On the second day, Director Xu came over and said it had been found. After six years, the record book had become damp and somewhat decayed, and there were traces of bugs on it. Fortunately, the content Beisitian and the others wanted to see was still there. The name Mrs. Qin was originally written in the recipient column, but later it was crossed out and replaced with the name ’Qin Hongmei’! The two exchanged a look; it was indeed her! At that time, Qin Hongmei probably intended to write Mrs. Qin’s name directly. Even if someone were to check, they wouldn’t be able to find anything. Unfortunately, the person distributing the items knew Mrs. Qin and realized it wasn’t her, so they had her cross it out and write her own name! The pick-up date was the same day the items were delivered! In other words, Qin Hongmei definitely knew what was inside and had been waiting there from early on, perhaps for several days. Mrs. Qin handed Xu Youcai a cup of water, saw the two engrossed in an old book, and asked, "What are you looking at so intently?" "Mom, do you remember I informed you before I went on a mission that a parcel was sent for you?" Luo Xudong asked. "Before you went on a mission?" Mrs. Qin took a moment to recall he was referring to six years ago, "There was such a thing, but before I could pick it up, your Uncle’s wife delivered it instead. Wasn’t it just a few old clothes?" Mrs. Qin remembered the matter clearly because when she looked through those old clothes, she found a patch on one of them, feeling heartbroken. She kept wondering how her son was doing in the army, that even his clothes had patches! Hearing Mrs. Qin’s words, a faint bitter smile appeared on Luo Xudong’s resolute face. If that note containing money were still inside, Mrs. Qin would have discovered it through the patch. But since Qin Hongmei delivered it herself, it was clear she took the money. "It’s alright, Mom, we just wanted to find out who picked it up, so we can go ’thank’ her!" Beisitian said with a smile, emphasizing the word ’thank’. Mrs. Qin didn’t notice anything amiss, and Luo Xudong understood her intention. Before retrieving the money, it would be best not to let Mrs. Qin worry; she had been troubled enough over the years. Thinking of Beisitian’s thoughtfulness warmed Luo Xudong’s heart. Meeting her was a blessing for his parents and for him! Xu Youcai twitched his mouth; the young couple clearly intended to find someone to cause trouble. He decided not to ask further to avoid getting into unnecessary trouble. "I’ve delivered the items to you. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave now." Xu Youcai stood up. "Thanks to Director Xu for making this trip. If there’s anything we can help with in the future, just let us know," Beisitian said readily. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the novel•fire.net Xu Youcai had been working so long for this very sentence. Hearing it, he immediately smiled, "I’m getting old, and the future belongs to you young people. Someday I might actually need your help, so give me a hand then!" After seeing Xu Youcai off, Beisitian suggested going out for a walk. Luo Xudong knew she wanted to discuss the matter away from Mrs. Qin, and he was more than willing to go out with her alone. Seeing their relationship improving by the day, Mrs. Qin was happy to let them go out more often. "Sister..." Luo Xuping spoke with shining eyes. "Ping’an, go herd the sheep later!" Mrs. Qin intercepted her younger son before he could speak. Luo Xuping was about to cry from grievance. Ever since his annoying brother came, his sister was often taken away to play without him! Watching the two leaving the house, Luo Xuping sulkily kicked the firewood stick in the yard, only to be scolded by Mrs. Qin, making him shrink back and dare not kick again. Zhuangzhuang gave Luo Xuping a glance, then unceremoniously turned and ran out the door. Beisitian and Luo Xudong strolled toward the North Slope, as it was secluded and perfect for discussing matters. "What do you plan to do?" Beisitian asked. "Whatever she devoured, she’ll give it back to me," Luo Xudong answered calmly, his eyes flashing with sharpness. If not for Qin Hongmei taking the money, his parents wouldn’t have had to live pinching a steamed bun into halves. Moreover, with Qin Hongmei being so close yet watching Luo Anguo and his wife suffer without offering help, and even blinding Mrs. Qin, her malicious intent cannot be overlooked. Beisitian naturally shared the sentiment, though her position was awkward. The last time she punished Qin Hongmei was only due to Qin Hongmei’s own actions, keeping her in line up to now. There was too much distance between them, making it hard to act. With Luo Aiguo above Luo Xudong, dealing with Qin Hongmei was also inconvenient for him, which is why she asked him out to see what he planned. Beisitian worried Luo Xudong might go easy on Qin Hongmei because of Luo Aiguo, but it seemed she overthought it. It’s only natural; Luo Xudong had been able to infiltrate the enemy for so long. Not to mention that level of patience, his methods must be beyond ordinary. "First, I need to know how she found out there was money inside," Luo Xudong said. The money inside was his settlement funds from the military. To put it bluntly, the military gave him such an amount with the assumption he might not return. This money was ’non-existent’ to outsiders, a secret. How did Qin Hongmei know about it? And how much did she know? "It’s impossible for Qin Hongmei to know you’re still alive," Beisitian said. Though without evidence, the original owner, having interacted with her often, and Beisitian having had a year of interaction, it was evident just by observation. Therefore, even Beisitian couldn’t figure out how, unless Qin Hongmei hid it well enough that even she couldn’t see it? "Qin Hongmei isn’t all-seeing and all-knowing. If she knew about the money, someone must have tipped her off," Luo Xudong said. Luo Aiguo had rooted himself in Kao Village over a decade ago, with older connections long inactive. How could Qin Hongmei, a woman hardly leaving her home, know anything? Luo Xudong and Beisitian suddenly exchanged a look. "Her family!" they said simultaneously. Luo Xudong wasn’t surprised by the thought, knowing somewhat about Qin Hongmei’s family, but for Beisitian to think of it was truly quick-witted! Qin Hongmei’s family was still urban. Even though she married Luo Aiguo and became a rural woman, she maintained contact with her family. Hence, her source of information could only be her family. Qin Hongmei had two brothers and a sister; both brothers were workers, and her sister married a businessman. If you only look at the background, it’s very simple. "I remember her sister has a son who also joined the army," Luo Xudong thought aloud. Could it be a coincidence that her nephew and he were at the same base?