CHAPTER 238: CHAPTER 238: PROBING FOR THE TRUTH

The village chief arranged accommodation for Mrs. Yan.

There’s no hotel or inn in their village, but there’s a vacant house next to the ancestral hall.

Since the ancestral hall is the most important place in their village, it’s renovated every year.

The vacant house next door benefits from this, and gets renovated too, making it brighter than many homes.

The village chief had furniture moved in and arranged, and after it was ready, he said to Mrs. Yan, "Our village is quite remote, with few outsiders. When they do come, they usually stay with families. It’s the first time we’ve had so many at once. So this place has been prepared for you. If you need anything, let me know and I’ll have someone bring it to you."

Mrs. Yan thanked him, saying: "Thank you, village chief. If I need anything, I’ll let you know. But you said outsiders rarely come to the village, yet I saw a man earlier who didn’t seem local. Is he here for medical treatment too?"

In Tan Village, there were only these two groups of outsiders. If you insist there were three, it would be Ye Shao who returned with his daughter, Wu Taotao.

Therefore, he naturally thought Mrs. Yan was referring to Zhan Hanjue’s people.

"They aren’t here for treatment; they returned with Divine Doctor Bai Zhi. You’re just lucky to catch her on her return, otherwise you might have waited indefinitely. It’s the first time she’s returned in a year since she left."

"Then we’re truly fortunate; it’s Rui’er’s good luck," Mrs. Yan said.

Mrs. Yan was charming and gentle, with a soft demeanor that left a lasting good impression on anyone.

Thus, when she first arrived, the village chief didn’t drive them away but rather let them wait outside.

"You all carry on, I’m leaving now. If you need anything, have someone find me," the village chief departed.

Mrs. Yan had her maid tidy up the place and instructed the bodyguards to refurbish nearby.

There were some items lacking, but instead of asking the village chief, she sent the bodyguards out to purchase them.

Not knowing how long they would stay, Mrs. Yan, accustomed to comfort, ensured no inconvenience for herself.

Moreover, she had a child with her and wouldn’t let herself endure any hardship.

When Ye Ningwan arrived, she found the place transformed, resembling an apartment.

There was even a large gaming console.

When she came by, Yan Rui was on the sofa playing games.

"Divine Doctor Bai Zhi, you’re here," Mrs. Yan greeted politely.

Ye Ningwan replied, "No need for such formality; I’m not that old. Just call me... Bai Zhi."

She originally intended to reveal her real name but reconsidered. She didn’t know if Mrs. Yan had privately paid attention to matters involving Zhan Hanjue.

If she had, she would probably know who Ye Ningwan was.

So she decided to use a pseudonym to avoid alerting Mrs. Yan and asking nothing.

"Then I’ll call you Miss Bai. Why has Miss Bai come over? Do you have any instructions?" Mrs. Yan continued politely.

Ye Ningwan noticed she was a truly gentle woman.

Her gentle appearance and tone exuded a soft and gentle aura.

Completely different from the irresponsible, deceitful, low-born, and arrogant woman Old Mrs. Zhan and Mrs. Leng described.

Ye Ningwan said, "Nothing much, just came to check in and chat with Mrs. Yan. Mrs. Yan, would that be convenient?"

"Of course, convenient; let’s talk outside!" Mrs. Yan suggested.

Ye Ningwan nodded, finding it fit her desires well.

Before leaving, Mrs. Yan bent down and whispered a few words to Yan Rui, tenderly caressing his cheek.

Watching this, Ye Ningwan suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for Zhan Hanjue.

Yan Rui seemed around fifteen or sixteen years old.

Yet, he still enjoyed the loving caresses of his mother.

The year of the car accident, Zhan Hanjue was only fifteen.

Facing his father’s death and his own injuries, he had no maternal comfort.

"Miss Bai, do you want to talk to me about Rui’er? Is Rui’er not doing well?" Mrs. Yan asked worriedly.

Coming back to herself, Ye Ningwan shook her head at her worried eyes, "No, he’s doing well; it’s not serious. Just follow my advice, and there’ll be no problem."

Mrs. Yan breathed a sigh of relief: "That’s good, I feared Rui’er wasn’t well; hence Miss Bai wanting a private chat."

"Mrs. Yan is truly kind to him," Ye Ningwan remarked.

Mrs. Yan smiled and said: "Of course, he’s my son, my treasure; naturally, I’m good to him. If I could trade my life for his, I would gladly do so. Miss Bai seems young, probably unmarried and childless, so you might not understand this feeling."

Ye Ningwan replied: "Indeed, without children, I find it hard to understand. However, my parents once gave all for me, so I understand a mother’s love for her child. Is he your first child, or do you have other children, Mrs. Yan?"

"Why do you ask?" Mrs. Yan’s expression turned unfriendly.

Ye Ningwan smiled and said: "Nothing, just noticing his frailty seems congenital. I believe Mrs. Yan’s health isn’t great either. If there are more children, their health might not be better, so I thought to remind you."

"I have another son, older than Rui’er, rumored to be in good health, so no worries," Mrs. Yan stated.

Mentioning another son brought a distinct coldness to Mrs. Yan’s face.

Like speaking of a stranger, not her son.

So different from the loving demeanor while discussing Yan Rui.

"Rumored? Is Mrs. Yan’s other son not with you?" Ye Ningwan inquired.

"No, he’s with his father. I’m divorced; Yan Rui is my child with my current husband."

"I’m sorry," Ye Ningwan apologized.

Mrs. Yan smiled, shaking her head: "It’s okay; it’s been many years. I don’t mind anymore."

"You don’t mind this matter or the previous child?" Ye Ningwan asked.

Mrs. Yan frowned, looking puzzled at Ye Ningwan.

"Miss Bai, these questions, what do they have to do with Rui’er’s illness?"

"They aren’t related; there are just some confirmations I seek from Mrs. Yan."

Ye Ningwan felt without stating her purpose, the conversation wouldn’t reach that topic.

Rather than being indirect and raising suspicion,

it would be simpler to state her purpose directly.

"What do you want to confirm?"

"I know Mrs. Yan’s ex-husband’s surname is Zhan, from Jiangcheng’s Zhan Family. Over ten years ago, Zhan Changwen died in a car accident. Does Mrs. Yan know of this, and how related are you to this event?" Ye Ningwan asked.

Mrs. Yan’s face changed dramatically, turning pale as she stood and questioned: "Who are you?"

"I’m Bai Zhi. I’ve treated Old Mrs. Zhan from the Zhan Family before. Since she carried heavy burdens, we talked, and she mentioned you. I recognized you from a photo I saw earlier," Ye Ningwan explained.