Chapter 228: Chapter 228

Even the dense night could not conceal the luminous sheen of the jade, gleaming brilliantly in the darkness.

Zhou Qin saw the jade token, and her pupils suddenly contracted as she clutched her head and let out a piercing scream.

An image flashed through her mind.

Outside the door, the howling wind battered against the window frame incessantly.

The eerie calls of crows rose and fell, while the ghostly green candlelight flickered on the verge of extinguishing.

A woman lay silently in the coffin, her breathtakingly beautiful face pale as snow, reflecting a ghastly greenish hue in the wavering candle flames.

Her hands, clasped tightly over her abdomen, held a white jade token. As Zhou Qin reached out to take the jade token, she suddenly found she could not move it.

Why was it that even in death, her grip on the jade token remained so firm?

At that moment, every hair on Zhou Qin’s body stood on end.

Just as she gritted her teeth and prepared to pry open the woman’s hands, the woman’s eyes suddenly flew open...

Zhou Qin suddenly clutched her head, screaming in terror.

"Zhang Yun... I didn’t kill you... Don’t come looking for me...!"

Shen You’an caressed the jade token, his eyes dark and sorrowful.

"I will uncover the truth of what happened back then. Every person who hurt you will accompany you in the grave."

"Mr. Dai, please go ahead."

Dai Zhong took a deep breath and pushed open the door in front of him.

Inside the room, a woman was watering an orchid with a spray bottle.

Dai Zhong walked over respectfully and spoke cautiously, "Madam, I’m unsure why you’ve summoned me. Is there something important?"

"The Qingge Group has diligently contributed to Qingzhou’s economic development over the years. I’ve taken note of that."

Dai Zhong suppressed his inner excitement. "This is all thanks to President Han’s excellent leadership."

"Han Qi is indeed talented, but unfortunately, greed consumes him. In the end, he fell because of his avarice."

"Madam, President Han has his reasons."

"If Madam is willing to help President Han out of his predicament, the Qingge Group will forever be at your disposal." At this point, there was no better option, and Dai Zhong clearly understood that Mrs. Liu had summoned him intending to take advantage of their plight.

Helian Yu smiled faintly, set down the spray bottle, and picked up a handkerchief to wipe her hands.

"I heard that at last night’s auction, a jade token fetched an astronomical price of ten billion?"

Dai Zhong dared not conceal anything and immediately spilled all the details.

"Someone snatched the jade token and fled. The group has already dispatched additional personnel to track them down, and we expect results soon."

"From whom did you acquire the jade token?"

Helian Yu asked nonchalantly.

Dai Zhong froze for a moment. That blue-eyed youth had asked the very same question—why were they all so interested in the origins of this jade token?

Though his mind raced with thoughts, his mouth could only respond honestly: "Three months ago, at one of Qingge Group’s pawnshops, a middle-aged woman brought in a jade token to pawn. The staff on duty was an intern without much experience, who mistook the jade token for ordinary Hetian jade and paid the woman ten thousand yuan to dismiss her. Later, during inventory checks, a seasoned appraiser recognized its extraordinary origins. After extensive research and consultation with numerous jade experts, it was finally confirmed to be the legendary Qing Country’s Winged Jade Token."

Dai Zhong wiped the sweat from his forehead. At the time, that appraiser had entertained the idea of secretly keeping the token. Fortunately, the intern had been vigilant and reported the matter to Dai Zhong, allowing the auction house to secure a significant win.

Afterward, Dai Zhong had sent someone to investigate the woman’s identity. Unfortunately, she had been evasive, and the security footage failed to capture a clear shot of her face.

As work became busier, he had gradually pushed thoughts of the woman aside.

Now that Mrs. Liu was pursuing the matter, Dai Zhong realized he couldn’t provide an answer.

"Find out the identity of this woman as soon as possible," Helian Yu instructed coolly.

"Yes, Madam. You can rely on me."

After a moment’s hesitation, Dai Zhong tentatively asked, "The person who stole the jade token..."

"I will assign a team to assist your investigation."

Dai Zhong exhaled in relief. "Thank you, Madam."

Once everyone had left, Helian Yu stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the small garden outside in contemplation.

At that moment, Liu Runxi descended the stairs, backpack slung over one shoulder, heading straight for the door without turning back.

"Where are you going?" Helian Yu didn’t turn around.

Liu Runxi paused briefly and replied placidly, "The library."

Helian Yu had been ready to chastise him about frequenting such chaotic places given his status, but she reconsidered and swallowed her words.

"Your father will be home for dinner tonight. Make sure to return early."

"Xixi." Helian Yu suddenly turned around and called out to him.

"Prepare yourself. Next weekend, accompany me to Jingzhou."