Facing Xiao Zhang’s dissuasion, Third Uncle still stubbornly said, "How is that possible? Even if this beast is a scoundrel, he wouldn't attack an entire village. Besides, I'm just taking back what's rightfully mine!"
"Third Uncle, didn't you see the many young men in black guarding the entrance when we arrived at the hotel? Moreover, Xu Teng is a person currently under special protection. If we choose to make a move now, it would sound rather unpleasant to others.
Money is something we can always pursue, but we absolutely cannot act at this moment. We should go back and discuss with the village chief if there are any other solutions. As the saying goes, the tallest tree catches the most wind. Surely, Third Uncle wouldn't want to become a casualty between the two parties?
Third Uncle has been of great help to our family, which is why I'm saying these heartfelt words. Whether Third Uncle believes me or is willing to accept my suggestion is entirely up to you."
As Xiao Zhang spoke, his expression was exceptionally firm and sincere. Third Uncle felt that what he said made a lot of sense. He annoyedly slapped his thigh with his hand, sighed deeply, and then said, "Alright, alright, let's head back to the village and discuss this matter with the village chief."
After saying this, the two of them left the East City District.
----
The next day, as Chen Li Shu and the children were enjoying breakfast, a group of police officers in uniform suddenly walked in.
"Sister-in-law!" The one calling out to her was the same young police officer who had helped her resolve issues on previous occasions. At this moment, the young officer had a troubled expression on his face.
Seeing such a large presence, Chen Li Shu was initially stunned. Then, the corners of her mouth turned upwards slightly, a gentle smile appearing on her face. She softly asked, "What's wrong? Why are so many comrades mobilized this time?"
The young officer spoke with a hint of helplessness, "Sister-in-law, I received a report accusing you of child abuse. Therefore, I've specifically come to invite you to the police station for an investigation. Don't worry, I don't have any evidence yet; it's just a procedural matter of asking some questions."
"Child abuse?" Chen Li Shu murmured softly, then quickly realized. It seemed Yang Li Li and her group had started making their move. "Alright then, we'll go with you after we finish breakfast.
These brothers waiting outside must not have eaten yet. There's still plenty of food left in the pot. Why don't we invite them in to fill their stomachs?"
Seeing Chen Li Shu's calm demeanor, the young officer's heart gradually eased. He also felt that Chen Li Shu didn't seem like a person who would abuse children.
Thinking this, the young officer even managed a jest, "There's no need to fill their stomachs. We're on official business now, and we can't afford to be lax. Otherwise, if our superiors find out, our salaries might be docked."
After about three minutes, a commotion suddenly erupted from outside the door. Another young officer rushed in frantically and said, "Boss, things aren't good! There's a crowd of reporters surrounding the area, and they're trying to force their way into Miss Chen's home, claiming they want to seek justice for Xu Teng."
"What? These reporters are truly outrageous! With us police officers present, the truth of the matter will naturally be investigated. Why do they need to seek justice? More importantly, there's no concrete evidence yet, so how dare they say such things?"
Just as the young officer was getting agitated, Chen Li Shu put down her rice bowl and calmly advised, "It's alright, there's no need to quibble with them. I've finished eating, and we can go to the police station now."
After speaking, Chen Li Shu looked at Li Xiu Lan again, a gentle and comforting smile on her face. "Mom, please take the two children back to their room. No matter what happens outside, don't come out. These reporters are like rabid dogs right now, and I fear they might accidentally hurt you and the children. Don't worry, this is just to record a statement, and there won't be any issues. We haven't done anything wrong. As the saying goes, if you do nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear. Please be at ease."
Li Xiu Lan opened her mouth, but seeing Chen Li Shu's insistence, she finally nodded and returned to the room.
As she watched them leave, Chen Li Shu was about to follow the police officers out when the front door was suddenly pushed open.
The reporters, holding their cameras, swarmed in front of Chen Li Shu. They then raised their microphones and pointed them at Chen Li Shu, asking:
"We heard you adopted Xu Teng's daughter, but not to treat the child well, but to abuse her and satisfy your own perverse desires. Ms. Chen, can you provide us with a reasonable explanation?"
Chen Li Shu looked at the reporter who asked the question, tilting her head slightly. She asked with a detached tone, "You say I'm abusing children, but where is the evidence? If there's no evidence, can I sue you for defamation?
As reporters, you shouldn't believe rumors without verification and fail to investigate the truth. I think you shouldn't be in this profession!"
They truly hadn't investigated the truth of the matter. After all, they were just small-time reporters, and investigating the truth was a job for the police. They lacked the professional knowledge for such tasks.
This news was merely gossip. However, Chen Li Shu's identity was too prominent, and many people were interested in her affairs. To boost the ratings of their news agency, they had rushed to interview her as soon as they received the information.
Facing Chen Li Shu's "threat," many reporters showed a flicker of panic, even stepping back a pace, afraid that Chen Li Shu was serious and they might get implicated.
As everyone hesitated, a woman dressed impeccably with curly hair stepped forward. Her sharp gaze fixed on Chen Li Shu as she questioned, "You say evidence is simple. If I recall correctly, there should be five people in your family, plus the child makes six. Yet, there are only four bowls on the table. Could it be that the child hasn't even been fed properly during her time with you? If that's the case, you deserve to die. What could such a young child possibly understand?!"
Listening to the woman's speculation, Chen Li Shu wore a smile of disdain and helplessness. "Is this how you convict people? If that's the case, I could easily find loopholes and frame anyone with a crime."
Seeing Chen Li Shu remain obstinate, the woman frowned tightly, then took a deep breath and said, "Whether there's abuse or not, couldn't you just bring the child out to see?
Police comrades, investigating and taking someone away still requires evidence, doesn't it? You're not leaving with any evidence, so what are you investigating? Aren't you afraid you're trying to curry favor with Chen Li Shu because she has powerful backing, and that's why you're planning to go easy on her?"