Hidden identities of the AI Heiress
Chapter 689 - Chapter 689 Chapter 689 Lu Ting Died No Bones Left

Chapter 689: Chapter 689: Lu Ting Died, No Bones Left Chapter 689: Chapter 689: Lu Ting Died, No Bones Left She looked at her two sons and, seeing their weary faces, said with concern, “Especially you two, what are you doing here without attending to your business? If the old man sees you, he might just pass out from anger again.”

Lu Rui immediately asked, “Dad’s okay, isn’t he?”

“He’s fine, just fainted from a rise in blood pressure. He’s awake now, and Shiran is with him.”

Lu Xian breathed a sigh of relief. If the old man had suffered an incident because of this, it really would be his fault.

It was all because he hadn’t done well enough, leading the group into turmoil.

The grandmother waved her hand to dismiss them, “Alright, go do what you need to do. Sort out the matters first before you come to see your dad, otherwise you’ll just make him angrier.”

Lu Xian and Lu Rui had expressions of profound bitterness.

It wasn’t that they didn’t want to resolve the issue quickly–it was that the incident had occurred too abruptly, catching them off guard.

Many matters also required time to verify, which only made the public criticism intensify.

Su Mian spoke, “Mom, I’m going to check on Dad.”

“You go ahead,” the grandmother didn’t stop Su Mian.

“I’ll go too,” Lu Zhanxing turned his head to the others and said, “Dad, uncle, big brother, you go ahead with your tasks, I’ll stay here.”

“Okay,” Lu Rui knew their presence here really wasn’t helping, and it would only worry the old man more.

Qiao Yun didn’t rush in.

She stood at the door of the ward, watching their retreating figures, and after a moment of thought, she followed them.

Lu Jingzhi was full of worries when his path was suddenly blocked. Looking up, it turned out to be his sister.

Qiao Yun looked at him seriously, “I have something to ask you.”

“Don’t worry, sister, I will handle it soon,” Lu Jingzhi thought Qiao Yun was asking about her being implicated, and his tone was heavy with guilt.

Speaking of Lu Ting made him inevitably think of the mistakes he had made in the past.

Qiao Yun said, “Not about that. I want to know everything about what happened to the group, from the beginning to the end.”

Lu Jingzhi was slightly taken aback, gazing down at Qiao Yun’s clear, stubborn eyes, he found he couldn’t bring himself to refuse.

“Alright, I’ll tell you…”.

He almost forgot, his sister was no ordinary person, her emotional resilience was stronger than anyone else’s.

Lu Jingzhi briefly recounted the sequence of events, including what he had found out so far.

After listening, Qiao Yun said without hesitation, “Someone’s causing trouble.”

Lu Jingzhi smiled, “We think the same. Currently, there are too few clues, and we don’t know who it is yet, but targeting in business isn’t rare, although it’s the first time it has blown up this big.”

Lu Jingzhi chuckled again, wondering how he had ended up discussing so much business with Qiao Yun.

“Sister, you go see grandfather, I need to return to the group.”

Qiao Yun, “Oh.”

Lu Jingzhi’s gaze fell on Qiao Yun’s fluffy, soft hair, his fingers slightly curled, but in the end, he lacked the courage to reach out.

He shook his head with a light chuckle and walked toward the hospital entrance.

Qiao Yun didn’t notice Lu Jingzhi’s hesitation.

She was only focused on the catalyst of the whole issue which was actually on the person responsible for purchasing safety helmets.

He seemed innocent, but was he really?

Qiao Yun narrowed her eyes and took out her phone to contact Zhou You.

Zhou You was actually outside the hospital protecting Qiao Yun. He answered her call straight away.

“Professor Qiao, do you need anything?”

“You need to do something,” Qiao Yun’s voice was gentle but firm, “Check on someone.”

Zhou You responded respectfully, “Who would you like me to check on?”

Qiao Yun replied succinctly, “The person from Lu Group responsible for buying the safety helmets.”

“Yes.”

With the trouble the Lu Group was facing being so widespread, Zhou You immediately understood Qiao Yun’s intention.

Qiao Yun instructed further, “Make it quick.”

Zhou You’s eyebrows lifted, “Don’t worry, I will find out about this person as soon as possible.”

“Hmm.”

After delegating the task to Zhou You, Qiao Yun didn’t inquire further, she had great trust in Zhou You’s ability to handle matters.

…

Zhou You hung up the phone and explained the situation to his subordinate.

The subordinate immediately responded, “I’ll go and surveil him right now.”

“Come back,” Zhou You called him back, “Didn’t you hear what Professor Qiao meant by as soon as possible? If you start surveilling now, how long will it take before you find any traces?”

The subordinate, not understanding, asked, “What do you mean, Captain Zhou?”

Zhou You rubbed his wrist, a sly smile flickering across his eyes, “Heh, it’s been a long while since I’ve been hands-on. If I don’t start now, I’ll lose my touch.”

The subordinate understood and, eager to try, said, “Wouldn’t that be somewhat inappropriate?”

“The Lu Family does things too by the book. Can we afford to be like them?”

Zhou You looked at his subordinate and then at himself, frowning and said, “No, we don’t have enough people; there’s no momentum. Go get all the brothers from around here.”

“Yes.”

The subordinate made a few calls.

Shortly thereafter, three vans stopped in front of them.

The van doors opened, and a group of muscular bodyguards in black suits stepped out.

Dozens of bodyguards spoke up in unison, “Captain Zhou.” The scene was rather intimidating.

Zhou You stroked his chin, nodding in satisfaction, “Now we have the presence. Come, follow me to bluff our way through and get the investigation results to Professor Qiao as soon as possible.”

He said earnestly, “Brothers, whether I can get Professor Qiao’s ‘little red flower’ or not depends on you all.”

The subordinates: ???

To be honest, we also want Professor Qiao’s ‘little red flower.’

…

Qiao Yun pushed open the door of the hospital room and her gaze fell on the old man.

He wasn’t looking very well, his complexion was dull, and he seemed to have aged several years in an instant.

Seeing Qiao Yun enter, the old man waved her over, “Qiaoqiao, come here to Grandpa.”

Qiao Yun obediently walked over and sat by the hospital bed, her hand taken by the old man.

The old man sighed, “I’ve put you through a lot.”

He had seen the attacks against Qiao Yun on the internet.

This time, Qiao Yun was completely implicated by the Lu Family.

His granddaughter was none other than Professor Qiao. If not for this incident, why would she be insulted?

“It’s not a burden,”

Qiao Yun held the old man’s hand back, her tone firm, “We are family. We face difficulties together.”

The old man was delighted by Qiao Yun’s words.

He genuinely felt that Qiao Yun was making an effort to fully accept the family.

Lu Zhanxing, who had been silent, declared resolutely, “Sister, your brother will take care of it.”

“Mm.”

Qiao Yun was somewhat puzzled; did she look very worried about this issue?

After all, the Lu Group’s situation should be the priority, yet everyone was worried about her.

Qiao Yun’s feelings were inexplicably mixed, even a bit sweet.

Lu Shiran looked dejected, “Why is everyone busy with something, and I can’t help with anything?”

Su Mian smiled, “Taking good care of yourself is the biggest help.”

Lu Shiran pouted, clearly dissatisfied with that remark.

Qiao Yun consoled, “You’re still young.”

“…” Lu Shiran gently reminded, “Sister, don’t forget, you’re younger than me.”

Qiao Yun nodded, “But I’m Professor Qiao.”

Lu Shiran: “…” It felt like a knife had been plunged into his chest.

It was a time of many troubles for the family, yet he could only watch helplessly as even the usually-less-concerned Lu Zhanxing was able to help.

Lu Shiran’s heart was filled with immense loss, wishing he could graduate immediately, make his mark, and shelter the family from storms.

Lu Zhanxing didn’t stay long in the hospital room as he had to start preparing the clarification matters.

The old man was still not ready to be discharged, so Su Mian and the old lady stayed back to take care of him.

Qiao Yun and Shiran, having nothing else to do, simply decided to stay as well.

Zhanxing left not long after.

Someone knocked on the door of the ward.

The person who entered was Li Hanzhou.

Qiao Yun hadn’t expected to see Li Hanzhou and was momentarily stunned.

Then she met Li Hanzhou’s meaningful gaze.

Somehow, Qiao Yun felt inexplicably uneasy, as if she had done something wrong.

The old man was also quite surprised to see Li Hanzhou.

Li Hanzhou explained, “I heard you were in the hospital. As a friend of Qiaoqiao, I thought it proper to visit.”

“It’s really too much trouble.”

Why was the old man somewhat touched?

There are not many people whom Mr. Li would visit personally.

Li Hanzhou chatted with the old man for a while, then got up to leave.

However, before leaving, he asked Qiao Yun with a smile in his eyes, “Qiaoqiao, I’m leaving now. Aren’t you going to see me out?”

Before Qiao Yun could respond, Su Mian was already saying, “Qiaoqiao, go send him off.”

Although Li Hanzhou’s tone when calling Qiao Yun felt a bit odd, he was a guest, and it was indeed polite to see him out.

Qiao Yun uttered an ‘Okay’, stood up, and escorted Li Hanzhou out.

Shiran looked at Su Mian with a pitying gaze.

Oh dear, why are you sending your sister into the tiger’s mouth?

At that moment, Shiran’s phone rang, someone had sent him a message.

He glanced at it, his brows furrowing deeply.

…

In the hallway.

Qiao Yun and Li Hanzhou walked side by side as she asked, “Why did you come?”

Li Hanzhou’s expression remained unchanged as he replied, “Of course… to meet the parents.”

Qiao Yun: …

Li Hanzhou chuckled, “We’ll have to meet them sooner or later.”

Qiao Yun retorted, “We’ve met many times already.”

“The past cannot compare to now; our relationship is extraordinary now.”

Li Hanzhou took Qiao Yun’s small hand and deliberately asked, “Don’t you think?”

Qiao Yun simply responded, “Mhm.”

Li Hanzhou smirked.

He then pretended to sigh, “Isn’t there anything you need to tell me?”

Qiao Yun fell silent for a few seconds before decisively saying, “No.”

Li Hanzhou had guessed Qiao Yun would answer like this and chuckled, not pursuing further conversation.

However, Qiao Yun keenly sensed that Li Hanzhou was unhappy.

Why is he unhappy?

Thinking this, she directly asked, “Are you upset? Why?”

“No.”

“Oh.”

“…?”

Li Hanzhou’s lips twitched, “Alright, I admit, I am unhappy.”

“Yeah.” Qiao Yun instructed, “Speak your mind directly, don’t sulk.”

Li Hanzhou: ?

With a dejected look, he lamented, “With so much happening, why didn’t you tell me?”

Qiao Yun confidently said, “I can solve it.”

“But we are dating,” Li Hanzhou tightly grasped her hand, “and we should bear everything together, whether it’s good or bad.”

Qiao Yun fell silent again. She reflected momentarily and lowered her head to admit her fault, “I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.”

Li Hanzhou suddenly laughed, his charming eyes curved and his smile enticing.

Since Qiao Yun said it wouldn’t happen again, it naturally wouldn’t.

He no longer dwelled on the matter, his tone light, as if speaking of something trivial, “Lu Ting is dead.”

Qiao Yun’s steps abruptly halted, and her eyebrows furrowed tightly.

Li Hanzhou said carelessly, “During her transfer, the staff was negligent and let her escape. She happened to cross a bridge at that time, and they witnessed her jump off the bridge, theoretically a suicide.”

Qiao Yun was internally undisturbed, “When did this happen?”

“It’s been a while. They were afraid I would blame them, so they kept it hidden from me.”

Since sending Lu Ting to the sanatorium, Li Hanzhou hadn’t paid further attention to her. Had it not been for the incident exploding online, the hospital, fearing they could no longer conceal it, came clean to Li Hanzhou.

Lu Ting jumped off the bridge herself; at most, the hospital’s fault was one of oversight.

Qiao Yun’s voice remained calm, “The body?”

“It wasn’t recovered, but at that spot, the chances of survival are practically zero. She’s essentially gone without a trace,” Li Hanzhou looked at Qiao Yun, “Do you think I’m cruel?”

Qiao Yun showed a puzzled look, “Hmm?”

Li Hanzhou unwaveringly gazed into Qiao Yun’s eyes, “It was I who sent her to the sanatorium, a place not easy to live in.”

Qiao Yun shook her head, “You did it for me.”

Besides, Lu Ting had many paths she could have chosen.

It was her own decision to take the extreme path and not look back.

Now that she has met this end, who is to blame?

If she had not come back, Lu Ting would still be the darling miss of the Lu Family.

Yet even though she did come back, if Lu Ting had not targeted her at every turn and deceived their parents, she would still be cherished by the Lu Family.

Qiao Yun saw Li Hanzhou off at the hospital entrance and then looked down at their intertwined hands, “You should let go of me now.”

Li Hanzhou intentionally shook his hand.

Qiao Yun said, “Childish.”

Li Hanzhou felt an inexplicable pleasure. He released Qiao Yun’s hand, emphasizing, “Remember, don’t keep secrets from me, there shouldn’t be any secrets between lovers.”

“Oh,” Qiao Yun touched her nose.

Satisfied at last, Li Hanzhou left.

Lost in thought, Qiao Yun walked back and then at the corner, she saw Lu Shiran and… Old Master Qin?

She tilted her head, neither eavesdropping nor lingering, and went straight back to the hospital room.

Su Mian asked, “Has Mr. Li left?”

“Yes,” Qiao Yun’s gaze paused slightly, yet she chose not to mention Lu Ting’s situation to them at this moment.

…

On the other side.

Lu Shiran cautiously asked Old Master Qin, “You say you have a way to solve our family’s crisis, is that true?”

Old Master Qin said with a sad face, “Although you don’t wish to return to the Qin Family, you are still my grandson, and the Lu Family are Lanlan’s family. How could I stand by and watch?”

“You told me last time not to contact you, Grandfather, did I do as you asked? If it weren’t for the Lu Family’s trouble, I wouldn’t have sought you out.”

Old Master Qin further analyzed to Lu Shiran, “This matter may be a big deal for the Lu Family, but it’s a trivial one for the Qin Family. In terms of financial and social standing, the Qin Family indeed surpasses the Lu Family. Of course, Grandfather doesn’t mean to belittle the Lu Family.”

Lu Shiran hesitated, “What do you want?”

“I want nothing, Grandfather only hopes for your well-being.”

Lu Shiran pursed his lips. Facing such a sincere elderly man who was kind to him, he couldn’t bring himself to speak harshly.

Although to him, all the people from the Qin Family were not good people.

Old Master Qin could tell that Lu Shiran believed only half of what he said.

He chuckled silently to himself.

His grandson was good in every aspect but was too kind and gentle, simply put, naive.

This trait would need to change once he returned to the Qin Family.