Zhang Kexin's pretense at calmness was nothing more than a clumsy performance in the eyes of Officer Xu, who had years of investigative experience.
"Miss Zhang Kexin, please come with us. We'd like to discuss the case regarding the defamation of Miss Jiang Yuqi."
"Officer, I don't understand what you're talking about! I don't even know about the case you're referring to. And barging into a private residence is illegal!"
Although Zhang Kexin's tone sounded clear and forceful, her hands, hidden under the blanket, were already drenched in sweat.
She kept reminding herself over and over in her mind: Don't panic. Maybe this officer is just trying to bluff me. I had someone else do everything. There's no way they'll find out.
"We came here through official procedures. Please don't jump to malicious conclusions, Miss Zhang Kexin. This is a warrant issued by the police, stamped and authorized. Please don't resist arrest."
At that moment, seeing the real document with an authentic government red seal, Zhang Kexin became so agitated that she fainted on the spot.
Butler Wu immediately stepped forward: "Apologies, officers. Miss recently fractured a bone and has been resting at home. She's not in any condition to be moved. Could you grant us a few more days?"
"There's no need to worry about that. We considered Miss Zhang Kexin's medical condition before we came. We've brought a professional medical team with us to ensure her safe transfer."
Butler Wu was now in full-blown panic. But things had escalated beyond his control—he could only watch helplessly as his young lady was taken away by the police.
He quickly contacted Chairman Zhang Maosheng of the Zhang Corporation.
"Sir, bad news. Miss has just been taken away by the police."
"You useless bunch. What the hell have you been doing? I'll handle this myself. Everyone's wages will be docked for a month as punishment for your incompetence."
Faced with Zhang Maosheng's scolding and his decision to dock wages, Butler Wu didn't dare express the slightest complaint.
He understood well: at such a critical moment, he had to remain submissive. Otherwise, his wife's medical expenses would be cut off.
Meanwhile, Zhang Maosheng, upon receiving the call, quickly dialed a number he knew by heart.
"Director Li, my daughter Kexin has gotten innocently involved in a legal case and was just arrested by your officers. Could you...?"
"Chairman Zhang, don't worry. Given our close relationship, I'll handle this personally. I guarantee your daughter will be sent home safe and sound."
Ten minutes later, Officer Xu, who was on the way to the station, received a call from his superior.
"Xu, that Zhang Kexin isn't the main culprit. She's been wrongfully accused. Get her back home safely—intact."
"But sir, we have evidence! Releasing her would violate proper procedure."
"I said bring her back. I'm in charge of this case now. Don't cause any more trouble."
Although Officer Xu was extremely reluctant, he knew better than to fight orders from above. He had no choice but to comply and return Zhang Kexin without a scratch.
Officer Wu (Xu's colleague) was also deeply unsettled by the situation. Looking down at his uniform, he felt the weight of betrayal—he had gone against the oath he once made to protect the country and its people.
Collusion between officials and businessmen was nothing new at the upper levels. The corruption here had already rotted to the core.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yuqi lay in bed, using her spiritual power to check the police department's announcement on her space computer.
Looking at the latest public notice, she didn't feel much joy. After all, in her past life, the original Jiang Yuqi's death hadn't even caused a ripple.
It was clear how powerful the forces shielding Zhang Kexin were.
So, Jiang Yuqi decided to shift her attention to Zhang Kexin's family—she needed to dig up new evidence and fully strip away their veil of respectability.
Half an hour later, she examined the documents collected on her computer. Zhang Kexin's father, Zhang Maosheng, was the CEO of the Zhang Corporation. His rise to wealth had been incredibly fast. Without someone supporting him behind the scenes, he could never have built such a real estate empire.
This lead had to be investigated thoroughly. Jiang Yuqi wouldn't give up halfway. She believed this man—Zhang Maosheng—would be a crucial part of her plan.
Unfortunately, this man was extremely cautious. Getting leverage on him would be far harder than digging up dirt on Zhang Kexin.
Suddenly, a new public notice was reposted on the An City government website: After thorough investigation by law enforcement, one of the three suspects previously arrested was found to lack sufficient evidence. This person has now been released. Only two individuals remain as suspects in the Jiang Yuqi defamation case. Their identities cannot be disclosed at this time. We ask the public for understanding.
When Jiang Yuqi saw this transparent attempt at damage control, she finally understood: why the original Jiang Yuqi had stood no chance against Zhang Kexin in the previous life. The power behind Zhang Kexin could reach the heavens.
After all, absolute purity leaves no room for survival. Jiang Yuqi had already considered the worst-case scenario, but even she didn't expect things to change so drastically in just a few hours.
Netizens were also confused. How did three suspects suddenly become two?
"Don't you think something fishy is going on here? But I don't dare say it out loud."
"I feel like something's off too. I really want to know who got released."
"The change came so fast, I didn't even have time to react."
"As expected, corruption is everywhere."
"..."
Though some netizens suspected foul play, they no longer dared to be as blunt as before. They could only express their opinions obliquely.
Jiang Yuqi was now ready to implement Plan B—but she couldn't rush. She still had to consider the jade vial behind her (likely referring to hidden dangers or secrets).
That's why she needed to find concrete evidence. She firmly believed that Zhang Maosheng's rise to power was far from clean. This time, she was determined to strike at the root and shatter the jade vial completely.