Chapter 296: Avenging the Son

"What’s their objective?" Xia Mutong asked urgently. Knowing the kidnappers’ motive would help us hit the nail on the head and figure out a way to rescue her.

"Captain Xia, there was a news story recently that caused quite a stir. A young male fan confessed his love to Tang Shiyun and was rejected. Unable to bear the blow, he chose to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge. That male fan’s father is Zhou Lin."

"So that’s it!" Ling Chen finally understood why they targeted Tang Shiyun. The previous assault outside East Sea University and this kidnapping—both the perpetrator and the planner must be Zhou Lin. His objective is clear: to avenge his deceased son.

Oh no!

His heart sank. Since it was for revenge, Zhou Lin naturally would not let Tang go. Even if a ransom was paid, it likely wouldn’t save Tang Shiyun’s life.

With this thought, Ling Chen and Xia Mutong exchanged glances, both simultaneously coming to the same realization.

"The mastermind behind this operation must be Zhou Lin. The previous assault made it so that security was tightened around Tang Shiyun, preventing him from getting close. Hence, he enlisted the help of his old comrades, Guan Long and Zhuang Qian. Both are bachelors without family ties and live modestly, so they struck a deal—two seeking money and one seeking revenge," Xia Mutong analyzed.

"We must notify Silver Star Entertainment Company about this. Yao Li doesn’t have thirty million; this money will definitely have to come from Silver Star Entertainment. Since Zhou Lin isn’t going to let Shiyun go, we can’t let them benefit from this money."

"Let’s go to the company," Xia Mutong decided decisively and started walking out of the office. Ling Chen was about to follow when Xia Mutong turned and blocked him. "You’re not a police officer; it’s better if you stay here."

"No way!" Ling Chen firmly rejected. "I must be involved throughout the case until Shiyun is rescued." His tone was firm, brooking no refusal. Given Tang Shiyun’s safety was at risk, how could he just stand by? Besides, he had promised Tang Shiyun that as long as he was around, he would never let her be in danger.

"If you won’t let me get involved, then I’ll act alone, and you can’t blame me for messing up your plan."

"You..."

Xia Mutong fumed as she looked at him—this guy was being completely unreasonable, even daring to threaten her. However, she couldn’t really ignore Ling Chen’s threat, knowing full well what he was capable of—without constraints, he could wreak havoc.

"Wait here; I can’t decide on this matter alone. I’ll go and ask the director."

Ling Chen made an ’OK’ hand gesture, watching as Xia Mutong left the office. Soon after, Xia Mutong pushed the door open and entered, glaring at Ling Chen before saying, "Come with me."

Ling Chen grinned; it seemed he had succeeded.

"I emphasized your abilities to the director, and how they could be of great help to the case, so the director decided to hire you as a temporary consultant for our police station," Xia Mutong stated fiercely, warning him, "I’m telling you, you better help me rescue Tang Shiyun. I’ve made a promise in front of the director. If the operation fails, both of us are in deep trouble."

"Don’t worry, with me here, there won’t be an issue."

"Stop boasting for now; let’s talk once we’ve rescued the person," Xia Mutong grumbled.

Although Xia Mutong was somewhat dissatisfied with Ling Chen’s threats, she had to admit that having him by her side was a great help to her. Just like before, based on a self-made profile, he was able to analyze the identity of the kidnapper, thereby pinpointing the suspect. Although the police station was full of talent, very few had this capability.

...

Silver Star Entertainment Company headquarters.

Ling Chen and Xia Mutong walked into the senior office and saw Zhu Yansong, Yao Li, He Zhong, and Silver Star Entertainment’s Chairman, Yang Chengfeng, a middle-aged man in his forties, slightly overweight, already balding, dressed in casual clothes. Clearly, he had rushed over from home upon receiving the notice.

Seeing Ling Chen and Xia Mutong enter the office, Yao Li looked up, and her face immediately fell, her tone full of dissatisfaction. "Why is he here? Get him out quickly; don’t annoy us here."

Xia Mutong glanced at Ling Chen, knowing Yao Li was scolding him, and felt somewhat puzzled. Judging by Yao Li’s attitude, it seemed she held deep resentment towards Ling Chen. Ling Chen, unconcerned, simply shrugged his shoulders, pretending he hadn’t heard her words.

Seeing him still not moving, Yao Li immediately couldn’t sit still, suddenly stood up from the sofa, and scolded loudly, "Are you deaf? Did you not hear me telling you to get out?"

"Shut your mouth!"

Xia Mutong frowned and spoke coldly. Hearing Yao Li’s harsh attitude toward Ling Chen, for some reason, Xia Mutong felt an inexplicable anger boiling inside; not venting it would not do.

Yao Li was stunned, her opened mouth suddenly lost for words. She recognized Xia Mutong, who had been personally protecting Tang Shiyun in the past few days, and knew she was a police officer.

"Miss Yao, please show some respect. Ling Chen is a specially appointed consultant by the police, responsible for participating in this kidnapping case. Whether your daughter can be saved depends entirely on him. If you drive him away with your curses, then you better start preparing for your daughter’s funeral."

"Him?" Yao Li stared at Ling Chen in a daze, seemingly disbelieving Xia Mutong’s words, and disdainfully said, "What capabilities can this thug have?"

"Hehe!" At this moment, a mild laugh sounded, and Yang Chengfeng, Chairman of Silver Star Entertainment, strode towards Ling Chen, reaching out his hand. "Mr. Ling, hello, I’ve long heard of your reputation, never got the chance to meet you. Thank you for helping Tang out last time in Beijing."

Ling Chen was initially puzzled, as he did not know this President Yang, wondering where the so-called long-standing reputation came from. It was only after hearing his final words that he understood it was because of Zhang Zekai’s incident.

He grinned and said, "President Yang, you are too kind."

Yang Chengfeng affectionately patted Ling Chen’s shoulder, saying, "Mr. Ling, we are counting on your help this time, hoping you can safely bring Tang back."

Hearing Yang Chengfeng and Ling Chen’s conversation, Yao Li immediately became anxious, quickly speaking up, "President Yang, you cannot trust him; he’s just a thug. If you let him help, my daughter’s life definitely won’t be saved."

Yang Chengfeng glanced at Yao Li, his thick eyebrows slightly furrowed, showing a hint of displeasure. Tang Shiyun was a well-behaved girl; he liked her a lot, but regarding her mother, not only did he dislike her, but he was also somewhat disgusted. She usually liked to meddle in matters that were none of her business, acting as if everyone had to obey her just because her daughter was a big star, bossing around without restraint in the company.

However, for the sake of Tang Shiyun, he had always restrained himself, never saying anything. But Yao Li’s repeated behavior like this made him quite angry.