Chapter 972: The Real Culprit
Chapter 972: The Real Culprit
Editor: Henyee Translations
“Eldest Uncle, are you here to see Grandma too?” Gu Shuzhi greeted them warmly, as if there were no lingering grudges from the punishment of Gu Zhaoye’s family.
Gu Zhaoming, impressed by his nephew’s demeanor, nodded slightly. “You’re here to see her as well?”
Gu Shuzhi smiled and replied, “Actually, Eldest Uncle, I’m here to find you.”
“Oh?” Gu Zhaoming raised an eyebrow in surprise.
“I know your family has been investigating Eldest Aunt’s car accident,” Gu Shuzhi continued. “I have some information and would like to discuss it with you.”
Gu Zhaoming agreed, and they headed to a nearby restaurant to talk.
As soon as they sat down, Gu Zhaoming got straight to the point. “What do you know?”
Gu Shuzhi placed his hands on his legs and spoke calmly, “I know who the murderer is and can tell you, Eldest Uncle, but you need to promise that the grudge between you and my father will be resolved.”
He met Gu Zhaoming’s gaze and added, “Eldest Uncle, rest assured that Eldest Aunt’s car accident has nothing to do with our third branch.”
Gu Zhaoming nodded. “If you can indeed provide the identity of the murderer, I won’t pursue any further actions against your family for past grievances. But that depends on the truth of what you say.”
Seeing Gu Zhaoming’s agreement, Gu Shuzhi sighed with relief.
Gu Pei, growing impatient, asked, “Who is it?”
Gu Shuzhi looked at Gu Zhaoming with a faint smile and replied, “It’s someone who might surprise you. Fifth Elder.”
“What?!”
The revelation stunned everyone present.
“How could it be Fifth Elder? He has always been good to our family. What possible reason would he have to harm us?” Gu Pei questioned, eyeing Gu Shuzhi with suspicion. “Are you trying to stir up trouble?”
Ruan Xueling was equally disbelieving. “When our family returned to the capital, Fifth Elder was the one who helped us settle in. Over the years, he’s been encouraging Zhaoming to stay here.”
“How could Fifth Elder be involved if his motive was to prevent Yangyang and Xiaojin from returning to the capital to study? That doesn’t add up.”
Gu Zhaoming fixed Gu Shuzhi with a dark, piercing gaze. “Gu Shuzhi, do you have any evidence to support your claim?”
Gu Yang, Gu Jin, and Feng Jue remained silent, waiting for further clarification.
“Eldest Uncle,” Gu Shuzhi said calmly, “I understand the bond you have with Fifth Elder. He has been a great help to you, both years ago and now. But people can change. Even the most honest person may act out of character under certain circumstances.” As he spoke, he placed his phone on the table.
A familiar voice emanated from the phone.
It was a recording of a conversation between the Fifth Elder and a middle-aged man.
“This is two million yuan in cash. Tell your father to keep quiet.” The Fifth Elder’s voice was cold, a stark contrast to his usual benevolent and kind demeanor.
The middle-aged man inquired, “Are we going to sacrifice the second, third, or old madam?”
The Fifth Elder replied, “No need. Let your father claim it’s a personal grudge and close the case as soon as possible. The more confusing it is, the better. Avoid contacting your father and leave the country immediately. Keep your connection hidden.”
“Understood.”
As the recording ended, Gu Pei and Ruan Xueling were left stunned and speechless.
Gu Zhaoming tightened his grip on the phone and turned to Gu Shuzhi. “Who is that person? I recall that the butler of your third branch only has a daughter and no son. Where did you get this recording, and how did you come by this information?”
Gu Shuzhi answered without hesitation, “The person speaking to the Fifth Elder is the illegitimate son of our third branch’s butler. Though the butler and his wife have only a daughter, this man is from another relationship.They only have this illegitimate son outside.”
“This recording came from the illegitimate son. I discovered this information by investigating the Fifth Elder’s accounts. Since the Fifth Elder had been very supportive of your family, I initially targeted him to see if he had any weaknesses, especially since I couldn’t take direct action against you at the time.”
“The timing of his transfer was also quite suspicious. I had someone recheck the account, and upon discovering that it was our butler’s illegitimate son, I knew something was off. That’s when I decided to investigate further and track down the butler’s illegitimate son.”