C14 The Trouble Asi Brought Him

The entire company was in shock. In the blink of an eye, Chen Zhixuan had taken the reins as chairman, and even the formidable harridan had been dealt with. It all felt like a dream to the staff, who could scarcely believe the reality of the situation.

"Mr. Xuan, did you really take over the company?" An Ran asked, her voice faltering as she tugged at Chen Zhixuan's sleeve.

"Absolutely. You'll be stepping into the harridan's shoes. I'm confident you'll excel in the role," Chen Zhixuan replied, his smile reassuring.

"But, I'm scared."

"There's no time for that now. The police are waiting for me. You all get back to work," Chen Zhixuan waved them off.

"Mr. Chen, are we ready to go?" The attractive policewoman next to him interjected with a touch of impatience and a slightly hostile demeanor.

"Sure, Director Yan, just make sure to get a lawyer on my case," Chen Zhixuan quipped, then walked away with the trio of officers.

"I still can't wrap my head around it—Chen Zhixuan is our boss now."

"Did anyone catch the harridan's face earlier? It was like watching a live-action mood ring."

"It all feels so surreal, like we're in a dream."

"Maybe a kiss from me would snap you back to reality?"

"Buzz off. But seriously, what if we all get the axe?"

The company's employees buzzed with chatter about the recent upheaval, while An Ran was still trying to process the events.

Handcuffed in the back of the police car, Chen Zhixuan couldn't help but comment, "Come on, officer, was that really necessary? Handcuffing me as if I'm some hardened criminal?"

"Be quiet. Would you prefer I let you go?" the policewoman snapped back.

"I mean, I am a law-abiding citizen. Couldn't you be a little nicer?" Chen Zhixuan couldn't recall doing anything to deserve the policewoman's harsh treatment.

"Rich kid, wastrel, a bad influence," she retorted.

"Hold on, let's set the record straight. I'm first-generation wealthy. My dad's a bona fide farmer. And for the record, I haven't led anyone astray. If you don't believe me, go ask around my company about what that harridan has done. Besides, legally speaking, any unsigned promises can be nullified," Chen Zhixuan defended himself earnestly.

"Quit the smooth talk. Your kick nearly sent that guy packing for good. I'm curious to see how you plan to handle this," the beautiful policewoman snapped.

"I..." Chen Zhixuan started to respond, but the lethal glare from the policewoman made him wisely choose to remain silent.

Inside the interrogation room, the beautiful policewoman was in charge.

"Listen, I didn't lay a finger on him. It was pure self-defense. Who knew the guy would be so delicate? Straight to the hospital he went. I'm telling you, I've been framed," Chen Zhixuan explained, exasperated, to the policewoman before him.

Two hours had ticked by, and she was still grilling him about why he had injured that scoundrel.

"Read the writing on the wall: 'Confess and you'll be shown leniency; resist and you'll be dealt with harshly.' I suggest you come clean," she said through clenched teeth.

"I've told you everything. Oh, and make sure the other officers get him a medical check-up. What if he was already frail to begin with?" Chen Zhixuan suggested.

As another hour slipped away and the policewoman's patience was wearing thin, a police officer exuding integrity entered the room.

"Rong, enough with the questioning. Let the man go; it was legitimate self-defense."

"Uncle Qiu, how can that be? The guy was seriously hurt. We can't show favoritism," Policewoman Rong protested.

"The hospital issued a report stating the man's daily activities had left him in a weakened state. Plus, Starlight Company provided a video showing he was the first to strike. Mr. Chen was merely defending himself. And the guy's fine now; he just fainted, that's all," Officer Qiu clarified.

"See? I told you I'm a law-abiding citizen. Why would I do anything wrong?" Chen Zhixuan let out a breath of relief and couldn't resist taunting Policewoman Rong.

"Okay, Mr. Chen, there are a few more formalities to take care of, and then you'll be free to go. But I have a favor to ask of you. Would you be willing to help?" Officer Qiu inquired.

"A favor? What kind of help?" Chen Zhixuan asked, a bit taken aback. He wasn't one to shy away from a challenge.

"Officer Rong, please escort Mr. Chen and join me outside," Police Qiu instructed before stepping out to wait.

Reluctantly, Policewoman Rong released Chen Zhixuan's handcuffs, her displeasure evident.

Chen Zhixuan chose not to antagonize her further and silently followed her outside.

They wound their way to a morgue, where Chen Zhixuan's steps halted.

"Hold on, Officer Qiu, you're not expecting me to examine a body, are you?" Chen Zhixuan said, retreating a few steps.

"Indeed, we're dealing with a murder case here, full of uncertainties, and we're at a loss as to how the victim was killed," Officer Qiu explained.

"But I'm no forensic expert," protested Chen Zhixuan, averse to the idea of interacting with a corpse.

"Mr. Asi—Meng Ruyan—said you could help, Mr. Chen. I'm earnestly asking for your assistance," Officer Qiu implored, locking eyes with Chen Zhixuan.

"Asi? Meng Ruyan?" Chen Zhixuan quickly made the connection.

"Mr. Chen, cooperating with police investigations is a duty of every citizen, as you're well aware," Officer Rong interjected calmly.

"Understood, but I have one condition."

"Name it."

"What's your name?"

"Get lost."

After a brief exchange of banter with Officer Rong, Chen Zhixuan had no choice but to proceed into the morgue with her.

Under the eerie green light, the room was deathly still, curiously devoid of any corpses, though numerous drawers lined the walls.

"Two-two-zero-three," Officer Qiu called out to a nearby attendant.

A drawer sprang forth from the wall like a coffin after a number was entered, and with the assistance of several officers, it was placed before Chen Zhixuan.

As he felt the chill emanating from it, Chen Zhixuan realized it was a refrigeration unit.

He peered inside and recognized the figure of an old man, vaguely familiar.

"The industrial magnate, Elder Hou?" he identified instantly.

"Correct. Elder Hou was the city's most prominent entrepreneur. His influence here is undeniable. That's why I'm hoping you'll lend us your aid," Officer Qiu said.

"A murder case?"

"Yes. Elder Hou was well-known for his generosity. Just last year, he donated his entire fortune to the city's development. But tragically, a week ago, he was murdered. The one who reported the crime was his own son," Officer Qiu elaborated.

Mr. Chen remained silent, meticulously examining the scene before him. It was odd; he had never encountered a deceased person before, yet now, it all felt eerily familiar.