Stealing The Wind But Not The Moon [Completed]

67. Chu Zhichen, Ashamed, Listened In Secret.

In the rooftop infinity pool of the Bomanjia Building, the morning sunlight streamed in from all directions, casting a gentle blue hue on the water's surface.

Xiang Mingzhang swam for two kilometers, his every stroke propelling him forward. As he reached the end of his swim, he emerged from the pool, water dripping from his well-defined muscles.

Having received Xu Liao's call, Xiang Mingzhang had extended his stay for an extra day. He had rushed back from Ningbo overnight, and now Xu Liao was reporting the new development in person, handing him a towel before speaking, "Mr. Xiang, there is a significant breakthrough."

Taking the towel and draping it over his shoulders, Xiang Mingzhang walked towards the relaxation area. There, a breakfast had been set out, accompanied by a folder brought by Xu Liao.

Opening the folder, Xiang Mingzhang retrieved the information enclosed and nodded appreciatively. "You've done well. Let's have something to eat."

With knife and fork in hand, Xu Liao spoke between bites, "The cemetery's premium price in Ningbo indicates that the Yao family is quite well-off. Guided by this insight, I conducted further investigations and managed to narrow down the target."

Xiang Mingzhang carefully perused the documents. The Yao family's ancestral home was in Ningbo, and for three generations, they had enjoyed prosperity. It seemed that the ancestors had a certain social standing.

Following the implementation of the reform and opening-up policy, the Yao family adapted to the changing times and established a successful trading company. Eventually, they relocated to Hangzhou.

The founder of Yao's company was Yao Zheng, a woman in her seventies.

Over the years, Yao Zheng had been personally funding the relocation and maintenance of Shen Zuorun's tomb. Each year during the Qingming Festival, she would make a special trip back to Ningbo for worship.

Curious, Xiang Mingzhang posed the question, "Is there any known connection between the Yao family and the Shen family?"

Xu Liao responded, "No connection has been found, and it appears unlikely that they are relatives. Perhaps they are old friends."

During times of war and chaos, many people couldn't even take care of their immediate family. To maintain a friendship as outsiders over the course of several decades suggested a deep bond between the two parties.

As Xiang Mingzhang turned a page, he came across information about a temple, causing him to raise an eyebrow. "What is this?"

Uncertain of its relevance, Xu Liao replied, "I discovered that it is a local temple in Ningbo. It used to be relatively unknown, but Ms. Yao generously donated a large sum of money towards its renovation. I plan on visiting the temple to offer incense."

Xiang Mingzhang mused, "So Ms. Yao is a devout Buddhist?"

Limited by time, Xu Liao had only made a few inquiries at the temple and relayed, "She had a tablet dedicated to a deceased monk, mainly for the purpose of worshipping him."

Xiang Mingzhang's gaze fixated on the monk's message. The monk's Dharma name was "Wangqiu," and he had passed away in 1969.

That was quite some time ago, and further information was scarce. Xiang Mingzhang calculated the timeline. This monk and Shen Zuorun were approximately of the same age and lived during the same era.

Could it be possible that the two knew each other?

Returning to his apartment, Xiang Mingzhang changed his clothes. Unconsciously, he found himself dressed in somber black. Opening his watch cabinet, he observed the collection of over a dozen expensive timepieces. In the center rested a simple silver pocket watch.