer.”

Han Annie had planned to find a rental place after staying temporarily at a small inn. But this guy had dragged her mother here without any discussion.

Considering that if her mother saw the small inn, she would surely make a fuss and embarrass her in front of everyone, she accepted the arrangement.

Thinking it over, Han Annie said, “My mother must have brought money. How much is it per night here? I’ll reimburse you. Also, about my jade pendant…”

Lu Ming recognized her jade pendant as a valuable item. However, outside the northern provinces, few people appreciated jade accessories. He smiled and said, “We can discuss it later. You don’t owe me anything. You saved my life, which is worth at least millions now.”

Indeed, Han Annie saved his life. If it weren’t for her, he would have died because Bizhu was still inactive.

Whether he would reincarnate into a better family, free from the curse of the heavenly lone star, or reunite with his parents and loved ones in a previous life, seemed irrelevant now.

Lost in thought, he waved goodbye to Han Annie and turned to leave.