Chapter 47: My Brother

These few people were all sharp-witted—after hearing Qiao Yanxin’s words, what was there left to misunderstand? Being taken away by human traffickers: a euphemism for being lured into Myanmar to participate in scams. This incident had been making headlines recently; who at the scene didn’t know about it?

Qiao Yanxin’s subtle phrasing was simply to avoid letting others know that the Qiao family could be so foolish as to be duped into sending someone to Myanmar for fraud. The group exchanged glances, each seeing a flicker of hesitation in the others’ eyes.

This matter was neither small nor large. Yet, no one wanted to get involved in such murky waters. On one side was the powerful Qiao family; on the other, an overseas telecom fraud syndicate. These fraudsters all knew each other well, their relationships deeply entangled, where tugging one thread could unravel the whole web.

Now that the Qiao family was involved, when these powerful figures clashed, the pawns like them would inevitably be sacrificed first.

“President Qiao, why don’t you report this to the police? The few of us have been searching, but it seems we aren’t very effective at it. Maybe trying the police would be better?” someone suggested.

Qiao Yanxin fixed her gaze steadily on them. “Are you trying to help me? If calling the police was really useful, why are so many people still missing? Now that he’s been gone for so long, even the police might not find him. With so many missing persons cases, by the time the police locate someone, it’ll be far too late.”

Naturally, Qiao Yanxin was reluctant to involve the authorities. After more than twenty days of disappearance, she had already missed the critical window for reporting. If she reported now, others would only mock her—mock the head of the Qiao family for such flawed judgment, that it took over twenty days for them to remember to call the police.

There was no way Qiao Yanxin would allow such a public relations disaster.

She looked at the group once more. “I know you all are well-connected with those overseas bosses. I called you here because of this matter. The Qiao family owes you a favor. If you can bring him back, ask for whatever you want.”

At these words, the previously hesitant group suddenly straightened up. This offer was tempting indeed. This was the Qiao family, not an ordinary company. If they could earn a favor from the Qiao family, what could they not have?

They exchanged puzzled looks. Why would Qiao Yanxin go to such lengths for one person? Curiosity about this individual grew. Who was this man to make the Qiao family offer such an enticing deal?

Liu, cautiously stepping closer, asked, “May I ask, President Qiao, who is this person to you?”

Qiao Yanxin was momentarily stunned, as if she hadn’t expected this question. After a pause, she replied, “He’s my... older brother.”

“Older brother?” Liu seemed puzzled but said no more.

Qiao Yanxin scratched her nose nervously, and I found her reaction almost amusing. After all this time, I was just her older brother. Even though we had a marriage certificate, I was still only her brother. How laughable such a thing was.

Yet, her answer was understandable. If I had truly been taken to Myanmar, I would face inhuman torment. If I were ever found and returned, how could Qiao Yanxin not resent me? How could she agree to continue a marriage with me? Likely, she would find a reason and divorce me swiftly.

Seeing her act this way, I had completely given up hope. Why did I waste my life entangled with such a person? Even to the point of risking my life?

I laughed, and suddenly felt like crying. Raising my hand, I slapped myself hard. But there was no sensation—how could there be? I was already dead. How could a dead man feel pain?

I should have realized long ago that Qiao Yanxin neither loved me nor Gu Tingchu. From start to finish, she only loved herself. It was a pity that I only saw this truth after death.

The few nodded, but soon wore troubled expressions. “President Qiao, to be honest, we’ve handled similar cases before, but this is a different situation. Your brother has been missing for so long; whether we can find him isn’t guaranteed. You understand what I mean, right?”

Qiao Yanxin’s face darkened, remaining silent.

Everyone present understood the implication clearly. It was possible to find him, but whether it would be a person or a ghost, intact or not, was uncertain.

In a place like Myanmar, a land that devours men, most normal people wouldn’t last more than a few days. Especially someone like me, who had been pampered since childhood—likely beaten to death on the first day.

Liu continued, “President Qiao, we can help you with this, but if something happens to your brother and you want revenge, we’ll be caught in the middle...”

He trailed off, but Qiao Yanxin nodded. “Don’t worry, I won’t put you in a difficult position.”

She clapped her hands, and several bodyguards immediately entered the room. They lined up and opened the safety deposit boxes they carried, revealing them filled with cash.

“Once this is done, I’ll give you even more than you want.”

The men’s eyes lit up at the sight of the bills, their hands rubbing together excitedly.

“That sounds good. By the way, President Qiao, please give us your brother’s detailed information so we can search properly.”

“All right.”

Qiao Yanxin nodded, and Secretary Zhang stepped forward, placing my photo before them. They exchanged looks upon seeing the familiar face.

“Isn’t this your—”

Before the word “husband” could be uttered, a glare from someone nearby stopped it.

“President Qiao, rest assured, we’ll find your brother as soon as possible.”

Qiao Yanxin waved her hand tiredly. “Okay, you may leave now. I won’t see you out. Just contact me if there’s news.”

“All right, then we won’t bother you further. Mr. Cao, please stay seated. We’ll take our leave.”

With that, the group quickly left the room, leaving Qiao Yanxin alone once again. She closed her eyes, lost in thought—perhaps even asleep.

I had no desire to look at her annoying face anymore and decided to go see my grandmother instead.