Chapter 177
Feeling it might be a mistaken suspicion, Huo Youcheng’s mind was in turmoil as he tried to convince himself, “It’s just an ordinary photo, and Ranran was there, so it doesn’t mean anything.” He stared at his sister seriously, “Do you have any other evidence?”
Huo Yan fiddled with her nightgown, wrinkling it. “Other evidence… I can’t really say.”
Huo Youcheng glared at her, “What do you mean you can’t say? Do you know what you’re implying? You’re accusing my partner and our brother of having an affair. You need concrete evidence! A single photo isn’t enough!”
He was getting anxious, his tone harsher than usual, which made Huo Yan step back, tears welling up in her eyes. “Second Brother, you’re hurting me.”
Huo Youcheng loosened his grip slightly but kept his intense gaze on her. “What else did you find? Tell me everything!”
Seeing his frantic state, Huo Yan finally gathered her courage. “That trip to the Blue Star, the one where you had the accident—we were on the same flight. You didn’t board, but sister-in-law wasn’t feeling well, and Big Brother fed her gum directly into her mouth. It was too intimate, even for me to accept. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but yesterday, I had dinner with a friend and her boyfriend, and she did the same thing with him. She told me that such a gesture is usually only between lovers.”
She paused, breathing heavily as she continued. “And today, with so many guests, Big Brother was constantly scanning the crowd, and his gaze always settled on sister-in-law. I tried to tell myself he was looking for Ranran, but the height difference between a child and an adult is significant, and his gaze wasn’t at a child’s level. Sister-in-law avoided his gaze all day. Not even a single glance or conversation between them.”
“Isn’t it strange? They were so intimate a year ago, but now they can’t even make eye contact.”
Her words rushed out, leaving her breathless, but she gradually calmed down.
Huo Youcheng’s face was rigid, his expression fierce as if trying to pierce through her with his eyes. “Yan’er, we grew up together, and you know how much I care for you. I don’t want you deceived, so I’m telling you what I’ve seen. I hope it’s not true. Sister-in-law seems to love you so much; why would she suddenly change now?”
Huo Youcheng’s voice was icy, “So, it started during the Blue Star trip?”
Huo Yan, startled, quickly said, “I can’t be sure. It just felt too intimate, and combined with the photo, it seemed wrong.”
“I understand. Go back to sleep now.”
“Huh?”
“Go back to sleep and don’t mention this to anyone.”
Huo Youcheng opened and closed the door, then stood motionless for what felt like hours. The injuries to his legs couldn’t bear such prolonged standing, transitioning from a dull ache to excruciating pain.
He finally moved, sinking heavily into his wheelchair, and activated his screen, dialing a contact. “This is Huo Youcheng.”
“Last December third, I booked a trip to Blue Star through your company.”
“I need all hotel surveillance footage from that stay. Send it to me immediately. Thank you.”
Ye Zhi had spent the night with Huo Ran, sending her to kindergarten in the morning. Seeing that Huo Youcheng hadn’t gotten up by noon, he decided to check on him. There was no response from within, so he cautiously turned the door handle, finding it unlocked.
The bedroom was dim, heavy blackout curtains blocking out the spring sunlight. “A’Cheng.” Ye Zhi felt a strange unease, gripping the door frame, eyes scanning the room until he spotted a silhouette, letting out a sigh of relief.