The moment the secretary finished speaking, the entire meeting room fell silent for three seconds.

Wei Xiang's face darkened instantly. "Are there only police? No journalists?" He didn't wait for the secretary's response and stood up from his chair, walking to the floor-to-ceiling window to look down.

"President, there's trouble," another secretary knocked and entered the room. "The reception desk called to say that many reporters have gathered at the entrance, demanding an interview about Mr. Hu being suspected of murder."

Wei Xiang could already see the crowd blocking the main gate. Security guards in dark blue uniforms were struggling to maintain order, but their efforts seemed futile against the press of bodies.

"It's trending on Weibo too," Ying Ning said, checking her phone. Sure enough, the news about Hu Li being suspected of murder had hit the trending list, climbing steadily with each passing second.

At this rate, it would reach the top spot in less than half an hour.

"Someone is definitely behind this," Wei Xiang clenched his fists tightly, his face livid.

"First, handle the public relations," Ying Ning said. "Coordinate with Wei Xiang to investigate who's fueling this. I'll go meet the police." Yu Zhiyan remained calm and composed. She stood up and walked out of the small meeting room, stopping beside Hu Li. "Did you kill anyone?" she asked seriously.

Hu Li was momentarily stunned before shaking her head firmly. "No, I didn't."

"Good, then there's nothing to fear," Yu Zhiyan reassured her and walked out. Hu Li watched her slender yet strong figure, feeling a sudden surge of emotion. She blinked back tears, straightened her back, and left the meeting room.

Three plainclothes police officers, two men and one woman, were waiting on the sofa outside. They stood up as she approached. The leading middle-aged man was short, with dark skin and a stern expression, but his eyes were sharp and penetrating.

"Ms. Yu, hello," the middle-aged man greeted formally, extending his hand. "I'm Wu Song, head of the Major Crimes Unit. We received a report that your employee, Hu Li, is involved in a murder case. We need to ask her some questions."

The young female officer behind him raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"Of course," Yu Zhiyan shook his hand, noting the calluses and thick knuckles indicative of years of handling firearms. She treated him with extra respect. "May I ask if the media received any information from your side?"

"No," Wu Song's expression grew even more serious. "We're still investigating. Hu Li is only a suspect, and we haven't disclosed any information to the media."

"Yes, before the case is closed, we protect the suspect's privacy to avoid any unjust damage to their reputation," added the tall, thin officer behind him, glancing at Hu Li to ensure she understood.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

In today's media landscape, sensationalism often trumps truth, causing lasting harm regardless of the final verdict. As law enforcers, they were committed to not exacerbating such harm.

"Understood," Yu Zhiyan replied. "Do we need to leave the room?"

"No, it's just routine questioning. You can stay," Wu Song replied.

The young female officer frowned, glanced at Wu Song but remained silent. She took out a pen and notebook. "What about these people?" she asked, noticing three girls in costume eating snacks nearby.

"Ling Ji..." Yu Zhiyan noticed the trio on the sofa. "Please go sit inside. I'll have someone bring you some milk tea."

"Okay," Ling Ji replied indifferently, then looked at Hu Li with clear, bright eyes. "Why are they questioning you?"

"They suspect I killed someone," Hu Li replied awkwardly.

"If you didn't, why do they suspect you?" Ling Ji looked genuinely puzzled. "Is murder a serious crime?"

Everyone except Jin Hong and Xing Miao turned to stare, especially the young policewoman, who exclaimed, "Of course, it's a serious crime! Murder is illegal and not tolerated by law."

"Why does it matter what the law says? If the Heavenly Dao allows it, that's enough," Ling Ji replied, perplexed.

Hu Li was momentarily speechless, unsure how to explain the importance of legal compliance in human society to a spirit. She surmised that Ling Ji was an ancient spirit who hadn't interacted with modern human society much.

"Sorry, she’s been meditating in the mountains and isn’t familiar with worldly laws," Xing Miao interjected, covering for Ling Ji.

"Yes, she grew up in the mountains and is unfamiliar with many things. Please don't mind her," Yu Zhiyan added, smiling.

Wu Song scrutinized Ling Ji but found her gaze clear and innocent. He turned to Xing Miao, who smiled naturally. "We address her respectfully. In our tradition, power determines seniority."

Wu Song nodded, the matter seemingly settled, though he remained skeptical.

"Hu Li, where were you between 8 PM and midnight last night?" asked the female officer.

"I was at a bar from 7 PM, danced for half an hour, then had a drink. I left around 9 PM and went to the western cemetery," Hu Li replied, her expression darkening. "I paid respects to a deceased person."

"Can anyone verify that?"

"No, I avoided the cemetery staff. I wanted to be alone," Hu Li admitted.

"How did you get there? You didn’t drive drunk, did you?" the officer pressed.

"No, I didn't drive," Hu Li said.

"Did you take a cab or use a ride-hailing service?"

"Uh... neither," Hu Li said, hesitating. "I..."

Seeing her nervousness, the officer glanced at Wu Song, who nodded slightly. "How did you get there?" the officer repeated.

"I..." Hu Li looked at Ling Ji, frustration in her eyes. "I can't explain."

She couldn’t admit she used a teleportation spell.

Wu Song noticed her glance. "Can I make a call?" she asked, trying to divert attention.

"Yes, but we need to be present," Wu Song agreed.

Hu Li dialed a number she rarely used. "Officer Zhao, I need help. The police are questioning me about a murder. Can you come to Yu Mu Films' office?"

"Address?"

"Eighteenth floor, CEO's office," she replied.

"I’ll be there in half an hour," Zhao answered and hung up.

"My witness will be here in thirty minutes," Hu Li informed the officers.

Wu Song nodded. "A witness reported seeing you argue with the victim last night. Can you explain?"

"Sure," Hu Li agreed. "I had a disagreement with Mo Baobao, the bar’s resident dancer. She tried to ingratiate herself with me, and I rejected her."

"I was in a bad mood, so I left early," Hu Li continued.

"Did you use the back door?"

"Yes," Hu Li said. "There's a camera at the back, but it only shows the road, not the door."

The officers exchanged glances. "The bar’s main cameras didn’t capture you?"

"The bar's cameras malfunctioned last night," the officer said, her tone sympathetic. "All footage was lost."

"Malfunctioned?" Hu Li was incredulous. "That’s too coincidental."

It seemed like someone was orchestrating this, thought Yu Zhiyan, considering the timing and context.

"Someone named Zhao is here to see Ms. Hu," a secretary announced, breaking the tension.

A tall man in casual clothes entered. Jin Hong gasped, "It’s you!"

Ling Ji and Xing Miao looked up, recognizing him.

"Old Zhao," Wu Song greeted him warmly, recalling their past work together. "You can vouch for her?"

"Yes, but I need to know more details first," Zhao replied. After listening, he pulled Hu Li aside. "Did you use magic?"

"Yes," she admitted.

"Show me your hand," he said, taking out a monitoring device disguised as a phone. He scanned her, confirming no recent killings. "She’s innocent," he told Wu Song.

"Can you recover the lost footage?" Wu Song asked.

"We'll try," Zhao replied, offering Hu Li's help.

Reluctantly, Hu Li agreed, understanding the necessity.

Yu Zhiyan then made a request, "I have a condition."

---