Street Hustler and His Policewoman Wife

Chapter 426: Correct Answer, Their Connection!

Along the way, Chen Xiao kept flipping through the account book left behind by Jiang Pinggui.

He looked at every entry, especially the accounts from ’94.

After reviewing each month’s statement, Chen Xiao would summarize each figure.

Only after confirming that his calculations matched the total ledger, he would turn to the next month’s accounts.

At first, Guo Zhengchang, in the passenger seat, was watching Chen Xiao’s actions.

But after listening to the sound of the calculator just doing math, he couldn’t help but ask:

"Why don’t I arrange for an accountant to go over that account book for you?"

Chen Xiao smiled and said, "It’s just a mason’s yearly account book; it’s not worth using an accountant."

Seeing him say this, Guo Zhengchang said no more.

The car kept moving forward.

By the time they reached the town near Ye Xiu’s house, Chen Xiao was almost done with the calculations.

They were less than twenty minutes’ drive from Ye Xiu’s house at this point.

Chen Xiao looked at the account book, his brow furrowed.

He had calculated so many entries and didn’t feel there was anything wrong.

Every income matched the annual income.

When Chen Xiao finished calculating, the car was almost at Ye Xiu’s house.

Even Guo Zhengchang had woken up.

Seeing Chen Xiao close the account book, Guo Zhengchang asked, "So, did you find anything?"

Guo Zhengchang knew that Chen Xiao was investigating some case.

But he didn’t know exactly what Chen Xiao was investigating.

Chen Xiao shook his head, about to speak when the lead, Luo Dali, stopped the car.

Seeing this, Guo Zhengchang smiled and said, "If there’s nothing found, put it aside for now, we have to walk to Xiaoxiu’s house."

Chen Xiao collected his thoughts, opened the car door, got out, and ran to Luo Dali’s side.

Today was the day for the betrothal ceremony and engagement contract; Chen Xiao was Luo Dali’s big brother and also his friend.

All the betrothal gifts, he would help carry to the bride’s home as it was customary for a brother to assist.

He, together with Xiaoji Knife Man Liu Dayou and the others, lifted the goods step by step toward Ye Xiu’s house.

Before they even reached the door, firecrackers were being set off loudly and merrily.

Luo Dali held a bouquet, Ye Xiu wore a red outfit.

This girl, who never wore makeup, had put on some today.

Standing in the crowd, it was obvious who was celebrating.

Chen Xiao carried the items through the thick smoke of firecrackers and rushed into Ye Xiu’s house; her family had already arranged people to welcome the guests with greeting cigarettes.

But as soon as Chen Xiao sat down, Ye Xiu personally brought over tea.

"Brother Chen Xiao, have some tea."

Chen Xiao smiled nonchalantly and said, "We’re one of us, you don’t need to worry about me, go entertain your other guests, you’ve got so much family here."

Ye Xiu shook her head, "But this is your first time at my house, Brother Chen Xiao."

Chen Xiao was taken aback for a moment, then understood Ye Xiu’s meaning.

After Ye Wei’s death in the Xiaofeng Village case, Chen Xiao met Ye Xiu because of that case.

To Ye Xiu’s family, Chen Xiao was the one who helped Ye Wei find out the truth and gave justice.

But Chen Xiao didn’t want to talk about that today, and said seriously, "We’re talking two separate things; today, you and Dali are the main focus, listen to me... go be busy."

"Alright then, Brother Chen Xiao, just call me if you need anything."

Ye Xiu went off to be busy.

Chen Xiao looked at the tea in his cup, not feeling like he needed anything.

Instead of hosting him, they might as well focus on hosting Guo Zhengchang, who is a truly caring and involved elder.

After all, for Luo Dali and Ye Xiu’s future happiness, Guo Zhengchang had genuinely put in the effort.

After greeting the guests, the engagement ceremony began.

From the moment he saw Luo Dali standing happily beside Ye Xiu, a smile never left Chen Xiao’s face.

From time to time he joined in the cheering.

Occasionally, he glanced at the betrothal gifts.

Even though the gifts wouldn’t mean much now compared to the Luo Family’s means.

But around these parts, the Luo Family could be considered wealthy.

Especially the neatly displayed cash gifts.

They drew the eyes of many.

Chen Xiao watched too, unconsciously recalling how modest his engagement to Lin Xi had been by comparison.

"Luckily, the wife isn’t here," Chen Xiao thought to himself, but the next second, his brow suddenly furrowed.

Standing next to Chen Xiao was Xiaoji.

As Chen Xiao’s most devoted and competent subordinate, Xiaoji immediately noticed the change in Chen Xiao’s expression.

"What’s wrong, Brother Chen? Did something go wrong with the ceremony?"

Xiaoji mistakenly thought there was a problem with some part of the engagement ceremony.

Chen Xiao quickly shook his head, "No, it’s perfect. I just thought of something. Later, you tell them."

Saying this, Chen Xiao walked out of the hall.

Engagements aren’t like weddings.

With a thought in his mind, Chen Xiao didn’t want to miss that feeling, so he quickly walked out.

He got in the car and opened the account book again.

He started flipping through it but didn’t calculate each entry this time.

When he reached the accounts from September ’94, Chen Xiao’s eyes narrowed instantly.

The accounts might be fine.

The totals matched too!

But the way they were recorded was wrong!

Jiang Pinggui was literate and could write, but his handwriting wasn’t good looking.

In the previous months, even though the accounts were detailed, every entry looked like it was written with ease and naturally.

But the accounts for September looked intentionally neat!

As if he was afraid of making a mistake!

At first, Chen Xiao didn’t react to this, until he saw those neat stacks of betrothal money and realized.

It’s... undeniable, some people are messy in their bookkeeping habits, and some are tidy.

But why was the entire year’s accounts casually messy, except for September’s, where every line was aligned left?

Even each word seemed written with great care!

In previous months, there were plenty of marks showing where he had rewritten due to mistakes.

There were none in September!

So, could there be another reason for September’s accounts?

For example, the accountant was pre-prepared mentally, so he made false entries?

This false accounting wasn’t to show others, but perhaps it was Jiang Pinggui showing it to his wife.

He didn’t want his wife to know what he was really doing in September 1994!

Thinking of this, Chen Xiao immediately called Lin Xi.

She answered right away, "Hello, honey!"

"There’s an issue with the account, I suspect Jiang Pinggui falsified the September 1994 entries!"

Chen Xiao didn’t beat around the bush and went straight to the point.

Hearing this, Lin Xi’s voice was full of shock and she asked, "But didn’t Jiang Pinggui’s wife say there was no problem? How could you tell it was fake?"

"There’s a clear difference in bookkeeping habits. Besides, men work outside, while women take care of the children and parents at home. How can a woman be 100% sure a man did what he said he did?"

"Can you take some photos of the entries and send them? I’ll have the Liao Group do a comparison."

"The account book isn’t urgent; I’ll bring it over this afternoon. Now we should think about what to do next! Because September 1994 is exactly when Ye Jiadong’s warehouse was being built!"

"This is the link between Jiang Pinggui and Ye Jiadong!"