Mo Qingyun was taken to the hospital, her closest encounter with a psychologist yet.
Ou Yunchen stayed by Mo Qingyun's side, determined to find a way to cure her inability to speak.
However, Mo Qingyun was extremely resistant. She refused to cooperate with the psychologist, let alone find a way to resolve her inner turmoil.
Ou Yunchen: "Alright, alright, let's go. We won't come to the hospital anymore."
Despite his words, Ou Yunchen arranged for Mo Qingyun to be admitted, hoping she could recuperate there for a while.
Ou Yunchen: "The hospital fees have already been paid, and they're non-refundable."
Mo Qingyun, angered, grabbed a pillow and hit him. In dodging, Ou Yunchen bumped the TV remote, and the television was showing a news report.
—News Broadcast—
Host: "There has been a new development in the case of the nanny accused of intentional homicide. After police investigation, it is believed that the person who killed Mrs. Xie may be someone else. The suspect has currently been detained by the police."
—End of News Broadcast—
Mo Qingyun and Ou Yunchen both stared at the screen. Although the suspect was blurred out, they could both recognize the person as Xie Youlin!
Mo Qingyun quickly looked at Ou Yunchen, disbelieving. Could this be another one of Ou Yunchen's schemes?
Ou Yunchen: "The police discovered records of Xie Youlin purchasing illegal drugs."
Mo Qingyun's sign language: "What does that have to do with Mrs. Xie?"
Ou Yunchen: "Shen Yuxuan accidentally administered an overdose of that medication."
Mo Qingyun's sign language: "You knew this long ago?"
Ou Yunchen: "I had Shen Yuxuan and some of the Xie family's servants provide some clues. I swear I wasn't sure beforehand."
Mo Qingyun's sign language: "You promised you would let Xie Youlin go!!!"
Ou Yunchen: "If he's innocent, the law will let him go!"
Mo Qingyun's sign language: "You won't understand. We children who grew up in orphanages want a home so much!!!"
Ou Yunchen swallowed his own desire for a home. He couldn't bear to tell Mo Qingyun that if Xie Youlin was proven to have killed Mrs. Xie, he wouldn't only lose the chance to inherit the Xie family fortune, but he might spend the rest of his life in prison.
Mo Qingyun pushed Ou Yunchen away and walked out.
Ou Yunchen: "Where are you going?"
Mo Qingyun's sign language: "It's none of your business!"
Mo Qingyun ran out, tears streaming down her face. Ou Yunchen only chased a few steps before giving up.
Ou Yunchen: "So, he holds such an important place in your heart? Even knowing he killed his adoptive mother to stay with the Xie family, you still want to see him..."
***
Xie Youlin's matter was far from over. As long as AtL remained closed, the noose around Ou Yunchen's neck wouldn't be loosened.
Ou Yunchen proactively sought out Zhou Shenghua, arranging to meet at the Wang family's residence.
Zhou Shenghua: "Mr. Ou, you are currently under investigation. We shouldn't be meeting privately."
Ou Yunchen: "But you still agreed, which means you're also curious why we're meeting at the Wang family's."
Zhou Shenghua: "Then let's get straight to the point. I can't help you. AtL's closure is not due to our investigation being delayed; a thorough investigation is our duty. I hope you understand."
Ou Yunchen: "That's right. I'm here to deliver the investigation results to you."
Zhou Shenghua: "What do you mean?"
Ou Yunchen: "Let's just say AtL's annual report had inflated assets. This is a common mistake for many companies. For example, a not-so-diligent accountant might misclassify an account..."
Zhou Shenghua: "It's not that simple. Would this alone cause us to investigate for months?"
Ou Yunchen: "Yes, just this."
As Ou Yunchen spoke, he placed a USB drive on the table. Zhou Shenghua reached for it immediately but was blocked by Ou Yunchen's hand.
Ou Yunchen: "This is the evidence Xie Youlin used to threaten you, and it's also my sincerity. On behalf of AtL, I apologize to all the staff involved in this investigation. It's taken so long for us to admit our mistake."
Zhou Shenghua's voice suddenly lowered: "How did you get this?"
Ou Yunchen: "I had to protect myself."
Zhou Shenghua: "You looked at it?"
Ou Yunchen: "I'm not like Xie Youlin. This item is useless to me. I just want to build a good relationship with you."
Zhou Shenghua: "Ahem, I understand what you're saying. I will consider it carefully."
Ou Yunchen then removed his hand, and Zhou Shenghua immediately took the USB drive.
Ou Yunchen: "When AtL reopens, I will repay you."
Ou Yunchen stood up, adjusted his suit, nodded gratefully to Zhou Shenghua, and bid him farewell.
As he walked out of the study, he happened to see Mrs. Wang, carrying tea, standing by the doorway.
Ou Yunchen: "Mrs. Wang, long time no see."
Mrs. Wang: "Long time no see... Wait, when did we ever meet..."
But Ou Yunchen merely greeted her and showed no intention of continuing the conversation, already walking far away.
Mrs. Wang entered the room, and Zhou Shenghua had already put away the USB drive. The fewer people who saw the contents, the better!
Mrs. Wang: "Finished talking?"
Zhou Shenghua: "Finished."
Mrs. Wang: "He came to beg you?"
Zhou Shenghua: "I have something else to do, I'm leaving now."
Mrs. Wang: "Ah?"
Zhou Shenghua took a couple of steps before turning back, continuing, "Sister, find a time to close the company and pay up the taxes."
Mrs. Wang: "Ah?"
Mrs. Wang wanted to press further, but Zhou Shenghua also seemed in a hurry and left quickly.
***
Soon, AtL issued a report stating that the investigation by the Securities Regulatory Commission had been concluded. As expected, there was only one charge: financial fraud.
It sounded serious, but the penalty was quite light.
Lawyer Ma: "It was so difficult, and yet they only fined us a few hundred thousand."
Accountant Chen mumbled: "How could I have committed financial fraud? My accounts are all clear, and I can explain them one by one if asked!"
Lawyer Ma: "Be content. The best outcome is that we've reopened and all accounts are restored!!!"
AtL returned to its usual busy state, except for the person who truly worked tirelessly for AtL.
Because he couldn't stop yet. Taking down Xie Youlin was just an unexpected bonus in his revenge plan. The true peak he had to climb still required more effort!
Crystal: "Mr. Ma, Mr. Chen, tonight's team-building event starts at 5 PM."
Lawyer Ma: "Got it. Arrange the cars."
Team-building? In reality, Ou Yunchen organized it to celebrate AtL overcoming its difficulties and to thank all the employees who hadn't resigned.
Lawyer Ma: "Just finding a place for a meal would be fine. Why go to a bar? And calling it Athena... the name itself suggests it's not a place for respectable people. I don't want to go!"
Accountant Chen removed his arm guards and adjusted his glasses.
Accountant Chen: "However, this time the expenses are all out of Mr. Ou's pocket, and there's a lucky draw. I've always wanted to buy an air purifier, I hope I can win it tonight."
Lawyer Ma's eyes lit up: "There are prizes?"
Accountant Chen: "Yes. Mr. Ou asked many employees what they wanted as prizes."
Lawyer Ma: "Why didn't he ask me?"
Accountant Chen: "Hmm, I think it's probably because he assumes you don't need anything."