Beneath the Marriage Pact

Chapter 3: Tech Tyrants, Life Idiots (2)

Early the next morning, Shen Zhixia was awakened by noises coming from the kitchen. She put on her clothes and went downstairs, and saw Ling Xu 'an frowning at the toaster, whose slices of bread were charred black and emitting black smoke.

"Mr. Ling, are you trying to order the kitchen?" Shen Zhixia walked over and turned off the power of the toaster.

Ling Xu 'an looked a little ugly: "There's something wrong with the design of this machine. When I pressed 'light baking', it turned into charcoal."

Shen Zhixia took out a new piece of bread, put it back into the toaster and pressed the second button: "You pressed the wrong button. The first one is heavy, and the second one is light." She pointed to the ICONS on the machine, "Look, there are little SUNS on the ICONS. One sun is mild and three SUNS are severe."

Ling Xu 'an stared at the icon for a long time before realizing that she had indeed pressed the wrong button. He coughed and turned his face away: "I see."

Looking at him, Shen Zhixia couldn't help laughing: "Mr. Ling, I think you need an 'Appliance Operation guide', shall I write one for you?"

"No need." Ling Xu 'an refused resolutely, but when Shen Zhixia turned to make coffee, he secretly took out his phone, took a photo of the toaster icon and saved it in the "Appliance Operation" memo.

Shen Zhixia handed him the brewed coffee: "Stop secretly taking pictures. I'll write a guide for you to save you from fighting with appliances every day."

Ling Xu 'an's hand froze in mid-air and his ears turned red instantly: "Who... Who secretly took pictures?"

"I saw it all." Shen Zhixia laughed, her eyes curved. "Mr. Ling, if you're really sorry, treat me to a meal. Consider it as a 'guide fee'."

Ling Xu 'an looked at her smile and felt a sudden softening in his heart. He took the coffee and nodded: "All right."

Shen Zhixia didn't expect Ling Xu 'an to agree so readily. She was stunned for two seconds before realizing it and said with a smile, "Then I'll have to think carefully about what big meal to have."

"Don't overdo it." Ling Xu 'an took a sip of coffee, but his eyes were not so cold. "At most... Three Michelin stars."

"So generous?" Shen Zhixia raised an eyebrow. "Is Mr. Ling afraid that I might write 'Appliance Operation Guide' as' Mr. Ling's Embarrassing Story '?"

Ling Xu 'an's ears turned red again. He put down his coffee cup and picked up the tablet on the table: "Don't be poor. Look at the route to the warehouse today."

Shen Zhixia moved closer, their heads close together, and she could smell the faint scent of cedar on him. The tablet showed that Qin Zheng's logistics company was on the outskirts of the city, just one kilometer from the old site of the Qin family, and it would take an hour to drive there.

"Shall we go straight there?" Shen Zhixia asked.

"Um." Ling Xu 'an nodded. "Chen Mo said Qin Zheng seldom goes to the logistics company. Most of the time, it's his men who manage it." He paused, "Let's pretend to be clients and look at Warehouse No. 3."

Shen Zhixia nodded, feeling a little nervous. She didn't know what was waiting for her in the warehouse, nor did she know if there would be any danger.

"Don't worry." Ling Xu 'an seemed to see through her mind. "I'll ask Uncle Zhao to bring two men along and everything will be fine."

Shen Zhixia looked at him and suddenly felt warm in her heart. This usually cold man is actually quite attentive.

After breakfast, the two were ready to set off. Shen Zhixia changed into casual clothes and Ling Xu 'an wore a black jacket, looking a bit more smoky than usual.

Are you sure you want to wear this? Shen Zhixia looked at Ling Xu 'an's jacket and couldn't help laughing. "Doesn't Mr. Ling usually wear a suit?"

"Pretending to be a client, wearing a suit is too conspicuous." Ling Xu 'an zipped up his jacket. "Let's go."

The two got into the car. Uncle Zhao was already waiting at the door, with two bodyguards in black suits beside him, looking very capable.

"Boss, Miss Shen." Uncle Zhao opened the car door. "It's all arranged. Let's go straight there."

The car drove smoothly out of the villa. Shen Zhixia looked out of the window at the view and felt a little uneasy. She took out her phone, flipped through her mother's photo and whispered, "Mom, I'll go to the warehouse today and hope to find the clue you left."

Ling Xu 'an glanced at her, said nothing, but turned down the music in the car a little.

An hour later, the car arrived at Qin Zheng's logistics company. The logistics company was large, with two security guards on duty at the entrance and many trucks parked inside, looking very busy.

"Let's go in." Ling Xu 'an pushed open the door and got out first. Shen Zhixia followed behind him, feeling a little nervous.

"Hello, may I ask what's the matter?" The security guard stopped them and eyed them warily.

"We're here to talk about cooperation." Ling Xu 'an took out a business card with the title "Purchasing Manager of Ling Group" printed on it. "I'd like to see your warehouse and learn about the storage capacity."

The security guard took the business card, looked at it, looked up at Ling Xu 'an and Shen Zhixia, saw no flaw, and dialed a phone number.

After a while, a man in blue work clothes ran out, with a smile on his face: "Is he a friend of the Ling Group? Come in quickly!"

The man claimed to be the manager of the logistics company and his surname was Wang. He showed Ling Xu 'an and Shen Zhixia around the warehouse, constantly introducing: "Our warehouse has constant temperature and humidity, security measures are in place, and many big companies cooperate with us."

While listening to Manager Wang's introduction, Shen Zhixia secretly observed the surrounding environment and looked for the location of Warehouse No. 3.

"Manager Wang, do you have Warehouse No. 3 here?" Shen Zhixia pretended to ask casually.

Manager Wang's expression changed slightly, but soon returned to a smile: "Yes, but Warehouse No. 3 is our private warehouse and is not open for visits."

Shen Zhixia and Ling Xu 'an exchanged glances and both saw suspicion in each other's eyes.

"Special warehouse?" Ling Xu 'an raised an eyebrow. "Our Ling family wants to rent a dedicated warehouse. Can you have a look? If it is suitable, we can cooperate for a long time."

Manager Wang's smile was a little stiff: "This... I'm afraid not. Warehouse No. 3 has been rented out and the client doesn't allow it to be displayed."

"To whom is it rented?" Ling Xu 'an pressed, his tone a little oppressive.

Manager Wang's forehead was sweating and he stammered, "This..." I'm sorry that it's not convenient to disclose customer information."

Shen Zhixia saw this and was more certain in her heart - there must be something wrong in Warehouse No. 3.

Since it's not convenient, then forget it. Ling Xu 'an suddenly smiled, "But we have one more request. We want to see your cargo transportation records and learn about your transportation efficiency."

Manager Wang's face turned even worse as he rubbed his hands and said, "Transport records... It's not convenient to provide it to the public either, as it involves customer privacy."

"Really?" Ling Xu 'an's tone turned cold. "I've heard that Mr. Qin has a good relationship with you guys. How about I call him and ask if he agrees?"

When Manager Wang heard the word "Mr. Qin", his face turned pale instantly and he waved his hand hurriedly: "No, no, no! "Mr. Ling, can't I show you?"

Shen Zhixia gave Ling Xu 'an a thumbs-up in her heart. This man is quite good at dealing with such a minor role.

Manager Wang led them to the office, turned on the computer and retrieved the transport records. Shen Zhixia browsed quickly, and suddenly her eyes lit up - on March 16, ten years ago, there was a record of goods transported here from the old warehouse of the Qin family. The name of the goods was "sample" and the recipient was Qin Zheng.

"This is it!" Shen Zhixia pointed at the screen and said excitedly.

Manager Wang's face turned even paler as he tried to turn off the computer, but was held down by Ling Xu 'an.

"Manager Wang, what is this' sample '?" Ling Xu 'an's tone was cold. "Also, what exactly is in Warehouse No. 3?"

Manager Wang, trembling with fear, said, "I..." I don't know! I'm just a wage earner. All of this is arranged by Mr. Qin!"

Just then the office door was pushed open and several men in black suits rushed in with sticks in their hands.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Manager Wang screamed.

"Shut up if you don't want to die!" The leader said viciously, staring at Ling Xu 'an and Shen Zhixia, "You shouldn't have come here."

Ling Xu 'an shielded Shen Zhixia behind him and looked at them coldly: "Did Qin Zheng send you here?"

The man didn't say a word, waved his hand, and the people behind him rushed up. Ling Xu 'an was good at taking down two of them in a few strokes, but they were too many and he gradually found it a bit difficult.

Shen Zhixia looked anxious and wanted to help, but didn't know what to do. Just then, the office door was pushed open again and Uncle Zhao, with two bodyguards, rushed in and quickly subdued them.

"Boss, are you okay?" " Uncle Zhao walked up to Ling Xu 'an and asked with concern.

"It's all right." Ling Xu 'an shook his head and looked at Manager Wang, who collapsed on the ground in terror. "Can you speak now? What exactly is in Warehouse No. 3?"

Manager Wang looked at the subdued man on the ground and then at Ling Xu 'an, knowing that he could no longer hide it, wept and said, "Warehouse No. 3... There are things that Mr. Qin transported from the old site of the Qin family ten years ago. I don't know exactly what they are, but I know that Mr. Qin doesn't allow anyone to approach."

Ling Xu 'an and Shen Zhixia exchanged glances, both seeing excitement in each other's eyes - they were getting closer and closer to the truth.

Manager Wang was so scared that he couldn't speak clearly, pointing out of the window: "Warehouse No. 3 and No. 3 are at the very back, the key... The key is in Mr. Qin's hand. I only have a spare key, hidden in the third drawer of my desk."

Ling Xu 'an motioned Uncle Zhao to get the key and stared at Manager Wang himself: "When was the last time Qin Zheng came? Did he say what to do with the things in the warehouse?"

"Just, just yesterday!" Manager Wang swallowed hard, "he said... If anyone comes to inspect Warehouse No. 3, burn the stuff inside and leave no evidence."

Shen Zhixia's heart tightened sharply. Fortunately they came in time, otherwise all the clues left by her mother would have been gone.

Uncle Zhao came back with the spare key. Ling Xu 'an took the key and said to Shen Zhixia, "Wait here. I'll go and have a look."

"No, I'll go with you." Shen Zhixia grabbed his arm, her eyes determined. "That's my mother's stuff. I must go."

Ling Xu 'an looked at her, hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded: "Be careful."

The two followed Manager Wang to Warehouse No. 3, followed by Uncle Zhao and two bodyguards, vigilantly observing the surroundings. The warehouse area was quiet, except for the sound of the wind blowing through the tin roof, which sounded particularly eerie.

The door of Warehouse No. 3 was a heavy iron door, rusty and looked quite old. Ling Xu 'an inserted the key, twisted it hard, and with a click, the door opened.

A dusty smell hit Shen Zhixia and she couldn't help coughing twice. Ling Xu 'an turned on the flashlight on his phone, and the light illuminated the interior of the warehouse - it was piled high with cardboard boxes, covered with dust, and looked as if no one had touched it for a long time.

"Where is Shelf 3?" Ling Xu 'an asked Manager Wang.

Manager Wang pointed to the innermost part of the warehouse: "There, over there."

The two walked up to Shelf No. 3, which was also piled high with cardboard boxes. Shen Zhixia crouched down and carefully opened the top box, which contained old documents, most of which had turned yellow.

"These are..." Shen Zhixia picked up a document that read "Starlight Project Sample Test Report", dated exactly the day before her mother's death.

Ling Xu 'an came over and went through the documents with her. The report detailed the test data of the "Starlight Project" samples, and on the last page it read, "The samples are qualified and ready for mass production."

"Since the samples are qualified, why is the project suddenly terminated?" Shen Zhixia asked in puzzlement.

Ling Xu 'an did not speak and continued to look through other documents. Suddenly, he pulled out a metal box from a cardboard box with the words "For the Star Project" printed on it.

"This is it!" Shen Zhixia said excitedly.

Ling Xu 'an opened the box, and inside was a small metal device that looked like some kind of sensor. He picked up the device, took a closer look and suddenly said, "This is the core sensor of the new energy battery, and the 'Starlight Project' was centered around this back then."

Shen Zhixia looked at the sensor and burst into tears: "Mom, I found what you left behind."

Just then came the sound of a car engine from outside the warehouse, and Uncle Zhao ran in: "Boss, something is wrong! Here comes Qin Zheng!"

Ling Xu 'an's face changed and he quickly put the metal device and documents into the box: "Let's go!"

As soon as they ran out of the warehouse, they saw Qin Zheng get out of the car, followed by a dozen black-clad bodyguards with sticks and knives in their hands.

"Want to go? It's too late!" Qin Zheng sneered, "Leave the stuff behind. I can make you die a better life."

"Mr. Qin, ten years ago you killed my mother, and today you want to snatch what she left behind. Do you think we'll let you succeed?" Shen Zhixia looked at Qin Zheng, her eyes filled with hatred.

Qin Zheng was stunned for a moment, then laughed: "Are you Shen Qingyao's daughter? I never expected that after all these years you would still dare to come to me." He waved his hand, "Get me! Get things back, people... Dispose of it casually."

The black-clad bodyguards rushed forward, Ling Xu 'an shielded Shen Zhixia behind him, and met him with Uncle Zhao and the others. Shen Zhixia looked at Ling Xu 'an's back, feeling both moved and anxious. Suddenly, she remembered the alarm in her pocket and quickly took it out and pressed it.

The alarm made a shrill sound and Qin Zheng's face changed: "You actually brought this!"

It wasn't long before the sound of sirens came from afar. Qin Zheng's face turned completely pale: "How could there be police?" "

"It was I who asked Chen Mo to call the police." "Did you think we would come unprepared?" Ling Xu 'an said as he called.

Qin Zheng knew the situation was hopeless and tried to drive away, but was stopped by the arriving police. When he was handcuffed, he glared fiercely at Shen Zhixia: "I won't let you go!"

Shen Zhixia looked at Qin Zheng who had been taken away and finally breathed a sigh of relief. She went up to Ling Xu 'an, looked at the abrasions on his face and said with concern, "You're injured."

"It's all right." Ling Xu 'an smiled, "A little injury."

Uncle Zhao came over with the metal box and said, "Boss, Miss Shen, everything is here."

Shen Zhixia took the box, held it tightly in her arms, and tears fell again: "Thank you, thank Ling Xu 'an."

"We are Allies." Ling Xu 'an looked at her, his eyes much gentler. "I said that helping you is helping myself."

The sun shone through the clouds and fell on the two of them, and the wind in the warehouse area seemed less cold.