2nd Break: Huichen

Yes, Meng Ruyan's grandfather died, just two years ago. Thus, everyone who were spectating of his and Lin Ze's affairs were waiting for the breaking of their engagement. After all, it was Meng Ruyan's grandfather who proposed the engagement between the two, but never the parents of the people involved.

But, who knows that the long-awaited breaking of engagement would happen three days ago?

…

Two days later.

Meng Ruyan looked around the bustling street with a steamed bun on his one hand while a tanghulu in his other hand. He could hear Meng Ruyan's name from the people's mouths when he passed by. It is reasonable though since the great fanfare was just five days ago. But, they would never think that one of the protagonists of the gossip actually is just right behind them.

Meng Xing has already visited the grave of Meng Ruyan's grandfather two days ago and today he is on his way to the detective agency. What Meng Xing is thankful about when he reincarnated in Meng Ruyan's body is not that his family is rich, albeit they tend to his needs despite he is not favored. What he is thankful for is that they never cared where he will go, since he really doesn't even go out. What matters to them is that he would not create more shame to their family, after the incident five years ago, and just five days ago.

Just as Meng Xing was about to knock on the gate, someone beat him to it.

"Hm? Are you here to seek an audience from the Huichen's boss?" A deep male voice asked beside Meng Xing.

Meng Xing turned and saw a man... 's chest. Mn. He admits that he felt ashamed that even if his body is twenty-one now, but it completely can't be compared to his figure in his previous life.

"Who are you?" Meng Xing asked as he raised his head to meet the man's gaze. It is disrespectful to talk to the man's chest.

Behind the man is a crying woman. Wait... she is familiar...?

"Madam Wen?" Meng Xing called when he recognized the haggard woman.

Madam Wen's eyes are red and sore from crying, and her face is completely pale.

"Who...?" Madam Wen turned to look at him.

Meng Xing smiled. "I am Mr. Wen's customer." He answered. "I often buy from his stores. I liked the intricate design of his wares." He explained.

Madam Wen sobbed. "Thank you..." she spoke in a hoarse voice.

Meng Xing looked at her with sympathy in his gaze. "Mr. Wen's death will definitely be given justice." He told her.

Madam Wen can't hold it anymore and she burst into tears. "How? Nobody can find a trace of the culprit!" She said as her tears streamed down her cheeks. "Every night, my children and I tremble in fear, afraid that we will be killed, too. But, we know that he didn't do anything wrong!" She clenched her fists. "But what can we do? The officers can't find an explanation of his death, aside from it was an assassin hired by a competitor." She told them.

Meng Xing was about to speak when the man, who they momentarily forgotten, spoke.

"I am sorry for my incompetence, Madam Wen." The man apologized and lowered his head.

It was only then did Meng Xing realize why this man's clothes seemed familiar. It was because the man is wearing an officer's clothes!

Madam Wen felt embarrassed and looked away. "I..." she muttered. "I am sorry, officer Lin." She said.

The man called 'officer Lin' shook his head. "It is nothing." He answered. "The evidence is insufficient and we had to close the case four days later if there would still be no evidence to find." He sighed. "Which I feel guilty about, so I can only help you find the boss of Huichen." He explained.

Madam Wen looked at him with gratitude. "Thank you." She said.

"This is my duty." The man replied. "My mother is also friends with you, so I am doing this on my mother's behalf, too." He told her.

Madam Wen sighed. She was about to speak when the doors finally opened.

"Welcome, guests. We have already been notified of your arrival." The servant said and bowed. "Hm?" He muttered when he saw there was an extra person.

Meng Xing smiled. "Walk-in guests are also okay, right?" He spoke before the servant could speak. "I can wait until their appointment is finished." He said and pointed at officer Lin and Madam Wen.

The servant nodded in affirmation and led them inside. While waiting until the boss of Huichen arrives, officer Lin chatted with Meng Xing to relieve Madam Wen's agitation. Meng Xing respects the old and loves the young, especially the women, who he greatly respects. So, he played along with officer Lin.

"I don't think I have seen you before." Officer Lin spoke as he looked at Meng Xi whose lower face was covered by a veil.

Meng Xi smiled. "Is officer Lin doubting me as a spy from another country?" He asked and stretched his arm out. "Officer Lin is obviously a martial arts expert, so he should know whether or not I am also a martial arts practitioner." He said.

Officer Lin's lip twitched. "I am just asking. No need to be so tense." He said and didn't touch Meng Xin's arm that looked pale when the sunlight hit it.

"I like clearing suspicions that could lead to misunderstandings." Meng Xing smiled.

Officer Lin just stared at him.

"Does officer Lin truly know each and every citizen of the capital?" Meng Xing asked as he met officer Lin's gaze. For you to suspect my identity... you are still too young, boy! He thought and inwardly grinned.

Madam. Wen's attention was really diverted, but now she felt tense again because of them two. Fortunately, someone arrived. Even though he wasn't the boss of Huichen, but Madam Wen could finally relax, since the standoff between Meng Xing and officer Lin was interrupted. Officer Lin of course still recalls what he came here for so he ignored this suspicious young man and followed the servant along with Madam Wen.

"Boss." Qiu Yi called and approached him.

Meng Xing turned. "You are smart." He said and smiled. He is referring to Qiu Yi not wearing their working clothes.

"An officer will be arriving so how could I draw his suspicion to our agency?" Qiu Yi asked and helplessly smiled. "Boss, you came today. It is good that you could come." He said.

"En. Fortunately, I did, since I was able to hear such an interesting thing." Meng Xing grinned as the servants arrived and served him food.

Qiu Yi's expression changed. "Boss has noticed it, too. Fortunately, boss has an insight and had me investigate Mr. Wen's death five days ago." He sighed as he looked at Meng Xing. "Mr. Wen's case is very strange." he said as he sat across Meng Xing who is eating desserts.

"How?" Meng Xing calmly asked.

"Mr. Wen's death seemed normal, but it is because that it is too normal that it is strange." Qiu Yi said and stared at Meng Xing. "Has boss already guessed that someone wants to immediately close the case?" He asked.

"Somewhat." Meng Xing answered as he sipped his tea. Suddenly, he felt refreshed.

"Oh, somewhat... what?! Somewhat?!" Qiu Yi exclaimed. "Boss. You know who is behind this?" He asked.