"Officer Luo Bing, has your team found any evidence from Bai Sheng's residence?" Liu Yue asked once more, her tone strained with urgency.
"I'll call them now," Luo Bing replied, quickly pulling out her phone and dialing.
"Beep... Beep... Beep..." The line rang several times, but no one picked up.
"That's strange... they should've reported back by now." A frown crept across Luo Bing's face. The two officers she had sent to investigate Bai Sheng's house should've returned already. And now, not being able to reach them made her uneasy.
To be safe, Luo Bing contacted her headquarters. "We might have a problem. Send backup to investigate the whereabouts of Officers Chen and Lin."
Turning to Liu Yue, she added, "Sorry for the delay, Miss Liu. Something might've happened—we need a bit more time."
Liu Yue nodded. "I understand. Please just make sure the truth comes to light."
Suddenly, one of the shareholders raised his voice. "Director Liu, are you implying that we were involved in Bai Sheng's schemes?"
More murmurs of discontent followed.
"Don't forget," another shareholder added threateningly, "we hold shares in this company. Upsetting us could cost you."
Liu Yue's expression faltered for a moment. Without solid proof, she couldn't push them further.
She turned to Ye Chen, silently pleading with her eyes.
Ye Chen met her gaze and calmly stepped forward. "You all have one chance to admit what you've done. If not, I'll reveal evidence that could land every last one of you in prison."
The room fell quiet for a moment, before a booming voice cut through the tension.
"What is this brat talking about?" sneered a large man with a bull-neck. He stood up, cracking his knuckles. "Kid, stay in your lane or I'll make sure you disappear from this city."
This was Xiao Bull, infamous for his connection to Ai Lang of the Red Wolf Gang. Arrogance oozed from his every word.
Ye Chen didn't even flinch. He calmly waited, but none of the shareholders admitted to anything.
With a sigh, Ye Chen pulled out a folder and placed it on the table. "Fine. You forced my hand. Do you know what this is?"
"Hah! Everyone can see it's a document," one sneered.
Ye Chen ignored the sarcasm. "This is a history of illegal fund transfers—done behind the company's back."
The room went deathly silent.
As Ye Chen flipped open the folder and exposed the contents, color drained from the faces of the 24 shareholders. Panic spread like wildfire.
Xiao Bull slammed the table. "This isn't enough to accuse us! If that document's fake, we'll sue you!"
He lunged at Ye Chen, trying to snatch the document—but Ye Chen was faster.
"Let Officer Luo verify it," Ye Chen suggested coolly, handing it over.
Luo Bing nodded. "I'll need a computer."
"There's one in my office," Liu Yue said, leading her there with Situ Rui in tow. As they left, Ye Chen called out, "Take Madam Situ to safety too—this place isn't fit for her."
Now, the only ones left were Ye Chen, Bai Sheng, Bai San, and the 30 shareholders.
All eyes turned to Ye Chen, full of fury.
"Everything's your fault," someone growled. "If not for you, we'd still be safe!"
Xiao Bull, seething with rage, grabbed Ye Chen by the collar and lifted him effortlessly. "You think you're clever, punk? I'll crush you!"
Ye Chen looked him dead in the eyes. "With those weak hands?"
Xiao Bull roared and swung a punch.
BAM!
A loud crash echoed. To everyone's shock, it wasn't Ye Chen who flew backward—it was Xiao Bull, slamming into the floor, moaning in pain.
Ye Chen casually dusted off his clothes, ignoring the stunned silence.
Then, without a word, he approached Bai Sheng, who was still seated in a daze.
Ye Chen grabbed him by the jaw and shoved a small object into his mouth.
Bai Sheng sputtered. "W-what did you give me?!"
"A little something that activates when you lie," Ye Chen said cryptically.
"You're bluffing!"
"Then prove it," Ye Chen challenged. "Did you or did you not conspire with these shareholders to embezzle funds?"
"I've never—" Bai Sheng froze. His body suddenly felt hot. His throat tightened.
"Do you feel it?" Ye Chen asked. "That heat, that burning in your throat?"
Bai Sheng's eyes widened in fear. "Maybe... maybe it really is poison!"
Ye Chen smiled. "Lie again, and you might die."
Bai Sheng trembled. "Yes! We did it! We embezzled funds together!"
"Name them. One by one," Ye Chen ordered.
Shaking, Bai Sheng listed the names of everyone involved.
Ye Chen recorded every word, then showed the phone. "Got it. This recording is enough to send all of you to jail."
The room exploded in outrage.
"Now... give me the antidote!" Bai Sheng demanded desperately.
"What antidote?" Ye Chen tilted his head.
"The poison, damn it!"
Ye Chen grinned. "Oh... that? It was just ginger candy."
"WHAT?!" Bai Sheng's face twisted in disbelief. "You tricked me?!"
"Did I ever say it was poison?" Ye Chen asked innocently. "I said the poison will work when you lie. I never said I gave you poison."
Bai Sheng coughed blood and collapsed in his seat, his pride shattered beyond repair.
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