Chapter Twenty-Six: Everything in Readiness

That afternoon, Yin Nian went to a dealership and rented a black SUV for seven days. Her own Mercedes was too conspicuous; both Yang Yongli and his associates had seen it before, making it unsuitable for covert work. The SUV, on the other hand, was spacious inside—folding down the two rear seats greatly increased the available space, perfect for installing surveillance equipment.

The rental wasn’t cheap, but two features were top of the line: one was a body shock-absorbing system, the other, a fully-equipped interior. There was a foldable bed, a desk, a vanity—everything one might need.

The shock-absorbing feature helped stabilize monitoring devices, while the interior made it convenient for other activities one might need to carry out inside the vehicle. For Yin Nian, this SUV was the ideal surveillance vehicle.

At three in the afternoon, Yan Ming called—he had already obtained Yang Yongli’s personal information and sent it over. He was about to leave for Baxian Hospital to check the security footage. Yin Nian told him she had acquired the surveillance equipment and would notify him ahead of any further action.

By four, the eavesdropping devices Yin Nian had ordered online had arrived. She collected them and placed everything in the SUV. There, she unpacked the equipment and spent a full hour studying the manuals.

The bugging devices were simple and miniature—once installed, monitoring could be done remotely through wireless headphones. The trackers were also tiny, about the size of a bottle cap, and could be affixed to objects, sending real-time location data to a receiver.

She had bought four miniature bugs and four trackers in total.

After she’d mastered the use of all the equipment, she installed one tracker in the SUV and had the corresponding receiver couriered to Yan Ming’s law firm.

Once everything was set up, Yin Nian parked the car a kilometer from her apartment complex and walked home.

When she entered her apartment, Liang Zhicheng was cooking. Yin Nian went straight to the bedroom, pulled out a large duffel bag, and packed several dark-colored outfits from her wardrobe. She stuffed in some makeup, and finally, added various disguises—sunglasses, hats, masks, scarves.

As she sat on the bed, pondering what else she might need, Liang Zhicheng entered, sounding puzzled, “Are you going on a business trip?”

Yin Nian shook her head without answering, still lost in thought.

“Then what are you doing?” he asked, even more confused.

“I was going to say—” Yin Nian had intended to tell the truth, but when she looked up into Liang Zhicheng’s eyes, the words caught in her throat.

Although she’d already determined that Liang Zhicheng wasn’t the one working against her, and he was still the gentle, attentive husband—looking after their son and managing the house without complaint—after everything that had happened, a shadow remained in her heart that she hadn’t entirely let go.

Besides, she didn’t want to drag him into this. She could shoulder the burden alone; if she ended up in prison, or if Yang Yongli harmed her, at least Liang Zhicheng would be blameless. He could still care for Yangyang, and her parents would have someone to rely on. She was certain Liang Zhicheng would take care of them.

“I’ll be staying out for the next couple of days. I have some things to handle,” she said, not wanting to lie.

“Where will you stay? Out of town?” Liang Zhicheng sat on the bed, genuine concern on his face.

“I won’t be leaving town, and I’m not going to do anything to betray you.” Yin Nian kissed him on the cheek. “I love you, darling. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

“I love you, too,” Liang Zhicheng replied softly. “But… can’t you tell me where you’re going, or what you’re doing?”

“I don’t want to lie to you.” Yin Nian met his gaze with honesty. “But I can promise you, I’m not doing anything wrong. I just need some time and space to myself. Do you understand?”

“You’re not going to confront Mrs. Yang’s children directly, are you?”

“No, I’m not that foolish. Don’t worry, I have my own plans. Do you trust me?”

Liang Zhicheng glanced at the balcony, then at the storage cabinet, and nodded, a trace of sorrow in his expression. “I trust you, of course I do.”

“You look as if I’m never coming back. It’s only for a few days. I’ll still come home from time to time, just not at night, and I might miss dinner. Take good care of Yangyang, and reassure my parents, alright?” Yin Nian embraced him.

Liang Zhicheng took a deep breath and held her tightly.

In that moment, Yin Nian felt the quiet, gentle care he always gave her, and sensed his sensitivity and delicacy. What she admired most about him was that he never pressed her for answers; he understood the importance of giving her space. That was the main reason their relationship was so harmonious.

“If you need help, tell me anytime. I’ll always be here,” he whispered in her ear.

“Of course. I know what to do,” she replied firmly.

“Will you eat at home tonight?”

“No, I’m leaving soon.”

Liang Zhicheng nodded and left the bedroom. He returned shortly, placing a small embroidered charm in her hand. “I made this myself. It’s filled with an invigorating scent—may it keep you safe.”

“Thank you.” Yin Nian brought it to her nose; a faint, pleasant aroma drifted from the charm. She slipped it into her pocket. “I’ll carry it with me always.”

Liang Zhicheng hugged her again, as if she were leaving forever. Yin Nian laughed. “Don’t be so dramatic—I’m just taking care of something. It’s not as if it’s life and death. Take care of the family; I’ll be back soon.”

As Yin Nian left the house, duffel in hand, sunglasses and mask disguising her like a stranger, a door to the small bedroom cracked open. From behind the gap, a pair of eyes watched every move she made.