Chapter 79: Sister-in-Law’s Abnormality

Chapter 79: Sister-in-Law's Abnormality

Li Yi noticed that something was wrong with Xu Qingyao lately.

In fact, the signs had been there for a few days, but both he and Xu Qingnan had been too busy to pay attention. It wasn't until last night that Li Yi became aware of it. However, instead of addressing it immediately, he chose to observe her closely. It didn't take long for him to confirm that something was definitely off.

Something must have happened to her!

At first, Li Yi considered the possibility that the problem stemmed from home. Perhaps his sudden generosity, giving her a large sum of pocket money, had made her feel uncomfortable. But after checking, he found that her 5,000 yuan was still untouched in her passbook. Not a single penny had been withdrawn.

Moreover, their parents hadn't put any pressure on her, nor had there been any arguments between them and Xu Qingnan. Clearly, the issue wasn't rooted in family matters.

That meant the problem had to be at school!

But what could have happened to cause such a diligent and obedient girl to suddenly become so absent-minded?

Li Yi's first instinct was to wonder—could she be in love?

Her recent behavior strongly resembled that of someone experiencing unrequited feelings.

However, he quickly shook his head and dismissed the thought.

He knew Xu Qingyao well. In his past life, she hadn't even considered dating until she was in her thirties, long after she had started working at his company. It was unlikely that she would be caught up in romantic distractions now.

Then what was the real reason?

Watching her quietly as she sat at the small dining table, Li Yi fell into deep thought.

The college entrance examination was just around the corner. He couldn't allow anything trivial to affect her performance. He needed to find out what was troubling her.

Without hesitation, he made up his mind—he would go to her school tomorrow to investigate!

Late at Night

After another round of intense exercise, Li Yi and Xu Qingnan lay together, basking in the tranquility that followed.

Suddenly, Li Yi spoke.

"Nan, do you think something's wrong with Qingyao?"

"Hmm? I didn't notice anything. What's wrong?"

"I've been watching her lately—she seems distracted and absent-minded. Something's definitely bothering her."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

"Could it be stress? The college entrance exam is coming up soon."

"It's possible, but I feel like it's something else. That's why I decided to go check on her at school tomorrow."

"Alright! I'll take care of the store while you go."

"Thanks."

The Next Morning

As usual, Xu Qingyao got up, washed, had breakfast, and left for school with her bag slung over her shoulder.

A few minutes after she left, Li Yi followed.

Xu Qingyao was completely unaware that her brother-in-law was trailing behind. She kept her head down as she walked, her steps sluggish, her posture slumped. She looked utterly dispirited.

Li Yi observed her from a distance, frowning.

She hadn't shared anything with her family, and her mood had been low for days. It was clear that she was hiding something.

Her personality was similar to Xu Qingnan's—strong and independent. What could have happened to shake her like this?

Li Yi continued tailing her until she arrived at the bus stop.

There weren't many passengers waiting at this hour, so he had to keep his distance.

He chuckled to himself.

"Why am I acting so sneaky? I look like a thief."

Still, he maintained his distance, watching as she boarded the bus.

Only after the bus had left did he approach the stop, waiting for the next one.

He had time to spare. With Xu Qingnan handling the clothing store, and Wei Sanpao and the others assisting, there wouldn't be any issues.

Before long, the next bus arrived, and Li Yi got on, heading straight for Jiangcheng No. 1 High School—Xu Qingyao's school.

Arriving at Jiangcheng No. 1 High School

Jiangcheng No. 1 High School was one of the key schools in the city. It had produced many successful college students, making it relatively well-known, though not the absolute best.

Li Yi had attended this school himself—before dropping out.

Stepping through the familiar gates, nostalgia washed over him.

This school had been demolished around the year 2000. Now, it existed only as a fragment of his memories.

As he stood there reminiscing, a voice called out.

"You there! What are you doing?"

A security guard approached, eyeing him warily.

Li Yi snapped out of his thoughts and smiled.

"I'm here to see a teacher. Miss Ji, the homeroom teacher of Class 2, Grade 3. Is she available?"

The guard's suspicion faded at once.

"Oh, you're here for Teacher Ji? Come on in."

"Do you know where she is right now?"

"Funny you should ask. She just stepped out for something urgent. Should be back in about ten minutes. You can wait in her office if you'd like."

"Will she pass by here when she returns?"

"Yeah, she will."

"Alright, I'll wait here then. Thanks."

Memories of the Past

The security room was modestly furnished—a small wooden table, an old cabinet, and a worn-out teacup with the slogan 'Serve the People' printed on it.

There was also an ancient-looking radio playing softly in the background.

The teacup held 'broken tea'—low-quality tea leaves often used by the working class.

Li Yi scanned the peeling walls and then looked at the elderly security guard, who appeared to be in his late fifties. A wave of nostalgia hit him.

He recalled the times he had skipped class, only to be caught by the old security guard who worked here back then.

It had been winter, bitterly cold. Jiangnan winters had a way of cutting straight to the bone. Instead of punishing them, the old man would bring the mischievous students inside. They'd gather around the brazier, listening to his tales of military life. If they were lucky, they'd even get a piece of roasted sweet potato.

Life had been simple then.

Li Yi smiled at the memory and turned to the current guard.

"Uncle, I have a question. The old security guard who used to work here—his name was Cai Weiguo, right?"

The guard sighed and shook his head.

"You mean Old Cai? He's gone."

Li Yi's heart tightened.

"Gone? What do you mean?"

"Well, he got old. Couldn't work anymore, so he left."

"Do you know where he went?"

"Not exactly. Some say his son took him in. Others say he returned to his hometown. A few even claim he passed away two years ago. No one really knows for sure."

Hearing this, Li Yi felt a deep sorrow.

This was the reality of the times.

In this era—one filled with hardships and uncertainty—people drifted apart, often never seeing each other again.

With communication and transportation still underdeveloped, even a short distance could feel like an insurmountable gap.

And just like that, someone who had been a part of his life had disappeared into the folds of time.