Chapter 459: Chapter 458: Infinite-Flow Cannon Fodder: Lies Come With a Price 13

"Is it time to call the police to find out who stole the cash and jewelry?" Ah Chen asked.

Ah Chen wasn’t interested in reasoning with this couple; they already had set beliefs that wouldn’t change easily. Even if one day they realized their mistakes, they wouldn’t admit it. Even if Tan Sui lost her life today, they might feel sad or regretful, but the chance of admitting their mistakes is still slim. They might even speak ill of Tan Sui, saying she had a peculiar temper. Just like how Tan Sui avoided an accident thanks to being caught by her, they didn’t express fear or remorse, nor did they apologize. They first blamed Tan Sui.

Now, Tan Sui is already extremely sensitive, chances are she might seek harm upon herself again.

From brief interactions, Ah Chen didn’t feel that Tan Sui was purely rebellious, thoughtless, or a bad kid.

Her exaggerated attire and cold words aren’t attempts to look cool but a protective shell for her fragile self. This shell serves to protect her and to attract attention.

He Qiaomin said, "It wasn’t much money; it’s not good to blow things up by reporting to the police. Let’s investigate it privately; it’s unpleasant if this gets out. Sister Li, you’re our guests, and it’s really troubling to have you disturbed by such things. Rest assured, we’ll handle it ourselves."

"Indeed, you’re guests, yet you witnessed this; it’s really embarrassing." Tan Ruifeng chimed in, full of apology.

Their gaze at Tan Sui was full of warning, as if saying, don’t make more trouble; today’s disgrace is already enough for the Tan Family.

Tan Sui noticed, silently lowering her head, the little hope she just had instantly shattered.

She’s on the brink of death, yet it seems they don’t care about her. Truly, she’s just the excess member of this family.

"Really?" Ah Chen didn’t intend to let it go easily, having helped Tan Sui without any issues arising, indicating it wasn’t enough to just watch this couple’s normal reaction in this context.

Things revolved around Tan Sui, causing a stir when she was confronted but faded once they discovered it wasn’t her, saying they’d address it eventually—truly laughable.

"The one behind this should be a family thief. If you’re open to it, I can help you find them. Today, they stole cash and jewelry; tomorrow, they might poison others. It’s best to catch the thief soon."

"From your questioning, I can tell someone’s lying. Whether this person took it still needs evidence, but they definitely lied just now." Ah Chen didn’t give the couple a chance to respond, her gaze fixed on Tan Rui hiding behind He Qiaomin.

Everyone followed her gaze; Tan Rui was frightened into tears as many stared at them.

He Qiaomin hastily shielded Tan Rui, patting their back soothingly, then looked at Ah Chen with disapproval.

"Sister Li, let’s end this here," He Qiaomin’s voice wasn’t as gentle as before, "This is our family matter; we’ll handle it ourselves, no need to trouble you. You’re guests and leaving this afternoon, so have a good rest."

"Yes, it’s not a big deal." Tan Ruifeng followed up, then told the housekeeper, "Send Tan Rui and Tan Yao to school; their studies shouldn’t be delayed due to this."

The housekeeper had no choice but to comply and arrange transportation.

As Tan Rui reached the door, they suddenly turned to where Ah Chen was and made a ghostly face, a closer look revealing a rather eerie expression.

Ah Chen looked up, smiling at them, seemingly unperturbed.

Failing to frighten her, Tan Rui was visibly upset.

"Do you want to rest at home or go to school?" Tan Ruifeng asked Tan Sui, his demeanor suggesting nothing happened earlier, "It’s up to you; if you want to go to school, ask the housekeeper to arrange a car."

He and Qiaomin were preoccupied, unable to linger with her. This girl keeps getting more rebellious and unruly; seeking harm when not taking anything, she’s truly hard to manage. With such an extreme personality, Tan Ruifeng wasn’t planning to interfere anymore; if she acts out again and scares Ruirui and Yaoyao, it wouldn’t be good. Once today’s tasks are completed, they’ll discuss with Qiaomin what to do.

Tan Sui’s actions today shocked him; he now worries about its impact on Ruirui and Yaoyao. Is it really okay for them to continue living together? Shouldn’t they be separated? If Ruirui and Yaoyao follow suit, it’d truly be troubling.

Tan Sui stood still, expression blank, her spirit absent, leaving an empty shell.

Huo Jingchen and others sighed at the torment of growing up in such a family.

They all pondered what they’d do if they were in Tan Sui’s place. This young girl is already quite resilient. From her previous responses, it’s clear she’s preparing for independence once she comes of age, without relying on her family. She once hoped for support, but after repeated disappointments, she ceased wishing altogether.

Yet today, Tan Ruifeng destroyed even her backup plan; what will happen now?

Wei Wenlan was furious, her eyes slightly red with anger, about to ask something when Ah Chen spoke first.

"Sister He, Brother Tan," Ah Chen spoke with a calm, unemotional tone as if just chatting, "Is this matter really over?"

Huo Jingchen and others looked at Ah Chen, wondering if she planned to do more. This seemed risky. Despite Tan Sui’s pitiful situation, she represented a unique existence in this world; what transpired could be someone’s story, merely part of a plot for them—not truly real. Is it worth taking risks to intervene? They guessed this plot repeated itself time and again.

Especially Wei Yao, he wanted to say something, but couldn’t comfortably do so before so many people, including the villa owners; his disapproving gaze fixed on Ah Chen.

Qin Lin and Huo Jingchen also felt Ah Chen too daring; there really was no need to get involved, though now wasn’t the right time to voice this.

Wei Wenlan worried greatly, yet found nothing amiss in Ah Chen’s reaction, nearly voicing her concern earlier; truly pitying this young girl, Tan Sui.

Bai Xingwen didn’t care much, deeming it unlikely rules would be triggered at this point.

He speculated that the central plot of the first phase focused on Tan Sui. Li Chen’s actions in helping Tan Sui might create challenges, but he believed they wouldn’t pose major issues.

Tan Sui would surely aid her.

His knowledge about this world surpassed that of the others.

Ah Chen’s words startled Tan Sui into looking up abruptly; was she really going to intervene? Not afraid of trouble? Not afraid of being expelled?

Originally despondent, Tan Sui seemed revived again. For the first time, when facing family members, she found someone daring enough to step in despite potential trouble—a sensation akin to finding light in darkness.

Tan Ruifeng and He Qiaomin frowned, visibly displeased with Ah Chen.

But Ah Chen wasn’t bothered; having spoken, an outcome was necessary. Meddling often invites issues, but she possessed the ability to address them fearlessly.

With her skills, she acted on her conscience.

Moreover, she genuinely wished to discover the outcome of aiding Tan Sui; this case particularly piqued her curiosity.