In Liyue Harbor, the news of De'an's family had spread throughout the streets and alleys.
Although Liyue Harbor was not small, news spread extremely quickly.
Even though De'an was now somewhat down and out, he was once a business magnate, so everyone was happy to gossip about his family affairs.
Especially the farce of a rich man's daughter finding someone to take her place in death to elope with a poor scholar—this was the most talked-about topic throughout history.
However, what these people could discuss was ultimately only the publicly released information.
Certain specific details could not be known until officially announced.
Of course, as auxiliary investigators, Aether and his companions could obtain information earlier than ordinary people.
"Ah?! That person who died in her place was Hua Chu's older sister?!" Aether's eyes widened; he had no idea the truth was like this.
They were currently dining at Wanmin Restaurant, chatting about the investigation into Hua Chu's case during this period.
"Yes, that person was De'an's illegitimate daughter, indeed Hua Chu's half-sister," Lumine nodded, sighing with emotion.
"That illegitimate daughter seemed to have had a difficult life and had long entertained thoughts of suicide.
Hua Chu somehow found her and convinced her…" Paimon spread his hands; this was the first time he had seen such a farce, and for a moment, he didn't know how to comment.
"Is there no more information?" Aether looked curiously at Lumine, who was sitting across from him.
"No, that's all," Lumine shook her head helplessly.
After all, although she assisted in the investigation of this matter, once the investigation was over and the criminals were apprehended, the subsequent matters had little to do with her; that was the General Affairs Department's business.
But no matter what, for De'an, once this matter was made public, it would be a huge scandal.
Although De'an was no longer in his prime, he was still considered a prominent family, with a trading house in his hands.
After this incident, he might even lose that only trading house.
"If that person had long harbored a death wish and willingly took her place, it is indeed possible that she wouldn't linger at the border…" Hu Tao said slowly, propping her head up.
"I just don't know how they'll rule on it over there."
After all, if one were to pursue it strictly, Hua Chu didn't actually kill anyone; she merely had someone who already wanted to commit suicide put on her clothes…
Such a case had no precedent in Liyue Harbor, and those who judged cases would probably have a headache for a while.
They might even have to ask Yanfei for help.
"Dishes are here~" Xiangling's energetic voice interrupted their conversation, and soon several large plates of dishes were brought over by Xiangling and placed on their table.
"Wow, Xiangling, are you trying to stuff us to death by making so many dishes?" Hu Tao couldn't help but complain.
"Hehe, if you can't finish it, just pack it up and take it with you.
You've been running around for so long; have a good meal to reward yourselves," Xiangling said with a smile.
"Don't worry, with Paimon here, we probably won't resort to packing leftovers," Lumine shook her head.
"Hey!" Paimon stomped his foot in dissatisfaction.
Although it was true, she didn't need to be so direct.
"You all eat first; I still have to be busy." Xiangling smiled, then glanced at Aether and said to them.
Wanmin Restaurant was very busy; her father alone couldn't handle it during this period.
"Mm-hmm, you go be busy.
Thank you, Xiangling." Aether also smiled at Xiangling, which made Xiangling's face blush.
"No, you're welcome…" Xiangling said softly, then lowered her head and turned to leave.
After watching Xiangling return to the kitchen, Aether turned his head back.
Then he saw a strange smile on Lumine's face, her eyes staring unblinkingly at him.
"The, the dishes are all here, why aren't you eating?
Why are you looking at me…?" Aether asked somewhat guiltily.
"Hehe, Aether, after you came back, has Ms.
Yelan contacted you?" Lumine asked curiously.
Something definitely happened that day.
According to Lumine's understanding of Aether, if Yelan had any more in-depth interactions with Aether, she wouldn't be able to stand life without him.
"…Yes." Aether nodded helplessly.
The truth was just as Lumine had thought: last night, Yelan specifically sent someone to deliver a message to Aether.
"She invited me to meet tonight, saying it was to thank me for my help in this matter."
"I somehow feel like that's an excuse," Hu Tao couldn't help but complain.
If it was to thank someone, why only thank Aether?
Did the rest of them not contribute?
"Alright, alright, you can go tonight with peace of mind!" Lumine nodded in satisfaction.
An excuse, of course, it was an excuse.
Lumine was only afraid that Yelan wouldn't find an excuse.
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Night, Yanshang Teahouse.
As a covert casino, this place was naturally brightly lit at night.
Two burly men stood guard at the entrance.
Aether and Hu Tao had seen these two before when they passed by, but at the time, seeing their fierce appearance, Aether had only glanced at them from afar.
"You must be Miss Aether; our master has been waiting for you for a long time."
Aether had just arrived at the entrance of Yanshang Teahouse and stood for a moment when one of the burly men quickly walked over and spoke respectfully to him.
"Your master… Yelan?" Aether asked in surprise.
He was still wondering why Yelan would choose to meet him in such a place, which made him, someone who had never been to a casino, quite nervous.
"Precisely.
Please follow me."
"Mm." Aether nodded.
As the burly man pushed open the door, Aether also walked into this mysterious Yanshang Teahouse.
The air was filled with the pungent smell of tobacco and sweat, mixed with the fermented scent of alcohol, causing Aether to frown involuntarily.
It was called a teahouse, but in reality, it was a casino, and Aether knew very well that the environment of a casino couldn't be good.
But the feeling of cheap tobacco filling the entire room was still a bit too unpleasant.
"Apologies, please go up to the private room on the second floor; the environment there will be much better, and my master is waiting for you there." The burly man led Aether to the staircase, seeming to have no intention of going up himself.
"Alright." Aether couldn't stand it anymore and immediately went up to the second floor.
The burly man watched Aether's back disappear up the stairs, and he himself did not leave, but stood guard at the staircase.
Yelan had ordered him to guard here; if they didn't come down, then no one could go up to the second floor.
He naturally had to faithfully carry out Yelan's orders and would guard here tonight; no one was to go up.
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