"Since that's the case, tell me who is prettier, me or Han Lian?"
It was truly difficult to say who was prettier between Zhuo Yue and Han Lian. Han Lian, being a policewoman, was efficient and decisive, with a valiant look that was irresistibly attractive. On the other hand, Zhuo Yue was somewhat quirky; even if Ling Zhenfei joked with her a bit, she wouldn't mind. And there was nothing to criticize about her appearance.
If Ling Zhenfei had to choose between Zhuo Yue and Han Lian under normal circumstances, he would be agonizing over it. But this time, he made up his mind within half a second.
"Of course, Journalist Zhuo, you are the prettiest, even prettier than Chang'e."
"Then who has a better figure, me or Han Lian?"
"Of course, it's you. Even Victoria's Secret models would be jealous of your figure."
In truth, Zhuo Yue's figure couldn't compare to Han Lian's. Zhuo Yue had a petite and cute style, which was different from Han Lian's.
Zhuo Yue chuckled on the other end of the phone, seemingly very pleased with Ling Zhenfei's answer.
"Seeing as you're so honest, I'll tell you. Let me be clear, you've been framed in this matter. A large number of online trolls were paid to smear you, and some newspapers and radio stations were also bribed. They are all gunning to bring down your Xishan Manor. To speak frankly, even our Provincial TV station accepted gifts."
Ling Zhenfei was shocked upon hearing this. If what Zhuo Yue said was true, his Xishan Manor would be doomed, and there would be no way to recover from it.
"How did you find out about this, and what should I do?"
"What do you think I do for a living? Of course, I'd know about this. To be honest with you, I've successfully infiltrated the online trolls. I have evidence of them being hired to defame your Xishan Manor, and proof of bribery to newspapers and radio stations. Releasing this information would be like dropping a bomb, and quite a few people would lose their jobs."
"Is this true, Zhuo Yue? Do you really have this evidence?"
Ling Zhenfei was extremely excited and could hardly believe his ears. In his view, this evidence could completely exonerate Xishan Manor.
"Young Master Ling, don't get too excited too soon. Let me tell you, the evidence I have can clear Xishan Manor's name if used correctly, but if not handled properly, it will be useless or even counterproductive. How to use it is up to you."
How to use it, indeed. How should he use it?
Right now, producing this evidence wouldn't prove anything, because those who took dirty money included newspapers and TV stations. If even the Provincial TV station took bribes, who would stand up for him?
"No matter what, I have to thank you. You infiltrated the trolls to get such crucial information for me. I'm really touched."
"Hey, you've got it wrong. Us investigative journalists infiltrating the online trolls is routine work. Your matter was just a side benefit. Don't get the wrong idea."
Zhuo Yue didn't give any face at all, making Ling Zhenfei feel very helpless.
After discussing the details with Zhuo Yue, he hung up the phone.
"Bad news, Zhenfei, the police are here."
Zhou Yun hurriedly ran over to inform Ling Zhenfei. Judging by her worried expression, it didn't bode well. However, Ling Zhenfei remained relatively calm. He wasn't particularly afraid of the police.
At this moment, several police officers walked in from the outside. These officers clearly knew who Ling Zhenfei was, and one of them took out his credentials and showed them to Ling Zhenfei.
"You are Ling Zhenfei, right? Someone reported that the vegetables from your Xishan Manor caused a death. This involves a criminal case, so you need to come with us to assist in the investigation."
"Which police station are you from?"
"We're from Qinghe Police Station. Cut the crap and come with us. You can talk at the station."
Ling Zhenfei helplessly instructed Zhou Yun a bit before following the police out, getting into the police car, and heading to Qinghe Police Station.
The police car didn't turn on the siren. The night was already dark, and the surroundings outside the police car were pitch black, seemingly capable of engulfing everything.
Because it was just an investigation, his freedom wasn't restricted. Even in the police car, Ling Zhenfei could still make phone calls.
He called Han Lian once more, explaining his situation. Han Lian was furious.
"Detaining someone without evidence, how fantastic! I'll make sure they pay for this."
"What should I do?"
"What should you do? Just wait where you are, and I'll be right over!"
After saying that, Han Lian hung up the phone. She always worked in a whirlwind manner, and Ling Zhenfei was sure it wouldn't be long before she arrived.
At Qinghe Police Station, Ling Zhenfei was directly placed in an interrogation room and even given handcuffs, treating him like a prisoner. He had been to such places more than once or twice before, and the procedure seemed much the same each time, except this was the first time he was handcuffed.
Strangely, a long time passed without anyone coming to question him. Instead, the bright light in the interrogation room made his eyes uncomfortable, so he closed his eyes and waited quietly.
With his eyes closed, Ling Zhenfei used his keen hearing to eavesdrop on other rooms. In the next room, he could clearly hear two people talking.
"When are we going to interrogate him? It's about time."
"What's the rush? It's already so late. It's just the two of us on duty tonight. What difference does it make if we wait until tomorrow to question him? Did you forget how much money we received? Our task isn't to convict Ling Zhenfei, just to detain him for a day."
Ling Zhenfei almost felt his heart sink. He never expected that even the police station's officers had been bribed. Their goal was merely to delay him. It was indeed the same old conspiracy.
From Yang Zixuan to the Provincial City, every step Ling Zhenfei took seemed to be within someone's traps, as if someone had set up a Bewildering Spirit Array, where every step triggered a mechanism. Now, he was the one caught in the array, but he still couldn't figure out the ultimate purpose of the person who set it up.
Huo Tian's goal was to acquire his vegetables at a low price. But was it really necessary to set up such an elaborate Bewildering Spirit Array just for that?
"Let's go, let's go make a show of questioning that kid. Bringing someone in without questioning is a bit unjustifiable."
"Alright, let's just do a random interrogation and lock him up for twenty-four hours."
The people continued talking. Soon, Ling Zhenfei heard the sound of chairs moving, indicating they were standing up and heading towards his room.
"Kid, don't make us waste our breath. Just confess obediently!"
Two police officers walked in seriously and sat across from Ling Zhenfei, immediately trying to intimidate him.
"You two are hilarious. You brought me here, and I didn't even ask why. Just tell me quickly."
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