Zhan Mohan's brow furrowed deeply as he looked at Zhan Yichen's miserable state.
Fang Xun, standing to the side, was also fidgeting, unsure of what to do. This was his first encounter with someone with such peculiar tastes.
"Brother! Don't you believe me either? I honestly don't know what happened, I can't remember anything at all," Zhan Yichen explained as he put on the clothes Zhan Mohan had brought him.
"I attended a party yesterday, left midway, and then was knocked out in the parking lot. When I woke up, this was the situation."
Zhan Yichen felt as though he couldn't wash himself clean even if he jumped into the Yellow River.
Zhan Mohan sighed, "I believe you, but Grandpa must know about this by now."
"What?" Fear flashed in Zhan Yichen's eyes. "Brother, why don't I hide out at your place for a few days?"
"When I came to pick you up, Yu Meng was at your house," Zhan Mohan said calmly.
Hearing this, Zhan Yichen changed his mind, "Then never mind. I'll find somewhere else to hide. Lin Jing might already be living at your place."
Thinking of this, Zhan Yichen felt a pang of sadness. He truly didn't know how to explain this to Mu Lin Jing.
This wasn't just a simple infidelity; it involved sexual orientation and even allegations of a sham marriage for homosexual purposes.
The thought made him clutch his head in anguish, "Damn it! Who wants to harm me? Brother, I can only rely on you for help now."
Zhan Mohan nodded slightly. He wouldn't abandon Zhan Yichen, but dealing with Old Master Zhan was the most troublesome part.
As expected, that afternoon, Old Master Zhan summoned Zhan Yichen back to the Zhan family's old residence. Zhan Yichen insisted that Zhan Mohan accompany him.
"Yichen, how do you explain these reports?" Old Master Zhan's face was terrifyingly dark.
Such news was a family scandal to him, with his old-fashioned and stubborn way of thinking.
"Grandpa, I really don't know. I was knocked out that day, and I don't remember anything that happened," Zhan Yichen explained, looking to Zhan Mohan for help.
Zhan Mohan then spoke up, "When I went to pick him up today, I investigated at that hotel. Someone did see Yichen being helped into that room by another person while he was unconscious."
Zhan Yichen immediately chimed in, "That's right, Grandpa. I was unconscious at the time, so it was impossible for me to do anything."
But Old Master Zhan snorted, "Even if you were unconscious, it doesn't mean you didn't do anything."
"Grandpa, I..." Zhan Yichen was truly stumped for an explanation.
At this moment, Zhan Yangyi arrived. He glanced at Zhan Yichen and then said, "Grandpa, the matter hasn't been clarified yet. We can't convict Yichen based on a single photo. Why don't you give us some time to investigate?"
Zhan Mohan nodded in agreement, "I've already retrieved the hotel surveillance footage. After reviewing it, we should be able to find some clues."
Zhan Yangyi continued, "I consulted a professional about the photos circulating online. Using forced perspective, it's possible to create such an effect. Furthermore, this photo shows signs of hidden Photoshop manipulation."
Zhan Yichen looked expectantly at Old Master Zhan. These pieces of evidence at least suggested something was amiss, and he hoped Old Master Zhan would give him a chance to prove his innocence.
"Fine. Since you're all investigating, I'll give you time to get to the bottom of this. Don't think you can protect him just because he's your brother. If he truly did those things, I won't let any of you off the hook."
With that, Old Master Zhan turned and left in anger.
As he walked away, he thought that the Zhan family seemed to be facing too many problems lately, each one enough to make him furious.
Only after Old Master Zhan left did Zhan Yichen turn to Zhan Mohan and Zhan Yangyi, "Thank you both, brothers. Otherwise, I really wouldn't be able to clear my name."
Zhan Yangyi smiled, "It's nothing. You're my brother, of course, I'll stand by you. Besides, you don't seem like that kind of person."
"Eldest Brother..." Zhan Yichen looked at Zhan Yangyi with gratitude.
Zhan Mohan, however, looked serious. He seemed to have thought of something and suddenly asked Zhan Yangyi, "If this matter turns out to involve someone closest to you, what will you do?"
Zhan Yangyi was slightly taken aback, "What do you mean by that?"
Zhan Yichen understood Zhan Mohan's implication. Zhan Mohan was clearly suspecting someone.
And now, he also felt that person had a high probability of being involved.
Seeing Zhan Yangyi's displeased expression, he quickly said, "Big Brother, Second Brother was just asking casually, don't take it to heart."
Zhan Yangyi didn't provide an answer in the end. Zhan Mohan merely sighed helplessly.
If his suspicions were correct, then his previous decision had inadvertently given that person an opportunity to frame Zhan Yichen, and he bore unavoidable responsibility.
Yet, no matter which path he chose, it was crucial to him. What choice should he make?
After Zhan Yangyi left, Zhan Yichen found an opportunity to speak with Zhan Mohan alone.
"Brother, have you also figured out who might have done this?"
Zhan Mohan nodded, "It's just a guess for now. After all, this approach is too similar to what she did to Yu Meng in the past."
Zhan Yichen also nodded, "Moreover, I haven't been back in the country for long. I couldn't have offended anyone else. The only person I might have offended is that one."
"However, even so, we can't jump to conclusions so hastily. I'll have people investigate thoroughly. Only after confirming will I decide how to proceed."
"Brother..." Zhan Yichen looked at Zhan Mohan, his eyes still filled with sadness, "I've caused you trouble."
Zhan Mohan shook his head, "We were able to resolve the misunderstanding between Yu Meng and me thanks to you before. So, helping you this time is the least I can do."
"Brother, if there's anything you need me to do, just ask," Zhan Yichen said, patting his chest with conviction.
Zhan Mohan, however, said, "Go back home now and stay there. Don't worry about anything else. The more helpless you appear, the more relaxed the other party will become."
Hearing this, Zhan Yichen suddenly reacted, "What about Big Brother? Will he..."
"Don't worry about that. I'll investigate this matter separately. As for Big Brother, I'll contact him occasionally, but I won't give him too many clues to prevent any accidents."
"I feel like Big Brother is a bit pitiful right now," Zhan Yichen couldn't help but say.
After all, their childhood dreams were different, and he was always kept in the dark. When the truth finally came to light, it would be incredibly cruel for him.