Chapter 55 - 55: The Instigator

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The next day, Lin Zhaonan returned and reported that they had found the man in the black T-shirt who Jiang Tongtong had mentioned.

Lin Zhaonan began by asking Lin Gantang if she had discussed this matter with Wen Yanqing.

Lin Gantang nodded.

In that case, it made sense. Lin Zhaonan thought to himself and explained, “The previous incident wasn’t easy to prosecute due to lack of evidence. However, coincidentally, someone reported Zhou Zhengwei for a hit-and-run three years ago and for causing serious injury in a recent brawl.”

How could there be so many coincidences? Lin Zhaonan guessed that Wen Yanqing had done something behind his back, but he didn’t have any evidence, so he didn’t say it.

“Has the case been transferred to the police station?” Mr. Lin asked.

“Yes, the victim’s family has filed a lawsuit. Zhou Zhengwei confessed,” Lin Zhaonan explained. “He also admitted to his involvement in the incident at Qinghe Manor. He did indeed intend to push Jiang Tongtong into the water that day, but he didn’t anticipate your involvement.”

“Did he have a conflict with Jiang Tongtong?” Lin Gantang was puzzled. Jiang Tongtong’s personality didn’t seem like the type to provoke enemies. She couldn’t understand why someone would want to harm her.

“After Zhou Zhengwei was apprehended, the other three people who were present were scared and confessed everything. They stated that they had intended to scare Jiang Tongtong by threatening her that day, but they didn’t expect Zhou Zhengwei to take it to the level of causing harm.”

Given Zhou Zhengwei’s track record, it wasn’t surprising that he could resort to such actions.

Mr. Lin’s face darkened almost to the point of squeezing water out. “Who was behind this? Did that Zhou guy admit to it?”

“At first, he was reluctant to talk, but he eventually confessed that Hou Xiaoai had asked him to help intimidate Jiang Tongtong. Zhou Zhengwei had a liking for Hou Xiaoai. He decided to eliminate anyone who bothered Hou Xiaoai and that’s why he contemplated the idea of getting rid of Jiang Tongtong,” Lin Zhaonan explained, then turned to Jiang Tongtong. “Tongtong, do you know Hou Xiaoai? Have you had any conflicts with her?”

Jiang Tongtong looked aggrieved.

Her eyes turned red. “Why are you asking me? Don’t you know that Hou Xiaoai used to pursue you?”

Lin Zhaonan was speechless. After a pause, he asked, “…Is that true?”

Jiang Tongtong turned away and remained silent.

Young people could be irrational when it came to love, even going to extreme measures. Hou Xiaoai despised Jiang Tongtong, and her jealousy almost took Jiang Tongtong’s life.

Mr. Lin contemplated the situation. “What do you plan to do about Hou Xiaoai? Someone like her might harm Tongtong again.”

Lin Zhaonan glanced at Jiang Tongtong before responding, “It seems that Zhou Zhengwei’s actions were influenced by Hou Xiaoai, and he acted to defend her.”

“Instigating others to commit crimes is already a legal violation,” Mr. Lin concluded. “The act of pushing someone into the water was Zhou Zhengwei’s own decision. We might not be able to hold Hou Xiaoai accountable for that. However, her involvement in causing serious injury is something the police can investigate.”

At this point, Jiang Tongtong turned back and hesitated before speaking, “Dad, 1 think it’s better to let it go. Hou Xiaoai’s father, Hou Shizhen, is the CEO of Suiyuan Company. The social circles in C City are small, and we might have to interact with them in business in the future.”

Jiang Tongtong’s perspective was to downplay the issue, but Mr. Lin disagreed. He said firmly, “I’ve worked hard for many years to build up our family fortune and establish our reputation. What’s it all for? It’s so that you can have a good life without suffering injustices! If we choose not to do business, then so be it. Swallowing our pride is not in my character!”

Jiang Tongtong fell silent.

Lin Mingzhuo decided to entrust the matter to the legal system.

Hou Shizhen had been married twice. His first wife had passed away, leaving behind two sons. When his current wife married him, she brought along a daughter and changed her last name to Hou Xiaoai. Although she was a stepdaughter, the family treated her well.

When Hou Xiaoai learned that Zhou Zhengwei had been arrested, her constant anxiety caught the attention of Hou Shizhen..