The next morning, everyone knew that Cheng You's home had been burglarized.
Burglary was not a rare occurrence, but if it happened in the military compound, it was different.
The security here was unparalleled in Yan City.
It was difficult for outsiders to get in, which meant only one possibility: an inside job.
For a time, everyone couldn't help but speculate.
Who was most likely to have done it.
Soon, everyone's speculation was overshadowed by another matter.
Cheng You's home was burglarized. No money was lost, but something very important was stolen.
The Mu Xi grass that the research institute had sent her to help raise!
Even though it was just a single blade of grass, it was incredibly precious.
As soon as the news spread, the people at the Botanical Research Institute exploded.
They had worried and been anxious for so many days, and now they were told that the Mu Xi grass was with Cheng You.
Even if that were the case, the Mu Xi grass had gone missing while in her care!
Director Hao felt that the feeling of falling from heaven to hell was nothing more than this.
Zhao Jisheng kindly reminded him to rest assured.
It hadn't been long before Cheng You lost the Mu Xi grass.
Ever since this news had been spread, Cheng You had been driven to her wits' end.
There were people who feigned concern but were actually mocking her, and people who came to inquire for gossip.
Cheng You didn't care about the Mu Xi grass, her mind was filled with her own He Shou Wu and Ginseng.
These people, who were unaware, kept bringing it up, as if poking at her wounds.
Finally, it forced her to shut her door and see no one.
With foreign forces infiltrating the military, the security in the compound became even tighter.
Xu Nanxi was still not released, making Old Master Feng anxious.
Even if he were to be disciplined, they needed to give a clear answer.
With no news and no release, people were left in uncertainty.
The old lady, unable to bear seeing him lose sleep, invited Cheng You and Song Qinglan over for dinner, hoping to ask about Xu Nanxi's situation.
Coincidentally, Feng Xue also arrived, and the five people sat down to talk.
Feng Xue had specially put on makeup. Having learned that Cheng You had lost the Mu Xi grass, she couldn't wait to mock her.
"Cheng You, I heard you lost the Mu Xi grass. How could you be so careless? I heard the Mu Xi grass is very precious and has high research value. It's a shame it's gone like this."
Although she said it was a shame, her face was adorned with a gloating smile.
Cheng You looked at her intently, "You even put on makeup? It seems Xu Nanxi's situation hasn't affected you much."
Feng Xue's face stiffened, and she saw the old lady's scrutinizing gaze.
She quickly lowered her head, "I haven't been sleeping well these past few days, so my complexion is poor, hence the makeup."
Cheng You let out a soft "oh," her tone flat, yet it carried a hint of sarcasm, "With such bright red lipstick, anyone would think you were celebrating."
Feng Xue: "..."
She and Xu Nanxi had never had much affection for each other, so how could she be heartbroken over his troubles?
It was good that something happened to him; she could use this opportunity to break up with him.
The old lady glanced at her, smiling as she served Cheng You food.
"Eat."
Cheng You and Song Qinglan knew the old lady's purpose for inviting them to dinner, but some things couldn't be said directly.
They could only offer a parting remark: "It should be over in a few days, please don't worry."
The old lady visibly relaxed, feeling weary.
On one hand, she didn't have a good impression of Xu Nanxi, and on the other, she felt some concern.
After all, he was Old Xu's grandson...
After seeing the guests off, the old lady returned home and glanced at Feng Xue.
"You're still here?"
Feng Xue got up awkwardly, "Grandma, I'm a little worried about Nanxi, let me stay a bit longer."
"Worried? You don't look worried at all, dressed so elaborately. Anyone would think you were here for a blind date. Besides, at the dinner table just now, did you say anything related to Xu Nanxi?"
She had only targeted Cheng You's sore spots, her every word aimed at mocking others.
"Hurry up and go!" the old lady chided gently.
Feng Xue felt humiliated, lowered her head, and hurried out.
...
As soon as Cheng You returned home, she heard someone calling her.
They said people from the research institute had come to her door, demanding an explanation.
Cheng You couldn't help but feel weary. It all came down to the Mu Xi grass.
Looking at the vibrant Mu Xi grass in her room, she wished she could just throw the thing out.
However, as things were not yet clear, she had no choice but to endure it.
"I know, I'll be there shortly."
"Comrade Cheng You, don't delay, they're about to start fighting."
Cheng You sighed, "I understand, I'm coming."
After putting the Mu Xi grass away, she got up and went out.
Everyone was in Commander Qi Shengwen's office.
They were quite shrewd, knowing to find the highest-ranking leader in the military when they came.
"Uncle Qi, I'm here."
The people from the research institute had come in full force, and soon they were arguing heatedly.
Liu Ying, in particular, was yelling hoarsely in her own defense, "The Mu Xi grass was lost by Cheng You, so why should I be disciplined! I did nothing wrong, Cheng You is the one who erred! You secretly handed the Mu Xi grass over to some young girl like her; it was absurd from the start."
Cheng You found it amusing, realizing that things could be twisted like this.
"It's because your student colluded with a spy, working from the inside and outside, and nearly killed the Mu Xi grass," she said as she walked in.
Liu Ying shrieked, "Xu Nanxi had nothing to do with that spy; he was a victim, manipulated!"
"I know your student is foolish, you don't need to emphasize it. But in this matter, his foolishness is also his fault!"
"You!" Liu Ying gritted her teeth in anger, "What about you? The Mu Xi grass was lost while in your care, what do you have to say for yourself!"
Cheng You smiled coldly, "The military will handle my affairs; what does it have to do with you?"
Even if there were to be disciplinary action, it wouldn't be the research institute's place to interfere.
Regarding the Mu Xi grass, the research institute had already been negligent.
Director Hao felt a headache coming on and rubbed his temples vigorously.
"Commander Qi, I'm not here to accuse anyone. I primarily want to understand the progress on the Mu Xi grass; has it been found yet?"
Qi Shengwen shook his head, "It's still under investigation."
This statement was as good as saying nothing.
Director Hao said earnestly, "The Mu Xi grass is very important; we hope you will do your best."
Qi Shengwen nodded, "Naturally."
Director Hao stood up, clearly unwilling to deal with Liu Ying and her unreasonable group.
"Comrade Cheng You, I have something I wish to discuss with you; are you free?"
Cheng You nodded, "Shall we go outside?"
"Certainly."
Liu Ying was indignant and didn't want to let it go just like that.
If she could make Cheng You take the blame, perhaps she wouldn't be fired.
"Director Hao, I still have something to say!"
Director Hao paused and looked back at her.
"If you have something to say, say it to Commander Qi; he will answer you."
Liu Ying: "..."
Alone, she lacked the courage to clamor here.
Qi Shengwen slowly sat down, "Teacher Liu, do you have anything else to say? I'm listening."
Liu Ying repeatedly shook her head, not daring to speak to him at all.
"It's nothing, nothing at all. I'll be going back now. Our research institute awaits the military's investigation results."
As she reached the door, she heard Qi Shengwen's cold voice, "Teacher Liu, regarding the Mu Xi grass, the matter will be handled with fairness and impartiality. Those who have made mistakes will not be let off!"
Liu Ying trembled, bit her lip, and quickly walked out.