Liu Qingqing pondered carefully, “Let’s not even talk about the rest—but is there one thing you’ve noticed, Mother? It seems that Uncle Xiaoyi doesn’t love Auntie as much as he claims on the surface.”

“How do you mean?”

“Look, with such a huge incident involving Jiajia and Lai Lai, Auntie has been by her side every step of the way. If he really loved her that much, how could he possibly disappear at a time like this? Shouldn’t he be right there, guarding Auntie and their child?”

“That’s true, but…”

Liu E didn’t know what to say either.

Because of this, Mother had often complained about Ming Shuo. Although younger sister Liu Qinxin didn’t say a word, she probably harbored some resentment in her heart. Still, neither Mother nor little sister Liu Qinxin dared to voice these feelings directly to Ming Shuo, nor did anyone else in the Liu family.

“But what ‘but’?” Liu Qingqing pressed.

Liu E, however, seemed reluctant to dwell on the subject. Instead of answering her daughter’s question, she changed the topic: “How are things on your end now? When are you planning to get married? Zhang Yang doesn’t seem to have any suspicions, does he?”

“We’ve scheduled it for next Wednesday. He hasn’t said much—he’s never really cared about formalities anyway. It’s his parents….” Liu Qingqing paused, her voice dropping slightly. “His dad is relatively easygoing. I just told him you suddenly ran into an urgent matter and wouldn’t be able to meet them this week, but we could arrange another meeting after the wedding.

But his mom is much harder to deal with. She kept questioning me about everything for a long time. Still, don’t worry—I can handle it! So far, they haven’t suspected anything. As for what happens after the wedding… well, we’ll talk about that later.”

“That’s good, that’s good!” Liu E seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. After a moment of reflection, she couldn’t help but remind her daughter, “Qingqing, just focus on doing your own thing and living your life well. Don’t take other people’s business too seriously. And if Zhang Yang ever blames you because of this, don’t argue with him head-on—just shift all the responsibility onto me!”

“Mom…”

“Honey, don’t feel bad! In my whole life, I haven’t accomplished much or achieved anything special. The only thing I’m truly grateful for is having such a beautiful, smart, and sensible daughter like you. I don’t wish for anything else—only that you live a good life. If you’re happy, I’ll have no regrets even if I pass away.”

It was rare to see Liu E so earnest.

Yet Liu Qingqing sensed something different in her tone. Tears instantly filled her eyes, and she quickly stopped her mother from speaking further: “Mom, please stop saying things like that. I know what I’m doing and will take good care of myself—don’t worry about me. You also need to take good care of yourself. If anything goes wrong, call the police right away, okay?”

“Call the police?”

Liu E looked puzzled.

Liu Qingqing explained, “Nothing is more important than your own life. Since you suspect that that bitch Ming Yue is behind it, you need to be prepared.

Even… let’s say, just in case those old matters from back then are brought to light, it will still take time, manpower, and resources to verify them. It won’t hurt us right away.

And during that period, we’ll have plenty of time and energy to maneuver and coordinate. Mom, do you understand what I mean?”

“I do.”

“Good. Then let’s leave it at that for now—I’ll make the first call.” After a brief chat with her mother, Liu Qingqing finally hung up.

No sooner had she put down the phone than the image of that man suddenly reappeared before her eyes—still so handsome, still so charming, still elusive, still… someone you both love and hate!

End of Chapter 185: Counterattack 111