Chapter 217: Difficult Times

"This isn’t a matter of whether or not you can testify; someone is out to harm the Nanrong Family. That’s why they designed this trap for you. Don’t worry too much, I will definitely help clear your name and get you out." After a pause, Ling Chen instructed, "Also, don’t mention to anyone that you’ve seen me, including your sister. Do you hear me?"

"Chen, rest assured, I won’t say a word."

If not for this incident, Ling Chen would not have made an appearance so readily. He was still in a period of concealment, and until he had gathered the intelligence about Zhu Hong, he preferred not to reveal himself.

Leaving the police station without a sound, Ling Chen went straight back to his temporary residence in the neighborhood.

As he entered the door, the dense aroma of braised food immediately hit his nose.

Arriving in the living room, he saw Hu Fei sitting in front of a square table with several fast food containers filled with different kinds of braised dishes and accompanied by a few bottles of beer. Hu Fei was holding a pork knuckle, gnawing at it with greasy lips in relish.

"Hey, you’re finally back. I bought you supper, let’s have some together," Hu Fei called out.

Ling Chen casually picked up a piece of braised meat and stuffed it into his mouth, smacking his lips. "How is it, any findings?"

"That depends on what you’re asking." While speaking, Hu Fei spat out a bone and wiped his hands with a napkin. "Let’s start with the Snake King’s affair. I’ve checked into Nanrong Zhengqing. There’s a domestic record of him, though it’s not complete, but I found a name that proves a significant relationship with Nanrong Gang. Nanrong Zhengqing’s mother is actually Nanrong Gang’s ex-wife."

Ling Chen nodded. "The Snake King must have been aware of the grudge between Nanrong Gang and the Nanrong Family, hence his act of revenge. Put that aside for now, and tell me about Nanrong Hao. Have you found anything?"

"The matter with Nanrong Hao is simple; he’s done for. I’ve checked all the evidence, and the most crucial piece is that dagger. It has Nanrong Hao’s fingerprints on it. Just based on that alone, it’s enough to convict him."

"I just visited him at the police station. He told me that he and Jiang Hao were out drinking until after eleven o’clock that night before leaving."

"All that’s useless. The time of death for the victim is between eleven at night and midnight, during which Nanrong Hao was alone; no one can alibi for him. Ling Chen, I advise you not to waste your effort. Their arrangement is flawless, leaving no loopholes unless you can find the real mastermind behind the scenes. But right now, there isn’t a single clue to start with." As he finished speaking, Hu Fei suddenly thought of something, his eyes lighting up. "Since Nanrong Zhengqing has a score to settle with the Nanrong Family, could it be him..."

"It couldn’t be him," Ling Chen immediately dismissed his conjecture. "Nanrong Zhengqing is an assassin. He could easily do it himself, why make it so complicated?"

Hu Fei spread his hands. "Then there’s nothing we can do. To me, saving Nanrong Hao through official procedures is impossible; we’d have to resort to other means. Think about it, the biggest piece of evidence against Nanrong Hao is that dagger, the most crucial piece of evidence. If the evidence disappears, gets lost, can’t be found, then what can the judge convict on?"

Upon hearing his suggestion, Ling Chen felt tempted; it was a good idea. Since Nanrong Hao was framed by someone using such means, he might as well employ some tactics himself. No matter what, he couldn’t let anything happen to Nanrong Hao.

Having realized this, he felt much more relieved.

...

Wealthy Manor No. 118.

Two days have passed since Nanrong Hao was arrested. During these forty-eight hours, Nanrong Wanqing has not been idle, running around for the sake of her brother.

As the chairwoman of Hongyu Group and a public figure in East Sea City, she now put aside her nobility and status, pleading for help everywhere. Lawyers told her if there is no additional evidence, the chances of overturning Nanrong Hao’s case are slim. Moreover, Nanrong Hao was already eighteen years old, capable of bearing criminal responsibility, and unless a miracle happened, his conviction was a sure thing.

With the situation having reached this point, Nanrong Wanqing didn’t want to give up, nor could she. Nanrong Hao was the only male in the Nanrong Family; he must not have any mishaps.

Since she couldn’t save Nanrong Hao through legal avenues, her only option was to use her network of relationships and favors.

However, the day after the incident, a sudden piece of news almost drove her to despair.

The tabloids in East Sea City reported the murder case of Nanrong Hao. The news spread like wildfire, and within just one day, the case became public knowledge.

All eyes were on the Nanrong Family, curious to see how they would respond.

Under such circumstances, no one dared to offer help because everyone knew clearly the case against Nanrong Hao was irrefutable, and there was no chance of overturning it.

A life for a life, this was to be Nanrong Hao’s ultimate fate.

"Chairwoman, we’ve arrived."

Zhong Wei opened the car door, helped Nanrong Wanqing out, and came to the front of a small building.

Ding-dong!

The doorbell chimed, and the door was quickly opened by a middle-aged woman who looked at Nanrong Wanqing outside and asked: "May I know who you are looking for?"

"Hello, I am Wanqing from Hongyu Group. I’m here to see Director Zhang."

"Oh, it’s Miss Nanrong." The middle-aged woman smiled apologetically. "I’m sorry, but Director Zhang isn’t home today; he’s gone to a meeting in the city." "When will he be back?"

"I can’t say for sure. How about this, Miss Nanrong, leave me your number, and I’ll have him call you back when he returns."

"Thank you!"

After handing over her business card, Nanrong Wanqing returned to the car, her expression desolate, her exquisite face tinged with sorrow.

"Chairwoman..." Zhong Wei hesitated before speaking, "This is the fifth refusal we’ve encountered, we..."

"Let’s move on to the next one."

Nanrong Wanqing looked out of the car window, speaking faintly. No matter what, as long as there was a glimmer of hope, she wouldn’t give up. If she couldn’t clear Nanrong Hao’s name, she would find a way to save his life. As long as he is alive, there’s always hope.

In the midst of this, Zhong Wei received a phone call, his expression suddenly turned solemn.

"Chairwoman, Housekeeper Liu says the old master fainted upon learning of Nanrong Hao’s situation."

Nanrong Wanqing’s expression changed. She quickly said, "Let’s go back immediately!"

Two hours later.

In Nanrong Yong’s bedroom, Nanrong Wanqing sat by the bed, looking at the unconscious and intravenously fed Nanrong Yong, her face wan and forlorn.

"Grandfather..."

She whispered softly, her stellar eyes devoid of light, a glistening tear shimmering uncertainly, her eyes red at the rims.

She never imagined that in just a day, the Nanrong Family would suffer such a calamity. Who on earth wanted to push the Nanrong Family to their demise? Could there really be such deep hatred?

As this crossed her mind, a tear rolled gently down her smooth cheek.