Chapter 126: What a Coincidence!

"I’m not trying to scare you; this is what Teacher Hao said. If you don’t believe me, I’ll take you to her office right now so you can hear her teachings firsthand."

"No way, Brother Zhang, can't I just take your word for it? I wouldn't dare go to Teacher Hao’s place."

Seeing Meng Ran’s fearful expression, Zhang Shen couldn't help but feel that his act of playing the fool had truly intimidated him.

"Alright, enough joking around. But I have some good news for you: this whole ordeal has finally settled down, and I’m a free man again!"

Zhang Shen’s comment left Meng Ran puzzled.

"Brother Zhang, from what you're saying, were you being held captive by someone before?"

"Get lost! You’re the one who got kidnapped! I meant that I’ve finally escaped the clutches of these test papers. I’m going to properly relax tonight."

As soon as that thought crossed his mind, Zhang Shen immediately thought of that little girl, Jiang Muyun. Although it hadn't been long since they last parted, he still felt a lingering sense of concern for her.

More importantly, he had found himself thinking of her in a daze last night. Even though they were usually like "needles against wheat awns" when together, the sudden quiet of the last few days had made him feel a bit unaccustomed to her absence.

Just as Zhang Shen was about to pull out his phone to make a call, a familiar voice drifted over from nearby.

"Zhang Shen, what about the promise you made me?"

Zhang Shen turned around to see Wang Ying.

Hearing her questioning, Zhang Shen naturally knew she was referring to the poisoning of her father. His desire to relax instantly vanished as he looked into her earnest eyes.

"That’s right! How could I have forgotten such an important matter? In that case, let’s go find Long Si tonight."

Upon hearing that Zhang Shen and Wang Ying were going on a private mission, Meng Ran grew interested and quickly chimed in: "Brother Zhang, I want to go too! Just count me in!"

Zhang Shen glanced at Meng Ran and said, "I think you’re just looking for something to eat. Don't go and ruin the big plan."

Meng Ran felt indignant at this and retorted, "Brother Zhang, how can you look down on me like that? Besides, with my build, you might feel a bit safer having me follow behind you."

Zhang Shen and Wang Ying couldn't help but look at Meng Ran’s bulky, stout physique, and both let out a "tsk-tsk" sound in unison.

Actually, as far as Zhang Shen was concerned, it didn't really matter whether Meng Ran came along or not; it wouldn't cause any negative consequences. Since he had volunteered, Zhang Shen wasn't worried about Meng Ran’s "performance" when it came to food.

"Fine, I don’t have any objections. Let's set off tonight."

After saying this, Zhang Shen looked back at Wang Ying, who nodded to signal that this plan was acceptable. The three of them then went about their day of classes. Although the graduation exams were only a few days away, Zhang Shen didn't seem anxious in the slightest.

...

As soon as class ended that evening, Wang Ying, who sat next to him, urged, "Let’s go, hurry!"

Zhang Shen, well aware of her impatient nature, didn't pay it much mind and walked straight out of the classroom, with Meng Ran following closely behind.

However, just as they were about to exit the school gate, Zhang Shen was surprised to see a familiar license plate.

"Isn't this..."

Before his thoughts could settle, the car window slowly rolled down, and a mischievous head popped out.

"Hey! I heard you have exams in two days, so I was planning to take you out to relax tonight..."

However, Jiang Muyun stopped halfway through her sentence when she realized something was off. She had expected to have a moment of perfect rapport with Zhang Shen, but seeing Meng Ran and Wang Ying, she felt things weren't as simple as she had imagined.

"Huh? Where are you all going?"

Her sudden question made Zhang Shen chuckle.

"We’re going to have a big feast. We were just worrying about who would foot the bill, and now, what do you know? We’ve run into a fat sheep ready for the slaughter."

Zhang Shen’s words were filled with playfulness, which caused Wang Ying to pout in frustration.

"Hmph! To think I had good intentions and got nothing but insults in return."

Jiang Muyun snorted and turned to Mu Qiao. "Sister Mu, let's go!"

As soon as she said this, Zhang Shen quickly adopted a serious tone. "Big Miss, I was just teasing you. We’re actually on our way to find the person who poisoned Wang’s father."

Hearing this, a curious Jiang Muyun widened her eyes and asked, "Did you find him? What does he look like?"

Zhang Shen didn't know how to answer. After all, it was still just hearsay; he had never seen this "Long Si" with his own eyes.

However, Zhang Shen’s shake of the head only fueled Jiang Muyun’s curiosity further.

"Then what are we waiting for? Get in the car; let’s go catch the culprit right now!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Mu Qiao, in the driver’s seat, immediately responded, "Miss, your health doesn't seem suited for such risks. I think you should..."

Before Mu Qiao could finish, the playful expression vanished from Zhang Shen’s face. He grabbed Jiang Muyun’s wrist to check her pulse. This caught Jiang Muyun off guard, and she quickly pulled her arm back, saying shyly, "There are so many people watching!"

Zhang Shen realized his actions might have been a bit abrupt and said slowly, "Has your illness been acting up lately?"

"Pfft, you’re the one who’s ill!"

To Jiang Muyun, even though she knew it was Zhang Shen’s concern, the words still sounded grating.

"I’m not joking. Tell me."

Zhang Shen knew that although Jiang Muyun was headstrong, she wouldn't necessarily tell him the truth about such matters. Thinking of this, he turned to Mu Qiao.

"Miss Mu, as Jiang Muyun’s personal bodyguard, you must know her condition better than anyone. Has there been any abnormality lately?"

"No."

Listening to Mu Qiao’s firm, unwavering answer, Zhang Shen concluded that the toxins in Jiang Muyun’s body had not flared up during this period.

In Zhang Shen’s eyes, Mu Qiao’s loyalty to Jiang Muyun far exceeded that of a typical servant. While he hadn't fully grasped the nature of their relationship yet, he was certain of one thing: Mu Qiao would never lie.

"Since that’s the case, let’s get in the car."