Yang Lili listened to their conflicting accounts, her expression growing impatient. "I'll ask you one thing: are the injuries on his body your doing?"
The thugs all shook their heads and responded in unison, "No!"
Xu Teng let out a cold laugh, his face flushing red from anger. "Fine. Since none of you are willing to admit it, don't blame me for burning bridges. I'll expose all you culprits!"
Upon hearing this, the thugs panicked. One of them stepped forward indignantly. "If you don't believe us, we can show you the filming. When we were dealing with you, we all held back. You only sustained some superficial scratches, not injuries this severe!"
"That's right, there's surveillance footage too." Yang Lili found a spot, crossed her legs elegantly, and extended her delicate hand. "Bring out the video you recorded and let me see it."
"Yes!" The thugs obediently handed over the USB drive.
Using an employee's computer, Yang Lili viewed the events that had transpired. Just as the thugs had said, they were only minor abrasions, not enough to cause this current state.
Yang Lili frowned and immediately said, "If you need money, just say so. I'll provide whatever I can. We are allies now, with more important plans awaiting us. Why ruin our goodwill over trivial money?"
Xu Teng was displeased upon hearing this. "These aren't the people who beat me. Did you find other thugs to retaliate against me? This isn't about money anymore. I must find those who beat me and cripple their arms and legs! How dare they lay a hand on me, they must have the guts of a bear."
There were others? Yang Lili's brow furrowed deeply, her eyes filled with confusion. "Is there some misunderstanding here? I entrusted the entire matter of helping you deal with Chen Lishu to Shu Hong. You two are from the same place, could it be you think Shu Hong would harm you?"
"You're saying Shu Hong arranged this?" Being away from home, Shu Hong was Xu Teng's most trusted person. He believed this matter couldn't have been arranged by them.
When the name Shu Hong was mentioned, Xu Teng's emotions gradually stabilized. He propped his chin with one hand and asked with a stern expression, "Then who do you think is behind this?"
In response to Xu Teng's question, Yang Lili smiled and shook her head. "The incident happened near Chen Lishu's company. Isn't it obvious who the culprit is? Perhaps I was careless. Considering your safety was being closely monitored online, I rescinded the bodyguards. I should have let them continue to follow you back then!"
As she spoke, Yang Lili patted her chest with lingering fear. Fortunately, Chen Lishu hadn't been impulsive enough to silence him. In that alley, without surveillance or witnesses, wouldn't such a valuable pawn have been wasted?
Facing Yang Lili's speculation, Xu Teng found it reasonable. He clenched his fists tightly, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes, and then said, "You wretched woman, I'll make you pay for your actions!"
Seeing that Xu Teng's rage had reached its peak, Yang Lili's eyes darted, and she said, "I know you're angry now, so I've found a reporter for you. She will interview you, and you can shift all the blame onto Chen Lishu. I believe this will be a decisive blow!"
Xu Teng nodded and replied, "Okay."
----
At the Gu family's residence, Zhang Wan'er arrived again today. Seeing Zhang Wan'er and Li Xiulan chatting happily, Chen Lishu's eyes held a deep look. "Wan'er is here? Coincidentally, I have something I'd like you to confirm."
Zhang Wan'er stopped her conversation with Li Xiulan and put on a bewildered expression as she looked at Chen Lishu. "What is it?"
Chen Lishu smiled sweetly. "Xu Teng was beaten in an alley today."
Upon hearing Chen Lishu mention this matter, Zhang Wan'er pursed her lips, then feigned shyness as she scratched her head. "That's right, this was my doing. I considered using public opinion to force Xu Teng away, but I heard he's just an ordinary person from the countryside, so there was no need for such elaborate measures. Sometimes, violence is the best way to solve a problem. Through this threat, he shouldn't bother you anymore."
After speaking, Zhang Wan'er lowered her head and asked somewhat timidly, "Auntie, you don't think my methods are a bit too violent and dislike people like me, do you?"
Li Xiulan quickly denied it. "How could that be? We're so grateful that you're willing to help my daughter-in-law resolve this issue. Let alone you taking action, even I, an old woman, can't stand Xu Teng's shameless behavior!"
Hearing Li Xiulan's words, Zhang Wan'er's face lit up with joy. "Lishu, you don't need to thank me too much. Sometimes being decisive can prevent more trouble. You are Gu Xingdong's wife, you should understand how much trouble your indecisiveness causes him. Speaking of which, I'm also quite surprised. Gu Xingdong always liked decisive girls, I never expected the wife he would finally choose to be completely different from his expectations!"
Listening to Zhang Wan'er's didactic tone, Chen Lishu smiled and shook her head. The other party clearly didn't understand her current predicament, hence she could handle this matter without hesitation using the simplest method. However, Chen Lishu knew that Xu Teng, coming from Gu Family Village with no power or connections, and now severely injured, would naturally suspect her. After all, she had been the only one clashing with Xu Teng recently. Zhang Wan'er's sudden action wasn't helping her, but harming her!
Fortunately, fate was on her side. Xu Teng was already planning to do this, and by sheer coincidence, Su Nian had captured the scene. If Xu Teng dared to shift the blame, the evidence could be presented in advance!
With this thought, Chen Lishu tidied the stray strands of hair from her forehead and smiled with grace. "Is that so? It's my first time knowing Gu Xingdong liked me that much."
Zhang Wan'er, who had intended to humiliate Chen Lishu, felt as though she had lifted a rock only to drop it on her own foot. A hint of anger surfaced on her face, but she quickly concealed it.
The next day, the news of Xu Teng being seriously injured and admitted to the hospital spread. This time, he didn't make a scene; instead, he adopted a strategy of retreating to advance.