Chapter 45
How many things can be done in three days?
Three days is enough time for Xu Jie to gather evidence of the crimes committed by Biao and his gang. As for Zhao Er Ye, he’s been embedded in Luocheng for many years, and three days isn’t enough to find any dirt on him. So, they’ll have to settle for arresting Biao and his men first.
Even in the police interrogation room with handcuffs on, Biao remains defiant despite his injuries. He sits with his legs spread, leaning back in his chair, looking down on people with disdain. “Hey, officers, why did you arrest me? I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong lately.”
“Oh really? Then take a look at this.” The bearded old policeman throws the evidence Xu Jie mailed to the station in front of Biao. He’s disliked these thugs for a long time but never had enough evidence to arrest them. He wonders who they ticked off to have all this sent to the police, enough to keep them in jail for years.
Biao notices the cops’ assertive attitude and mocking expressions. A sense of unease washes over him, as if something bad is about to happen. Even though he’s nervous, he still pretends to be nonchalant as he picks up the documents. “Why the serious face, trying to scare me? Do you think I, Biao, got big by being scared?”
Biao dismissively flips open the file. Just two lines in, he retracts his legs and straightens his back, sweat immediately beading on his forehead. Biao shakily glances at the officer in front of him, then at the documents, stammering, “Where did these come from? Who gave them to you?”
“You don’t have the right to know those answers, but from now on, you’d better answer honestly and cooperate. This could get your sentence reduced—get out sooner. Otherwise, you wouldn’t want your mother to mourn your loss, would you?” The old policeman leans over the table, fingers interlaced, staring at Biao grimly.
“Don’t expect anyone to bail you out this time. We’ve got solid evidence; no one can save you except yourself,” the tanned cop next to him adds.
The interrogation room falls silent. The cops patiently wait as Biao keeps his head down, silent. The officers don’t urge him to speak; they suspect Biao already has a clue. Biao recalls the man who took them all down that day and suspects it’s that man’s doing.
If it weren’t for what happened that day, Biao never would have made such a decision. His fingers trace circles as the pain from his wounds becomes unbearable. After a while, Biao raises his head, looking determinedly at the officers, asking, “If I cooperate, will I really get a reduced sentence? My mom only has me. She’s old and not in good health, so don’t deceive me.”
“We police keep our word and don’t deceive the public.”
“Alright, ask away.”
Biao completely surrenders, fully cooperating with the police, telling them everything he knows.
Time ticks away as the interrogation continues, the deeper they probe, the more the cops frown.
Meanwhile, Xu Ke is still unaware of what’s happening at the police station. His mind is wholly occupied with Lin Mengyao, hiding in corners every day to secretly watch her, concerned about her every move. The recent events have truly frightened him.
Just as Xu Ke is listening to the nurse report on Lin Mengyao’s meals, Xu Jie’s call comes in. “That’s all for today, take good care of Mengyao,” Xu Ke says, signaling the nurse to return to the ward before answering the call from Xu Jie. “What’s wrong? Is there a problem at the company?”
“It’s not about the company, it’s about the madam. A friend of mine at the police station mentioned during the interrogation of Biao and his men that someone directed the trouble in the development zone. They’ve already secured evidence and arrested the people involved, but the mastermind’s identity is sensitive. It’s best for you and madam to be prepared. I’ve sent the details and the mastermind’s identity to your email, please check it.”
“Understood, you’ve done well on this matter.” Xu Ke’s voice remains unchanged.
“Thank you, Mr. Xu, for the praise.”
Xu Ke hangs up. After calming down, he has a good idea of who’s behind this, but he still opens the email Xu Jie sent.
The email describes in detail how Lin Shixian conspired with Biao’s boss and plotted against Lin Mengyao. Xu Ke feels a surge of anger, even a fleeting impulse to destroy the Lin business. But looking through the hospital ward window at Lin Mengyao, obediently sipping soup with her pale face, he restrains himself and forwards the email to her. He wants Lin Mengyao to decide for herself whether to forgive or not.
As for Lin Mengyao’s shock upon seeing the email, the Lin family has gone mad. Everyone in the Lin family gathers at the Lin Family Mansion, with no one caring about the absent Lin Mengyao and Xu Ke. In the living room, Grandma Lin sits at the head, with family members seated one after another, only Jiang Jie’s sobs breaking the silence.
“Stop crying and explain what’s going on,” Grandma Lin demands with a stern face.
Her son was abruptly taken from his office by the police and photographed, causing an uproar online, and even affecting the company’s stock. Grandma Lin, who was enjoying her success, is suddenly thrown into chaos. How can she feel happy?
“It’s nothing major. It’s just that Mengyao took his position and he was a bit upset, so he went out for a drink with an old friend. You know men, they say nonsense when they’re drunk. Shixian complained a bit, not thinking of harming Mengyao. Once sober, he dismissed it, not expecting them to take it seriously and attack Mengyao.”
“Shixian didn’t mean it, really! Who knew they’d take drunken words seriously? Mom, you must save him,” Jiang Jie cries, nose running, visibly irritating Grandma Lin.
Initially, Li Lihua was just there for the drama. Jiang Jie, feeling superior due to her husband’s status in the company, often looked down on her. Lihua’s intentions to watch unfold were met with a surprising revelation.
Upon hearing about Lin Mengyao’s assault, her first reaction is to ensure Shixian doesn’t get away easily; some compensation should be made. As for how severely Mengyao was harmed, that’s irrelevant to her, as she’d be informed if it were serious.