“What condition?” Wu Song asked, his face showing both curiosity and caution.
“You know Hu Li is a public figure, and there are many reporters outside waiting for updates. I want you to clarify her innocence when you leave and post our company's public statement on the police department's official website.”
“This...” Wu Song hesitated. Helping a celebrity by making a public statement was unprecedented, but Yu Zhiyan's status made it hard for him to refuse. “I’ll discuss it with the higher-ups and do my best to meet your request.”
Yu Zhiyan was not entirely satisfied with the noncommittal answer, knowing that a major crimes unit leader could not make such decisions alone. She was about to use her family connections when she heard the young girl on the sofa speak up.
“Zhao Jiong, is this request difficult?” Ling Ji asked casually.
“Not at all,” Zhao Jiong straightened his back instinctively. “I’ll speak to Director Jiang about it.” The current police chief was indeed surnamed Jiang. While this was an unusual request, it wasn’t unreasonable. “Rest assured, as public servants, it’s our duty to protect the reputation and safety of all citizens.”
Ling Ji, feeling satisfied, waved her hand dismissively, signaling that he could leave.
Seeing how deferential Zhao Jiong was to the young girl, Wu Song was taken aback but quickly recovered as Zhao Jiong pulled him out of the office.
“Old Zhao, tell me the truth. Who is that girl?” Wu Song demanded once they were alone.
“Her identity is confidential,” Zhao Jiong replied seriously. Only when they reached the elevator did he continue, “But I can tell you this: even if you offend our chief, you must not offend her.”
Four years ago, Zhao Jiong had been specially recruited into the Special Affairs Bureau, which operated under the guise of the national security agency. Wu Song, unaware of this distinction, assumed Zhao Jiong referred to the head of national security, causing him to tense up.
Seeing his friend so nervous, Zhao Jiong patted his back reassuringly. “Don’t worry. As long as you don’t provoke her, she’s quite reasonable, especially if there’s food involved.”
“Do you know why she’s here?”
Wu Song shook his head. “She was there when I arrived, so she must know Yu Zhiyan.”
Thinking of Yu Zhiyan, Wu Song's anxiety resurfaced. Investigating her was a daunting task, one that other senior officers had deftly avoided, leaving it to his team.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
With reporters swarming outside, the pressure was immense. “Think of it this way: our chief is a disciple of Old Master Yu,” said Qiu Gu, another officer. “Plus, Yu Zhiyan's husband, Ye Tongzhou, is a top military leader, and her son is also in the military. Their connections are formidable.”
“Ye Tongzhou? Military?” Hearing the name, Zhao Jiong had a revelation. He now understood why Ling Ji was helping Yu Zhiyan. It turned out she was Ye Jianghuai's mother.
Shortly after Wu Song and his team left, Wei Xiang returned with the drafted PR statement, clearly well-prepared in advance.
“It looks good. Go ahead and publish it,” Yu Zhiyan approved.
Wei Xiang hurried back to the PR department, ready for a battle with the media and detractors.
“For now, you should take a break and wait for the storm to pass,” Yu Zhiyan advised Hu Li. “Consider it a vacation.”
Hu Li smiled, appearing relieved. “Thank you, President Yu.”
Turning to Ling Ji, Hu Li hesitated before stepping forward and bowing deeply. “Thank you for speaking on my behalf.”
“No need to thank me. Your ancestors helped me a lot in the past. Consider this a debt repaid,” Ling Ji replied nonchalantly, even happy to help a descendant of an old friend. “By the way, has Bai Heng come out of seclusion?”
When Ling Ji mentioned Bai Heng, Hu Li’s eyes widened in shock. She had thought Ling Ji might be bluffing about knowing her ancestors, but the name confirmed it. “You know my grand-uncle?”
Ling Ji nodded. “I knew him long before his seclusion.”
Hu Li's face turned pale. “That was over five thousand years ago. You must be...”
“Yes, I’m quite old,” Ling Ji acknowledged with a hint of amusement.
Hu Li, realizing the significance, bowed again with even more respect. “Qingqiu’s Hu Li greets the senior.”
Just then, Ying Ning, returning from making phone calls, witnessed Hu Li’s uncharacteristic display of respect and couldn’t help but rub her eyes in disbelief. The usually aloof and proud Hu Li was now bowing with utmost reverence.
Hua Hua, however, was less surprised, having already been shocked by the earlier events. “Given everything, this seems almost normal,” he thought, now ready to accept even more extraordinary revelations.
Yu Zhiyan, seeing Ying Ning's reaction, smiled and explained, “It turns out Hu Li’s ancestor and Ling Ji are old friends. Despite her young appearance, Ling Ji has a very high status. Even I was surprised.”
Many families had cases where senior members appeared young, even leading to situations where an elderly man called a newborn ‘grandfather.’ Ying Ning, finding the coincidence amusing, shrugged and joined Yu Zhiyan in discussing further PR plans.
Ling Ji, now feeling her role as a senior, waved Hu Li over and offered her some snacks. “Eat something; it will lift your spirits.”
Hu Li, initially tense, relaxed at Ling Ji's casual demeanor. She smiled, genuinely grateful. “Thank you.”
Seeing Hu Li’s uncharacteristically gentle smile, Jin Hong, watching nearby, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy, wondering if her position as Ling Ji’s favorite was at risk.
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Half an hour later, the police department's official Weibo account reposted Hu Li’s exoneration statement, adding, “Any unfounded accusations are considered defamation. According to law, defamation that reaches a certain level of public impact can result in legal consequences.”
Despite the clear message, some bloggers and internet trolls continued to spread false accusations, leading to a wave of backlash. Fans unfollowed Hu Li en masse, support groups disbanded, and her social media comments were filled with vitriol.
When the police statement went live, accompanied by a stern warning, the tide began to turn. However, some persistent detractors still refused to back down, holding onto the belief that they could evade accountability.
“Have you recorded all their handles?” Yu Zhiyan asked, her gaze icy.
“Yes, legal is ready to send out cease-and-desist letters,” Ying Ning confirmed.
“Good. Make sure none of them are spared.”
Although it risked antagonizing the media, Yu Zhiyan was determined to protect Hu Li’s reputation. Her decisiveness was rooted in a blend of personal and professional integrity.
As Ying Ning left to carry out the orders, Yu Zhiyan made a series of phone calls to ensure comprehensive action against the defamers. Within minutes, several high-profile accounts were suspended, and law enforcement began knocking on doors.
The swift and severe response sent a clear message, causing a ripple of fear among those who had thought themselves untouchable behind their screens.
“System!” A frantic voice echoed in a luxury apartment. “You said there wouldn’t be any issues!”
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