“Who is Harold Wilson? Are you friends?” Nancy asked in surprise.

Xia Xiaolan shook her head, “No, I was mistaken.”

Danny, while driving, hesitated for a moment, “Xia, do you know someone from the Wilson family? Nancy, Mr. Harold is the actual owner of Wilson Hotel.”

Harold wasn’t low-profile.

Like other wealthy men, he enjoyed dating models and actresses. If you moved in those circles, knowing Harold’s name wasn’t surprising. If you didn’t, the name would naturally be unfamiliar—though Harold dated models and actresses, it didn’t mean he sought publicity. He might quietly date someone for a while and break up just as discreetly, without the media even knowing.

If photos were accidentally taken, the news would be bought and suppressed!

Rich people had different habits. Some liked to build themselves into celebrities to increase their company’s fame.

Others preferred to make money quietly, operating behind the scenes while accumulating wealth.

Danny found it strange that Nancy had interned at Wilson Hotel and didn’t know about “Harold Wilson,” yet Xia Xiaolan, an exchange student from China, did!

“We’re not particularly close. He invested in China last year, and I happened to meet him a few times. I just thought of it when Nancy mentioned the Wilson Hotel. I didn’t realize the hotel belonged to Mr. Harold.”

Xia Xiaolan spoke casually, but Nancy couldn’t treat it casually.

If the Wilson Hotel owner invested in China and someone could meet him several times, that person couldn’t be ordinary in China!

Danny, though gentlemanly, didn’t pursue the topic.

Xia Xiaolan changed the subject, starting to complain about Professor McCarthy. How could Cornell University, such a behemoth, only have McCarthy as a “great demon king”? Every department had one or two professors of equal caliber.

When students socialize privately, what fun would it be without complaining about professors?

Finally reaching New York City, Danny recommended a reasonably priced restaurant with good reviews, and Xia Xiaolan treated the three to lunch.

New York was the largest city, with a much higher cost of living than Ithaca, but that was unavoidable.

Leaving the restaurant, Danny asked Xia Xiaolan, “Xia, would you like to join us at the Wilson Hotel? Are you returning to Ithaca today?”

Xia Xiaolan waved her hand: “No need, I have plans to meet a friend. I’ll return tomorrow.”

Xia Xiaolan got off near Wall Street.

Wen Manni’s law firm was nearby.

New York University’s Business School was also in the area.

The three waved goodbye as they watched her enter a building.

Nancy pinched her cheeks, “Xia is so mysterious! Danny, I really hate you rich people. After graduation, you might manage your family’s hotels, while I’ll be working for hotel heirs like you! Finally made a new friend, and she turns out to be rich too… Being around you people makes my heart ache.”

Xia Xiaolan knew the Wilson Hotel owner.

She had just treated everyone to lunch, over 80 dollars including tip, much more expensive than the gas from Ithaca to New York City!

Xia Xiaolan didn’t even blink when paying, clearly another “detestable” rich person!

Danny glanced at her, “Then do you want to join us two detestable rich people at the Wilson Hotel, as a guest rather than an intern?”

“Yes!”

Only a fool would refuse.

Danny had a VIP card; going with him would save considerable money.

Thinking about it this way, being friends with the evil rich had its benefits!

…

Xia Xiaolan arrived punctually at A&G Law Firm.

American law firms often used such names, probably initials of two senior partners.

Having money in her pocket made her confident. Xia Xiaolan took the elevator to the 17th floor.

“I’m here to see Connie. I have an appointment at 2:30.”

“Miss Xia? Please follow me.”

Though Wen Manni wasn’t a senior partner, she had her own office with a nice view, indicating she was doing well at the firm.

“Connie, thank you for seeing me!”

Wen Manni nodded, “No need to thank me, you’re now my client… You can start consulting me about your issue.”

Wen Manni didn’t mention her fees. She charged by the hour, and if converted to Chinese currency at the official exchange rate, it would make Xia Xiaolan wince.

Lawyers were highly valued in America. Harvard Law School graduates could earn over $30,000 in their first year of work.

Xia Xiaolan wasn’t concerned about the consultation fee; she could afford it.

“Connie, it’s about what I mentioned before. I want to find someone in San Francisco. They came to America in 1966 and wrote one letter home when they first arrived. Later, as you know, China had 10 years without external contact, and there’s been no news of this family since. If we use legal action, could we find them?”

If sued, the court would send Xu Zhongyi a summons… If Xu Zhongyi was still alive, after 20 years in America, he must have left some official records.

If not criminal records, at least tax records?

Unless Xu Zhongyi had been undocumented for 20 years, the kind that didn’t pay taxes!

That possibility was too small.

Wen Manni admired Xia Xiaolan’s bold thinking. This seemingly delicate Chinese girl was far more formidable than her gentle appearance suggested.

Xia Xiaolan didn’t seem like someone who had just left China; she was quite shrewd!

Wen Manni shook her head: “Your idea is good, but what grounds for a lawsuit? You say this Xu Zhongyi came to America 20 years ago, leaving behind a mother in China. Abandonment charges won’t work—there’s no cause of action. Is there evidence proving he intentionally abandoned her?”

Xia Xiaolan looked very disappointed.

“I brought Yu grandmother’s signed power of attorney—what about theft? In 1966, Xu Zhongyi stole many valuables from home. I can guarantee those things…”

Wen Manni felt an inexplicable chill down her spine.

This was too harsh.

Was she here to help grandmother Yu find her son, or to destroy him?

“Xia, such serious accusations, once filed, can’t be withdrawn. Do you want to find Mr. Xu just to send him to prison? I know you want to access police records to find him, but Xia, you’ve made a big mistake. This isn’t China—it’s America, where personal privacy is highly valued. If I help you, I’d be committing a crime too… I suggest hiring a private investigator! I know several good ones. Given my profession, I sometimes need these investigators’ help.”

Xia Xiaolan looked embarrassed.

Wen Manni was right; her thinking was very Chinese.

“Over the years, people have helped search. Private investigators were probably hired, but still no results. This family just disappeared in San Francisco… Should I go on TV to tell my story and search for relatives?”

Xia Xiaolan looked so dejected that Wen Manni spoke bluntly:

“There’s a huge difference between private investigators. The capable ones are expensive. Going to TV stations and newspapers are good method, but let me give you one piece of advice: in America, never cross the line of integrity! Never!”