This was quite an eye-opener for Jin Xiangdong and Jason. While Jason was more interested in finding out what other new skills Lu Jia’er had acquired, Jin Xiangdong was more worried.
It was not necessarily a good thing to be equipped with more skills. It implied the increased importance of Lu Jia’er, which would put her in more danger. Whether she had really been freed from any background manipulation, she would be pursued by others.
Noticing that Jin Xiangdong was frowning, Jason had to bury his curiosity. Being friends for so many years, he could tell straight away what Jin Xiangdong was thinking.
Lu Jia’er heard Jason’s inner voice, from this she could tell what Jin Xiangdong was thinking. She smiled at them and said, “I know a good tea cafe nearby. I will buy you morning tea breakfast.”
Jason was aware that he could not hide anything in front of Lu Jia’er. Not wanting to add burden to this atmosphere, Jason nodded happily, “Sure!”
Jin Xiangdong was cool with it, so the three of them headed into the tea cafe together.
“Professor Lu, I will gladly oblige since you are buying!” Jason smiled, reading the menu.
“Help yourself.” Lu Jia’er was quite generous.
Jin Xiangdong was telling his secretary to help them order plane tickets while Lu Jia’er ordered some dim sum that catered to Jin Xiangdong’s taste.
Jin Xiangdong just hung up the phone when the deserts were served. He put on a smile and picked up his chopsticks.
Not long afterwards, he received his secretary’s reply. The plane tickets were booked.
“The plane tickets are taken care of?” Lu Jia’er asked.
Jin Xiangdong nodded. “Yes.”
“Then I will take a few days off from school.” Lu Jia’er took out her own cell phone and was about to call Professor Han.
But she was stopped by Jin Xiangdong. “Use mine.”
Jin Xiangdong was taking extra precautions. Lu Jia’er had no other choice but to call Professor Han as she used Jin Xiangdong’s cell phone.
As soon as Professor Han picked up the phone and heard that it was Lu Jia’er, he had started before she could mention she was asking for a leave, “Lu, where are you? How come your phone is powered off?”
Lu Jia’er was startled. She could hear that Professor Han was worried.
“Professor Han, I am sorry, but my cell phone is broken!” Lu Jia’er made up an excuse.
Hearing this, Professor Han was relieved. “I was really scared there when your phone was off, and I could not locate you. I thought something had happened to you!”
Lu Jia’er was touched that Professor Han was worried about her. On the other hand, she felt something was off. She did the careful thing of asking additional questions. “Professor Han, you wanted to see me?”
“No, it is not me. It’s Deputy Xu Lei from the Provincial Investigation Brigade that wanted to see you.” Professor Han said.
“Xu Lei?” Lu Jia’er was a bit surprised.
“I think he has some urgent business. Since he cannot get through to you, he called me to ask about you.” Professor Han replied.
“What was that urgent business?” Lu Jia’er kept on asking.
“He did not specify. You can ask him about the details.” Professor Han said.
“Okay. I will find out.” Lu Jia’er said. But, when she was about to hang up, she hurried to add, “Professor Han, I want to take a few days off. But I can only submit the written request for leave a few days late.”
Professor Han paused for a moment upon hearing this. “Taking a leave? Is everything alright?”
“I do have some matters to take care of.” Lu Jia’er gave an ambiguous answer.
Since Lu Jia’er did not speak explicitly, Professor Han did not probe further. He nodded. “Okay, I will approve it.”
“Thank you, Professor!” Lu Jia’er expressed her gratitude.
Even as she hung up, Lu Jia’er had already begun to wonder what Xu Lei was asking her for.
Then, Lu Jia’er turned to Jin Xiangdong, “Do you mind me using your cell phone as a public phone?”
Jin Xiangdong could tell that she had more calls to make. “Go ahead.”
Even with his permission, Lu Jia’er went on, “If this is your private number, I will find a payphone to use later.”
“Are you going to call Deputy Xu Lei of the Provincial Investigation Brigade?” Jin Xiangdong asked, as he gazed at her.
“Yes. He called my teacher. It must be something urgent!” Lu Jia’er analyzed.
Jin Xiangdong was aware that Xu Lei was Lu Jia’er’s patient. While she, herself was deep in danger, she was concerned about her patient. That being said, Jin Xiangdong knew that there was no stopping her. So, he said, “When we are finished here, call him using the telephone booth outside.”
When she heard him say that, Lu Jia’er threw Jin Xiangdong a look and put on a teasing smile, “Are you jealous?”
How could she joke with him at this time? Jin Xiangdong cast her a look and then, he picked up a dumpling and dipped it in vinegar.
Jason could not help but break into laughter. “He is jealous!”
Since Jin Xiangdong did not give a reply, Jason continued to act as his spokesperson. “Professor Lu, Ace is not jealous of him. That Xu Lei is a Deputy at the investigation brigade. He must be quite insightful. Ace is worried that Deputy Xu will pick up some clues!”
As a matter of fact, Lu Jia’er could tell what Jin Xiangdong was thinking without Jason explaining it to her. Even at this point in time, Jin Xiangdong was still prudent. Then, Lu Jia’er picked up a crab roe dumpling and put it into the plate in front of Jin Xiangdong.
Jin Xiangdong said, quite abruptly, “I don’t eat dumplings without vinegar.”
Lu Jia’er knew that he was doing this on purpose. She picked the dumpling back up, dipped it in vinegar and then fed him. A trace of delight flashed past the depths of Jin Xiangdong’s eyes. He opened his mouth.
Jason, who was sitting across them, made fun of them, “I am full from your public display of affection before I even touched my food!”
Jin Xiangdong threw him a look and quietly fed Lu Jia’er a piece of steamed ribs. Jason chose to ignore their public display of affection.
They finished breakfast. Lu Jia’er, who said she would buy them this meal, could not deliver on her promise and the reason was simple, because her phone could not be used, and she carried no cash with her. Jason did not pay the bill, either. Since the SIM card of his phone was removed, he could not even if he wanted to pay. So, Jin Xiangdong ended up paying.
When Jin Xiangdong was doing so, Jason gave Lu Jia’er a friendly reminder. “When you are abroad, do remember to carry some cash in your purse!”
Lu Jia’er nodded and heaved a sigh. “When it comes to convenience of making payments, if China claims to be No.2, then no other country will dare to say they are No.1”
Right at this moment, Jin Xiangdong had come back to them. “We may need to dine and dash!”
Jason turned around. “Is your phone powered off?”
Jin Xiangdong nodded. “Ask the cashier to bring you a charger!” Jason suggested.
However, Jin Xiangdong shook his phone. Jason’s head hung down. It seemed that they would have to dash now.
The cell phone Jin Xiangdong was using was the latest Blackberry smartphone. While the design of this cell phone was not outstanding, it was said that the security of this cell phone was number one in the world. The phone could not only stop any hackers or spying or espionage activities, it could also send out confidential files. Most users of this cell phone were heads of states.
The charger of this phone was specially designed, and the tea cafe was unlikely to have it.
“What to do?” Jason asked.
“I have discussed it with them. You will stay here and wash dishes!” Jin Xiangdong grinned.
Jason turned around to the waiters around them and believed that the expressions on them suggested they were about to drag him into the kitchen.
Jason said, “Off you go. I will stay here for half an hour and then turn on my cell phone!”
Problem solved. Jin Xiangdong and Lu Jia’er left first.
They took over the passports and cash from Jin Xiangdong’s servant. Afterwards, Lu Jia’er was able to call Xu Lei from a telephone booth.
When Xu Lei picked up Lu Jia’er’s phone, the former was unable to hold himself back. “Professor Lu, where are you? Are you with Miss Su Han, your roommate?”
Lu Jia’er stayed on alert. “Su Han? Deputy Xu, do you know where Su Han is?”
Xu Lei said, “I want to know where you are first. I think you are calling me from a telephone booth!”
“Yes, my phone is broken!” Lu Jia’er continued to use the excuse she made up for Professor Han.
“Is there… anyone else with you?” Xu Lei was alerted as well. He asked in a hurry.
“Yes! My boyfriend!” Lu Jia’er told him the truth.
Xu Lei went on, “Professor Lu, do you remember that day when you brought me for pottery sculpture? We made a mask each. After it was done, my mask had an ugly scar. I asked you if I should color the scar red or flesh. Now, can you tell me your answer?”
Lu Jia’er could understand what Xu Lei was implying. She had to admit that Xu Lei was an investigator with experience. He was trying to make sure that she was safe by asking so.
Actually, that mask with a scar was made by her and she was the one who asked him that question. If she was really deep in danger, then their password was that red represented blood and flesh color represented healing.
“I am really with my boyfriend. You can see from the surveillance cameras at XX Road.” Lu Jia’er said.
In less than two minutes, Xu Lei had seen the video. Still, he was confused. “You are not going to tell me that his cell phone is broken as well, are you?”
“His cell phone is powered off.” Lu Jia’er said, “Deputy Xu, I have business to take care of later. Please tell me about Su Han!”
Xu Lei did not beat around the bush with Lu Jia’er anymore. He went straight to the point. “Miss Su Han is kidnapped according to a report from an unknown source. I kept calling you last night, but your phone was shut down. I thought you were kidnapped as well!”
Lu Jia’er’s heart skipped a beat. “Su Han was kidnapped? Deputy Xu, are you serious? Who kidnapped her?”
This was quite an eye-opener for Jin Xiangdong and Jason. While Jason was more interested in finding out what other new skills Lu Jia’er had acquired, Jin Xiangdong was more worried.
It was not necessarily a good thing to be equipped with more skills. It implied the increased importance of Lu Jia’er, which would put her in more danger. Whether she had really been freed from any background manipulation, she would be pursued by others.
Noticing that Jin Xiangdong was frowning, Jason had to bury his curiosity. Being friends for so many years, he could tell straight away what Jin Xiangdong was thinking.
Lu Jia’er heard Jason’s inner voice, from this she could tell what Jin Xiangdong was thinking. She smiled at them and said, “I know a good tea cafe nearby. I will buy you morning tea breakfast.”
Jason was aware that he could not hide anything in front of Lu Jia’er. Not wanting to add burden to this atmosphere, Jason nodded happily, “Sure!”
Jin Xiangdong was cool with it, so the three of them headed into the tea cafe together.
“Professor Lu, I will gladly oblige since you are buying!” Jason smiled, reading the menu.
“Help yourself.” Lu Jia’er was quite generous.
Jin Xiangdong was telling his secretary to help them order plane tickets while Lu Jia’er ordered some dim sum that catered to Jin Xiangdong’s taste.
Jin Xiangdong just hung up the phone when the deserts were served. He put on a smile and picked up his chopsticks.
Not long afterwards, he received his secretary’s reply. The plane tickets were booked.
“The plane tickets are taken care of?” Lu Jia’er asked.
Jin Xiangdong nodded. “Yes.”
“Then I will take a few days off from school.” Lu Jia’er took out her own cell phone and was about to call Professor Han.
But she was stopped by Jin Xiangdong. “Use mine.”
Jin Xiangdong was taking extra precautions. Lu Jia’er had no other choice but to call Professor Han as she used Jin Xiangdong’s cell phone.
As soon as Professor Han picked up the phone and heard that it was Lu Jia’er, he had started before she could mention she was asking for a leave, “Lu, where are you? How come your phone is powered off?”
Lu Jia’er was startled. She could hear that Professor Han was worried.
“Professor Han, I am sorry, but my cell phone is broken!” Lu Jia’er made up an excuse.
Hearing this, Professor Han was relieved. “I was really scared there when your phone was off, and I could not locate you. I thought something had happened to you!”
Lu Jia’er was touched that Professor Han was worried about her. On the other hand, she felt something was off. She did the careful thing of asking additional questions. “Professor Han, you wanted to see me?”
“No, it is not me. It’s Deputy Xu Lei from the Provincial Investigation Brigade that wanted to see you.” Professor Han said.
“Xu Lei?” Lu Jia’er was a bit surprised.
“I think he has some urgent business. Since he cannot get through to you, he called me to ask about you.” Professor Han replied.
“What was that urgent business?” Lu Jia’er kept on asking.
“He did not specify. You can ask him about the details.” Professor Han said.
“Okay. I will find out.” Lu Jia’er said. But, when she was about to hang up, she hurried to add, “Professor Han, I want to take a few days off. But I can only submit the written request for leave a few days late.”
Professor Han paused for a moment upon hearing this. “Taking a leave? Is everything alright?”
“I do have some matters to take care of.” Lu Jia’er gave an ambiguous answer.
Since Lu Jia’er did not speak explicitly, Professor Han did not probe further. He nodded. “Okay, I will approve it.”
“Thank you, Professor!” Lu Jia’er expressed her gratitude.
Even as she hung up, Lu Jia’er had already begun to wonder what Xu Lei was asking her for.
Then, Lu Jia’er turned to Jin Xiangdong, “Do you mind me using your cell phone as a public phone?”
Jin Xiangdong could tell that she had more calls to make. “Go ahead.”
Even with his permission, Lu Jia’er went on, “If this is your private number, I will find a payphone to use later.”
“Are you going to call Deputy Xu Lei of the Provincial Investigation Brigade?” Jin Xiangdong asked, as he gazed at her.
“Yes. He called my teacher. It must be something urgent!” Lu Jia’er analyzed.
Jin Xiangdong was aware that Xu Lei was Lu Jia’er’s patient. While she, herself was deep in danger, she was concerned about her patient. That being said, Jin Xiangdong knew that there was no stopping her. So, he said, “When we are finished here, call him using the telephone booth outside.”
When she heard him say that, Lu Jia’er threw Jin Xiangdong a look and put on a teasing smile, “Are you jealous?”
How could she joke with him at this time? Jin Xiangdong cast her a look and then, he picked up a dumpling and dipped it in vinegar.
Jason could not help but break into laughter. “He is jealous!”
Since Jin Xiangdong did not give a reply, Jason continued to act as his spokesperson. “Professor Lu, Ace is not jealous of him. That Xu Lei is a Deputy at the investigation brigade. He must be quite insightful. Ace is worried that Deputy Xu will pick up some clues!”
As a matter of fact, Lu Jia’er could tell what Jin Xiangdong was thinking without Jason explaining it to her. Even at this point in time, Jin Xiangdong was still prudent. Then, Lu Jia’er picked up a crab roe dumpling and put it into the plate in front of Jin Xiangdong.
Jin Xiangdong said, quite abruptly, “I don’t eat dumplings without vinegar.”
Lu Jia’er knew that he was doing this on purpose. She picked the dumpling back up, dipped it in vinegar and then fed him. A trace of delight flashed past the depths of Jin Xiangdong’s eyes. He opened his mouth.
Jason, who was sitting across them, made fun of them, “I am full from your public display of affection before I even touched my food!”
Jin Xiangdong threw him a look and quietly fed Lu Jia’er a piece of steamed ribs. Jason chose to ignore their public display of affection.
They finished breakfast. Lu Jia’er, who said she would buy them this meal, could not deliver on her promise and the reason was simple, because her phone could not be used, and she carried no cash with her. Jason did not pay the bill, either. Since the SIM card of his phone was removed, he could not even if he wanted to pay. So, Jin Xiangdong ended up paying.
When Jin Xiangdong was doing so, Jason gave Lu Jia’er a friendly reminder. “When you are abroad, do remember to carry some cash in your purse!”
Lu Jia’er nodded and heaved a sigh. “When it comes to convenience of making payments, if China claims to be No.2, then no other country will dare to say they are No.1”
Right at this moment, Jin Xiangdong had come back to them. “We may need to dine and dash!”
Jason turned around. “Is your phone powered off?”
Jin Xiangdong nodded. “Ask the cashier to bring you a charger!” Jason suggested.
However, Jin Xiangdong shook his phone. Jason’s head hung down. It seemed that they would have to dash now.
The cell phone Jin Xiangdong was using was the latest Blackberry smartphone. While the design of this cell phone was not outstanding, it was said that the security of this cell phone was number one in the world. The phone could not only stop any hackers or spying or espionage activities, it could also send out confidential files. Most users of this cell phone were heads of states.
The charger of this phone was specially designed, and the tea cafe was unlikely to have it.
“What to do?” Jason asked.
“I have discussed it with them. You will stay here and wash dishes!” Jin Xiangdong grinned.
Jason turned around to the waiters around them and believed that the expressions on them suggested they were about to drag him into the kitchen.
Jason said, “Off you go. I will stay here for half an hour and then turn on my cell phone!”
Problem solved. Jin Xiangdong and Lu Jia’er left first.
They took over the passports and cash from Jin Xiangdong’s servant. Afterwards, Lu Jia’er was able to call Xu Lei from a telephone booth.
When Xu Lei picked up Lu Jia’er’s phone, the former was unable to hold himself back. “Professor Lu, where are you? Are you with Miss Su Han, your roommate?”
Lu Jia’er stayed on alert. “Su Han? Deputy Xu, do you know where Su Han is?”
Xu Lei said, “I want to know where you are first. I think you are calling me from a telephone booth!”
“Yes, my phone is broken!” Lu Jia’er continued to use the excuse she made up for Professor Han.
“Is there… anyone else with you?” Xu Lei was alerted as well. He asked in a hurry.
“Yes! My boyfriend!” Lu Jia’er told him the truth.
Xu Lei went on, “Professor Lu, do you remember that day when you brought me for pottery sculpture? We made a mask each. After it was done, my mask had an ugly scar. I asked you if I should color the scar red or flesh. Now, can you tell me your answer?”
Lu Jia’er could understand what Xu Lei was implying. She had to admit that Xu Lei was an investigator with experience. He was trying to make sure that she was safe by asking so.
Actually, that mask with a scar was made by her and she was the one who asked him that question. If she was really deep in danger, then their password was that red represented blood and flesh color represented healing.
“I am really with my boyfriend. You can see from the surveillance cameras at XX Road.” Lu Jia’er said.
In less than two minutes, Xu Lei had seen the video. Still, he was confused. “You are not going to tell me that his cell phone is broken as well, are you?”
“His cell phone is powered off.” Lu Jia’er said, “Deputy Xu, I have business to take care of later. Please tell me about Su Han!”
Xu Lei did not beat around the bush with Lu Jia’er anymore. He went straight to the point. “Miss Su Han is kidnapped according to a report from an unknown source. I kept calling you last night, but your phone was shut down. I thought you were kidnapped as well!”
Lu Jia’er’s heart skipped a beat. “Su Han was kidnapped? Deputy Xu, are you serious? Who kidnapped her?”
