Several policemen exchanged glances and, recognizing He Gu, stepped forward to apprehend him. However, He Gu, with his neck craned, declared, "Don't believe her, everyone. She wants to capture me and silence me. This slut is vicious and cruel!
To be frank, I had no intention of escaping. It was Zhang Wan'er who wanted to silence me and sent people to abduct me from prison. Don't you find all of this rather strange? I'm the dean of a traditional Chinese medicine hospital, enjoying honors domestically and internationally. Why would I put myself in such a predicament?
Everyone knows the贺 family's influence. I wouldn't have taken such a risk to save the elderly Madam if I hadn't been confident. I have no grudge against the 贺 family, so why would I harm Madam 贺? The reason is simple: I was threatened! Someone held my shortcomings over me and forced me to do this wicked, thoughtless deed!
Since I have nothing left to lose and no secrets to keep, let me confess: I'm actually a quack doctor. I merely used the guise of fraud to expand my hospital. And Zhang Wan'er, holding evidence of my fraudulent medical practices, threatened me into poisoning Madam 贺.
Initially, she assured me I would be safe! She promised to shift all blame to Chen Lishu after the deed was done. While the blame was indeed shifted to Chen Lishu, she worried I might let something slip and wanted to resolve everything at once. Little did she expect my resilience; not only am I unharmed, but I can also come forward to accuse her of her crimes!"
As he finished speaking, the expressions of the reporters present gradually turned excited. They seemed surprised by the intensity of the confrontation within the mansion. Some even felt compelled to fan the flames, with an unruly reporter stepping forward and stating,
"If you put it that way, I do find this matter a bit fishy. How could there be so many assassins in the prison? Aren't these people too audacious? This incident could have far-reaching consequences, yet the police department has remained inactive.
I suddenly recall a saying: was this matter tacitly approved? I did some preliminary research and learned that Miss Zhang is the younger niece of Yang Zhiguo. It's not surprising that he would use his authority in such a manner!"
Reminded by this reporter, everyone present suddenly seemed to understand. Zhang Wan'er shot a glare at the garrulous reporter but quickly regained her composure, saying, "Miss Chen, did you arrange for this He Gu? No wonder you weren't flustered when your plan was exposed; you already had a solution!
However, your and this man's few words are not enough to prove this is my fault. Unless you can produce substantial evidence, the suspect remains you. Still, Miss Chen, I advise you not to resist so fearlessly. Plead guilty, and perhaps your subsequent sentence can be lessened!"
As long as she stuck to her story and denied the incident, she believed Chen Lishu would be powerless against her. Moreover, with a few of Madam 贺's personal attendants to testify, everything would seem plausible!
"Evidence? Isn't your evidence also your one-sided word, claiming the person cooking these past few days was me? What if I have evidence to prove that the person cooking wasn't me?" Chen Lishu's face showed no sign of panic. She crossed her arms and glanced at the hidden camera on the ceiling, a smile playing on her lips.
Zhang Wan'er frowned and followed Chen Lishu's gaze. When she saw something flashing a red light before her eyes, her heart sank.
This thing couldn't possibly be a camera, could it? Who in their right mind would install such a thing in their home!
Seeing Zhang Wan'er's panicked expression, Chen Lishu's smile widened. It was true that normal people wouldn't install such devices at home. More importantly, cameras weren't mass-produced in this era. To most people, cameras were a nuisance, rarely used except in commercial establishments!
However, since a perfectly good home had become so fraught with danger, she had no choice but to take all necessary precautions for everyone's safety!
Soon, Su Nian entered with a laptop and a USB drive. Without hesitation, she opened the footage of Zhang Wan'er busy in the kitchen, her actions of administering the poison clearly visible.
"I knew you were a bit off. How could a normal person covet another's man? The moment you tried to obtain Gu Xingdong by any means necessary, I knew you were dangerous, so I stayed vigilant and installed cameras in every corner of the house. Your every move was captured!
I initially thought you, a young girl, had merely fallen for the wrong person and weren't inherently bad, so I planned to counsel you properly after the competition and find you a suitable partner to help you forget Gu Xingdong. But I never imagined you hadn't fallen for the wrong person; your heart had become twisted!
Murder demands a life. Since you acted against Madam 贺, you must pay the corresponding price. We still need to monitor Madam 贺's condition and don't have the time to waste here with you. I've already contacted the police, and they will take you away!"
Zhang Wan'er seemed unprepared for all her meticulously laid plans to crumble at this moment! She opened her mouth, trying to say something in her defense, but the arriving police officers gave her no such opportunity. They flanked her and forcibly prepared to escort her out of the quadrangle.
Zhang Wan'er became frantic. She gritted her teeth and said, "No, you can't! I didn't harm the old lady. What I put in Madam 贺's food wasn't poison but a tonic!
If you don't believe me, you can have a doctor examine Madam 贺's condition right now. She's perfectly fine. As long as her body is well, it will prove I didn't commit murder!"
As she spoke, the nearby police officers paused and released their hold on Zhang Wan'er.
Zhang Wan'er glared ferociously at Chen Lishu, believing she had finally caught her in a bind. Since they had seen through her intentions long ago, they wouldn't have allowed the wretched old woman to eat the drugged food. As long as Madam 贺 was proven to be unharmed, her own charges could be reduced!
"A doctor? This neurotoxin isn't something an ordinary person can detect. I can confirm that Madam 贺 is now gravely ill, and what you administered to her was indeed a neurotoxin!" Chen Tong stepped forward and stated this with firm conviction.