The recent disappearances of women had drawn city-wide attention. Bloggers online exposed the inner workings of telecom fraud operations, making the public aware of this dark industry.
Even without deep investigation, Lu Shiyan knew that women who fell into that world met terrible fates.
He contacted some bosses from the business association.
The Lu family's reputation preceded them. Their projects typically involved tens or hundreds of millions. Usually, someone of Lu Shiyan's status was unapproachable. Surprised by his initiative, these men were obsequiously respectful.
A few female escorts accompanied them in the room. Lu Shiyan sat in the middle of the booth, a cigarette between his fingers, looking somewhat颓废. I'd never seen him like this before. Initially, I was anxious for him to find my remains, to let me rest in peace sooner, hoping I might then vanish from this world.
But now, I wasn't in a hurry. With my god's-eye view, as long as he remained unaware of my death, he would be consumed by the search for me. He couldn't eat or sleep properly, tossing and turning day and night. Wasn't this a form of retribution?
I sat in an empty seat, quietly watching this farce.
The leader of the group had shifty eyes, his fingers constantly wandering under the skirt of the young woman beside him.
"Mr. Lu, we heard you have a major collaboration for us? How could we possibly be worthy of partnering with the Lu Corporation?"
"Brother Gao, don't say that. They say three cobblers with their wits combined surpass Zhuge Liang. Surely, Mr. Lu has encountered some棘手 matter. Mr. Lu, feel free to speak directly. If it's within our power, I won't hesitate."
Lu Shiyan finally sat up, stubbing out his cigarette in the ashtray. His voice was hoarse. "I need you to find someone for me. She went missing at the beginning of the month. I suspect she was taken by traffickers."
These men were shrewd. They clearly didn't want to get involved in this mess. Everyone knew the leaders of overseas telecom fraud rings originally came from within the country. The forces involved were complex and intertwined. Getting involved with the Lu family now...
"Mr. Lu, this is no small matter. You should report it to the police!"
Lu Shiyan picked up a glass of whiskey, swirling the ice inside. "If the police were effective, would so many people still be missing? Even if they've become more cautious lately and the traffickers don't dare act, what about those already taken? Don't talk about whether the police can find them; even if they could, it would be far too late."
I understood the real reason he didn't want to involve the police: he had missed the best window. He and the Su family had told Officer Huang to his face not to meddle. Proud as he was, how could he possibly swallow his pride and go back now?
Lu Shiyan downed the drink in one gulp and slammed the glass on the table.
"I know you gentlemen are acquainted with the bosses of those overseas telecom fraud groups. Consider this Lu asking for a personal favor. If you can bring her back, you'll be doing the Lu family a great service. Name your price."
This was a big promise. To owe the Lu family a favor... their companies would surely soar. Boss Gao asked cautiously, "Mr. Lu, may I ask... who is this woman to you?"
"She is my..." Lu Shiyan's words shifted mid-sentence. "She is my cousin."
I leaned back on the sofa, laughing silently. Since my death, he constantly lowered my opinion of him.
If I had really been taken to a fraud compound, my "purity" would likely be compromised. How could the Lu family allow such a "soiled" woman to remain Mrs. Lu?
Even if I were found alive and rescued, Lu Shiyan would divorce me.
So, no matter which path, our ending was predetermined.
I slapped myself hard across the face, but I couldn't feel the pain anymore.
I was filled with regret. Why had I entangled myself with a man like this to this extent!
From beginning to end, the person he loved wasn't me, nor was it Su Ning'an. He only loved himself.
"This isn't a pleasant matter. I hope you can keep it confidential. After all, she's a young woman. She still has to face society."
"Understood. Since you've put it that way, Mr. Lu, we won't refuse. We are indeed acquainted with those overseas bosses. We've guaranteed the release of family members for others before. However..." He paused. "I have to be upfront. If you're certain the young lady has been taken, and it's been this long... forgive my bluntness, even if we find her, we can't bring her back exactly as she was. We're all businessmen, Mr. Lu. You understand the rules. If I make this connection for you, and the Lu family seeks revenge... our brothers here would be in a difficult position."
"Don't worry. I won't make things difficult for you."
Lu Shiyan glanced at Assistant Lin. Lin and the bodyguards brought over several cases, placing them on the table. They were filled with cash. "This is my sincerity."
"Excellent. Mr. Lu, please provide the young lady's detailed information. We'll make inquiries immediately."
Assistant Lin handed over my photo. The men took one look and were stunned. "This... this is Mrs. Lu..." They didn't finish the words. Old Gao glared at them. They quickly corrected themselves. "So, it's Miss Su."
"Rest assured, Mr. Lu. We'll get back to you as soon as possible."
Lu Shiyan waved his hand. Assistant Lin made a gesture of invitation. "You can contact me directly with any news. Gentlemen, take care. We won't see you out."
"Yes, yes. We won't disturb you further, Mr. Lu."
Everyone in the room quickly dispersed, leaving Lu Shiyan utterly alone.
I reached out, trying to pick up a glass of wine, but my fingers passed right through it. I sighed softly.
Watching Lu Shiyan was irritating. I decided to return to Grandma's human-skin book.
Grandma was growing older and more ill. I just wanted to spend more time with her, even if only as a spirit.
Night had just fallen. The room was lit by warm lamplight.
Grandma knelt on a cushion, kowtowing to the Bodhisattva statue over and over, murmuring prayers for her granddaughter's safe return.
I looked up at the lofty Bodhisattva statue. If gods truly existed in this world, why did they allow evil to run rampant?
Why did the good die young, while the wicked lived for a thousand years?
Grandma, at her age, worried about me day and night. I felt terribly guilty.
But what could I change?
I was powerless, capable only of observing.
"Mom!"
My mother's voice came from outside the door. I was surprised she would come at this hour.
She didn't particularly like Grandma. It was more that she feared and respected Grandma's iron-fisted reputation from her younger days.
She wouldn't seek Grandma out without a reason.
Grandma was helped up by a maid and settled into her wheelchair. I observed my mother. Even Lu Shiyan looked haggard, but despite my long disappearance, my mother still appeared radiant. It seemed the loss of her daughter hadn't affected her in the slightest.
Grandma held her prayer beads. The human-skin book rested on a small blanket on her lap, evidence she recited from it day and night. She looked at my mother with clear displeasure. "What are you doing here?"