Yu Qi was in the middle of preparing Chinese herbs into a tonic, her movements steady and precise. Grandpa Tang sat silently nearby, supervising everything that Yu Qi was doing without interrupting her. He had given this test to Yu Qi to see whether she still remembered what she had learned before and whether she could apply it correctly.
Thirty minutes later, Yu Qi carefully presented the tonic to Grandpa Tang. Grandpa Tang inspected the tonic seriously and thoroughly, first its aroma, then its colour, and lastly its taste. From every aspect of preparing the tonic, Yu Qi had already passed his test without any flaws.
"You passed. Remember what I taught you before. There will be many tests like this in the future." Grandpa Tang said.
"Yes, Master. I will remember that." Yu Qi replied obediently.
"Then the class ends." Grandpa Tang said in a serious tone. He paused for a brief moment before continuing in a much softer, doting grandfatherly tone, "I am proud that you are my disciple."
Yu Qi sighed inwardly. Her grandfather could change his temperament as quickly as an experienced actor switching roles.
"Let's go and have evening tea." Grandpa Tang said as he casually dragged Yu Qi along with him.
Yu Qi simply followed her grandfather quietly without protest. The maid had already prepared Pu'er tea. This tea had medicinal properties and carried a rich, earthy flavour. As expected of a master of Chinese herbs, Grandpa Tang truly enjoyed drinking this kind of tea.
"Doctor Tang, there are police officers who wish to meet Miss Yu Qi outside the shop." Uncle Song Nan came in and delivered the news respectfully.
"Come to see me?" Yu Qi felt confused by the sudden development.
"Did they say why they came and wanted to see my granddaughter?" Grandpa Tang asked with a slight frown.
"No." Uncle Song Nan answered honestly.
"Grandfather, I will go and meet them." Yu Qi said as she stood up from her seat.
"I will go with you." Grandpa Tang immediately responded.
Yu Qi already knew that her grandfather would definitely insist on following her. The three of them then went out together to meet the police officers.
"Hello, Sir. I am Yu Qi. May I know why you wish to see me?" Yu Qi politely greeted the police officers.
The police officers observed the girl greeting them so politely and could clearly feel her respect toward them. Normally, when a police officer wanted to meet someone, that person would become suspicious and guarded. However, Yu Qi was completely different from those people.
"Miss Yu Qi, we received a report from Madam Jiang regarding theft on her farm and the stealing of her crops. Two days ago, she was away from this town. When she returned this morning, she discovered that some of her crops were missing, while others had been destroyed. We hope that you can assist us in investigating this case." One of the police officers explained briefly.
"Oh... then tell me, why did you come to find me?" Yu Qi's question caused the police officers to hesitate slightly before answering.
"Er... actually, during our investigation, we found out that Miss Yu Qi sold some vegetables to a shop in the market yesterday. This information eventually led us here." The police officer admitted truthfully.
"Oh... then I am a suspect." Yu Qi stated calmly, without the slightest hint of panic.
"Suspect? How can my..." Grandpa Tang wanted to retort angrily, but he was stopped by Yu Qi before he could continue.
"Okay, let's go then." Yu Qi said, smiling faintly at the police officers, who were momentarily dumbfounded by her calm reaction.
The police officers who had come to bring Yu Qi in were genuinely surprised. This girl remained completely calm even after being told that she was a suspect. There was no panic, no hesitation, and no resistance when she willingly offered herself and agreed to go to the police station.
Yu Qi and Grandpa Tang soon arrived at the police station. Madam Jiang was already there waiting. The moment she saw Yu Qi, she immediately stood up and accused her loudly of being a thief.
"How dare you steal and sell my crops? And you even destroyed most of my plants!" Madam Jiang shouted angrily at Yu Qi.
Yu Qi narrowed her eyes slightly. The police officers who had encountered her before could not help but shiver when they saw that subtle expression. They clearly remembered that this seemingly harmless girl could be as terrifying as a devil.
Yu Qi also remembered that this woman was Madam Wang's close friend. She could not help but wonder if this entire situation was a scheme orchestrated by the Wang Family. The timing was simply too perfect. Someone had gone to the farm, stolen crops, and destroyed the rest. Meanwhile, she had sold vegetables to Aunt Chang's shop just yesterday. It all appeared like a coincidence… but was it really?
A cold smile slowly formed on Yu Qi's lips as she looked at Madam Jiang.
"You bitch, why are you looking at me like that? Hmph! Bastard child. No wonder your parents abandoned you before." Madam Jiang said viciously.
The moment Madam Jiang finished her sentence, the entire atmosphere turned cold and heavy. This chilling aura was emitted directly from Yu Qi. The words "bastard child" had clearly triggered something deep within her.
"Woman, mind your language. She is my granddaughter. I can sue you for that." Grandpa Tang stepped forward immediately, shielding Yu Qi from Madam Jiang.
"Madam Jiang, you cannot speak like that to Miss Yu Qi. This case has not yet been fully investigated. Without evidence, you cannot accuse her like this." One of the police officers spoke firmly.
Madam Jiang suddenly fell silent.
It was not because of Grandpa Tang's warning or the police officer's words. It was because of the way Yu Qi was looking at her.
The fear that surged within Madam Jiang at that moment was overwhelming. It terrified her to the very core. If that old man had not stepped in to block Yu Qi from her sight, she would have had the unsettling feeling that she might have already died where she stood.
***This novel is a contracted work with w e b n o v e l. c o m. If you do not read this novel on w e b n o v e l. c o m, that means it has been stolen. Thank you, from your shameless author, ZerahNeko**
This chapter is edited by Tzin99... Thank you for your help...