Just as he was about to speak, the woman who had seemed utterly lost in thought suddenly addressed him. “Are you a cop?” Wen Zhao found that amusing. Over the years, plenty of people had been intimidated by him, assuming he was some kind of gangster, but this was the first time anyone had mistaken him for a police officer. “...No.” Wen Zhao replied. He reached for the button to close the door again, but the woman’s voice stopped him. “Then are you a lawyer?” “No!” Wen Zhao was in a hurry, and his patience was wearing thin. “Not a cop, not a lawyer. Any other questions?” At that, Su Xiaohui let go of the door. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help but overhear your phone call just now.” Wen Zhao shot her a look. His line of work had trained him to be observant, and he’d noticed something wasn’t right about her demeanor the moment she stepped into the elevator. Still, he’d figured it was just the hospital—a place where emotions often ran high—and hadn’t given it a second thought. Now, her words suggested something else entirely. He pulled a gold-embossed business card from his wallet and handed it to her. “Here’s my card. Call me if you need anything.” Without another word, he turned and pressed the close-door button. “Wen Zhao!” “Private Consultant—*We Satisfy Your Every Need*?” Su Xiaohui was puzzled. She’d heard of private investigators, but what was a private consultant? And with a card like this? Did she look like she was made of money? She flipped it over and saw a detailed list of services: *Including but not limited to: surveillance, background checks, evidence gathering, crisis management, personal security...* Essentially, it covered everything you could think of, and a few things you couldn’t. So, this was a private consultant. Su Xiaohui tucked the card away. She decided she would try to sound Zhou Sen out first, then see if she actually needed to make that call. *I hope it’s not what I think it is,* she prayed. *Please don't let my husband have done something foolish.* Her mind a whirlwind of emotions, Su Xiaohui returned home. She had been held up at the hospital for so long that it was already late when she walked in. The kids were asleep, and Zhou Sen was waiting for her, the TV murmuring in the background. “Honey, what kept you so late?” “Have you eaten?” The moment he saw her, Zhou Sen rushed over, his face etched with concern. Looking at her husband fussing over her, the words caught in Su Xiaohui’s throat. If that fifteen million dollars was real, the money had to have come from a questionable source—something he would never want her to know about. But if it was all just a misunderstanding, bringing it up now would only embarrass him. Su Xiaohui opened her mouth, but what came out was, “We had a lot of patients registered today. You know how it is—once they’re checked in, you have to see them all. That’s why I’m so late.” Zhou Sen’s eyes filled with sympathy. “You work too hard, honey.” “It’s my fault,” he said, his voice low. “If I could just make more money, you wouldn’t have to work yourself to the bone like this.” “Don’t you worry. I’ll figure out a way to bring in more.” Her heart sank at his words. “We have enough to get by,” she said quickly. “Just… don’t do anything illegal.” An unnatural smile flickered across Zhou Sen’s face. “I know.” “Honey, go take a shower and change. I’ll heat up dinner for you.” With that, he disappeared into the kitchen. To Su Xiaohui, his evasion was a clear sign of guilt. *So my guess was right? He really embezzled money?* Suppressing the wave of anxiety that washed over her, Su Xiaohui went into the bedroom. She needed to see if she could find that hidden bank card. First, she had to confirm if the fifteen million was real. Of course, she didn’t find it. She hadn’t really expected to. If her husband was truly determined to hide something from her, he wouldn’t be careless enough to leave the card at home. But was that money really in an account under his name? The question gnawed at her, and the next day at work, she was completely on edge. The Chief of Surgery noticed her state and had another doctor switch shifts with her. “Go sort out your personal life.” “You hold scalpels in your hands. This is no place for jokes.” Su Xiaohui felt a pang of both gratitude and guilt. She knew the Chief was right. This business with her husband was consuming her. She couldn’t let it continue; it had to be resolved, and quickly. After a moment’s thought, she called her best friend and asked her to lunch. Zhang Qiu was a busy woman herself. The first thing she said after sitting down was: “Well, look what the cat dragged in. What brings a busy bee like you all the way out here? Things slow at the hospital?” The question seemed casual, but Su Xiaohui had the distinct feeling she was being tested.