Chapter 45: A Sudden Turn of Events
The "alcohol poisoning" scandal at Infinity KTV couldn't stay buried. With a little push from those who wanted it to spread, the story exploded—splashed across Beitian's TV screens and front pages within two hours. *"Two patrons poisoned by fake liquor at Infinity; fighting for their lives in hospital,"* the headlines screamed.
The fallout was immediate. Infinity's revenue plummeted, teetering on the edge of collapse. Six police officers stood guard at the door, barring entry—less to protect the premises, more to ensure Ye Xiwen didn't "flee." It was a mercy from Fu Junyao; without it, Ye might already be in a jail cell.
"Boss Ye, we're sorry… but we have to go," a hostess said, her voice small as she clutched a duffel bag. "Infinity's… not safe anymore. We need to work."
Others echoed her. "East Coast is hiring. They pay better, anyway." "We'll miss you, but… survival first."
Ye watched them go, her smile tight. *When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter.* She'd heard the saying a hundred times, but living it stung. These women had laughed with her, celebrated busy nights with her—and now they fled at the first sign of trouble.
"Go," she said, forcing warmth into her voice. "I hope it works out. And… feel free to visit. Old times, y'know?"
They mumbled goodbyes and hurried out, leaving the lobby emptier than ever.
Liao Zhiyuan cleared his throat. "Boss Ye, don't take it personally. People get scared."
The remaining hostesses nodded, one speaking up: "We're staying. Infinity's our home."
Wu Yifan, leaning against the bar, grinned. "See? Not everyone's a fair-weather friend. And besides—this isn't over. Not by a long shot."
Ye raised an eyebrow. "You have a plan?"
Before Wu could answer, a loud voice boomed from outside: "What the hell is going on? Fake liquor? Bullshit! Let me in, or I'll tear this place down!"
It was Song Mingjie—the chubby kid from the street race, red-faced and fuming. He brushed past the cops, who shrank back at his glare. "Wu ge! You were right—those two 'victims' are dirtbags. I had my guys dig into them, and—"
Wu's grin widened. *Checkmate.*
Qian Baoqing, you arrogant bastard. Time to learn what happens when you outsmart yourself.
Over the next two days, the scandal snowballed. Social media erupted, comment sections overflowing with outrage:
*"How many more scandals? Fake milk, fake liquor—when will it end?"*
*"Infinity should be shut down! Lives matter more than profits!"*
*"Where's the government? Why aren't they cracking down harder?"*
Reporters camped outside Infinity, shoving mics in Ye's face whenever she stepped out. Fu's officers did their best to shield her, but the damage was done—Infinity was now synonymous with "greed" and "danger."
But on the fourth day, the tide began to turn.
Beitian City Court was packed. Reporters jostled for front-row seats, cameras rolling, ready to broadcast Infinity's "guilty" verdict. Qian Baoqing sat in the gallery, smirking—*this was his victory lap*. The two "victims" sat beside him, their expressions too calm, too rehearsed.
Ye sat in the defendant's chair, her back straight, flanked by her lawyer, Zhou Tianming—a sharp, silver-haired man with a reputation for winning impossible cases.
"All rise," the judge intoned. "The case of *People v. Infinity KTV* is now in session."
The prosecutor, a young man with a self-righteous air, stood. "Your Honor, we present evidence: witness testimonies, hospital reports, and lab results proving Infinity sold counterfeit liquor laced with methanol. This isn't just negligence—it's criminal. We demand justice."
Qian's smirk widened. *Game over.*
Zhou Tianming stood, his voice steady. "Your Honor, the prosecution's 'evidence' is flawed. I call a witness—one who will prove my client's innocence."
"A witness?" The judge blinked. "After days of silence, you produce a witness now?"
"Better late than never," Zhou said, smiling. "He will change everything."
The gallery murmured. Qian's smile flickered. *Who?*
"Bring in the witness," the judge ordered.
A hush fell as an elderly man shuffled in—sixty-something, in a crisp Tang suit, leaning on a dragon-headed cane. His hands trembled, but his eyes were sharp.
Qian and the two "victims" froze. Their faces drained of color, as if they'd seen a ghost.
"State your name and occupation," the judge said.
"Fang Bailong. I'm a doctor—owner of huitang Pharmacy in Beitian. Folks call me 'Dr. Fang.'" His voice quavered, but he spoke clearly.
The prosecutor scoffed. "A pharmacist? What relevance—"
"Six days ago," Dr. Fang cut in, "two young men came to my shop. Said they had sore throats. Insisted on an IV drip—*cefoperazone sodium*.先锋必 (Xianfengbi)—a strong antibiotic."
Murmurs rippled through the gallery. Anyone who'd ever had an IV knew: doctors *beg* patients to avoid alcohol after cefoperazone. Mixing the two triggers a deadly reaction—rashes, seizures, even death.
The "victims" paled, their hands shaking.
The judge leaned forward. "Dr. Fang, are you saying… their 'alcohol poisoning' was a reaction to this drug?"
"Exactly, Your Honor. I warned them—*no alcohol for a week*. They nodded, paid, and left. But two days later? They're in the hospital, screaming 'fake liquor.' It's a lie. A setup."
The gallery erupted. Reporters scribbled furiously, cameras clicking.
The prosecutor sputtered. "This is… this is hearsay! Where's the proof?"
Dr. Fang pulled out a tattered notebook, flipping to a page. "I keep records. Names, dates, prescriptions. Here—their signatures. And my nurse can testify. She was there."
The two "victims" stared at the notebook, as if it were a bomb.
"Why now, Dr. Fang?" the judge asked. "Why wait to come forward?"
Dr. Fang's voice cracked. "I… I'm ashamed. A lifetime of healing, and I let myself be silenced. They paid me. 10,000 yuan to keep quiet. I took it—greed, fear… I don't know. But when I saw Infinity being destroyed, good people suffering… I couldn't live with it. I'm sorry. So sorry." He sank to his knees, tears streaming.
The courtroom fell silent.
The judge banged his gavel. "Order! Order!" He turned to the "victims." "Do you deny this? Did you take cefoperazone, then drink intentionally to frame Infinity?"
The thinner man opened his mouth, but no sound came out. His brother just stared at the floor, defeated.
Qian Baoqing stood abruptly, knocking over his chair. "This is a farce! A setup!"
"Sit down, Mr. Qian," the judge snapped. "You're not on trial… yet. But we *will* investigate your involvement."
The prosecutor, seeing his case collapse, sat down, red-faced.
Zhou Tianming smiled. "Your Honor, I rest my case."
The judge nodded, glancing at the jury. "We'll recess for deliberation. But given this new evidence… I think we all know where this is going."
As the gallery emptied, reporters swarmed Ye, their questions now friendly: "Ms. Ye, how does it feel to be vindicated?" "Will you sue for defamation?"
Ye smiled, exhaustion and relief warring in her eyes. "I just want Infinity to move forward. To prove we're more than this scandal."
Wu clapped her shoulder. "Told you. With me here, it'll be fine."
Ye laughed, a real, bright sound. "Don't get cocky. You still owe me for the overtime."
Outside, the sun broke through the clouds. Infinity's doors would reopen tomorrow—scathed, but unbroken.
Qian Baoqing, surrounded by reporters shouting about "bribery" and "conspiracy," looked like he might explode.
Wu watched him go, grinning.
*Frost melts. Snow thaws. And sometimes… the good guys win.*
For now, at least.