236 Visiting the Dong Family
Dong Chang’s neighborhood was less than ten minutes away from Zhang Nan’s house. They had probably chosen a place close to the company to make it easier for them to go to work.
Meng Heng led them to Dong Chang’s house and knocked on the door.
Soon, a female voice came from inside the house. Mother Dong stood warily inside the door and shouted, “Who is it?”
Meng Heng answered in a clear voice, “Auntie, it’s me, Little Meng. We would like to ask you more questions. Can you open the door for us?”
Mother Dong looked through the peephole and saw the young police officer standing outside the door. She rubbed her hands nervously, then hesitantly opened the door and said, “It’s you. Why are you here again? Haven’t I already told you everything that you need to know?”
Meng Heng smiled politely. “Auntie, I’m sorry to disturb you. I’m here because I need to verify some details with you. Can we talk inside?”
“Oh, okay. Come in then.” Mother Dong nodded warily. After inviting them into the living room, she went to the kitchen to get disposable paper cups and poured them each a cup of hot water.
“If you have something to ask, ask quickly.” Mother Dong looked a little uneasy. Suddenly, she thought of something and looked up. “You didn’t look for my son, did you?”
Meng Heng smiled apologetically. “Dong Chang is at the police station now.”
“What?” Mother Dong immediately stood up angrily and said furiously, “What right do you have to arrest my son? My son has been tormented since he was young. Now that his life has finally improved, you’re causing trouble for him again. What crime has he committed? What right do you have to arrest him?”
“Auntie, please calm down.” Meng Heng and Shen Yin looked at each other helplessly. He got up to calm Mother Dong down and persuaded her sit on the sofa first. Then, he softened his voice and said, “Listen to me. We’re only going by the book to investigate the matter. If Dong Chang isn’t under suspicion, we’ll immediately release him. You don’t have to worry about this.”
“Ask whatever you need to. Then hurry up and release him. I still have to cook for him.” Mother Dong waved her hand impatiently and turned aside. When she spoke, she barely made eye contact with Meng Heng, perhaps because she was angry with him.
Shen Yin met Meng Heng’s gaze and knew that it was her turn now.
She put on a respectful and polite smile as if she was chatting about family matters and asked kindly, “Auntie, we can understand your feelings. Don’t worry. Like you, we believe that Dong Chang is innocent. If everything goes according to plan, he will be able to come back for dinner with you tonight. We’re just asking routine questions and it won’t affect his work at all. By the way, Dong Chang probably enjoys your cooking, right?”
“That’s right.” After hearing Shen Yin’s words, Mother Dong relaxed and slowly turned around. Seeing that Shen Yin was beautiful and had a gentle voice, she immediately grew less wary.
She could not help but smile back. “As long as Little Chang isn’t busy with work, he’ll always come home for dinner on time. He doesn’t have a girlfriend, so he doesn’t socialize much.”
Shen Yin smiled sweetly and nodded in agreement. “I can tell that Dong Chang is a very filial man. I think your house is quite big. Did Dong Chang earn the money to buy it himself?”
“That’s right.” At the mention of this, Mother Dong immediately said proudly, “My son works in a large company and earns a lot of money. Look at this house with three bedrooms and a living room. But there’s only the two of us living here. I think it’s too empty.”
Shen Yin raised her eyebrows and smiled. “Actually, it’s nice if you and Dong Chang each have a room. When Dong Chang brings his girlfriend home in the future, she’ll have a place to stay.”
“Yes, that’s what I thought too.” The more Mother Dong looked at Shen Yin, the more satisfied she felt. She worked in the police station’s canteen, so she naturally had a good impression of the police profession. Looking at Shen Yin’s beautiful appearance and refined manners, she could not help but grow more impressed with Shen Yin and decided to try to win her over. “I’ll be satisfied if Little Chang can bring back a girlfriend like you.”
“Auntie, you flatter me.” Shen Yin smiled politely. Seeing that the moment was right, she asked casually, “By the way, which room do you usually stay in? I heard that the property management in this district is usually lazy. Is the lighting and heating in your room okay?”
“You’re such a thoughtful child.” Mother Dong looked at Shen Yin kindly and said with a smile, “I stay in the room behind me. Dong Chang stays in the room behind you. Our house is heated by geothermal energy and it’s very warm. It’s not cold in winter. Dong Chang’s room has good lighting too. He personally oversaw the renovation.”
“Oh? I didn’t know that he’s knowledgeable about interior design.” Shen Yin said admiringly. “Can I take a look? I’ll learn from Mr. Dong. When I get married in the future, I want to design and decorate the house myself.”
Of course Mother Dong immediately took the hint. The moment she heard Shen Yin say that she was not married, her eyes lit up even more. She quickly got up and opened Dong Chang’s room door eagerly. “Of course, you can look around.”