Chapter 383 - 383: Conspiracy Case (10) In-depth Investigation, Internal and External Cooperation
Chapter 383: Chapter 383: Conspiracy Case (10) In-depth Investigation, Internal and External Cooperation
Translator: 549690339
Xin Zaozao left the Xin Group and directly drove to the Airport District.
Ji Baijian asked her to secretly investigate in the Airport District what kind of approach Song Zhizhi used to persuade the residents to relocate back then, and preferably find two people willing to testify in court.
She parked her car by the roadside.
Then ventured into an apartment building.
She knocked on the door.
An old lady opened the door.
“Hello, ma’am, I’m an investigator for the Song Zhizhi case and I’d like to understand a few things on-site. I hope you could...”
“I don’t know anything, don’t ask me.” The old woman hurriedly said the moment she heard it was about Song Zhizhi.
Within a second, she abruptly closed the door with a ‘bang’.
Xin Zaozao’s brows furrowed slightly.
Why are the people here so unreasonable?!
She got up and knocked on another door.
As soon as she identified herself, the door was abruptly closed again.
This pattern repeated itself over and over again.
There was no need to guess. Someone must be working behind the scenes.
She suddenly remembered a news piece from before, where the interviewed residents of this area criticized the person responsible for causing this incident and directly ridiculed Ye Wenhan’s intentional actions. Maybe this is why these local residents have been threatened.
Xin Zaozao went to at least ten households, everyone had the same attitude, and she found out nothing.
She went back to her car.
She dialed Ji Baili’s number.
Right now, Ji Baili had traveled far away to Gudao Village in Yancheng County, Liang Ping’s hometown.
He had checked into a small hotel in the town.
And then waited for his brother’s instructions.
Receiving Xin Zaozao’s call, he immediately answered: “Zaozao.”
“Baili, I’m right now in the Airport District... I came here to ask about Zhizhi’s relocation plan as per your request yesterday. But the moment they hear it’s about Zhizhi, I’m shut out, everyone is acting like that.”
“Someone is definitely doing this on purpose.” Ji Baili instantly confirmed.
“I suspect the same. Last time, Ye Wenhan had to suffer a setback because of the residents here, so he must have threatened them not to talk.” Xin Zaozao analyzed.
“Right.” Ji Baili nodded. “So it seems you are unable to find witnesses willing to testify in court?”
“It might be difficult, but I will try my best.” Xin Zaozao thought, if she kept visiting every resident, there must be one household that will stand for justice.
“You’re putting in a lot of effort.”
“Baili, you’re being too polite.”
Ji Baili gave a slight chuckle, “I’m really worried you’ll be worn out.”
Xin Zaozao was slightly taken aback.
Ji Baili didn’t want to waste any time at this juncture, “I’m handling some cases out of town as per my brother’s instructions. Be careful, you can call me anytime if anything happens.”
“Okay, you too.”
“Alright.”
After hanging up the call, Xin Zaozao thought for a while and went back to the apartment building.
There were three residential areas, with over 1,000 households.
Xin Zaozao knocked on each door. But every time she revealed her identity, the person inside just directly shut the door, not giving Xin Zaozao the chance to say anything.
After spending half a day...
Xin Zaozao had approached at least 300 households, but not a single one was willing to speak more than a word.
She couldn’t pretend not to feel disheartened.
She didn’t expect, people’s hearts could be so cold.
She had walked through two buildings and was preparing to get something to eat.
Ever since she arrived in the Airport District, she hadn’t eaten anything, and her stomach was starting to hurt.
She went to a small restaurant outside the residential area and ordered a set meal.
While waiting for her meal, she overheard a conversation at the next table.
Zaozao’s ears immediately perked up.
She looked serious.
A man said in a low voice, “Though everyone is saying that Song Zhizhi is the problem, I think there’s more to it. Otherwise, why would the property management issue letters prohibiting us from spreading rumors, threatening to prosecute anyone discussing Song Zhizhi’s issues for defamation? I personally think such actions are deliberately concealing some truths.”
“What truths could they be hiding? They’re probably just worried about further misunderstandings. The international controversy created by the demolition project has already caused enough damage to the reputation of Yanshang Country. I believe they’re simply trying to suppress the news and it’s not as complicated as you think,” another man said in disagreement, drinking his liquor.
The first man disagreed. As he sipped his drink and ate some accompaniments, he said, “I initially thought the same as you, but do you know Gao Chao, who criticized Liu Wen on the news recently? He’s the one who lives on our building’s 13th floor. He directly insulted Liu Wen and Mr. Ye in front of the nation when the journalists came to interview him. Now, he’s reportedly lost his job, allegedly laid off by his leaders for being too meddlesome. It’s quite clear that his dismissal was in retaliation for what he said on the news!”
“Now that you’ve put it that way, I’m starting to get suspicious too,” said the other man. “I too think Mr. Ye’s handling of this matter has been extremely inappropriate. In my opinion, Liu Wen’s behavior deserves condemnation. Despite knowing the country’s current crisis, he stirred up trouble, causing great harm to Yanshang County. Yet, Mr. Ye still went to him twice in person for conciliation. Doesn’t it seem strange for such a high-ranking official to get personally involved in this matter? It seems like a deliberate attempt to keep this issue heated and shift all the blame to Song Zhizhi.”
“That’s exactly what I think,” the man said as he drank, sighing, “Let’s speak less, lest we say something unfortunate. We’re just common folks, minding our own business is the right thing to do. As for other people’s matters, it’s best to keep out of them.”
Afterwards, the two men went silent.
Zaozao’s meal was served.
She slowly ate her food, not really tasting anything.
From the two men’s conversation, it was clear that they didn’t exactly agree with the so-called “violent demolition”. Even though Song Zhizhi was now in custody, the residents here bore no ill-will towards her. They instead believed that Liu Wen was the culprit. It was conceivable that Song Zhizhi had won the hearts of the people while handling the demolition project.
Since she had their support, there must be someone who would stand up for justice.
And this person...
Zaozao finished her meal quickly and re-entered the residential area.
The 13th floor... Gao Chao.
He might act as Song Zhizhi’s key witness.
She searched a few buildings before finding Gao Chao.
Gao Chao stared at Zaozao, “Who are you looking for?”
“I’m looking for Gao Chao.”
“I don’t know you.”
“I’m an undercover investigator, specifically investigating Song Zhizhi...”
Gao Chao tried to shut the door abruptly.
But Zaozao, quick as a flash, wedged her foot into the door.
Gao Chao was quite strong.
Zaozao was hit hard, and it hurt.
She held back her discomfort and said, “Mr. Gao, I know about your situation, how you spoke the truth and were retaliated against. I heard you lost your job.”
Gao Chao’s face turned pale, “What do you want me to do this time? Lose my job again? Or go to jail next time?”
“Mr. Gao, you misunderstand. I’m an undercover investigator here to find the truth, not to get you to keep quiet. Besides, I believe you mustn’t have taken your revenge lying down. Rather than keeping it bottled up, why not tell me the complete truth? Once the truth is revealed, I guarantee that you can get a job with double your current salary,” Zaozao said, trying to charm and deceive him.
She had indeed grown impressive in her persuasive skills.
Gao Chao didn’t fully trust her, but her offer seemed tempting. He said, “After all, things couldn’t get any worse for me now. Come in.”
Zaozao walked into a two-bedroom apartment.
There was a family photo in the room, featuring Gao Chao, a woman, and a child.
Looking at the photo, Zaozao asked, “Is this your wife and son?”
“Yes. My wife has taken our son and gone back to her parents’ house because I lost my job,” Gao Chao said irritably. “She constantly complained that my comments in the media led to us losing our financial income. I lashed out at her a few times and she left.”
“Haven’t you thought about bringing them back?”
“Bringing them back would just lead to more fights. I’ll wait until I find a job,” said Gao Chao, despondent.
“I suppose job hunting must be quite difficult for you now?” Zaozao asked, certain of the answer.
Gao Chao nodded, “I’ve applied to several companies and have been for numerous interviews at the job fair. All in vain.”
“Haven’t you wondered why?”
Gao Chao looked at Xin Zaozao.
“Since the other side could make you be forcibly retired, they can also make you unable to find work.”
“Damn!” Gao Chao swore.
“Mr. Gao doesn’t have to be too pessimistic. If you cooperate well with me, I guarantee I will get you a good job.”
“Really?” Gao Chao didn’t believe it.
“Really.” Xin Zaozao was sure of it.
Gao Chao hesitated for a moment, “So, what do you need me to do?”
“It’s simple, just repeat what you said to the media on the court.”
“That’s all?”
“Also, don’t tell anyone about this, when Song Zhizhi goes to court, I will pick you up alone.”
“Ok.”
“By the way, I have a few questions to ask you.”
“Hmm, ask away.” Gao Chao looked at Xin Zaozao.
“I just went to knock on the doors of other residents, and everyone treated me the same way as you did just now. Were you threatened by someone to not mention Song Zhizhi?” Xin Zaozao asked earnestly.
Gao Chao nodded, “We got a notice from the property management, or a lawyer’s notice, saying that anyone who still discusses this will be legally responsible. Most of the people here are cowards. It’s better to mind our own business, hence, everyone shut the door when they saw you.”
“The property management can send a lawyer’s letter?” Xin Zaozao immediately found the loophole.
“Who knows what kind of documents they are. Anyway, they emphasized it household by household at that time, spoke extremely seriously, and everyone believed it.”
“Do you have the lawyer’s letter?” Xin Zaozao asked.
“No,” Gao Chao answered. “The property management only showed us a glimpse of it, didn’t give it to us, and didn’t allow us to take pictures. Their attitude was quite forceful.”
“Okay, I got it.” Xin Zaozao stood up, “It’s late now; I won’t disturb your rest anymore.”
“About my job...” Gao Chao was still somewhat worried.
“I’ll keep my word, you just wait for the notice.”
“I trust you, don’t deceive me.”
“Alright.” Xin Zaozao nodded.
Gao Chao escorted Xin Zaozao to the door.
“Don’t escort me any longer, if someone sees us, they will be suspicious.” Xin Zaozao suggested Gao Chao and warned him before leaving, “Just live as usual in the next few days, don’t raise any suspicions.”
“Ok.” Gao Chao replied.
“Hmm.”
They both hung up the phone.
Ji Baijian put his phone down, looking out at the bright lights of Jin City.
One day, he and Song Zhizhi will together... peacefully and securely look down on the beautiful scenery of Yanshang Country!
The next day.
Song Zhizhi opened her eyes on the hard bed.
In fact, she couldn’t sleep at all.
The living conditions were too poor, the food wasn’t good, and she had too much on her mind.
She didn’t know to what extent Ji Baijian could deliver within a week.
She got out of bed.
The door was opened. “Come out and line up for washing and using the toilet. Hurry up!”
The prison guard was very strict, his tone exceptionally harsh.
Song Zhizhi followed along and walked out.
Fortunately, she had a cell to herself.
She didn’t need to cram into a room with many others.
She obediently queued at the back of the line and then went to the shared bathroom.
There were prison guards stationed at the bathroom as well. Despite being female, it was still somewhat awkward.
Song Zhizhi could only try to get used to it.
After using the toilet, she went to wash and brush her teeth.
Right as she was about to leave, a female prison guard approached, “Your face isn’t clean. Wash it again.”
Song Zhizhi frowned.
The female prison guard walked closer, reached out to take the towel from her hand, and slipped a note into Song Zhizhi’s hand.
Song Zhizhi was stunned. She immediately clenched the note, as the prison guard harshly threw the towel into the sink, “If next time you waste time by not washing properly, you won’t be allowed to wash your face!”
Song Zhizhi nodded.
She hurriedly picked up the towel from the sink and left the bathroom to queue up for a breakfast she couldn’t eat.
She returned to her cell.
In that moment, she quickly opened the note in her hand. It read, “Delay the time.”
Four words.
Song Zhizhi instantly changed.
If she guessed correctly, it must be someone from Jun Mingyu’s people who came to give her a tip-off, and Jun Mingyu must have been arranged by Ji Baijian. Ji Baijian must be still short of evidence and needs more time.
She was also worried. A week was too rush. It was impossible to get so much evidence and wash away her accusations, let alone accuse Ye Wenhan.
And Ji Baijian has no effective means to delay the court appearance, so he can only let her figure it out and delay it in her own way.
She’s inside right now and could hardly help at all with this case.
It’s said that because the court appearance is imminent, not only are others not allowed to visit, but her lawyers can only meet her once before the court date due to strong requests. So, even Wen Tian didn’t dare to see her lightly.
She clenched her teeth.
Ji Baijian was out there helping her gather evidence to clear her name. Now she needs to give him more time.
But, how can she delay the court time for the case?!
Asking Jun Minghan or Ye Wenhan is useless, they’d love to see her unable to turn things around sooner.
She meditated.
Telling herself to remain calm.
Since Ji Baijian passed on the message asking her to delay the court time without offering any strategies, he must believe that she can come up with a solution.
Ji Baijian is too good at assessing a person’s capabilities. If he believes she can do it, she certainly can.
So, she just needs to calm down and think carefully at that moment.
Perhaps because Ji Baijian gave her confidence, she suddenly didn’t panic as much anymore.
She thought of many methods.
Delaying court is usually due to three reasons: first, the discovery of extremely effective evidence. The court recognizes the evidence but considers it insufficient and asks for more. The court will postpone the court appearance; second, effective evidence is still present, but the court does not acknowledge it. The litigant desperately needs time to validate the strong evidence and requests the court to delay. This is the only remaining possibility as the court will not approve entirely effective evidence. Hence, the only thing left is the third, something happens to the litigant
It seems Song Zhizhi knew what she had to do.
She tore the note into pieces and knocked on the door to use the bathroom.
The guards were unhappy, “You’ve just gone and now you need to go again!”
“Diarrhea.” Song Zhizhi explained.
Unhappy, the guard still took her to the restroom.
Of course, Song Zhizhi didn’t really need to use the bathroom, she just needed to throw the note into the drainage.
She stepped out of the public restroom.
She walked slowly.
The warning aside her grew impatient. “Hurry up!”
Song Zhizhi remained slow.
“I said hurry up!” The guard raised his voice.
Song Zhizhi glanced at the fuming guard and finally sped up.
When she reached her cell, she didn’t let herself in.
Before the guard could scold her angrily, Song Zhizhi suddenly said, “I want to see Ye Wenhan.”
“You think you can see anyone you want to see?! And Ye Wenhan?! Who do you think you are!” The guard was full of sarcasm.
Song Zhizhi was somewhat stirred.
Before she was brought here, she really didn’t know how harsh the environment here was.
Those held here, even if they hadn’t been sentenced yet, had no human rights!
She said, “I have something very important to tell Ye Wenhan, something that affects the official family’s interests. If you do not report it, and something goes wrong later, can you bear the consequences?”
“Are you threatening me?!”
“You should know very well why I’m here?! My case is so important that Mr. Jun himself is presiding over the trial. I don’t need to explain how important it is. Now I need to tell Ye Wenhan some of my matters. If you strongly resist me, if I change my mind later, Mr. Jun and Ye Wenhan won’t let you off!”
The guard’s face darkened.
He was really threatened in a few words.
This case indeed involved a lot, and important figures were involved in processing it. If he missed any information from this case, he really couldn’t bear it.
He hesitated for a few seconds, not immediately agreeing, but not yet refusing, and said coldly, “Get inside!”
Song Zhizhi knew that he would report it.
No one here dared to slack off on her case.
Indeed, the prison guard quickly reported to his superiors after Song Zhizhi returned to her cell.
The top leader who received the message was also hesitant, but in the end, he still called Ye Wenhan, asking reverently, “Mr. Ye, Song Zhizhi just asked to see you and said she has very important matters to discuss with you, concerning her lawsuit.”
“Really?” Ye Wenhan sounded doubtful.
The top leader hurriedly said, “Yes, and she threatened that our officers would bear a significant responsibility if they don’t cooperate. We were afraid of delaying any important matter of yours, so we thought it was best to report it to you. Would it be necessary to prepare an interrogation room for you, or should we just deny her?”
“Call me back in half an hour.” Ye Wenhan sounded authoritative.
“Yes.”
Ye Wenhan hung up the phone.
What on earth was Song Zhizhi up to? Wanting to see him all of a sudden?!
No matter what, he felt that Song Zhizhi had bad intentions.
Then silence followed.
“Mr. Ye.” A man’s voice suddenly interrupted him.
Ye Wenhan was snapped out of his thoughts.
He had forgotten that he was in the middle of a therapy session.
Starting today, his father had arranged for a doctor for him. After some analysis, it was determined that his problem was psychological, not physical, so they chose therapy first.
For the sake of keeping it from prying eyes, the doctor had arranged home visits.
Today, Ye Wenhan did not go to work, but stayed home for treatment.
He said, “I was just thinking about some work-related issues.”
“Mr. Ye, you really are a competent manager. I am honored to be living in Yanshang Country.”
Ye Wenhan loved nothing more than to be flattered.
At this moment, he felt rather proud of himself and said, “I have no choice. I am still young and there are many things I need to learn, so naturally, I have to work harder than others. If it weren’t for my deceased father, I wouldn’t have postponed my recovery.”
“Mr. Ye, I truly admire you for not sparing any effort to serve the people at the expense of your health, but Mr. Ye, please believe that your health is also a matter of public concern. If your health fails, how can you manage the Commercial Management organization effectively, and how can you leave better descendants for Yanshang Country?”
“I did consider this point.” Ye Wenhan seemed somewhat helpless as he said to the therapist, “How am I doing now? If I hadn’t been framed, this wouldn’t have happened...”
“It’s not too severe, it’s just a hurdle in your mind.” The doctor comforted, “Once you overcome this mental block, I believe you’ll immediately get better. Please don’t worry, Mr. Ye.”
“Ok.” Ye Wenhan nodded.
The doctor said, “Let’s stop here for today, we’ll take this step by step.”
“That’s good, I have some work to deal with.”
“Mr. Ye, you should make your health a priority.”
“I know. Thank you for today.”
“It’s my duty, see you tomorrow, Mr. Ye.” The therapist left respectfully.
Ye Wenhan watched his therapist leave the room and gently close the door behind him.
He hesitated for a moment, then picked up the phone, “Arrange an interrogation room for me. I’ll be there in half an hour to see Song Zhizhi.”
“Yes.” The person on the other end was extremely respectful.
He hung up the phone.
He was curious to see what tricks Song Zhizhi might be trying to play this time?!
What could Song Zhizhi possibly do, other than sit waiting for her doom in the detention center?!
He sneered.
Thinking about the doctor reassuring him earlier that the situation was not severe, he felt somewhat excited and relieved.
He immediately drove his car to the detention center, completely forgetting his father’s admonition.
He quickly parked his car on the side of the road and walked into the interrogation room unimpeded.
At that moment, Song Zhizhi had already been brought there waiting for him.
He took the seat in the center with great satisfaction, sneering, “Song Zhizhi, why do you suddenly want to see me? What, are you thinking of begging me now?!”