Chapter 87 A Tragic Life
Ye Shenge retrieved the listening devices she had placed at Ye Laopo's house and stood in the yard, looking around. It was her way of formally saying goodbye to the original owner and the courtyard she had lived in for fifteen years.
Early the next morning, Ye Shenge returned to the alley next to the Public Security Bureau, continuing her surveillance. She needed more information to protect herself, as she was a powerless and insignificant person who could easily be ruined with a single misstep.
The coal plant manager was summoned to the disciplinary department early in the day. Upon learning about the actions of Ye Xingguo and his associates, he collapsed into his chair. Although he was unaware of the specifics, he was still likely to be held accountable for insufficient supervision, and his position might even be at risk.
The manager cursed inwardly, almost wanting to sit on the ground and pound his thighs in despair, but he maintained a semblance of composure.
"Comrade, I will immediately dismiss Ye Xingguo and the others upon my return. I will conduct a self-criticism meeting within the factory regarding my lack of supervision and request an opportunity to make amends."
The manager, his legs weak, walked out of the disciplinary department. Fortunately, he had reacted quickly and was adept at self-criticism; the thought of the alternative was terrifying. The mention of Ye Xingguo invigorated him. He needed to dismiss them quickly, and then the rest would be out of his hands.
Li Xiumei and her father also arrived at the coal plant early that morning. However, as the manager was absent, they decided to confide in some well-connected friends, hoping for their assistance if they encountered difficulties.
The father and daughter were full of confidence and prepared, but before they could even see the manager, they heard an announcement from the factory's broadcast station declaring the dismissal of Ye Xingguo.
The father and daughter exchanged glances and immediately rushed to the manager's office. The manager's initial demeanor towards them was friendly, but upon realizing who they were, his attitude instantly soured. He offered them no opportunity to defend themselves or plead their case. Moreover, he resolved that as long as he was at the coal plant, no relative of Ye Xingguo would ever be allowed to work there again; it was an absolute impossibility.
Li Ba, shamelessly inquiring about the charges against Ye Xingguo, promptly slapped Li Xiumei twice.
"I told you not to associate with such a man! Do you know how serious it is to traffic state property? It will also implicate our Li family."
Li Xiumei was already lamenting her lack of money and job. Li Ba's slaps made her feel even more that her life was truly pathetic.
Li Ba, unwilling to have his entire family ruined by his daughter, announced his severed ties with Li Xiumei upon returning home. He also kicked Liu Xiumei and her two grandsons out of the Li family.
As for what would become of Li Xiumei and her two sons, Ye Shenge never gave it a second thought. Her mind was too full of other matters that required her attention; her mental capacity was simply insufficient.
When the Public Security Bureau received the details of Ye Xingguo's crimes, the place became quite lively. They needed to conduct interrogations and submit reports.
Ye Mu'en and Han Yuyan, who had arrived at the Public Security Bureau early that morning to inquire about household registration, also heard the commotion. Han Yuyan, unable to sit still, went out to investigate. Many people at the Public Security Bureau knew that he was acquainted with the director, so they did not conceal the details of the incident.
As Ye Mu'en listened to Han Yuyan's vivid account, a thought struck him.
"You're saying the family involved in this crime also has the surname Ye? And the evidence of their crime was secretly placed in the disciplinary department?"
"Yes, your ears are not deaf."
As if guided by some intuition, Ye Mu'en wanted to investigate this Ye family first. However, after checking Ye Xingguo's household registration, he did not find the name he was looking for, and a wave of disappointment washed over him.
Sitting in the alley, Ye Shenge felt quite pleased with herself, completely unaware that her beloved elder brother was searching for her far and wide. She was leisurely reading a novel, constantly monitoring Wan Qiong's movements.