Qin Guan picked up the crayfish seasoning packet—there was no mistake.
It was indeed the same brand from a small northern city. His sharp memory rarely failed him. Over a year ago, Xiao Zhi, Auntie Feng's son, had brought several packets during a visit. Auntie Feng had used them to cook a large platter of crayfish, which even Qin Guan had praised for its authentic flavor. He'd studied the packet closely back then.
The ingredients seemed ordinary, except for its generous portion of minced garlic.
"Jiejie, jiefu, isn't chili fascinating? People nationwide love it, but every region has its own style," Xiao Zhi had chatted amiably when Qin Guan showed interest.
Xiao Zhi was cheerful and articulate. Having grown up with Auntie Feng raising Xu Ruyi, he naturally called her "jiejie" (older sister) and Qin Guan "jiefu" (brother-in-law). Every visit, he brought small gifts for everyone, never forgetting his mother—using his scholarship to buy her clothes or her beloved crayfish seasoning.
"Shaanxi loves youpo lazi—spicy and oily, a heavy heat. Sichuan prefers mala, that numbing tingle on the tongue. Jiangxi uses chili powder for color and aroma. Quzhou in Zhejiang? Their dishes look mild but burn your throat!" Xiao Zhi's lively explanations never grated. "Jiejie prefers light flavors, but trying some spice now and then is good. Life's about all tastes—sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty!"
His words and gifts pleased Xu Ruyi, who rarely ate spicy food but devoured that crayfish dish.
Auntie Feng glowed with pride.
"All these chili types… I don't get it. I just like the flavor—spice makes rice taste better!" She'd reminisced while staring adoringly at her son. "When I first visited Xiao Zhi up north, he took me to a restaurant near his school. One bite of their crayfish hooked me! The owner said they used this seasoning, but it's hard to find here."
She hadn't even taken a bite yet, already radiating happiness.
Qin Guan understood—Auntie Feng had raised Xiao Zhi alone. The boy was diligent, attending a good university, and filial to a fault.
But that wasn't the issue.
Qin Guan stared at the packets—this seasoning wasn't sold in southern markets. Auntie Feng had searched grocery stores in vain. Xiao Zhi had mentioned buying them directly from the restaurant owner during visits.
His last visit was during Spring Festival—Qin Guan recalled those packets had been used up.
So where did these come from?
Had Xiao Zhi returned recently? Impossible. Auntie Feng or Xu Ruyi would've mentioned it—he always visited when in town.
Just days ago, on Auntie Feng's birthday, Xu Ruyi bought her crayfish. That night, Qin Guan overheard her phone call with Xiao Zhi.
Were these mailed?
Then why hadn't Auntie Feng used them for her birthday dinner? If Xiao Zhi had sent them afterward, she'd have eagerly cooked another batch for praise—middle-aged women lived for bragging about their "filial sons."
Yet these packets were buried deep in a rarely used drawer.
Had Qin Guan not rummaged for a thermos, he'd never have found them.
Something was wrong.
This contradicted Auntie Feng's usual behavior. The packets hinted Xiao Zhi might have returned secretly. But why hide it?
A taut thread of suspicion pulled at Qin Guan's mind, urging him to unravel this secret…
The doorbell rang.
A deliveryman stood outside. "Delivery to Second General Hospital?"
Qin Guan checked the time—10:30 PM. His daughter would be asleep.
"Sorry, the soup isn't ready yet. My mistake." He paid the fee and shut the door, catching up on sleep.
He woke refreshed the next morning.
Filling a large ceramic jar with soup, he smiled at the officers parked outside. "Made this for my wife. Mind giving me a ride?"
Entering the hospital room, Qin Guan caught the fleeting surprise in Xu Ruyi's eyes.
It vanished instantly. She lowered her gaze, then met his with icy calm—no screams, no questions. Her lips stayed sealed, a statue of indifference.
Qin Guan knew this act was for the officer at the door. She'd never drink his soup, just as he'd never expect gratitude.
The performance was for the police—the penitent husband redeeming himself.
But his hospital visit had another purpose.
He needed answers.