Searching for Treasures in the Clouds

Chapter 425 A Relationship Like Classmates

Yu Ru found the monk's information and learned that the monk she had been frequently encountering was named Yuan Juren, a native of Shancheng. His family held a position in the area equivalent to the Yun family in Shuicheng, and their power was not to be underestimated. Analyzing each encounter with the monk and her own network of relationships, she came to the conclusion that the monk had nothing to do with her interests.

The reason why she kept running into monks was unknown. She could only temporarily classify them as safe personnel. After all, Yuan Juren's family was powerful, and it wasn't worth making enemies, so she didn't need to risk her life to cause trouble. However, she would secretly monitor his electronic devices to ensure her own safety.

"Mom, Monk's dad was involved in the operation of that illegal factory. Could it be that he's here to catch you, the one who slipped through the net?"

The illegal factory where Yu Ru was abducted was located in Shancheng. The factory's boss was involved in many illegal transactions, and the Yuan family, as the dominant force there, also profited from them, naturally becoming one of their protectors. This was the only connection Yu Ru had with the Yuan family. However, to use this as a reason to explain why she kept running into Yuan Juren would be far-fetched.

"There's a one in a billion chance it's because of this. First of all, he can't find me. Back then, when I went to that illegal factory, there was no record of my name or age, and I was always disheveled, so you couldn't even recognize my face. If he hadn't seen the case file, he couldn't have found me. Moreover, that case was classified as a top secret file, and you can't see it without a proper reason to apply to higher authorities. Even if I, as the person involved, had connections with the Ministry of State Security, I would still have to put in some effort to see that file."

"Secondly, although I met many important people there, I didn't learn any secrets about them. I had no use to them, and a monk has no reason to seek out a beggar."

"That's true, Mom."

“I think that monk was looking for someone, but not me.” Yu Ru recalled the scenes from each encounter with the monk. “He probably saw something on me that he recognized as belonging to someone from the past, so he kept running into me, observing me, and investigating me. However, he discovered that I was someone he couldn't get much information out of, and he became interested in me because I was an unregistered resident. Do you think that's possible?”

"Oh, Mom! That makes perfect sense! If that's the case, why doesn't he just ask you directly? It would save him the trouble of investigating and having to put on a show for dozens of episodes without ever finishing it."

"Yeah, I gave him an out last time, but he didn't even ask. Let him investigate, as long as he doesn't get hurt, we'll leave him alone."

"Mom, he's so strange. One minute he's a monk, the next he's a normal person. ╰(???)╯ I don't know what he's after?"

Yu Ru believed that the man she met at the Buccellati private collection dinner was Yuan Juren, so her initial investigation focused on that man. And indeed, her guess was correct; the man and the monk were the same person, the only difference being whether or not he wore a wig.

"It's just a personal hobby, I guess. He seems to be enjoying it. Let's not talk about him anymore, let's go out for a walk."

"Mmm! I like going out with Mom. つ??"

"Okay, let's see if Ming Shi is free, and ask her to come along."

……

Yu Ru got dressed and went downstairs with Shan Ci to go out, when they ran into Yun Ji Xing.

Yun Jixing froze upon seeing her. Yu Ru was wearing a morning glory purple dress. The sheer, tulle cap sleeves and sweetheart neckline accentuated her elegant shoulders and neck. The lower half of the dress featured eight layers of delicate, almost seamless tulle that cascaded to her ankles. As it swayed, it didn't appear ethereal or bulky, but rather naturally luxurious and refined, flowing like water. Her hair, still quite short, was styled into a neat updo, looking very natural and adorned with silk flowers—absolutely beautiful.

"Aru...where are you going with someone as beautiful as you?"

"I'm going shopping with Ming Shi. I'm leaving." Yu Ru touched Yun Jixing's face, didn't chat with him any longer, and turned away gracefully.

Watching her departing figure, Yun Jixing absentmindedly touched the cheek that had been touched, and couldn't help but smile. "Smells so good..."

Yu Ru first went to Ming Shi Sui's house to help her get ready. When Ming Shi Sui first returned to China, Yu Ru had taken her to choose many new clothes. Therefore, now that they were going out, she was experiencing decision paralysis.

"Honey, do you think this looks good? This skirt goes with this top." Ming Shi held up a skirt in one hand and a top in the other, showing them to Yu Ru.

Yu Ru stared at her for a moment, then shook her head. "The colors don't match. I'll help you dress up."

About half an hour later, a brand new Ming Shi Sui appeared.

Yu Ru picked out a Monet Garden-themed Lolita dress for her, with pink and green as the main colors. The dress featured a multi-tiered cake skirt structure, with a semi-sheer off-white organza and lace ruffles on the outer layer, and an inner layer printed with Monet's garden paintings. The off-shoulder sleeves concealed her arms, making her appear smaller, and the pink satin cincher accentuated her waistline, while the voluminous skirt adorned with three-dimensional roses was very slimming. For accessories, she wore an off-white wide-brimmed hat with a lace choker. Combined with her wavy, curly wig, the overall look was sweet and girlish.

Ming Shi stood in front of the mirror, shyly admiring herself, her face unconsciously flushing. After admiring herself for a while, she walked over to Yu Ru and excitedly hugged her, "Baby! You're such a genius at dressing up!"

"Okay, if you're satisfied, you can put on some makeup and we'll head out."

"Ok!"

……

This time, Yu Ru specifically invited Liu Bujing along. She arranged for Liu Bujing to sit in the front passenger seat while she and Ming Shisui sat in the back. The back partition was raised, providing good sound insulation, so Yu Ru and Ming Shisui discussed Liu Bujing with peace of mind.

"Liu Bujing has also accompanied you on several outings as your bodyguard. What do you think of him?" Yu Ru asked.

Upon hearing Liu Bujing's name, Ming Shi immediately covered his face, saying, "Very well, I still like him."

Yu Ru smiled and stared at her flushed face, saying, "Do you really like her, or are you just after her beauty?"

Ming Shi nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice, "I really like him, I feel like I'd never get tired of being with him. But... baby, I feel like he's not interested in me." Her expression was somewhat dejected, "His feelings for me are like... um... why don't you look at our chat history?" As she spoke, she handed her phone to Yu Ru.