Chapter 212: Shed Their Old Anger
Bai Yu was mulling over the extensive plan in his mind. His wife didn't have a clue about the matter but he needed to present it in a manner that was believable to her.
He pulled his best acting mask on and spoke to her as they drove towards their home.
"Yesterday, all of us were high on our emotions. After talking to the police, I think… I think we need to sit down and have some family time to restore our faith in one another," he said quietly, in his usual voice. Though his words were firm, he also showed a sense of helplessness in the matter.
Chen Yue looked over at him with a note of suspicion. The fact that he would offer an olive branch was highly unlikely in itself. Chen Yue didn't know what to say.
"Do you want me to call him over for a late lunch and dinner?" she responded.
"Let's cook all of his favorite foods. He thinks that I don't care for him, but I do. We should set such family matters straight," he said trepidly. He was looking at her expression ever so often to look for signs of suspicion. Suspicion of what he was actually up to.
After a thought, Chen Yue was happy. "Okay, I will call him over. The cook already prepared foods he likes, so just asking him to come back won't be too much." She bit her lip expectantly as she looked at him.
If he was ready to mend his relationship with Bai Ye Qing, he would be willing to give them a chance, too. She really didn't know how to survive without him. Last night, sleeping apart from Bai Yu had been… miserable. For all these years, they had slept in the same bed no matter where they were, but suddenly he was gone.
Even his quirks seemed to come to her mind and she didn't feel bothered by them any longer.
The call was made and Bai Yu reached home. He freshened up and watched bemused as his wife poured her heart and soul into setting the table and making sure the cushions were all in place.
The city police deputies were staged nearby, ready to swoop in at any sign of danger. A police helicopter was set to orbit nearby.
At two in the afternoon, Bai Ye Qing arrived at the house. He went into the house and looked around. His mother was waiting eagerly in the sitting area, while his father was reading the daily newspaper, looking like he didn't have a care in the world.
The atmosphere was strained as he made his way inside.
Still, the situation remained civil as Chen Yue spoke to her son, asking him what he had for dinner the night before. He looked skinny after a night of staying away from home.
Bai Ye Qing responded calmly, but couldn't help but look at Bai Yu once or twice. As they were having lunch, he brought up the issue about how he was having financial problems.
Bai Yu didn't comment enthusiastically, but he gave ideas on how to invest the remaining money Bai Ye Qing had. It was part of the play. Chen Yue was trying to get both men to talk but they were avoiding the main topic.
Bai Ye Qing didn't mention being thrown out of the company or seem in any way distraught about the events of the prior month. Bai Yu noted this.
It seemed like the elephant in the room one completely avoided. They skirted around it because it was taking up too much room.
After another long chat, the sun was finally setting. Bai Yu spoke up finally. "Ye Qing, come into my office. We need to talk," he said.
Chen Yue perked up. "Yes, the two of you need to talk and shed your old anger!" she prompted enthusiastically.
Bai Ye Qing didn't think much of the matter. He stood up and followed his father to the office.
"What do you want to talk about?" he asked, once they were inside. The door to the office was kept slightly cracked so that Bai Yu could call for help at any time.
"I… heard some rumors circulating," he started. "People are saying that you will be arrested for a list of crimes." He sighed.
"What kind of crimes?" Bai Ye Qing asked.
"All money and violence-related. I was upset just hearing them… I don't remember them all." He looked up to stare at his son.
"Those are bogus claims. Don't believe everything in the rumors, father. I know you think poorly of me, but trust your son a little," Bai Ye Qing gritted through his teeth.
"I am not thinking poorly of you. If the police have evidence about this… you should take a plea bargain. It would reduce any potential prison sentence. That is the best thing that can happen," he advised. "I don't want to see you rotting away in prison, son."
He meant that last sentence. But it was a foregone conclusion.
"Don't be ridiculous, dad," Bai Ye Qing said. "I haven't done anything and there is no plea bargain," he said stubbornly.
"The drug charges. What about them? Every time there is a medical check-up, you refuse to go. You keep stalling and you never took drug screenings at the office. Ye Qing, where are you getting the drugs from?" Bai Yu asked.
"Nowhere," was the prompt response.
"Did you brother find out about these things? I know you had a huge fight with him. Even the HR team knows about it, son. Just tell me truthfully what happened and I can help you."
Bai Ye Qing glared. "My attorney has told me not to talk about it… the specifics," he said.
Bai Yu flinched. What attorney was he talking about? Was it that Jiang boy? Did he know about all the crimes, too?
Bai Ye Qing's responses and his behavior when Bai Yu approached him was similar to that of hostile suspects being interrogated or interviewed. He couldn't talk about it. Talk to the attorney.
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