Falling Dreams, Rising Hopes: Saving Mr. Boyfriend

The so-called interrogation room was an assembly of real detective stuff in a large room. There was one-way mirror as well as mic system for communication between the two partitions. Mei Qingyang marveled at the resourcefulness of Fan family.

"I have been to a real one before and this is as close as one could get to an original one. Senior Fan, you are the best.", she whispered to Fan Ruyi. She was in a jolly mood right now. She had always wanted to do something like this. If not for her brother Bo, she would have joined police or army for sure.

Wang Hao had gone to bring all the kids and Su Lang had accompanied him to keep an eye on him.

"How did you see a real one?", Yu Tian interjected their conversation from behind startling both the girls. Mei Qingyang looked troubled by his question and realized she had been speaking too much these days. Had she sub-consciously, finally started to trust these people?

"Why can't she visit one? Her dad is such a big personality too. What's wrong with it?", Fan Ruyi slapped Yu Tian's hand tenderly. Mei Qingyang had been observing them closely. These two were too close to call just friends. And Yu Tian had no problem with personal space when it came to Fan Ruyi. He was not that fond of touch from his other two friends. Only Fan Ruyi was a special one.

She completely forgot that she was also a special person and Yu Tian had not even spent that much time with her while Fan Ruyi was his childhood friend. Ah jealousy! What kind of wool do you pull over people's eyes who are in love, ah! If only Qingyang knew what she was experiencing was called envy.

"Who are you going to interrogate first?", asked Fan Ruyi.

"I think I'll start with Gu sisters, just to see what they both are saying. Then based upon what other people say, I'll see who is telling the truth and who not. Anyway, I am just jotting everyone's story down. Inconsistencies will find my culprit.", she came back to her calm and composed state from her jovial mood. She did not even pay attention to Yu Tian. These two people were influencing her mood too much these days and that was not good at all. Wang Hao entered the room behind the mirror where everyone was.

"I have brought the first group. They are sitting outside. Now, the stage is yours.", he said while adjusting his glasses.

"Thank you, Mr. Wang. You have been a big help to me in this whole thing. I had asked you for three days. It might be that I finish this by tomorrow.", she smiled warmly and bowed politely. Wang Hao was not sure if she was trying to provoke him because of his mistakes or if she was genuinely thanking him.

Mei Qingyang went outside and saw an anxious crowd. No one wanted to take part in this but they also wanted to make sure that they were proven innocent.

"Hello everyone. I am just interested in what you have been doing since the beginning of the tour. Just recollect as much as you can, including whom you were with. This will help me count alibis for everyone. I don't want it to be a formal interrogation. Think of me as your friend and be honest about it. It will not take much time.", she addressed her classmates.

"Hmph! Who are you to ask us questions?", Gu Layue yelled. People really were seeing her new side. She was the elegant, soft-spoken queen of the first year. What happened to that image of hers? Why had she suddenly become so loud?

"Haha, are you afraid of something Ms. Gu? You have been quite antagonistic to me, especially since the trip has started.", Mei Qingyang made a smug face. This girl was good in her schemes but she was not that quick to think on her feet or control her temper. She was being too impatient, giving herself away so easily.

"Why… why are you accusing me? I am not afraid of you! Bring it on!!", Gu Layue flared her nose. On the side, Gu Jiujiu seemed very concerned and quiet. This 180 degrees change in both girls didn't go unnoticed.

"Okay, I'll start with Gu Jiuijiu then. Ms. Gu, you don't mind right?", Mei Qingyang smiled towards Gu Jiujiu. She had an idea that perhaps Gu Jiujiu had not part in it at all. It seemed that she wasn't even aware of the whole plan.

"Oh.. yeah, I'm fine. I'll go with you.", said an absentminded Gu Jiujiu.

Gu Layue held her sister's hand as she was walking past her. "Do not dare rattle anything out. I will never forgive you if you did.", she whispered to Gu Jiujiu. Jiujiu's heart thumped and she became more nervous after her cousin's declaration. She bit her lip and followed Mei Qingyang in the well-lit room. There was no one else but Jiujiu knew there were people behind the mirror.

"Ms. Gu, you need to relax. I am just here to have a chat.", Mei Qingyang pushed a glass of water towards her. She did not have any impression of this girl. She was definitely frustrated with how this girl had treated her throughout her college time but she was only working for her cousin, the higher up in the food chain.

"Why…. are you going to use this for DNA tests and stuff?" Well, everyone had watched enough detective dramas it seemed.

Mei Qingyang laughed lightly. "Are you admitting that you are guilty now that you are asking me to do a DNA test?", she smiled. Gu Jiujiu stiffened once more. She was not sure how her remarks would be taken, so she decided to just remain quiet.

"See, I told you. I don't want anything else. Just tell me what happened after you went to get water for senior Fan till the time I returned to our floor.", she tried to remind Gu Jiujiu that this was not an actual interrogation.

"That's it?", Gu Jiujiu actually relaxed a little.

"Yes, that's it. I might have a few follow up questions after that and then you will be free to go.", Mei Qingyang smiled once again, to show her friendliness.

Gu Jiujiu took a deep breath and narrated how she had gone to fetch water for Fan Ruyi but the water cooler was out of glasses. So, she had to find some nurse on the floor to get a few. She also informed the nurse to come with her for first aid, and thus, had a solid alibi. After that, she remained with the Fan Ruyi's group the whole time.

"I see. Once I talk to the said nurse, it will clear you out of the suspicion. Before that, I myself am your alibi.", Mei Qingyang nodded her head confirming that she was right about Gu Jiujiu. The tensed girl before her heaved a sigh of relief knowing that she was no longer under the radar.

"Oh, by the way, before you go, would you be interested in telling me more about your conversation with your cousin, about any schemes and plots she might be planning?" Mei Qingyang asked in a straightforward manner.