Mr. You's fictitious marriage

Chapter 15

With something to do at hand, You Huo found his irrational anxieties subsiding, and the clear goal chased away the obstructing mist of those fears. He was determined, and there could be nothing to stop him from getting Qin Jiu out. He will fight for their future together, even against the whole world if needed. 

He reached the destination of the reported address of the landlord that Qin Jiu, as was claimed, killed. 

Both Yi Wusi and Wen Yuan shared whatever they could remember, so with their instructions, he sought out and interviewed possible eyewitnesses. 

Obviously, authorities had questioned the majority of the relevant individuals, but he was still confident that a fresh clue might be discovered.

As he meticulously gathered information from the eyewitnesses, he couldn't help but notice a recurring pattern in their accounts. A particular detail stood out, suggesting that there might be more to the landlord's murder than initially presumed. Urged to uncover the truth, he delved deeper into the investigation, determined to find the missing piece of the puzzle that could potentially exonerate Qin Jiu. 

A sense of urgency continuously permeated his mind. He knew that time was of the essence, as the trial date for Qin Jiu was rapidly approaching. The pressure to find the crucial evidence intensified, fueling his determination to leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of justice.

***

Qin Jiu's indictment passed a few days ago. He, of course, pleaded not guilty at court, but all involved parties knew that it would be irrelevant if You Huo wasn't able to get the evidence by the time of trial.
As the days melted into weeks, Qin Jiu found himself at the center of a constant stream of visitors. Word had spread of his connection to powerful individuals, and so the garrison chose to tread lightly around him.

This was a part of the reason why they left him alone and relatively unbothered, aside from the usual prison trivialities like the monotonous routine of daily walks in the cell-sized courtyards enclosed on all four sides by walls and occasional inspections.

The attention he received acted as a shield against the cruel whims and whatever atrocities came to mind of those in higher positions. In this desolate place, cut off from the world, Qin Jiu counted himself fortunate—far luckier than his fellow inmates, who languished in obscurity.
Even his husband's family members visited him weekly. His husband's cousin clung to his father, his heart filled with trepidation from the gloomy atmosphere, his pulse racing with fear. However, young Yu Wen made an effort to look resolute in front of Qin Jiu, pleading with him to endure until his brother would solve the complex web of troubles that had put both their lives at risk. 

As Old Yu procured yet another delectable batch of The Muffin Man's renowned muffins, delivered straight from Drury Lane*, Qin Jiu found himself taken aback by a peculiar sentiment. He couldn't help but be astonished by the notion that he was experiencing a semblance of familial connection once more. 

Such an unexpected sensation had long eluded him, and he had resigned himself to believing he would never encounter it again. While he harbored no doubts regarding You Huo's sincere affection for him, the inclusion and acceptance bestowed upon him by his kith and kin solely by virtue of their romantic entanglement... this was an unforeseen circumstance he wasn't expecting to be on the receiving end of, ever.

In the dimly lit chamber, Qin Jiu hummed a melodic tune. A slight smile played upon his lips as he contemplated the meal before him; he knew the rations might spoil in this damp and oppressive prison. He proceeded to gulp down the food, for in this forsaken cell, time was a cruel mistress.