Chapter 174
Chapter 174 - Go Back and Take a Look!
Zhang Xiaolong recalled the first time he met Yang Jingjing, which coincided with his encounter with Yeh Mei. Initially, it appeared that Jingjing was purposely avoiding Yeh Mei, but in hindsight, it seems Yeh Mei was actually protecting her.
Given that Yeh Mei belonged to the Wolf Fang organization, it stands to reason that Jingjing's recently deceased father was likely a member too, possibly even one of the senior leaders.
Now, Yeh Mei had given Zhang Xiaolong what sounded like a final explanation, as if it were her last will. He couldn't fathom the peril she was about to face.
With her unwilling to disclose any details, Zhang Xiaolong felt helpless to offer assistance, despite his willingness.
With no other options, he decided to focus on the immediate tasks at hand, resolving to seek clarity from Yeh Mei the next time they crossed paths.
Lost in thought, his phone rang. It was Liu Juan. She was probably concerned about his absence.
“Xiaolong, are you alright?” Liu Juan's voice came through the phone, calm and composed.
“I'm fine. I've taken care of everything here, so there's no need to worry about further issues,” Zhang Xiaolong reassured her quickly.
“That's a relief,” Liu Juan replied, her voice easing. “Huang Yan just visited Zongming. He mentioned a woman had come to perform some blood tests on him. He can't recall anything from that day.”
“Don't worry about it. We've identified the real culprit behind Mr. Wang's incident. All we need to do now is wait for the police to confirm the evidence, and they'll release him. Try not to stress too much,” Zhang Xiaolong informed her of the latest progress.
“Are you serious?” Liu Juan's voice wavered with a mix of hope and skepticism.
She might have doubted anyone else, but coming from Zhang Xiaolong, the news seemed credible.
Previously, she had been told that a certain injury was beyond healing, but after Zhang Xiaolong's intervention, not only did Su Mei regain consciousness, but her health was fully restored.
He had mentioned that the real culprit had been found; could it be because he had actually caught the perpetrator?
“Of course it's true. Mr. Wang just got lucky. Without that luck, we wouldn't have been able to catch the real culprit so quickly,” Zhang Xiaolong paused, then added, “Wait there for a bit, I'll be right back. Even if Mr. Wang can't be released just yet, don't worry. We still need to make a trip to the Wang family.”
After ending the call, Zhang Xiaolong quickly made his way back to the police station, where he met Huang Yan and Liu Juan at the entrance.
“Xiaolong, how did you find out that the culprit was caught? Huang Yan tried to get information inside, but she came up empty-handed.” Liu Juan was still concerned about the reliability of the news.
This time, Zhang Xiaolong didn't elaborate; he simply showed them the interrogation room video.
After watching Tian Feng confess to hypnotizing Wang Zongming, Huang Yan and Liu Juan finally grasped the full story.
“Tian Feng has confessed. Once the police confirm his ability to hypnotize, we'll be able to explain why Mr. Wang can't remember anything and why Su Mei accused him. But this will take some time,” Zhang Xiaolong explained, not expecting the police to release Wang Zongming immediately, as conclusions shouldn't be jumped to hastily. “Regardless, Mr. Wang should be released within the next couple of days.”
“That's a relief. Zongming would be so relieved to hear this news!” Liu Juan empathized with the fear of being locked up.
“Don't worry. When I visited him, he was in good spirits. He even laughed when he heard Zhang Xiaolong was helping out, saying he owed another favor,” Huang Yan reassured Liu Juan.
“By the way, Xiaolong, you mentioned going to the Wang family. What's that about? Are you planning to confront Wang Zongyi?” Liu Juan asked, her worry evident. “Even though he's involved, we lack direct evidence. Relying solely on Tian Feng's testimony might not be enough to take action against him. Try not to act rashly and give him an opportunity to exploit the situation.”
“Exactly, if you confront him now, he'll surely retaliate,” Huang Yan timely cautioned.
She had faith in Zhang Xiaolong's capabilities, yet she knew that one must not act impulsively. Regardless of one's strength, adherence to the rules was paramount, and those rules were the law.
“I'm not going after him. To get Mr. Wang released sooner, we need to speak with Old Master Wang,” Zhang Xiaolong said, smiling.
“Old Master Wang?” Liu Juan's face showed concern.
Understanding her thoughts, Zhang Xiaolong clarified, “I'm convinced that Old Master Wang is unaware of the full situation, including the severance of your financial support. It's likely all Wang Zongyi's doing. Even without enough evidence for a court to convict Wang Zongyi of any crime, I trust that Old Master Wang will make his own judgment. He doesn't need extensive evidence for that.”
Huang Yan's eyes sparkled with realization. As a law student, she understood all too well that the truth, without evidence, would not stand in court.
Yet, the situation with Old Master Wang was different. Legally, Wang Zongyi might be innocent, or untouchable due to insufficient evidence, but Old Master Wang didn't require such proof. His belief alone was enough to set things right.
“But…” Liu Juan hesitated, “I've been expelled from the estate. I can't even get into the Wang family home. How can we possibly meet with the old man?”
“This is precisely why I suspect Wang Zongyi's involvement,” Zhang Xiaolong's tone grew serious. “If it were Old Master Wang's decision, he might refrain from assisting until the facts were clear, but he wouldn't cut off your means to vindicate your husband. Since he's so keen on keeping you away, let's make our return grand and conspicuous. It's time to shake him up a bit!”
Approaching the grand residence of Yishui's wealthiest, Wang Zhenxiong, Liu Juan, Zhang Xiaolong, and Huang Yan advanced towards the main entrance together.
It seemed there was always someone on the lookout, for as soon as they spotted Liu Juan, they promptly approached her with a message, “Young Madam, Young Master Yi has mentioned that the old man prefers not to see you these days, so it might be best for you not to return home.”
Liu Juan cast a glance at Zhang Xiaolong. This was the same excuse she encountered every time she attempted to return after being ousted from the mansion.
She was even without funds for food, and the Wang family showed no signs of allowing her even a temporary return.
If it weren't for these dire circumstances, Liu Juan wouldn't find herself in such a desperate plight. She could easily pawn a piece of jewelry for a substantial sum, enough to keep hunger at bay.
“Since you've addressed her as Young Madam, you ought to recognize that this is her home,” Zhang Xiaolong stepped forward to defend her, “The Young Master Yi you're referring to is merely her brother. By what authority does he interfere in his sister-in-law's affairs?”
“And who might you be?” retorted the person who had spoken, exuding the air of a household steward, “The Wang family's business is none of your concern.”
“Indeed, and what makes you think you have any say in the Wang family's matters?” Wang Zongyi emerged, drawn by the disturbance. “Zhang Xiaolong, don't presume your fighting skills make you formidable. If you dare step through this threshold, I'll ensure you won't even be able to crawl back out.”