The maid, however, hesitated.
Madam Gao's eyes widened. "What, are you going to help this person who stole my child?!"
The maid quickly waved her hands. "No, no, it's just that I didn't see the whole thing. I heard that giving false testimony is punishable by law..."
"What false testimony is this?" Madam Gao glanced at Shen Qingqing, annoyed. "I saw it myself. She was talking to my child and trying to take him away!"
"Yes, we can also testify!"
"We saw it too! If the police need witnesses, we can be those witnesses!"
The crowd chimed in enthusiastically.
Shen Qingqing observed the people around her.
They were all elderly, with no understanding of the law and having seen nothing. Yet, they were eager to join in the commotion, oblivious to the consequences of perjury.
She looked at Madam Gao. "This is a misunderstanding, Madam Gao. I suggest we don't escalate this."
Madam Gao sneered. "What, scared?"
Shen Qingqing replied calmly, "I still believe some matters are best not blown out of proportion. It's not good for any of us, and if it spreads, neither of us will look good."
"I have nothing to lose! I am the victim!" Madam Gao deliberately emphasized. "If this gets out, you'll be the one disgraced. The wife of the CEO of Fu Corporation, trying to snatch someone else's child in public..."
She seemed to relish the thought of Shen Qingqing being pointed at by everyone and sneered.
"Not only will you be embarrassed, but Fu Jingshu will also bear some responsibility!"
She decisively called the police.
While waiting for the police, she turned to the maid. "Think carefully. You have two choices: either testify, or you're fired and leave the Gao family. Given your irresponsible behavior, I'll have to warn my friends so they don't hire you. You can't even keep an eye on a child!"
This was essentially a blacklist, coupled with widespread gossip.
The wives of the wealthy elite would all know that she was incompetent in child supervision, effectively ending her chances of employment in such circles.
However, the maid remained unperturbed, as Shen Qingqing had promised to help her find a new job. "Madam Gao, I truly didn't see anything. Perhaps you could ask someone else?"
Madam Gao's expression darkened.
Shen Qingqing stated coolly, "Madam Gao, I believe no one's testimony is entirely trustworthy."
"What do you mean?"
"Instead of relying on witnesses, let's look at the evidence."
Shen Qingqing turned her gaze towards the traffic lights on the road. There were no cameras in the park, but the position of this camera could capture the entire scene clearly.
Madam Gao, convinced Shen Qingqing intended to abduct her child, was not afraid of the surveillance footage. "Fine. Don't regret it when you see the footage."
She assumed Shen Qingqing was merely feigning composure.
Shortly after, the police arrived.
Madam Gao, the maid, Shen Qingqing, and all other involved parties were taken to the police station. Upon arrival, Shen Qingqing encountered Officer Wang.
Officer Wang looked surprised. "What are you doing here?"
Madam Gao was equally astonished by their familiarity. A knot of unease formed in her stomach, fearing that this officer might side with Shen Qingqing. She immediately took out her phone and dialed a number.
Despite knowing Shen Qingqing, Officer Wang maintained a professional demeanor and escorted everyone to the interrogation room. He questioned Madam Gao first, then Shen Qingqing, and finally the maid.
After the interviews, Officer Wang stated, "There's no evidence of abduction."
Madam Gao immediately protested, "What do you mean? We have witnesses and evidence. Didn't you even review them before reaching this conclusion?"
Shen Qingqing cast a sideways glance at her.
"Why are you looking at me?" Madam Gao was incensed by the look and issued a stern warning. "I know you know this officer, but so what? Don't think you can pull strings. I have my own connections, and I won't let you walk away unscathed!"
Officer Wang frowned. "Mrs. Gao, you should be careful with your words."
"What, you dare to do it, but you don't dare to let people talk about it?" Madam Gao spoke without restraint. "I have influence too. Are you trying to bully me? Just wait, my people will be here soon!"
Officer Wang's tone became serious. "Mrs. Gao, this is a judicial body. We absolutely will not violate the law!"
Madam Gao scoffed. "I don't believe you. Do you think I'm an idiot?"
Unwilling to argue with the ignorant woman, Officer Wang simply had someone retrieve a USB drive and, in front of everyone, played its contents.
It was a video.
The footage was a recording of what had transpired in the plaza.
The video clearly showed Shen Qingqing merely exchanging a few words with Gao Xu, who appeared to smile, indicating they knew each other.
They sat together, conversing casually. Although their words were inaudible, Shen Qingqing made no other moves besides speaking.
She didn't even get up, nor did she touch Gao Xu, let alone attempt to abduct the child. At most, she gently patted his head.
And Gao Xu did not seem to mind.
Shen Qingqing asked calmly, "Does Madam Gao still insist I abducted her child?"
Madam Gao herself was surprised. "How is this possible? You clearly had ill intentions. Otherwise, why would you approach my son?"
"I was just passing by."
"I don't believe you!"
Madam Gao grabbed the maid, her voice bordering on hysteria. "Tell me, did she deliberately approach my child! Speak!"
The maid, dizzy from being shaken, managed to say, "No, Miss Shen was just passing by. She didn't do anything harmful to the young master..."
"Didn't you say you didn't see anything?" Madam Gao was taken aback.
The maid finally broke free from her grasp, swallowing hard. "I saw Miss Shen talking to the young master, but the young master clearly knows Miss Shen, so I didn't rush over..."
She then turned to Gao Xu.
"Young master, do you know Miss Shen?"
Madam Gao instinctively moved to cover Gao Xu's mouth, but it was too late. Gao Xu, who had been holding back all the way, finally spoke eagerly.
"Yes, the pretty lady is my good friend."
An awkward silence fell upon the room.
Gao Xu looked frightened and instinctively moved closer to his mother, tugging at her sleeve. "Mom, did I say something wrong?"
Madam Gao was astonished that her son had been the one to expose her. Angrily, she shoved him, nearly causing the small child to fall. Shen Qingqing quickly caught him.
The little boy steadied himself.
Madam Gao, concerned, stepped forward, pushed Shen Qingqing away, and pulled Gao Xu back. "He's my child, stay away from him!"
Shen Qingqing gracefully released her hand, her shoulder brushing against Madam Gao's without contact.