Chapter 640: The Smoke-Extinguishing Gesture Returns!

During the call with Hong Mei.

Although the other party was surprised why Chen Xiao wanted her to do that thing.

But upon hearing it was related to Guo Qing, Hong Mei felt no more hesitation.

The call ended.

Chen Xiao’s thoughts became clearer.

No matter where he is currently, the thing he needs to do hasn’t changed.

That is to continue investigating the case of Zhu Nianying.

As for Xiaoji and Black Cat, it seems they have been exposed.

As the saying goes, often by the river, it’s impossible not to get your shoes wet. While Black Cat’s skills are exceptional, if one tries to get close and discover the other’s secrets, there’s always a chance of being noticed.

It’s because of their disappearance that Chen Xiao doesn’t fully believe it’s related to Xiao He.

With the results from Qin Fei still pending, Chen Xiao felt investigating Xiaoji’s whereabouts was aimless.

After some thought, Chen Xiao decided it would be better to meet Xiao He in person rather than make endless speculations.

With a plan in mind, Chen Xiao left Xiaoji’s residence.

Then he drove to a villa.

After ringing the doorbell, a servant quickly came to inquire.

"Who are you?"

"Hello, my name is Chen Xiao. I’m a criminal investigation consultant, here to speak with Ms. Xiao He."

Chen Xiao openly revealed his identity.

The servant was somewhat surprised but went in to report.

Soon, the servant returned and opened the door: "The lady is in the living room, Mr. Chen, please come in."

Chen Xiao thanked with a smile and followed the servant into the villa.

Upon entering the living room, he saw a woman around fifty years old sitting on the sofa.

Seeing Chen Xiao, Xiao He stood up:

"Hello, Mr. Chen, I’m Xiao He. What brings you here today?"

Xiao He looked calm, her eyes carrying a gentle smile.

"I’m here to learn about things concerning your late husband."

Xiao He was stunned: "Old Zhuang? Didn’t you investigate before coming? He’s been dead for two years."

"I’m aware of President Zhuang’s passing. I’m mainly here to ask Ms. Xiao about someone."

"Who?"

"Zhu Nianying, does that name ring a bell?"

Xiao He thought for a moment, then said: "Isn’t she a doctor from Shencheng City? When Old Zhuang was ailing, he would go to Shencheng City to consult a renowned old traditional Chinese medicine doctor. Later, it was that doctor’s apprentice who took over his care."

Chen Xiao nodded: "Ms. Xiao, your memory serves you well; that’s her."

"What does Mr. Chen want to know? She and Old Zhuang were merely doctor and patient." Xiao He was puzzled.

Chen Xiao smiled: "Liu Da, who was President Zhuang’s chauffeur, you’re familiar with him, right?"

Xiao He squinted slightly: "Of course I’m familiar."

"Master Liu once told me that Zhu Nianying was pregnant with your husband’s child, did he ever mention this to you?" Chen Xiao continued to ask.

The main reason and pretext for Chen Xiao’s visit today were centered on this matter.

Upon hearing this, Xiao He abruptly stood up from the sofa, looking displeased.

However, she quickly regained her composure and sat down calmly, saying:

"No one has ever mentioned what Mr. Chen just said. Though this kind of thing isn’t strange, even if Old Zhuang had numerous illegitimate children outside, it wouldn’t be surprising since he was well-capable of indulging himself elsewhere."

As she spoke, Xiao He gritted her teeth, showing a hint of resentment.

"So, Ms. Xiao means to say there are quite a few of President Zhuang’s illegitimate children out there?"

"I never said that, just stated that Old Zhuang having children outside isn’t something strange."

"Is Ms. Xiao aware that Dr. Zhu is missing?"

"Yes, after Old Zhuang returned from seeking treatment in Shencheng City, he said the old doctor there told him Dr. Zhu had disappeared."

Chen Xiao paused: "Did President Zhuang arrange for anyone to search for Dr. Zhu?"

Xiao He sneered: "Whether she was a doctor or Old Zhuang’s mistress, she wasn’t worth the effort for Old Zhuang to search for her. Thus, I neither saw nor heard of any arrangement made by Old Zhuang, though anything covert would be unknown to me."

Chen Xiao nodded.

He hadn’t expected to extract crucial information concerning Zhu Nianying from such questioning.

Bringing up Zhu Nianying was primarily to observe Xiao He’s reaction when mentioning her.

Taking a sip of tea offered by the servant, Chen Xiao continued:

"I’ve heard that after President Zhuang passed away, his driver, Master Liu, didn’t continue as a chauffeur but still holds a position at the Zhuang Group. This suggests Ms. Xiao holds him in gratitude for his contribution to the group, correct?"

Xiao He’s eyes suddenly sharpened: "Mr. Chen, that sounds somewhat indirect."

"Haha, just think being too direct might not be as pleasant. Besides, as an investigation consultant, I must speak and act based on facts and evidence."

"No worries, Mr. Chen can say whatever he wants. I find you quite intriguing."

Chen Xiao was a bit surprised: "Oh, so Ms. Xiao has heard of me?"

"Hai City is connected in many ways with large enterprise circles. Shen Shuming has mentioned you to me."

"So Young Master Shen of the Shen Family talked about me. Then he must have told you that when I inquire or investigate something, it’s usually backed by some evidence, right?"

Xiao He nodded: "He has indeed said such things. He also mentioned that becoming your friend would be wonderful, but having you as an enemy would be terrifying."

"If that’s the case, I’ll be straightforward. What exactly is the relationship between Ms. Xiao and Master Liu?"

Xiao He sighed: "It’s mutually beneficial. Naturally, he’s aged now. Men, as they grow older, decline year by year. But you’re right, both Old Zhuang and I are grateful for Old Liu’s years of contribution."

Although Xiao He didn’t overtly acknowledge it, her response confirmed to Chen Xiao that there was an affair between her and Old Liu.

And as she spoke, Chen Xiao utilized the Power of Capture.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t discern any useful information from Xiao He’s expression.

For instance, whether she was aware of her computer being hacked or felt pleased with Xiaoji and Black Cat’s sudden disappearance.

Chen Xiao refrained from asking further, while Xiao He suddenly opened the coffee table drawer and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.

"Mr. Chen, would you like one?"

Chen Xiao shook his head, Xiao He: "Do you mind if I have one?"

"I don’t mind."

Xiao He smiled and lit a cigarette for herself.

The cigarette was finished in no more than two or three minutes.

As the cigarette burned to the end, Xiao He, lost in thought, instinctively made a move.

That gesture made Chen Xiao’s gaze suddenly fixate on her.

"Ms. Xiao, how did you develop such a habit of extinguishing cigarettes!"

Preoccupied, Xiao He had not noticed she was using her thumb and index finger to snuff out the cigarette!