Chapter 1017: There Must Be A Big Secret

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

“No, I got this feeling that there’s a big secret lurking behind all of this. Otherwise, why would you be so deeply invested in unravelling it? It’s weird, isn’t it? Professor Su is widely known for his gentle and scholarly demeanour. What could lead to a conflict with your second uncle? Something just doesn’t add up.”

As for Song Jiaming, he was a relic of the past, his reputation somewhat elevated due to pity for his crippled legs.

“Indeed, it’s unreasonable,” Song Jinyan remarked, blowing smoke rings that gracefully filled the air.

What heightened his appeal further was his earnest expression, devoid of any pretence. He exuded seriousness, adding to his allure.

“But is that reason enough?” Song Shan asked, puzzled. “To investigate your uncle for years just because it seems unreasonable to you?”

She pondered whether sensitivity or suspicion would serve her better—perhaps a hint of arrogance would have been preferable!

“But I found something,” Song Jinyan confessed. Implicit in his words was the fact that he had encountered Professor Su several times in his line of work. Despite his aloof nature, he liked him during these encounters.

Upon hearing about the conflict between his second uncle and Professor Su, Song Jinyan’s initial reaction was that his uncle had brought it upon himself. Thus, he felt compelled to delve deeper—an inability to unearth the truth would cast doubt on his judgment.

“What did you find?”

With a complex expression, Song Jinyan took a final drag of his cigarette, extinguishing it with his foot. After a moment’s pause, he began, “My grandmother hailed from ClearWater County, the same place as Professor Su. My second uncle was born there too. After his birth, my grandmother left for the border due to a special assignment, leaving him in the care of a village captain’s family. He returned only after three years.”

In an era of uncertainty, such arrangements were common to ensure the safety of children amidst turmoil.

During that tumultuous period, with so much upheaval and uncertainty about the future, even the Song family went through several trials. The eldest of the Song family who remained in the capital had lost his freedom, so, to secure an alternative path, entrusted Song Jiaming to the care of a simple and honest rural villager.

“What does that imply?” Song Shan’s eyes widened. “Could the conflict between Professor Su and your second uncle have originated in ClearWater County?”

“It’s possible. The family that cared for my second uncle is connected to Professor Su’s mother.”

“But even if there was a conflict, it couldn’t have been deep-rooted, right? They were too young to cause any trouble!”

“That’s precisely why my second uncle and Professor Su must be concealing something,” Song Jinyan concluded.

“Did your second uncle say anything?”

“Nothing. His silence is even more suspicious,” Song Jinyan replied. In essence, the trip had not been in vain.

“But Professor Su is no longer alive. Is it worth pursuing the investigation?” Song Shan questioned.

“My instinct tells me it’s worth it,” Song Jinyan affirmed, acknowledging the reliability of his intuition.

“I heard Professor Su’s daughter is in the capital. Help me arrange a meeting with her.”

“Okay!”

In their courtyard, Su Wen spent the entire day under strict instructions not to leave. Though she longed to, Zhou Hengyang insisted she stay put. Nonetheless, Su Wen found solace in her home, with Zhou Hengyang by her side.