Zhao Ling said, "Isn't it all because of you? Do you know that you hit Yang Peng? Now your parents have been fired and they're even taking back the house and the factory. Think about what you've done."
Zhao Mingming shouted, "How could this be? I was the one who hit him, it has nothing to do with Mom and Dad!"
Zhao Ling said, "Stop talking about this individualism. You're Dad's son. They can't find you, so they target our family."
Zhao Mingming jumped up: "I'll go find them!"
Zhao Qiang grabbed Zhao Mingming's arm to stop him from going. Going now would be suicide. Zhao Mingming struggled for a moment, but finally realized that he was no match for Zhao Qiang. He was a little surprised and then carefully examined Zhao Qiang, saying, "You cheap brother-in-law, you're not very strong. What do you do? How did you manage to get my sister?"
Zhao Ling glared at Zhao Mingming: "My affairs are none of your business. Take care of yourself first."
Zhao Mingming said casually, "Sis, I heard you have a god-sister in Yihai. My brother-in-law isn't exactly a good person either."
Tears streamed down Zhao Ling's face. She was so angry at her good-for-nothing brother. Others might not believe her, but her own brother said the same thing. Zhao Ling felt wronged. She turned around and threw herself into Zhao Qiang's arms, sobbing. Zhao Qiang was furious. He punched Zhao Mingming in the chest. Zhao Mingming couldn't withstand the punch. He staggered back to the bed and sat down hard. The old bed couldn't bear much weight, and Zhao Mingming's fall shattered the bed frame. He fell to the floor. Zhao Ling panicked when she saw this. Forgetting about crying in Zhao Qiang's arms, she reached out and pulled her brother up.
Zhao Mingming climbed out of the broken bed board and said, "Damn, your cheap brother-in-law isn't strong at all."
Zhao Ling snapped, "Zhao Mingming, if you keep doing this, I really won't care about you anymore!"
Zhao Mingming said, "Sister, tell me first, what exactly are you doing in Yihai? Do you know how badly the rumors about you are circulating in the district? I'm too embarrassed to let anyone see me, because those gossipy shrewish women always ask me about you. Don't think I'm being rude to you in front of your boyfriend; what have you been doing in Yihai? It's making our whole family lose face!" Zhao Mingming was very agitated; it seemed this incident had deeply affected him.
With tears streaming down her face, Zhao Ling shouted, "Yes, my sister cheated those lecherous men out of their money in Yihai, but my body is innocent. You can ask Zhao Qiang if you don't believe me."
Zhao Qiang said, "Zhao Mingming, I can assure you that your sister really didn't do what you think she did. You've all misunderstood her. You can ignore what others say about your sister, but you are her own brother. Don't you believe your sister?"
Volume 2 [477] No Apology
【477】No Apology
Zhao Mingming blushed: "It's not that I don't believe my sister, it's just that the rumors are so detailed and convincing that it's hard not to be suspicious. And she hasn't been home for so long, what are her family members going to think?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Alright, let's put this matter aside for now. I know your sister very well. As for what others say, we don't need to care. Let's talk about your matter first. What exactly happened between you and Yang Peng? This is very important."
Zhao Mingming pulled He Shan aside and said, "It's because of her. We were classmates and had known each other for a long time. He was very devoted to me, but Yang Peng took a liking to her and insisted on interfering. If He really liked Yang Peng, I wouldn't have anything to say, but she loves me, so naturally I couldn't let Yang Peng interfere in our affairs. Later, when Yang Peng realized that he couldn't take He Shan away from me by normal means, he drugged He Shan and tried to rape her. Fortunately, I discovered it in time, and I beat him up in a fit of anger. That's how it happened. As for what Yang Peng says, I don't care."
Zhao Qiang asked, "Is there any evidence that Yang Peng raped He Shan?"
Zhao Mingming shook her head: "I don't even have a cell phone, let alone record audio or video. I also threw away the bottled water I drank at the time. What evidence could I possibly find? Besides, do you think the police would listen to any so-called evidence we present?"
Zhao Qiang nodded: "You're right. If it's not solid evidence, it might just be seen as sophistry by the police. After all, Yang Peng's father holds a high position, and the police can't be without bias."
Zhao Mingming said, "So it's not wrong for me to hide, is it? Only a fool would confront the police head-on."
Zhao Ling retorted, "You still have the nerve to talk back? Come with me to the hospital right now, and then I'll take you to the hospital."
Zhao Qiang waved his hand: "No, you definitely can't go, because Yang Peng's family won't let your brother off the hook, and you'll just fall right into their trap."
Zhao Ling said, "But my brother is currently charged with a crime. If this matter isn't resolved, are we going to let him hide for the rest of his life?"
Zhao Qiang said, "We have to find a way to solve this, but this is definitely not the way. The safest way is to settle it with money."
Zhao Ling said, "But Yang Peng's father once hinted to me that the minimum amount couldn't be less than one million..."
Zhao Mingming was startled: "What? Yang Peng's shit is worth a million? I won't deal with it, give me a million and I'm willing to be a criminal for life!" Zhao Mingming had no idea what a thousand yuan meant; he had never had a thousand yuan in his entire life.
Zhao Ling said, "Shut up, you're talking nonsense. You have no right to speak on this matter."
Zhao Mingming obediently stepped aside, and He Shan held his hand, afraid that he might act impulsively. Seeing that the two really had a good relationship, Zhao Qiang genuinely wanted to help them, so he said, "If it's really possible to settle things with money, then it's simple."
Zhao Ling said, "But our cash..." Zhao Ling knew how much money Zhao Qiang still had. After spending so much time and buying a house, the Lingjiang Steel Plant had earned a total of four million, including the one million kickback Wu Zhiming gave him. Currently, they only had about two million left. If they gave it all to Yang Peng, how would they live in the future?
Zhao Qiang waved his hand: "Let's go. Money can be earned again, but people can't live in darkness. This place is really not suitable for living. Let's go to the hospital to check on your father's condition first, and then find Yang Peng's parents to resolve the issue. Let them name their price, as long as we can settle it privately."
Zhao Mingming secretly asked her sister, "Sis, what does your boyfriend do? He seems really rich."
Zhao Ling said rudely, "It's none of your business. Mind your own business first."
He Shan reminded Zhao Mingming, "Mingming, pack your things."
There were only a few changes of clothes, two lunch boxes, and some cosmetics belonging to He Shan in the room. Zhao Qiang was in a hurry to get back to the hospital, so he said firmly, "I don't need them. I'll buy new ones later."
He Shan muttered to herself, "My cosmetics cost over a hundred yuan."
Zhao Mingming took He Shan's hand: "Alright, when I get rich, I'll definitely buy you the best beauty cosmetics." What kind of cosmetics are the most effective? Of course, it's the beauty series cosmetics from the Youth Health Products Company. It's now universally recognized. Its emergence has overshadowed other cosmetics companies. If it weren't for limited sales, other cosmetic companies would have gone out of business long ago. Nowadays, girls are proud to use beauty cosmetics. This is not only because they are effective, but also because they are a symbol of status and prestige, since not everyone can afford such a luxury item.
As Zhao Mingming walked out of the rented room, she turned back and said with emotion, "When I, Zhao Mingming, become successful in the future, I will definitely build this place into a memorial hall."
Zhao Ling felt a chill and said to her younger brother, "Hurry up and leave. You've caused such a huge mess for the family, and you still have the mind to lament? Let me tell you, if anything happens to Dad, I won't let you off the hook."
*Beep*, Zhao Ling unlocked the BMW. Zhao Mingming exclaimed in surprise, "No way, sis, this is your car?"
Zhao Ling opened the driver's side door: "Yes, get in quickly, we're in a hurry to get back to the hospital."
Zhao Mingming asked, "Is this my brother-in-law's car?"
Zhao Ling said proudly, "Your brother-in-law has already given it to me, so I'm the owner now."
Zhao Mingming said, "It must cost at least several hundred thousand."
Zhao Ling said, "A little over a million."
Zhao Mingming was even more surprised: "My God, so you've hooked up with a rich guy, sis. Does that mean my fate is going to change? At the very least, you should lend me your car for a few days."
Zhao Ling cursed, "Change my foot! It's hard to say whether we can even settle Yang Peng's matter."
Zhao Mingming and He Shan got into the car, looking around curiously. He Shan was a little excited, but Zhao Mingming was even more excited. A BMW! Can ordinary people afford that? And it was given to her sister, which means her sister is rich.
When they arrived at the hospital, Zhao Shan had already woken up, and Guo Huiqin was taking care of him. When she saw her son enter the ward, Guo Huiqin burst into tears. At this time, Chen Xinxin and her daughter Chen Shuxian, who had received a call, also rushed to the hospital. They learned that Zhao Mingming had been found, which was a relief after all their hard work.
Zhao Shan was so agitated that he tried to get out of bed: "I...I'll beat you to death, you unfilial son!" Zhao Shan shouted, but fortunately Guo Huiqin held him down, otherwise he would have pulled out the IV needle and beaten Zhao Mingming without hesitation.
Zhao Ling shouted, "Dad, listen to my brother! The reason isn't him, but Yang Peng messed with my brother's girlfriend. How can he not be angry? He told me to say it was good he hit her!"
Zhao Shan's fingers trembled as he said, "Good riddance? Now that things have escalated to this point, we're about to lose our home. What are we going to do?"
Thinking about being fired from the factory and having her house taken back, Guo Huiqin cried even more bitterly. This scene made Zhao Mingming feel heartbroken, and he almost bit his lip until it bled. He Shan was very worried on the side. It was all because of her that things started. She was really worried that Zhao Mingming's parents would blame her for everything, and then she and Zhao Mingming would not be able to stay together.
Zhao Ling said, "Dad, don't worry, there's always a way to solve things. Let's take it one step at a time. Finding my brother is already a good thing, otherwise he might starve to death outside."
Guo Huiqin held her son's hand and said, "Mingming, don't be afraid. I would rather die than let anyone hurt you."
Zhao Shan was exasperated but not resentful, and said to his wife, "It's all because you spoiled her."
He Shan knelt down with a thud and cried, "Uncle, Aunt, it's all my fault. I've dragged Mingming down. Hit me, scold me, but I just beg you not to separate me from Mingming. I really love him, and I will never leave him no matter what."
Zhao Ling pulled Zhao Qiang to a corner and said, "Zhao Qiang, only you can help me now. This matter will probably cost a lot of money. Consider it a loan to you, and I will definitely repay you by working like a slave in the future."
Zhao Qiang grabbed Zhao Ling's hand: "What are you saying? Do you think you're being distant with me now, given our relationship?"
With tears in her eyes, Zhao Ling said, "Zhao Qiang, if it weren't for you, I think I would really be the bad woman those gossipy women talk about now. You spoil me so much, I don't know how to repay you."
Zhao Qiang said, "You've been with me every day, and that's the best way to repay you. There's something I haven't told you yet. I actually deposited 1.8 million yuan into each of your and Xin Xin's accounts. It was originally meant to be your allowance. I think that should be enough to get this matter sorted out. If not, we still have more than 2 million yuan in the account. Anyway, we definitely don't lack money. We'll earn as much as we need. You can rest assured about my ability to make money. My next focus will be on cooperating with companies in the south. I want to make money off them."
Zhao Qiang wasn't just thinking wildly. Now that he was registered with the Chen family, they would likely contact him soon through various means. After he shared his knowledge, the Chen family wouldn't treat him unfairly. Money was just a number in the eyes of truly powerful people, and it didn't mean much to Zhao Qiang either. He was content as long as he could eat and stay warm.
Zhao Ling took out her bank card: "You mean this? We haven't used it in a long time."
Zhao Qiang nodded: "Actually, you two are already rich without even realizing it, I just didn't tell you."
Zhao Ling ran out of the ward. Because it involved parents disciplining their children, Chen Xinxin and her mother stayed outside the ward and did not come in. Zhao Ling said, "I'll tell Xinxin to go, so she can be happy too."
Guo Huiqin pulled He Shan up. Apart from being a little short, Guo Huiqin was quite satisfied with the girl's other qualities. However, her son was still young, and it seemed a bit hasty to bring a wife home now.
Guo Huiqin said, "He Shan, this can't be entirely your fault. It's clear that he likes you, and that's your relationship. Although you two shouldn't be talking about feelings, things have already come to this, so I can't say anything. There are a lot of things going on at home lately. Why don't you go home first, and we can discuss your relationship after everything settles down? What do you think?"
What could He Shan say after Guo Huiqin's suggestion? She could only nod through her tears: "Auntie, I understand. Mingming, I'm going home now. Come find me as soon as things are resolved, okay? Don't make me wait too long."
Zhao Mingming was also helpless. He was in a precarious situation himself, and it would be dangerous for him to take He Shan with him. It would be better for her to go home and wait.
Zhao Ling re-entered the ward and said, "Dad, I called Li Xiangxiang's boyfriend's boss. He is the director of the Public Security Bureau. He took me to see Yang Peng's father at noon. He promised that as long as my brother apologizes and admits his mistake, he will settle this matter privately after finding my brother."
Before Zhao Shan could even ask how to settle things privately, Zhao Mingming objected, "What? You want me to apologize and admit my mistake? You might as well just kill me! Yang Peng tried to rape my girlfriend, and I've suffered such a huge loss, and you're actually going to apologize and admit my mistake to him? Are you out of your mind?"
Volume 2 [478] Selling
[478] Betrayal
Zhao Shan was furious with Zhao Mingming's attitude. He tried to get out of bed again, but Guo Huiqin had to hold him down once more. Zhao Shan shouted, "No matter whose fault it is, as long as this crisis can be resolved, you'll kowtow even if it means doing it yourself!"
Zhao Shan is an honest and law-abiding man. He is willing to pay any price as long as he can settle things peacefully. But Zhao Mingming is a post-90s generation. How could he possibly put up with such humiliation? He would rather be beaten to death or continue living a dark and hopeless life outside.
“Dad, let me tell you, there’s no way I’ll apologize to that bastard Yang Peng,” Zhao Mingming said firmly.
Zhao Ling was furious, but Zhao Qiang advised her, "Zhao Ling, you shouldn't take all the blame on us. I think we should let Yang Peng apologize to He Shan first and resolve the matter of him raping He Shan. Then we can talk about Zhao Mingming injuring Yang Peng. These are two separate cases. Although they are related, there is always a cause and effect. We can't leave things unresolved."
Zhao Ling said angrily, "Zhao Qiang, how can you think like that too? The problem now is that Yang Peng's family has the upper hand. What can we ordinary people do? If we don't do what they want, can we fight against them?"
Zhao Ling's thoughts were in line with the psychology of ordinary people, but Zhao Qiang couldn't swallow this anger. However, unless he made a scene at the Baiyuan Municipal Government, Zhao Qiang wasn't confident that he could make Yang Peng's family back down. This matter was really thorny. There was nothing Zhao Qiang could do but stop Zhao Ling from calling Director Liu.
These events made Zhao Qiang, after his body was restarted, realize once again the benefits of power. If he didn't expand his sphere of influence, he would be powerless against anyone with status, which was far too passive.
Director Liu was delighted to receive Zhao Ling's call, but his tone was tinged with frivolity. "Lingling, you miss me already?" Zhao Ling felt a chill run down her spine. If she didn't need Director Liu's help, she probably would have immediately added his number to her blacklist.
"Director Liu, I've found my brother." Zhao Ling got straight to the point, otherwise she was afraid Director Liu would say something even more disgusting.
"Oh? Really?" Director Liu was somewhat surprised. They found him so quickly. Could it be that the Zhao family hid him and then asked him to intercede before lying that they had found him?
Zhao Ling said, "Yes, just now someone said they saw my brother's whereabouts in the urban village. We rushed over and found him. What do you think we should do now? Should we apologize to Director Yang and ask him to drop the lawsuit? That way, my brother will be safe and sound. As for the compensation from Yang Peng, Director Yang can name his conditions. As long as we can do it, we will definitely do it."
Director Liu asked, "Where are you now?"
Zhao Ling said, "The hospital."
Director Liu said, "How about this, I'll talk to Director Yang first and ask for his opinion, and then I'll get back to you, okay?"
Zhao Ling said, "Yes, thank you for your help, Director Liu."
Director Liu said, "Don't be so polite. We're friends. Why don't you have dinner with me later and we can have a good talk? Is that alright?"
Zhao Ling glanced at Zhao Qiang secretly, and had no choice but to agree: "Okay, but we need to settle my brother's matter first." Then Zhao Ling would make up a reason to decline Director Liu's invitation.
Director Liu said, "That's for sure. I'll hang up now."
About twenty minutes later, Zhao Lingdu was getting impatient after not receiving a call from Director Liu, not to mention Zhao Mingming. Just then, they heard a series of hurried footsteps outside. Zhao Qiang lifted the curtain of the ward and looked out. What he saw surprised him. Zhao Ming also came over to look and saw that more than a dozen police cars had been parked in the yard. There were no police officers in the cars, and the footsteps were heading towards the emergency room.
When Zhao Ling saw her younger brother and Zhao Qiang looking out the window, she naturally came over to check as well. What she saw startled her: "Why are there so many police officers here?"
Zhao Qiang cursed, "Tang Ziliang's superior, Director Liu, lied to us. He and Yang Peng's father are in cahoots!"
Zhao Ling's expression changed: "Does this mean I betrayed ourselves?" Zhao Ling called Director Liu, who then reported the matter to Director Yang, who in turn notified the police to arrest them. Wasn't this Zhao Ling betraying her own brother and husband?