Chapter 6: Looking for a Witness
Every time her space upgraded, it brought her a massive surprise. And though it hadn’t upgraded yet, she was already excited about how it would look next.

In her heart, she secretly vowed to hurry and accumulate wealth—she was far too eager to witness the grandeur of the next upgrade.

After all, it felt just like playing a game—it was all so much fun.

After strolling through the fields and the pasture, Jiang Tangtang remembered she still had more important things to do, so she exited the space.

It was just before sunrise. The sky was still a bit hazy. She pushed open the window, and the pre-dawn chill rushed in to greet her.

Everything outside seemed normal for now—no signs of chaos yet.

She recalled how, in her previous life, she had been woken from sleep when the investigation team broke down the door.

At that time, she had desperately hoped her father would save her. But the investigators told her that she was the only one left in the entire house.

What a joke. Just the night before her father left, he had still been coaxing her, saying he was going out of town for business and that she should stay home and guard the house.

After a year of living in fear and hardship outside, she finally made it home alive, believing everything would be fine—only to fall into an even greater trap.

Back then, she had believed every word her father said.

Now, looking back, it was all a complete joke.

She utterly hated this family now.

Daylight came quickly. While she stood at the window reminiscing, it had already turned bright outside.

Now, she had to seize the moment to take care of more important business!

Thinking of this, a subtle smile flickered across Jiang Tangtang’s lips. She changed her clothes and went downstairs.

The others hadn’t noticed her yet, but Lu Yaozu was the first to call out.

“Sister Tangtang, come eat!”

Hearing his voice, everyone at the table looked toward the staircase.

Jiang Tangtang was a bit surprised.

Logically, they should have already fled. She wondered why they were still here.

But then she remembered—escaping would require a train ticket. She figured that because she had delayed them a bit yesterday, Lu Mianmian probably didn’t get the earliest tickets and had to settle for a later time.

That was just as well. After all, in her past life, the investigation team only came to arrest them a few days after they had run away.

For her, this was a good thing. It gave her more time to gather evidence. It was a clear sign that things were changing—and she wouldn’t end up with the same tragic fate again.

“We were just about to call you, and here you are! Come, have some breakfast. Later we need to head out. Stay home and watch the place for us.”

It was Lu Zhicai who spoke. He was sipping porridge and, upon seeing her, even forced a smile.

That line again. Jiang Tangtang clenched her fists and forced a fake smile as she walked over to the dining table.

“Didn’t expect everyone to wake up this early after a year. Guess I slept too late.”

There was only one empty seat at the table. She ignored Bai Shuiniang, who had just come out of the kitchen, and sat down without hesitation.

She had already noticed this yesterday: only four chairs were set around the table. If Lu Yaozu hadn’t skipped dinner yesterday, she wouldn’t have had a seat.

“You’re sitting here? Where am I supposed to sit?”
Bai Shuiniang’s face turned sour seeing her take the spot.

Lu Zhicai quickly stepped in to smooth things over, pretending to be generous.

“Hey, now, what kind of talk is that? Our daughter just got home. We should’ve added another chair anyway. Just grab one from the storage room.”

Clearly, this family hadn’t planned on letting her eat at all.

In her previous life, she would’ve thrown a fit. But now? She no longer cared.

The porridge was still hot. She helped herself to some pickled vegetables and started eating on her own.

After all, she needed a full stomach to get to work.

Seeing Lu Zhicai’s expression, Bai Shuiniang gritted her teeth and muttered,
“Don’t know how her mom raised her. Making elders give up their seats? And I even have to fetch a chair myself…”

Though she was grumbling, her voice was low enough that no one heard. She mumbled under her breath while fetching a dusty chair from the storeroom. She wiped it clean with a cloth before sitting down to eat.

Everyone at the table was hiding their own schemes.

After eating most of the meal, Lu Zhicai didn’t forget to throw in a few words on her behalf.

“Tangtang, just rest at home. Your mom and I need to go out and meet some friends. Don’t wander around. Things are getting chaotic outside.”

Meet friends? Probably out trying to pull strings for train tickets.

Jiang Tangtang didn’t react, just smiled sweetly and nodded.

“Don’t worry, Dad. Business is important. You two go ahead. I’ll stay home and wait.”

If they left, it would actually make things easier for her. She welcomed it.

“Good girl. Rest well—we’ll be back soon.”

With that, Lu Zhicai even gave her a warm smile, looking like a caring father.

Jiang Tangtang nodded with a smile, watching them leave.

Only after they were gone did she get up from her seat and go to the window to check if they’d really left.

Once she was sure, she headed out herself.

In her past life, she had been completely kept in the dark. It wasn’t until an old neighbor came to find her that she learned the truth.

The buildings in this area were all connected, and their home had neighbors on both sides. The one she was heading to lived next door—a grandfather raising his sickly grandson on his own.

The old man was a pitiful soul too. His children had all left him behind, and he lived with only his ailing grandson.

Back then, the old man had kept the secret to himself, afraid of what would happen if he revealed it. He thought Jiang Tangtang was too young to do anything about it, so he chose silence.

It wasn’t until he felt death was near that he decided to tell her the truth, not wanting the secret to be buried with him.

But he probably never imagined that even after she learned the truth, she would be powerless. She died shortly after.

That was when Jiang Tangtang fully saw the true faces of her so-called family.

From the eldest to the youngest—yes, even Lu Yaozu—none of them were decent. They were rotten to the core, full of malicious intent.

She stepped out of her house, turned left, and went straight to the neighbor’s door. After checking that no one was around, she knocked on the rusted, cumbersome gate.

After two knocks, a raspy elderly voice came from inside.

“Cough cough… Who’s out there?”

Old Deng always lived here with his grandson. His grandson was still sleeping, so he didn’t expect anyone this early.

Hearing the voice, Jiang Tangtang paused, then replied in a softened voice:

“Uncle Deng! It’s me—Jiang Tangtang, Jiang Yan’s granddaughter.”

He might not remember “Jiang Tangtang,” but the name “Jiang Yan” he definitely wouldn’t forget.

After all, Jiang Yan had been his neighbor for years—how could he not remember?

Old Deng hurried over, unlocked the bolt on the door, and pushed it open.

“So it’s Tangtang! I heard you went missing—how are you back now?”

That rumor had come from her own sister, who claimed she didn’t know where Tangtang went and came back alone.

In those days, while things weren’t completely lawless, women did go missing now and then. So though people were shocked, they weren’t entirely surprised.

As the door opened, Jiang Tangtang cautiously looked around one more time before stepping inside.

“Uncle Deng, I came today to ask you something. Could I trouble you for a favor?”

Having a familiar face visit was rare. Old Deng was happy and quickly poured her a cup of tea.

“Here, child, have some tea. Whatever you need, just say it. If I can help, I won’t hesitate.”

“Thank you, Uncle Deng. I won’t beat around the bush then—I’ll ask you straight out.”

Jiang Tangtang took the tea, set it on the table, and asked without hesitation:

“I came to ask you about my grandfather. You know he died unjustly. I don’t want him to have died in vain, and I don’t want to see the murderer go free. I know you don’t either, right?”