The police officers' faces were grim as they listened to the reporters' speculations, but they couldn't directly confront them, given the reporters' status.
After a moment of thought, the young officer sternly stated, "You are smearing the police. Do our operational procedures need a layperson like you to teach us? If you continue to obstruct our work, we will have no choice but to handle this officially and detain you for a few days! Don't think that just because you have a camera, you can say whatever you want and do whatever you please!"
Seeing the police's firm stance, the previously arrogant woman immediately fell silent. As if a thought struck her, she reluctantly said, "During this investigation, we reporters must be present to document everything! It's mainly because Chen Lishu's identity is too special. If she is found guilty, her actions would be extremely malicious, and to prevent public panic, we must provide a reasonable explanation to the masses!"
The police officer, about to retort, was interrupted by Chen Lishu. "Since these people want to interview, let them. I'll say it again, I have never done anything wrong, so there's no need to hide or fear anything!"
Inviting so many media outlets might not be a bad thing. She had intended to make a big deal out of this matter anyway, as it was the only way to capture Yang Lili and Qin Lan, those two major evils, in one go, ensuring no one would oppose her in the future. She had originally planned to handle it herself, but now that Yang Lili was doing it for her, it saved her money and trouble with Wu Hua.
With this thought, Chen Lishu calmly followed the police, ready to leave. However, as soon as she took a step, a gasp of shock came from behind her. Following the sound, she saw Tiantian being held by a police officer, her eyes wide with fear. The reporters, who had just quieted down, erupted again. The elegantly dressed woman shouted even more assertively, "Ms. Chen, didn't you say you didn't abuse children? Then can you explain what happened with the injuries on this child? Ah, so you can lie with your eyes open now? I must say, the forces behind you are truly powerful, disregarding the law and shielding a heinous criminal like you!"
Hearing the woman's words, the officer's forehead broke out in a cold sweat. The connections involved were too deep, and he knew better than anyone who Chen Lishu's influential backing came from. If this incident truly blew up, a storm would sweep through Kyoto. Just as the young officer was contemplating what to do to salvage the situation, Chen Lishu calmly approached Tiantian.
"Auntie." The moment Tiantian saw Chen Lishu, the panic in her eyes vanished, and she opened her arms, signaling for Chen Lishu to hold her.
Seeing Tiantian's dependent and trusting gaze towards Chen Lishu, the reporters were taken aback. Their perception of the relationship between them seemed different from what they had imagined. This wasn't the reaction of a child who had been abused.
Tiantian leaned her head weakly into Chen Lishu's embrace and asked vigilantly, "Auntie, who are these people? Why are they blocking the doorway?"
Chen Lishu gently stroked Tiantian's head and softly comforted her, "These police uncles are here to help you get justice. Who caused the injuries on Tiantian? Just tell the truth when asked."
Upon hearing about the injuries, Tiantian's expression faltered for a moment. "No, I don't want to go. These injuries were all caused by my own carelessness!"
Chen Lishu gently held the struggling Tiantian and reassured her again, "Tiantian, it's okay. Just go with the police uncles. If you don't want to say anything, you don't have to. But if you change your mind, you can speak up. Whatever you decide, Auntie will respect your choice."
Tiantian struggled, her face filled with fear, and said, "Auntie, I'm scared."
"Don't be afraid. I'm here, and no one can hurt you!" With that, Chen Lishu, holding Tiantian, followed the police into the interrogation room.
Meanwhile, in a luxurious office in Kyoto.
Zhang Wan'er met Gu Xingdong's gaze with a sharp glint in her eyes and earnestly advised, "Xingdong, although we know how Tiantian got her injuries, it's difficult to explain to outsiders. Now that Tiantian has been taken away by the police and these rumors are spreading, it will be hard for us to prove anything. If she gets into trouble alone, it will also implicate my uncle. Xingdong, we've known each other for a long time, and you know my character. I've never asked anyone for anything before. Either you withdraw—no, either you sever ties with Chen Lishu. Only by severing ties and completely separating yourself from all blame can you and your family remain safe. I know these words are cruel, but I'm doing this for your own good."
Faced with Zhang Wan'er's "kind" persuasion, a hint of impatience flickered across Gu Xingdong's face. "You don't need to worry about this. I believe Lishu will handle this herself. If she really can't handle it, I'll simply leave the military, and you can all place the blame on me."
To still be protecting that vixen at this point made Zhang Wan'er's chest heave with anger. "You... why are you so stubborn!"
Gu Xingdong replied with a touch of distance, "This is my home, and Ms. Zhang is an outsider. Please refrain from making decisions for my family in the future." Zhang Wan'er, furious, took a deep breath, slammed the door, and left the office.
Meanwhile, the interrogation room at the police station was too small for the number of people present, forcing the police chief to use a more spacious conference room as the interrogation room. It was called an interrogation, but it was more like the reporters' unruly and aggressive behavior. The elegantly dressed woman spoke again, questioning, "Ms. Chen, can you explain to us the situation with Tiantian's injuries? Are you satisfying your perverted desires by abusing children?"
Facing the woman's targeted questioning, Chen Lishu crossed her arms and calmly replied, "We were kidnapped some time ago, and Tiantian was injured by a stray blow. The incident was quite serious, and we even filed a report with the police. If you don't believe us, we can check the records, and also hear what the child has to say about it."