Still, Huo Shaoheng felt optimistic, and he encouraged Yin Shixiong and Zhao Liangze by saying, “Big Xiong, Little Ze, think about it this way. Our situation is looking up now that we have more clues.”
Yin Shixiong and Zhao Liangze nodded in unison. “Yes, Mr. Huo. At least we know where Gu Xiangwen is, and more clues have surfaced.”
Huo Shaoheng was truly their Chief. A moment ago, Yin Shixiong and Zhao Liangze had felt incredibly anxious, but now they were full of positivity and hope.
“That’s right. We also know we should invetigate Gu Xiangwen’s wife.” Huo Shaoheng paused and recalled that Gu Nianzhi had never called out for her mother. Even after she had passed out from a high fever, she’d cried out for “father” and “uncle.”
“Gu Xiangwen has always been discreet and mysterious. We know about his wife now, but I’m afraid she’ll be hard to track down.” Yin Shixiong gestured his fingers daintily and asked in a singing voice, “now doesn’t that complicate things, Mr. Huo.”
Huo Shaoheng glanced at him then looked forward and replied dryly, “how is your contact with Barbados coming along? Right now it’s-” he looked at his watch, ” three pm. I want to be standing on Barbados soil tomorrow by noon.”
Yin Shixiong instantly retired his jokes. “Roger, Chief! I’ll contact them right now!” With his smooth tongue and a translator from the Huaxia General Consulate in Cuba, he only had to say a few words for the Barbados representative to happily comply. They were a small population, and their government departments were relaxed. Now that a major “international figure” was coming to visit their country, the government workers smiled happily. They finally had some serious business to do!
Because Barbados was such a small country it was very easy to coordinate with. The entire country was about the size of an average city in the Huaxia Empire. With the assistance of the Huaxia Empire, Barbados was able to quickly finalize the itinerary for Huo Shaoheng’s visit.
That night, the local TV networks in Barbados aired breaking news. Gu Yanran was sitting in the dining room of her manor eating dinner when she saw the news on TV. She wasn’t feeling too well, so she didn’t each much per meal though she did eat frequently.
“Hmm? That’s Major General Huo, isn’t it? He’s visiting Barbados?” Gu Yanran paused and set her utensils back on the dining table. She stared at the TV, but unfortunately, the news didn’t have any details. It glossed over the purpose of Huo Shaoheng’s visit and used most of the time to praise his high rank within the Huaxia Empire and his admiration of Barbados. The report ended by complimenting the wise and decisive Governor of Barbados. It was full of self-flattery, and Gu Yanran couldn’t help but frown. She knew Barbados’ lack of power better than anyone else, so why would a military general with a bright future trouble to visit such a place? The report ended, and Gu Yanran replayed it over and over again. She felt intrigued but peculiar. Suddenly, her phone rang. Checking the screen, she saw a text from an acquaintance.
“Huo Shaoheng is as sly as a fox. He has another purpose for visiting. I’m afraid I got you in trouble.”
Gu Yanran’s heart dropped, and her indescribably strange feeling returned. It felt like a cloud of mist had snaked its way around her heart and blocked the road ahead. But she couldn’t bear to try and dispel it. Gu Yanran played with her phone and left the dining room. She stood on the balcony to watch the blurry coast in the distance. The air was heavy with seawater and a salty smell. She pursed her lips and looked at the bougainvillea, plumeria, and large poncho daisies planted around her and sighed gently. She’d been lonely for too long.
Gu Yanran turned back and went to her father’s room on the second floor. The lights were off, and the heavy velvet gold curtains not only blocked out the light, but also the sound of waves from outside. It was as quiet as a mausoleum. Gu Yanran reached out to turn on the wall sconce and walked in under the amber light. Her father’s bed was in the smallest bedroom inside. The place was almost like a miniature hospital. It was filled with various medical equipment, as well as two nurses and two doctors who provided all day care.
Upon seeing her enter, the doctors and nurses on duty stood up. “Miss Gu.”
Gu Yanran nodded. “How’s my father today?”
“Just like yesterday. He’s not better or worse.” Dr. Lawrence, the doctor she had hired from the United States for a considerable fee, watched her with adoration. She was breathtakingly beautiful, but Gu Yanran refused to accept his advances. Gu Yanran walked over slowly and quietly stood at her father’s bedside.
“Are there any medical advancements? I’m hoping that my father will wake soon.”
“I’ll try my best, Miss Gu.” Dr. Lawrence stood next to Gu Yanran. He was tall and handsome, and his eyes were as blue as the ocean. Hardly anyone could resist his gaze. Gu Yanran was the exception. She had once politely told him she had a strict upbringing, and her parents would never allow her to marry a white man. She must marry a fellow Huaxia citizen. Dr. Lawrence thought this was an excuse, and she simply hadn’t fallen in love with him yet. Once she fell in love with him, those rules would disappear.
Gu Yanran was aware of Dr. Lawrence’s feelings for her, but she honestly didn’t like him and, it was true, her parents would never allow her to marry a white man. Her mother was gone, and her father was in a coma, but she still obeyed them.
“Thank you, Dr. Lawerence. If you think this is fruitless, I can advance half a year’s salary, and you can go back to the United States.” Gu Yanran turned to smile at Dr. Lawrence faintly. “Perhaps, this place is not suitable for you.”
Dr. Lawrence’s heart dropped. He loved Gu Yanran, but he loved his profession more. His work here was relaxing and easy, and the salary was ten times what he’d get in the United States. He had no qualms against money, and he could find beautiful Huaxia women anywere. There was no reason to give up everything just for Gu Yanran.
The adoration Dr. Lawerence’s eyes instantly disappeared, and he replied seriously, “Miss Gu, I’m a professional, and I abide by professional ethics. I can distinguish between work and personal business.”
“Really?” Gu Yanran smiled. “Then you must make sure to display it.” She turned to leave but continued before she went out the door. “Add another shift. You can all work eight hours each.” She was increasing personnel. The Gu family housekeeper quickly arranged to hire more doctors and nurses.
…
At noon the next day, the Huaxia Empire’s special aircraft landed at the Barbados airport. The Barbados government officials, socialites, and wealthy businessmen all welcomed Huo Shaoheng. Of course, Gu Yanran was the most important nongovernment representative.
“Major General Huo, welcome to Barbados.” She extended her hand to Huo Shaoheng with a smile.
Huo Shaoheng gave her a polite, business-like smile as he reached out to shake her hand.
“Miss Gu, you truly live up to your name.”
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