Hidden Pieces

The afternoon air was heavy, the stillness broken only by the rustle of leaves in the wind. Chen Wei sat alone in his study, the folder Ning Li had left spread across the table before him. His eyes traced the names listed on the land ownership records, each one tugging at threads of memory he had long buried. A faint shaft of sunlight streamed through the open window, highlighting the tension etched into his face.

The name that had struck him earlier, Tang Jun, stood out like a smudge on an otherwise clean slate. Tang Jun was no stranger to Chen Wei. Years ago, their paths had crossed in a way that left a bitter taste in Chen Wei's mouth. Tang had been a shrewd, ruthless man, always circling the edges of legitimacy. He was the kind of person who would smile while stabbing you in the back.

Chen Wei's hands tightened on the edge of the folder. If Tang Jun was involved in the sudden land acquisitions, it wasn't just business. It was personal.

The sound of footsteps outside broke his concentration. He tensed instinctively before recognizing the familiar cadence. A light knock on the door followed.

"Come in," he called, his voice steady despite the unease swirling inside him.

Yu Jian entered, his expression unreadable but carrying a seriousness Chen Wei instantly recognized. "I asked around like you wanted," Yu Jian said, leaning against the doorframe. "It seems the car and the stranger in the alley weren't just passing through. A few people saw the sedan earlier that day, parked near the market. They didn't recognize the driver, but the description matches Tang Jun's men."

Chen Wei's eyes darkened. "Tang Jun's playing a game, then."

Yu Jian tilted his head. "You think he's behind last night too?"

"It's not just last night," Chen Wei said, gesturing to the folder. "He's been quietly buying up land around the area. If he's here, he has a reason, and it won't be good for anyone."

Yu Jian crossed his arms, his expression hardening. "So what's the move? Confront him?"

Chen Wei shook his head. "Not yet. I need more information. Tang Jun doesn't act without a plan, and if he's involved, we're already behind."

Yu Jian frowned. "You know he doesn't play fair."

Chen Wei stood, his posture firm. "Neither do I, when it comes to protecting what's mine."

Chen Wei nodded, grateful for Yu Jian's methodical approach. "Thanks. Let me know as soon as you hear anything."

As Yu Jian jotted down notes, Chen Wei's mind drifted to Li Mei. He wondered if she had been able to sleep after the tension of the night. Her calm strength always amazed him, but he knew last night had unsettled her.

"You're thinking about her, aren't you?" Yu Jian asked, not looking up from his notes.

Chen Wei's lips tightened. "She was with me last night. If this is about me or my business, I've put her in danger."

Yu Jian glanced up, his expression softening. "Li Mei's stronger than you think. But you're right to be cautious. Keep her in the loop, Wei. She deserves to know what's going on."

The room fell into a charged silence, the unspoken weight of their shared resolve filling the space. Outside, the village bustled on, unaware of the brewing storm that could soon engulf it.