Xie Qian believed the media should focus on Wen Ying breaking sales records for young authors, but instead, the disturbance at her first signing was exposed. Seeing someone deliberately steer the narrative toward “overnight fame, shaky foundation,” questioning whether Wen Ying’s writing matched her popularity, Xie Qian felt particularly displeased.
This displeasure made him resolute when facing Wen Ying’s protests.
Wen Ying must not stay in Shanghai.
The original signing schedule must not be disrupted.
The mastermind behind this must not get their way.
Upholding these three principles, Detective Luo had a rough time, being put to work right after landing.
Unable to argue with Xie Qian, Wen Ying compromised, “At least let me meet Detective Luo, right?”
Hey, if she remembered correctly, Detective Luo was a key connection she had cultivated over two lifetimes. Wasn’t Xie Qian being a bit too casual ordering him around?
Wen Ying puffed her cheeks, and Xie Qian reluctantly agreed, “Fine, you can meet Detective Luo.”
To make a horse run fast, you must feed it well. That evening, Xie Qian treated Detective Luo to dinner, with Wen Ying joining.
Having fought for a chance to meet Detective Luo, Wen Ying found him unappreciative when she and Xie Qian appeared together.
What was it like having two underage clients?
It was like losing the adult’s veil of dignity.
Detective Luo felt like crying but forced composure. “I’m swamped with work in Chengdu. If you weren’t old clients, I wouldn’t have come!”
This was his last shred of pride. Wen Ying didn’t call him out, saying, “Then we’ll really trouble you!”
Despite her fame, Wen Ying was even more polite, which surprised Detective Luo.
“Professional matters should be left to professionals. I trust you won’t let us down, Detective Luo.”
When Wen Ying spoke, Detective Luo was still a bit reserved, but when Xie Qian spoke, he instantly straightened up. What the heck!
Xie Qian detailed the signing incident and highlighted the main suspect. Detective Luo, though unfamiliar with media tactics, had seen similar moves as a private investigator.
“This is a targeted attack on Wen Ying!”
It was linked to that Zhao Dong again.
He thought Zhao Dong’s departure from Chengdu would end their connection, but instead of Xie Qian seeking trouble, Zhao Dong jumped back into the spotlight.
Though his business had failed, Detective Luo wasn’t ungrateful. After being betrayed by employees, he could see who truly cared for him.
Wen Ying hired him, drafted contracts, and advised his agency, genuinely supporting his career. Sadly, he squandered her efforts, letting his “relationship consulting firm” collapse.
After three seconds of self-reflection, Detective Luo turned his focus to Zhao Dong.
Wen Ying was blameless; Zhao Dong, bullying a minor, was utterly wrong. He had to get to the bottom of this and gather evidence to vindicate Wen Ying.
Wait, speaking of Zhao Dong… why did Xie Qian call him to Shanghai to investigate? Wouldn’t asking his old comrade be easier?
Doubts arose, but remembering Xie Qian’s confidentiality request and unsure if Wen Ying knew, Detective Luo held back from asking.
After dinner, while Xie Qian paid, Wen Ying quietly told Detective Luo, “You and I go way back. I knew you before Xie Qian, right? Though he hired you this time, you must tell me any progress!”
“Sure, I’ll definitely tell you,” Detective Luo said insincerely.
Friendship was one thing, work another. How could they mix?
Though it concerned Wen Ying, Xie Qian was the one paying. Whether to share progress with Wen Ying, and how much, had to be cleared with Xie Qian first.
Besides, Wen Ying was a bestselling author now. She shouldn’t fuss over such trivial matters.
Her time and energy should go to meaningful things, with others handling the minor details.
As the trio left the restaurant, Detective Luo had a plan. He told Wen Ying and Xie Qian he’d start with the guy in the cap still in detention.
“Give me three days. I’ll turn his life upside down. No criminal record? Doesn’t matter. He did this for a reason.”
Xie Qian didn’t object. “I fully respect your professional judgment.”
This pleased Detective Luo greatly.
Coming to Shanghai to work for minors was embarrassing.
But on reflection, his criteria for judging clients were too narrow.
A good client wasn’t about age. Some clients, old but ill-mannered, questioned his skills, threw tantrums when investigations stalled, and expected premium service for minimal pay, frustrating him.
Parting with Wen Ying and Xie Qian, Detective Luo cheerfully returned to his hotel, booked by Xie Qian. The front desk stopped him.
“Mr. Luo, you have a visitor.”
Short on cash, Detective Luo stayed in a hotel Xie Qian arranged.
Hearing about a visitor, he first thought of his old comrade who’d come to Shanghai earlier. But waiting in the lounge was a refined lady.
Seeing Detective Luo, she stood. “Detective Luo, I presume? I’ve heard much about you. You may or may not know me, but that’s unimportant. Allow me to introduce myself formally. I’m Zou Weijun, Xie Qian’s mother.”
Detective Luo panicked.
Was the parent here to demand a refund?
“I haven’t taken your son’s money yet…”
Since Xie Qian booked his flight, hotel, and dinner, Detective Luo hadn’t mentioned payment.
From past work with Xie Qian, he knew Xie Qian would pay well once the job was done.
But the investigation hadn’t started, and Xie Qian’s mother was already here, leaving Detective Luo mortified.
He hadn’t taken money, so how could he refund it?
If push came to shove, he’d have to shamelessly borrow from his old comrade to cover Xie Qian’s prepaid flight and hotel costs.
Detective Luo’s mind raced, but Zou Weijun smiled and clarified, “You misunderstand, Detective Luo. I never interfere with how Xie Qian spends his money. On the contrary, for him to bring you from Chengdu shows great trust in your abilities. I have a commission for you too. Before you accept, I’d like you to hear the details. This will be time-consuming and demanding, possibly requiring overseas evidence collection.”
Zou Weijun’s warmth was genuine, but her gentle words carried weight, leaving Detective Luo’s mind reeling.
“You mean—”
“My story is a bit long. If you’re not busy, Detective Luo, why not sit down, have some water, and let me explain slowly?”
Zou Weijun gestured invitingly, and Detective Luo couldn’t refuse.
Heaven help him, he wasn’t to blame for wanting to earn from both son and mother. This Ms. Zou was just too refined.
