Chapter 40 - The confidential private investigation.

As they walked out, he informed the secretary, "I urgently need a meeting to be conducted with the security staff. You have it arranged for them to join me in the conference room. Also, can you arrange for some coffee, and snacks for all of us?"

"I will do that Sir immediately."

As she left, Liqin turned around and said, "We need to check on the source of information from Global outreach."

As he completed the statement the security officers walked in for the meeting.

Li Enlai looked around and said, "I have called this urgent meeting to discuss some points, distribute the team, and delegate responsibilities."

"There is a company named Mandarin delight which owns a chain of Chinese restaurants in Australia. I want one team to do a thorough investigation on the owners of this company, and I also want you guys to investigate their itinerary for the last three weeks. I need a detailed, and extensive report on the same. I want you to check whether the owners are of Chinese descent which I believe they are, and if they are, kindly check their history with us and their immigration to Australia. Take the help of some media firm, and arrange for a lauding interview of Chinese immigrants to Australia who have succeeded in different aspects of life. Include the owners of this company in the interview. Do not do it for just Australia, do it for the U.S.A., and the U.K. as well. This way we will evade their suspicions. Liqin, I also want you to check whether in the past we had any form of business relationship with this company."

"I want one team to check on this piece of information, that was relayed to Global outreach. We have good relations with the said company; hence, I will personally speak to Mr. Zhao and request their support. You need to track down the informer of this piece of information. Let us target to track this down in the next 24 hours as this might be a clue, that would lead us to the assailant. Let me call Zhao first."

Enlai then dialed the number of Mr. Zhao, and as the call got connected Mr. Zhao said, "Mr. Li, I was about to call you up. I am extremely sorry about the inappropriate discussions, that took place in the media conference arranged by your team."

"Apologies would not curtail the spread of what was discussed earlier isn't it. Your employees need to be trained on the principles of the right to privacy, and the outcome of their breaches Mr. Zhao."

"I agree, that we were in the wrong this time. I hope we can be forgiven for his negligence, and ignorance this time. I will ensure strict action against that employee."

"Kindly do not take any action against the young man as it will only alter his ego, and affect his integrity and resolve in the future. However, I would like a confidential meeting with you in this matter."

"Well, I am free after two today. Where can we meet?"

"Can we meet at my residence? This way we can avoid any form of negative attention. Also, I need a confirmation of complete secrecy from your end."

"I will meet you at two in the afternoon then."

As he disconnected the call, Li Enlai looked at his team, and said, "Well, that work is done. I am sure, that we will receive complete support from his team."

"Now let us get back to our business. I want one of your teams to check on the source of the information of the local newspaper and handle it very discretely and diplomatically. Take the support of the embassy if required, and leave no room for ambiguity there. Mr. Chen will coordinate with the local police. The source of this news needs to be tracked accurately as on the day of the assault we were the first to use the helicopter services other than Dr. Henry and Ms. Xiao. The whole of Cervinia had been evacuated as a precaution. There was not a single soul up, that mountain. So, we can rule out any eye witness reporting other than the culprit himself."

Li Enlai tapped the table and added, "I just remembered something while you guys were away regarding the accident of your parents. I need the team to garner all the reports concerning the inauguration of the resort. You can access the library of our company's events. Especially collect photos while Mr. and Mrs. Chang were departing to the airport, that day. I clearly remember there were photographers taking photos as they were leaving. Check with the newspapers for the data. Involve me where ever required."

"Mr. Chen along with Muller has already retrieved the contact details of the personnel who had trailed Bao on his trip. Coordinate with the telecom companies, and take the help of the police where ever required, and get their detailed call list. Also, with the help of Mr. Muller track down all the mobile connections, that were in the fifty-meter range on that day in Cervinia. I am pretty sure we will be on the trail of the culprit very soon. I also want you to check the black box and camera of Bao's car for the last three weeks. Can you just ask the secretary of Bao to come in for some questions?"

An officer in charge called Ms. Xu, and after fifteen minutes she came in, and asked, "Is there anything, that you need the help of?"

Li Enlai turned to her and said, "Since Bao is not well, I would like you to co-ordinate with Mr. Chang for all the projects, that Bao was handling till now. Are you in receipt of his official mails Ms. Xu?"

"His official mails are forwarded to me by default."

"Was he in touch with some foreign client recently who knew of his travel details?"

"There was one from Australia who wanted us to invest in their chain of Chinese restaurants. I had prepared a feasibility analysis of their profits for Mr. Li. Prima facie, Jr. Mr. Li had declined the investment as it was not profitable, and we did not have a base in Australia. The client had requested an audience with Mr. Li, and I was the one who sent the mail, that he may be able to meet him in the first week of January."

Liqin looked up and asked, "Was the client informed about his travel details?"

"I had been a part of a conference call in which Mr. Li had on a friendly note informed him of his trip to Zermatt."

"Can you forward the details of the client, and his proposal to me right away. Also, can you fix a meeting with me?"

"Yes, I'll do that right away."

Li Enlai interrupted, and said, "Can you come in with your laptop so that we can work on it right away?"

As she walked out Liqin asked, "Could their visit to Zermatt be only for the official purpose to coax Bao to invest?"

Li Enlai crossed his arms and replied, "It's too early to come to a conclusion in that matter."

As they were discussing, Ms. Xu walked in with the laptop and forwarded the mails to Liqin.

Li Enlai fixed his gaze at the laptop, pointed his finger to it, and asked, "Can I see his mails, Miss?"

As Enlai went through those mails the signature of the mails had Mandarin Delight in them. He showed the laptop to the security in charge and gestured to Liqin.

Liqin looked at his watch and said, "it's half-past twelve now, can you arrange a conference call with the client."

"I will do that right away."

As she was about to dial, Li Enlai said, "Record the conversation, put it on speaker, and ask according to my written notes. Start by asking of their plan to visit our office for discussion."

She then dialed the number of Ms. Brown, and asked, "Good afternoon Ms. Brown, this is Ms. Xu here. I am calling from the Li Empire. Is this the right time to speak to you?"

"Yes, surely we can speak, kindly continue."

"Ms. Brown, I just wanted to confirm the details of your planned visit to our office in the first week of January."

"I will need to confirm that with my father as he is not keeping well."

Li Enlai immediately wrote on the paper, "Ask about the health concern of Mr. Brown."

"I am sorry to hear about that, Ms. Brown. What is wrong with his health?"

"He had an accident on his trip to Zermatt."

"Hope it is not something serious?"

Li Enlai wrote, "Ask for the date of the accident."

"Just some minor injuries, that were not treated on time, and got infected."

"It's nice to hear, that he is safe. When did this happen?"

"I think it was on the twenty-third, on the day he was coming back to Australia, and he did not get time to treat them well."

Li Enlai wrote, "Ask where he had been to?"

"Had he been on a business trip? Do you have your restaurants across the globe?"

"We do not have any outside Australia. It was just a team-building exercise, that he conducted with some of our old staff in Zermatt, Switzerland."

Li Enlai wrote, "Get details of the trip."

"Oh Zermatt, that was a wonderful place to visit. Mr. Li was also in Zermatt. So, do you guys visit Zermatt often?"

"Well, this was the first visit. This was planned only after the discussion with Mr. Li. How is Mr. Li?"

Ms. Xu looked at Enlai for answers as he wrote, "Inform, and check for a reaction."

"He also met with an accident, and is in the hospital recuperating."

Ms. Brown paused, and asked, "That's very sad to know. Convey my regards to his family for a speedy recovery Ms. Xu. Did that happen in Zermatt as well?"

Li Enlai immediately wrote, "He met with an accident as the vehicle skid in the snow post a blizzard in Cervinia. He was stuck in the blizzard for three days."

"Yes, he met with an accident as the vehicle skid in the snow post a blizzard in Cervinia. He was stuck inside his villa for three days during the blizzard, and after that, he met with an accident."

"That's exactly what happened with dad. He told us that he had been stuck in the blizzard for three days before the accident on the day, that he left."

"Hope he recovers soon. Do convey my regards to him, and when he recovers give us a call, and intimate us about your arrival so that we can be well prepared to welcome you guys."

"I will surely do that Ms. Xu. Hope to see you soon."

"Same here Ms. Brown. Have a nice evening."

As the call got disconnected, Li Enlai said, "Ms. Xu kindly forward the recording to Mr. Yang. Every call, that you receive from their end should be recorded, and forwarded."

Ms. Xu forwarded the call recorded to the mail of Mr. Yang, and then asked, "Is there anything else, that you need assistance with Mr. Li."

"Nothing as such. Coordinate with Liqin, and ensure, that the business runs smoothly as before. Our ten thousand strong family cannot be impacted due to the accident of my son."

"I'll do that. Is it possible for me to visit Mr. Li in the hospital?"

Li Enlai looked at her, and said, "You may visit him today evening with Liqin. He will take you to the hospital one hour before the closure of working hours."

Liqin turned to Enlai nodded and replied, "I'll do that uncle."

"Ms. Xu kindly ensure, that your visit is completely confidential, and the secrecy of the well-being of Bao is not leaked out in any manner."

"Yes, Sir."

"Meet me downstairs at five then, Ms. Xu."

"I will do that Sir."

As Ms. Xu walked out, Li Enlai waited for few minutes till she was clearly out of vision, and said, "Take Jia along with you for the visit."

"Did the report of Mr. Muller state, that the car that was abandoned had met with an accident or showed any signs of damage due to an accident? Check on this aspect. Also, relay the information to Mr. Muller. Ask him to check out all the accidents, that were reported in Cervinia that day. Also, ask to check for information on medicines dispensed, that day from pharmacies in the vicinity, and on the way to the airport."

Li Enlai paused for a second, and then asked, "She said scratches. Did the forensic report of Ms. Xiao, report third-party blood in her nails?"

Mr. Yang nodded and replied, "No."

Liqin rested his chin on his arms and replied, "Could it be Esther?"

Li Enlai pointed to the phone and replied, "Call Mr. Muller immediately to check for third party blood in between the nails of Ms. Esther Xiao, and then report back to me."

Mr. Yang immediately relayed the message to Mr. Chen who immediately informed about the same to Mr. Muller.

I will leave for home with Huang Fan to meet Mr. Zhao now. You guys decide on the teams to be segregated into, the leaders, and their members to complete this task. We will have a meeting tomorrow morning at ten in the conference room.

As Enlai left for home, Liqin received a call from Dr. Wu, and he said, "Good afternoon doctor. How are things at home?"

"Not great. Mom and grandpa are inconsolable. I just called you to inform, that we would be visiting the morgue today to see Ann. Do we need to complete any formalities?"

"No, you need not require any formalities. Just call up the contact person, and inform him about your arrival. He will receive you at the entrance of the hospital and take you guys to visit her. How are your preparations going on for the burial? I am sorry, that we will not be able to attend the burial to ensure the safety of your family."

"I just saw the news on the web. You guys manage so many things smartly. I can understand, that you will be announcing the truth of the matter after the business becomes stable with you and Jia."

"Yes, that's true."

"I will call you back if I have any further requirements. You guys must be busy. Take care."

As the call got disconnected Liqin announced, "The news is out. Let us check the details of the news first."

Mr. Yang immediately checked his mobile for the breaking news, and then said, "Well, it's a relief. None of them have reported anything about Bao in detail. They must have understood the intention of Enlai uncle quite clearly. They dare not mess up with him. Not even Global outreach has touched the matter of Bao. It only reported that the Li Empire has been blessed with a Christmas present in the form of Huang Jia as their daughter-in-law."

Liqin smiled and remarked, "Uncle knows to manage the show very well. Let us discuss the details of team segregation, and set timelines for each inquiry."

It was about half-past one when Li Enlai and Huang Fan reached the Li Mansion. Huang Sying had already set the table for lunch in their anticipation.

Li Enlai walked in and asked, "Did Diu have her lunch?"

Huang Sying nodded her head and replied, "Yes, she is taking a rest in the room. She had fainted in the hospital earlier."

"How is she doing now?"

"The doctor had checked her in the hospital earlier. She is fine but needs some rest probably due to the trauma. I have arranged for a maid to stay with her throughout."

"Let's have a quick lunch, and then check up on her before Mr. Zhao arrives?"

Huang Fan and Li Enlai had a quick lunch and then walked into the room of Li Diu. As they entered Li Enlai gestured to the maid to not wake her up. He then sat beside her, and looked at her lovingly, and thought, "I hope to see your face glowing, and smiling again with Bao, Diu."

His thoughts were disturbed as a maid walked in, and said in hushed tones, "Mr. Zhao has come to visit you."

Li Enlai gestured the maid to go. He then got up and walked down along with Huang Fan to meet him.

Mr. Zhao greeted them on arrival, and said, "Good afternoon. I am sorry for the trouble caused by my employee."

Li Enlai smiled and said, "Let's go to my study."

As they entered the study, he called the kitchen to send in coffee, and snacks.

"Let us talk after having coffee, and snacks Mr. Zhao. Did you have your lunch?"

"Yes, I just had before leaving for the Li Mansion."

As they sat in silence, the maid brought in coffee and refreshments. As the maid left, and the sound of her steps was faint enough to understand, that she was quite far from the study Li Enlai said, "I need your help on some matter."

"It would be a privilege to help you out."

"I want to find out the details of the informer who wants my son dead."

"I have the recording with me, and I have checked for the number of the informer, and it is mentioned here." He then handed over the recording and the number to Li Enlai.

Li Enlai took the recording and played it. He then mailed the recording to Mr. Yang along with the caller's number."

"Is Mr. Li Bao recovering Mr. Li?"

"Yes, Mr. Zhao. As a gesture, if there is any breaking news in the future, we will first inform your company for the help extended."

"We need another help from your team."

"What is it? If it is within our capacity, we would surely want to help."

"We would want to honor some Chinese immigrants who have performed well in their respective fields across the globe. We will be funding the project completely from backstage. We would want your company to do the honors on our behalf without letting the recipients know, that it is coming from us. We will send you the details of the names of the people, and their location in a day or two. Your team will require to visit U.S., U.K., and Australia to do the honors. It will do you good publicity. There is only one condition, and it is that you need to ensure complete attendance. Arrange it as a new year activity."

"It would be my honor to do so."

Li Enlai then concluded the meeting with the closure, "It was nice meeting you, Mr. Zhao, and thanks once again for the help extended. I will have to take your leave now as I have another appointment at half-past three."

Mr. Zhao shook his hand and added, "I also need to leave as I have commitments already made."

As Mr. Zhao left Huang Fan asked, "Do you need to go back to the office again?"

"No, but I need to take some rest and spend some time with Diu for sure. You too, take some rest. I will ask the maid to open the guest room for you guys."

He then called up Liqin, and said, "Diu fainted in the hospital. Once you accompany Ms. Xu to the hospital come back directly home and take some rest. Inform the same to all the team members who are jet-lagged."

"I will do that."

As the call got disconnected, Li Enlai instructed the maid to open the room for Huang Fan, and Sying for taking some rest. He then bid goodbyes to Fan, and went to the comfort of his room, and took some rest with Diu in his arms in tears.

Time just passed by with the investigation in progress, when Ms. Xu called to inform Liqin about their visit to the hospital.

As Jia and Liqin left the office, Ms. Xu was waiting for them downstairs along with their chauffeur, near their car.

As they walked out Liqin said, "What a Christmas it has been this year? We even called you guys on a holiday."

Ms. Xu smiled and replied, "It's all right Sir. That announcement was very important for the company, that pays our livelihood."

As the car drove, Jia dozed off on Liqin's shoulder, and he thought to himself, "It must have been too tiring for her these days."

As they reached the hospital Liqin held the hand of Jia, and said, "Jia we have reached the hospital. Come on wake up now."

She opened her eyes, smiled, and said, "I just dozed off."

As they alighted from the car, they saw Dr. Wu getting down from their car along with his parents, and grandfather.

Jia looked at them, and then looked at Liqin. They exchanged glances but avoided talking to each other.

A security officer who was stationed in the hospital welcomed the Wu family and led them to the morgue, while Liqin and Jia along with Ms. Xu took the special elevator connecting to the tenth floor.

As they entered the room of Bao, the doctor joined them. Liqin gestured to the doctor not to give away any information.

Ms. Xu saw Li Bao, and then remarked, "He's hurt a lot."

The doctor turned to her and replied, "He is better now."

"When will he gain consciousness?"

"He should be up in another week's time."

Liqin turned to her and added, "Do not worry Ms. Xu, he will join back to boss you with loads of work soon."

Ms. Xu smiled, and said, "Well, I hope that day arrives soon."

"Let the patient rest. His recovery would depend on how much rest he gets."

"Yes, I think we should leave now. Ms. Xu, a cab has been arranged by me to drop you home kindly do take that back home."

"Yes Sir."

As Ms. Xu left the floor and was out of sight, Liqin asked, "How is he doing?"

"He had shown movements in his hands today, and there were signs of mental stress probably caused by the trauma. We have been using tranquilizers to calm him down. He might be awake in a day or two. The concussion and the bullet injury are healing well. The fracture might take a month or two to completely heal."

"Will he be able to take the news of the death of Ms. Xiao."

"Under the present conditions, he shouldn't take any form of stress till the concussion heals completely. How is aunt Diu doing? She had fainted on her visit earlier?"

"I have not been informed of her fainting, maybe because we were busy with the investigation."

"I heard the Wu family is here to pay a visit."

Liqin nodded and answered, "Yes, I met them down. We are keeping a safe distance from them to avoid any form of risk to their lives. We cannot keep our bodyguards around them and disturb their privacy. We might not even attend the burial, till the criminal is caught. Dr. Wu has been informed about the same, and he understands well. Anyway, they would return to the U.S. in a week. They are medical professionals, and can't be on leave for long isn't it."

"How is Ms. Esther doing?"

Liqin sighed and replied, "Mr. Chen had informed earlier, that her parents had come. They are both doctors who are experts in their field. She is in a coma. It might take time to recover. Her mother seems to be aloof. She was not interested in associating with us because of the trauma, that they went through. Mr. Chen told me, that she relayed the message, that once back in the U.S. she would not like to continue any form of contact with us. They must have their reasons for this. The chartered flight with the doctors has been arranged for them to fly to the U.S. while Dr. Jones will arrive in Shanghai, the day after tomorrow for the burial. I will take your leave now doctor, and come back in the evening. I might stay back in the hospital for the night. Jia is pretty stressed out these days."

As Liqin and Jia took the elevator down and walked out they were met by the weeping family of Dr. Wu.

Liqin held Jia's hand tightly as tears swelled in his eyes at the sight. He thought, "We can't even console them, and join them in their grief."

As they walked out, he overheard the mother saying, "My daughter died for their son, and they didn't even care to contact us. What kind of family, would do such a terrible thing?"

Dr. Wu looked into the eyes of Liqin, and then held his mother, and said, "Mom they might have their reasons to do that. Let us not discuss this in the open now. Now, let us get into the car."

As they sat in the car, Dr. Wu Boqin replied, "He is right. There might be reasons for them to do that. The criminal is still at large, and we might be endangered if we associate with them. Hence, they might be doing so for our safety."

Dr. Paul Wu nodded and added, "Dad is perfectly right in what he said. Their proximity to us, if known to the assailant could put us at the risk of being on the radar of his vengeance. Hence, they have kept a distance from us, for our safety."

Dr. Leah clenched her teeth and replied, "Then it is better for us, not to contact this family ever again in life. I will inform Esther's parents also about the same. I hope to see her alive at least."

As they reached home, Leah turned to Henry and asked, "Did you call Dr. Jones?"

"She will reach Shanghai on the twenty-seventh early morning. I have the belongings of Ann and Esther with me, that the hospital handed over to me. I forgot to hand it over to Dr. Jones. Remind me to hand it over to the Xiao family once we reach back to the U.S. shores."

Henry walked upstairs, and came back with the sealed pouches, and handed them over to Dr. Leah, and said, "I will go freshen up."

Dr. Leah opened the contents of Ann's belongings. Tears flowed as she saw the chain, and the pendant, that she had brought for Ann last Christmas.

Dr. Leah then opened the contents of Esther's pouch checked with the list of belongings. She looked at the ring, chain, and watch and said, "This must be their heirloom ring, and chain, that grandmother passed on to her last Christmas. It is very precious, and we will have to declare it in customs on our way back. The gemstones are for real, and rare as well. Let me keep it safe. I will go, and freshen up."

In the meanwhile, Liqin and Jia reached the Li mansion. Jia was still asleep on his shoulder. Liqin asked the chauffeur, "Carry all my bags to my room, I'll need to pick her up." He then gently picked her up, and carried her to their room, and laid her on the bed. The chauffeur handed over the bags and left.

Liqin looked at her, and thought, "I wish our wedding had a better beginning, and we could be devoid of such pain, that we are now bearing."

He then went for a bath and came back. Jia was still asleep. He gently woke her up, and said, "Jia we have reached. Go freshen up, and come back." Jia woke up, and walked into the bath, and sat in the tub, and dozed off. After a while, as there was no sound Liqin walked into the bath to find her asleep in the tub.

He shook his head, and shook her up, and said, "Are you so tired to be sleeping in the tub. Come on this could prove dangerous. The tub had not been filled with water, otherwise you could have gotten into trouble. Get up," and he helped her as he picked her up. She opened her eyes, and murmured, "Where am I? How did I fall asleep in the tub?" She got up embraced Liqin who was still in his bathrobe and dozed off again.

He held her in his embrace, and said, "Come on you can't be sleeping like this." He then turned on the shower. As the warm water drenched them Jia opened her eyes, and blabbered, "I am so sleepy." She then held him tightly and tried to protect herself from the water.

"If you are not going to take a bath. I'll have to give you one."

Jia rested her body in his chest and blurted, "All right you do it for me."

Liqin looked at her, and said, "Since when did my princess becomes so bold?"

He waited for a few seconds, and the only response, that he got was the sound of her deep breathes echoing in the drizzling shower. He looked at her, and pondered, "Is she so tired to sleep in the warm shower. This will not do."

"All right, you leave me no choice, Jia." He then hand-held the shower and sprayed water onto her face.

Jia opened her eyes, and said, "Why did you do that? It was so comfortable."

"I am sorry, but you can't be sleeping in those hospital outfits, and I can't be helping you out, with you dozing in my arms."

As she struggled to unzip, Liqin walked to her, and helped her unzip the dress, and said, "Here you go. Do not use the tub today. It could be dangerous if you doze off in the water." He then picked a fresh bathrobe, and changed, and went out as Jia started the shower.

As he dried his hair, he called the kitchen to send the dinner to the room immediately. As Jia walked out of the bath Liqin walked to her, and said, "Let me help you dry or you might doze off with those wet hair, and catch a cold. I have asked the chef to send the meal to the room. You can get to bed once you finish the meal. We cannot afford another sick family member at this point. I'll be leaving for the hospital at nine in the evening."

As he finished drying her hair, the maid knocked on the door. Liqin answered, "Come in."

The maid walked in with dinner, and Liqin said, "You can pick them up in another half an hour."

As they finished the dinner, Jia hurried to the washroom, brushed herself, and got ready to hit the bed. She quickly got into the bed, and buried herself in the warm comforter, and dozed off in seconds.

A few minutes later the maid came to collect the trolley and left. Liqin then set his alarm to quarter to eight and lied down to take a quick nap.

As the alarm rang, Liqin got up, quickly dressed in warm casuals, and walked down to leave for the hospital.

As he reached the living room, the whole family other than Li Diu was having dinner. Liqin looked at Li Enlai, and said, "Uncle you take a rest tonight. I will be staying in the hospital with Bao. How is aunty doing?"

"She is quite upset. It just opened her old wounds up."

"What kind of old wounds uncle?"

Li Enlai shook his hands and responded, "We'll discuss it tomorrow. You better leave. The chauffeur is ready with the car. Ask him to come back home. Let us avoid unwanted attention at the hospital."

"I'll do that."

"How is Jia doing?"

"She was very tired and dozed off. I think she is jetlagged. I have set the alarm for seven in the morning. She will be fresh tomorrow morning."

Liqin then looked at Huangs, and said, "Mom and dad, please stay back tonight."

Huang Fan looked up replied, "You be rest assured, we will stay back."

Liqin walked out and left for the hospital. As the car reached the hospital Liqin told the chauffeur, "You go home, and take rest. Come back at half-past seven to pick me up."

As the car left the hospital, Liqin took the elevator to the tenth floor. As he stepped into the room of Bao, the nurse was administering the evening dosage of medicines. As the nurse left Liqin laid down on the adjacent bed and dozed off immediately.

As morning dawned, the bright golden sun rays spread its wings across the hospital room and lit it whole in its golden hues.

The security officer walked in and woke up Liqin as he was instructed at seven in the morning. Liqin woke up, and said, "It feels great to have slept well yesterday after so many days."

As they were talking the doctor walked in to check on Bao, and said, "He is healing quickly. We will do another C.T. scan to check the level of concussion."

"When will you guys stop administering the tranquilizers?"

"If the scanning report comes out good, we might stop administering, five days down the lane after another final scan. That would also depend on his mental status when he wakes up. We cannot afford him to go into depression at this stage."

"He is quite strong usually, but we do not know how he will face the truth of her death. It is going to be tough even for a man as courageous as him. I have always thought of him tough like a coconut which is hard on the outside, and tender within."

"You have personified perfectly. All my previous interactions with him, have also made me draw a similar conclusion. People who do not express their grief, and do not give words to the emotions are the ones to be hurt more badly."

"Let's hope for the best."

As the doctor left, Liqin walked into the bath to freshen up before leaving. As he came out the security officer walked in with a cup of coffee.

As they drank the coffee Liqin thought, "Hope aunt Diu copes up with the pain."

As he finished the coffee, his chauffeur called to inform of his arrival. He bid his goodbyes to the security, and said, "I will join you guys in the evening."

As he walked down, the chauffeur said, "Good morning Sir, they are all waiting for you for breakfast."

"Let us go home quickly then, and not keep them waiting. Drive safely."

As the car reached the Li mansion, Liqin walked up to his room, freshened up, and came down hurriedly.

As he walked down to the living room Jia ran up to him, hugged him, and said, "Missed you a lot."

He looked into her eyes, and gave a peck on her lips, and replied, "Me too. Let us not keep the elders waiting."

As they walked into the garden Diu walked up to Liqin with tears, and asked, "How is Bao?"

Liqin hugged her, and said, "Mom, he is fine and recovering, you need to be strong to shield him from the strong gale, that hit his turf."

Li Enlai got up, and held Diu, and said, "If you are going to be weak, Bao might break down when he gains consciousness, and realizes, that his better half has passed away even before they started their journey."

Li Enlai then wiped the tears of Diu, and said, "You can shed as many tears as you want, and I will console you, but you cannot become weak when our son wakes up Diu."

Bai then walked up to Diu, and said, "She is the shield of my household. By the time Bao wakes up, she will be brave enough to help him through this storm that is brewing. We'll go together to visit Bao today, and you can stay back in the hospital the whole day."

Huang Sying walked up to them, and said, "Mom is right, you stay in the hospital today."

Li Delun pointed in their direction and added, "Now come here all of you, and replenish your health with a breakfast."

As they sat for breakfast, Li Delun added, "You did a good job about the press conference yesterday, Enlai. Not a single press has reported about Bao."

"The press conference was intended to send an indirect warning to them about refraining from reporting anything about Bao, and it worked. Mr. Chen has already taken care of the press report in Cervinia, and they have tended an apology already. With the help of Mr. Muller, we have made it clear to the press down there, that they could be accountable for a breach of privacy, and interference in the investigation if pursued further. They have all committed to refrain from any report, that could harm the investigation. We will visit Bao after breakfast."

"How are things at the Li Empire?"

"Since yesterday was a holiday, and the attendance was not hundred percent, there were no grapevines doing rounds after the conference, and the investors' meeting, but we will have to make efforts to prevent the spread of this wildfire today as we will have full attendance today. I have already instructed the staff who had been called in yesterday, on a holiday to not discuss this matter with anyone."

"I will have to attend to some pending work in the office today, and there are some designs, that are pending approval from Jia. Would it be fine if she joins me in the office today?"

"Yes, of course, she may join you. Your client's commitments cannot take a hit. It will backfire if you do not meet deadlines."

"Dad, you and mom go home, and I'll reach the office directly from here."

"After breakfast all of you get ready. I will take you to the hospital. Diu can stay back at the hospital. The chauffeur will bring you back home as I'll have to leave for the office."

After breakfast, Huang Fan and Huang Sying took leave to head home, and Li Enlai accompanied the family to the hospital for a visit.

An hour after they left, Jia left for the office of Sparkling Lilacs, and Liqin left for the office of the Li Empire.

At ten in the morning, Li Enlai joined the team in the conference room along with Mr. Chen in the conference this time.

As they were about to start, Ms. Xu walked in and said, "Sir, Ms. Brown would like to have an audience with you. When would it be convenient for you to have a conference with her?"

"Connect to them in an hour."

"I will inform them accordingly."

As she walked out Li Enlai said, "Mr. Yang, did we get the information, that we needed about Mandarin delight?"

Mr. Yang nodded and replied, "Some of them."

"It was a chain of Chinese restaurants, that started its first branch thirty-one years ago. Since its inception, it has been registered under the name of Mrs. Kylie Brown, and Mr. Simon Brown."

"The chain of restaurants has been profitable and has helped the Browns establish themselves in Melbourne. They are amongst the few of the established Chinese immigrants."

Li Enlai browsed through the information and asked, "Are they, second-generation immigrants?"

Mr. Yang shook his head and replied, "Their immigration details are not available as of now. We are checking out for some family photos available."

Liqin pointed to the laptop and added, "Check for some photos on their corporate profiles available on the social networking sites. Does Mandarin Delight have a corporate profile on any of the social networking sites?"

Mr. Yang browsed the net and replied, "Yes, they have."

Li Enlai picked up his pen pointed in the direction of Liqin and said, "When they call, try to find out whether their names have been changed post immigration, and then track them down with their Chinese names."

As they were talking, Liqin received an international call. As he answered the call Taio spoke on the other end, and said, "Hey Liqin how are things down there? I missed you guys a lot."

"We are fine. How are you?"

"I have a surprise in store for you guys. I am getting engaged and married next month in Zhuhai. I wanted to speak to Bao about booking the resort for the event but his phone seems to be switched off."

"He met with an accident, and is in the hospital."

"Is he fine now? Hope it is not something serious."

"No, it's not serious, and he is recovering fast but is unconscious at present."

"That explains why the call was not answered. His phone must have been damaged as well."

"When do you want us to do the bookings? I will pass on your number to Sam, the manager of the resort, and ask him to get in touch with you for the detailed requirements. I forgot the most important thing. Whom are you getting married to? Let me have a wild guess. Is it Chynna?"

"Bingo, you are on target. I just realized that I was so used to taking care of her, and her taking care of my daily needs, that I never realized, that I could not do without her. Moreover, as a family, we are indebted to them. But it is not because of me feeling indebted, but because she has a special place in my life. She is the joy of my otherwise serious life."

"Wish you both a life full of happiness ahead. I will pass on the number of Sam to you and yours to him. I'll get back to you in the evening to discuss in detail."

As the call was disconnected Liqin shared the number of Taio to Sam, and vice versa, and sent a message to Sam to call the client immediately.

Li Enlai turned to Liqin and asked, "Was it the grandson of the Liu household?"

Liqin nodded and replied, "Yes."

As they were discussing Mr. Chen joined interrupted through the video conference and said, "For the information, that was released in the press in Cervinia, I took the help of Mr. Muller to track the same. The press involved informed, that they had received a parcel which contained the information. They then checked with the police about the genuineness of the piece of information, and went ahead, and published the news. We have been able to control the news, and it will not be published any further. We do not have any lead on who the informer was as the parcel had been personally dropped at their office reception, and the guy had a face mask, and thick winter clothing, and hence, could not be recognized."

"About the existence of some forensic material in the nails of Ms. Esther Xiao, I have sent the samples to the forensic lab with the help of Mr. Muller, and the reports are expected by day after tomorrow morning. Dr. Jones took an early morning flight today, and will reach by four tomorrow morning."

Li Enlai bent forward and asked, "Is the information passed on to Dr. Henry Wu."

"Yes, I have passed on the information of her arrival to Dr. Wu. He was already aware of the time of arrival of her flight, and will pick her up tomorrow morning."

Mr. Yang added, "We checked on the informer who called up Global outreach. The call was made from a phone booth. We checked the CCTV footage of that area. The man was wearing a face mask, black coat, gloves, and a cap, all the while, hence he is not traceable."

As he completed the statement another officer said, "I have been able to trace a family photo of Mr. Brown, kindly have a look."

As Li Enlai looked at the photo, he said, "His face looks familiar. But I do not recollect meeting anyone from Australia. Liqin, you give a call to Ms. Brown. Try to get information on their immigration to Australia. Place the call on the recorder."

As the call to Ms. Brown was connected Liqin said, "Good afternoon Ms. Brown, my name is Chang Liqin, I am Mr. Li Bao's cousin and I am calling on behalf of the Li Empire. Is this the right time to talk to you?"

"Good afternoon Mr. Chang, I am not busy. I was just awaiting a call from your company."

"As Bao is not well, I will be taking over this project from Bao. Ms. Xu informed me earlier, that you wanted to talk to me on some matter."

"I understand the pain, that his family is going through. Our whole staff was quite impressed with his personality, his romantic nature, and persuasion of his loved one."

"How does your staff know about his romantic nature, Ms. Brown?"

"Well, there is a piece of information, that I am bound to share with you guys."

"What is it?"

"Well, I had earlier informed Ms. Xu about a team-building exercise, that I had mentioned, that we conducted in Cervinia before."

"Well, I am not aware of the same. What does that have to do with Mr. Li?"

"Well, the exercise involved building a client database of likes, and dislikes, to prepare tailor-made packages for a loyal customer. As an exercise, they were asked to find out the details of Mr. Bao, his likes, and dislikes his birthday, special days, that he wishes to celebrate, things, that he values a lot, and his principles of life. During the process, they followed and found out some exciting details about him. He is a very interesting personality. No wonder he was the most eligible bachelor."

"Isn't that breaching his privacy, Ms. Brown. Being in the industry, that you are in, the privacy of clients matters the most. Isn't it?"

"I am sorry if we have breached his privacy, however, our only attempt was to find information, that could help us interact with him better, as this deal was very important. They have no information, that is privy to only Mr. Li. Only information, that was available while on the streets of Zermatt, had been collected like what he preferred to eat, what kind of friends he had, and what he enjoyed the most. We have not used, that information in any form. I can pass on, that information to you if you need it."

"Ms. Brown, kindly pass on every information, that you guys collected immediately to us, and if we ever find, that you guys have breached his privacy, it could invite legal action."

"I'll do that right away after the call, Mr. Chang. Be rest assured the information has not been used by us in any form, and we will never do that in the future as well. Hope it does not impact our business deal."

"Ms. Brown, we handle the privacy of our clients with utmost secrecy and expect the same from everyone who deals with us. Hope this is a lesson, and you guys do not get into such a kind of a shady business. You could indirectly get your staff into unwanted trouble if we decide to legally take up the matter. Hope this is not repeated with anyone."

"We are sorry for the inconvenience caused, and assure you, that it will not be repeated. Moreover, my father had sent someone to his hotel informing him, that we wanted to meet him, concerning some business deal, but he was not available, and the staff did not have any information to share."

"Well, we forgot our original purpose of this conference, Ms. Brown."

"I discussed with my father, and he said we could visit China in the second week of January."

"Ms. Brown, I just wanted to know as to why an Australian would want a Chinese corporate to invest in them? I have been through your financial reports, the reports indicate, that your venture is profitable, and can procure a loan from local banks."

"Mr. Chang, though we are Australian by citizenship, my parents are native Chinese immigrants."

"Oh really, I am extremely sorry to have questioned you earlier, I was just confused with the surname of Brown."

"Oh, that—our original surname was not Brown. It was changed after we arrived in Australia, as my mom and dad were adopted by an elderly couple here in Australia. It helped us gel with our environment."

"Well, that's pretty understandable. So, which Chinese city were you guys from, and what was your native surname?"

"My mother is still in touch with some friends in Guangdong province, so probably we are native to that region as for my native surname, I am sorry, I am not aware of it."

"We have not been back to China for the last twenty-four years, but one of my dad's friends, had been to your resort in Zhuhai, and was very pleased with the ambiance, and facilities, and had discussed the same with my dad. That was the reason we decided to seek your investment and expertise in our attempt to expand."

"Thank you for the compliments, and we are pleased to know, that you have been served well at our resort. In the second week of January, we might be in Zhuhai for an engagement, could it be possible for you guys to meet us in Zhuhai?"

"We don't mind doing that, Mr. Chang. I will call, and inform you about our travel details. Could we get a booking in your resort during our visit?"

"I will pass on your contact details to our manager Sam, and he will coordinate with you regarding the booking for your stay at our resort. You will need to scan and send him your passports for booking at the resort. Do email me all the information, that you guys collected about Mr. Li immediately."

"It was nice talking to you, Mr. Chang. We will surely look forward to building a corporate relationship with you guys. Good day to you."

As the call got disconnected, Liqin looked at the rest of the team, and said, "She claims that her staff had trailed Bao to find information about him in their pursuit of a business deal."

Mr. Yang pointed his finger and replied, "That solves one piece of our puzzle."

Li Enlai shook his head and replied, "Let's not jump to conclusion, and not shelf this lead aside."

As they were discussing Liqin received a mail with the details of Bao collected by the staff of Mandarin delight.

He printed copies of the mail and handed them over to everyone. As they were reading Mr. Yang said, "Is this some sort of a joke?"

Li Enlai looked at the printout and replied, "It has all sort of information about his likes, dislikes, places of visit with dates, and his love affair with Xiao Ann. It says, that he had not left a stone unturned in his pursuit of winning her heart and snatching her away from the other competitor. He even bought a couple of T-shirts which had prints of 'Together' on one, and 'Forever' on another with a print of a couple holding hands on each of them in navy blue color. I did not know my son was such a romantic guy."

Mr. Yang shook his head and replied, "This also informs the likes of Ms. Xiao Ann, that she likes her coffee with lots of cream with a smile drawn on them with chocolate sauce, and has a sweet tooth for Swiss chocolates and strawberry cheesecakes. She loves traditional Chinese and Italian cuisine. Her favorite place in Zermatt is watching the sunrise over the Matterhorn from Trockener Steg, staying overnight in the igloo, and watching the stars over the sky, and she can ski throughout the day with full vigor and energy."

Liqin held the printout, sighed, and replied, "These people were really serious about their assigned jobs. They even recorded her brown hair always pulled up in a French bun, and nude gloss lipstick color in hues of peach-pink."

Mr. Yang turned around replied, "Half of this information might not even be accurate, and is not relevant to our investigation."

Li Enlai looked at Liqin, and said, "Once we go back home kindly check if Bao has one of the pair of couple T-Shirts as described here. That will help us know whether the information gathered here is genuine though completely irrelevant to our investigation."

Mr. Yang frowned and asked, "Does this mean, that the Brown family is out of the scope of our investigation, and can be marked out as not involved."

Li Enlai creased his brow and replied, "I still do not understand, to why would a company like Mandarin Delight looking for investors for expansion, would spend so much money to get their senior staff all the way to Zermatt to conduct such a silly team-building exercise? Even if their company is profitable, such expenses prove ineffective cost management. When you analyze this company, you should check how many times, in the past five years have they incurred such costs, for trips conducted for their staff. If their profit and loss statement show a tendency of over expenditure, then the investment is not viable. With regards to them, to be ruled out of the investigation, it is too early to decide on that matter, as I deeply feel a sense of familiarity with Mr. Brown."

Mr. Chen interrupted and said, "I have relayed the information to Mr. Muller regarding the inquiry to be conducted about the accidents near Cervinia, that day."

As they were discussing, Liqin received a call from Dr. Henry Wu who said, "I just wanted to inform you guys, that the burial has been planned for twenty-seventh at eleven in the morning instead of the earlier date twenty-eighth. The hospital is short of staff due to the holiday season, and my parents will leave on the twenty-eighth early morning, and I will leave on thirtieth with grandpa as I might be needed to help Esther's family back in the U.S. We need to visit the morgue later during the day between five and six in the evening."

"I will inform the family accordingly. Take care."

Liqin disconnected the call, and said to all, "The burial has been preponed to tomorrow at eleven in the morning, and they would want to access the morgue today at between five and six in the evening."

Li Enlai looked around and replied, "Let's call it a day today."

He then looked towards Liqin, and said, "Let's go home and have lunch, and then get the family to visit the morgue and pay their homage for the last time."

As they disbursed, Liqin asked, "Why do you still feel, that the Browns have something to do with this case?"

"Their statements and evidence prove, that they might not be involved, however, why take chances till the culprit is behind bars? The tourist guide who testified clearly, that there were three men whom he had heard discussing an attempt to assault him, and one of them had been an elderly gentleman of Chinese descent."