The Unexpected Rise Before My Exit from the Entertainment Industry

Ch 901 - 903

C191: House of Books

"Qin Wei, it's been a long time since we last met. I wonder when we will see each other again. I often think back to the good old days when we traveled together.

Now I'm delayed on the road, worried that I won't make it back in time for your birthday. Fortunately I ordered a book for you as a gift from Shallow Lamp Bookstore before I left. Please go pick it up. The owner's surname is Sun. He looks like a man in his middle years with a steady demeanor and medium build. He walks with a limp in his left leg. Give him my name Xu Hongen and he will give you the gift.

Take good care of yourself."

"Let's go."

Qin Wei put away the note and left the bank.

Journalist Qiao followed her without saying anything.

As they walked out of the bank, they saw two familiar faces - Li Hanming, a young man in a beret, white shirt and suspenders; and Wei Lai, a female student in blue clothes and black pants.

They had helped Qin Wei escape some pursuers earlier through a twist of fate.

They had already parted ways, but now were still here waiting, apparently with something else on their minds.

Qin Wei realized that amidst the chaos earlier, she had only verbally expressed her gratitude and neglected proper etiquette.

"I didn't actually withdraw any money just now. I left in a hurry without taking any cash. Why don't you give me your addresses, so I can come thank you properly afterwards?"

Qin Wei said as she borrowed paper and pen from Journalist Qiao.

The two looked at each other, then Li Hanming said,

"Ms. Qin, you misunderstand. We only stayed to make sure those people don't come back. Seeing you come out safely, we can leave with peace of mind. Let's part ways here."

After they left, Qin Wei asked the bank manager for directions to Shallow Lamp Bookstore. It was located on a street by the river. She crossed a bridge and walked further down a stone-paved road until she saw the signboard reading "Shallow Lamp Bookstore". Inside, a middle-aged man wearing black-framed glasses and a faded but clean indigo changshan sat reading a book on a small stool.

He matched the description given by Xu Hongen well.

As Qin Wei stepped towards the threshold, she hesitated, now certain that someone had been following her all this way.

"Come on out," she said.

The two who had parted ways with her outside the bank emerged from a side alley - Wei Lai claimed she merely came to buy books, while Li Hanming staunchly insisted it was just a coincidence.

Their voices attracted the attention of the owner inside. He looked up to see new customers. Setting his book down, Sun Dan stood up and came over to greet them.

Qin Wei noticed his left leg was lame, though not very obviously so.

She had been debating how to confirm this man's identity, but could now be certain, so she asked:

"Is Owner Sun in?"

The middle-aged man adjusted his glasses.

"That would be me."

"Some days ago, a Mister Xu Hongen placed an order for a book here. Did this happen?"

Owner Sun hesitated for a moment, sizing up the four people present, before nodding:

"Indeed it did."

[Ding——]

[Scene complete. Unlocked new quest!]