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墨書 Inktalez
After Junxi found Li Mu, Li Mu helped her successfully locate Wang Tianhai, who was investigating the Corruption Case for Zhou Xuanyu. When Wang Tianhai initially went to Yilan to find Li Mu, he offered a price for her to reveal the truth, but Li Mu refused. After leaving, Wang Tianhai specifically left his number for Li Mu, telling her to call if she changed her mind.
And indeed, he had thought it over.
Junxi and Zhou Ziyan went to Wang Tianhai's studio to find him. Since Zhou Xuanyu had briefed Wang Tianhai before entering, he was particularly tight-lipped.
"I don't have what you’re looking for. Please leave," Wang Tianhai said, appearing especially guarded against the unexpected visit from Zhou Ziyan and Junxi.
Junxi knew that Wang Tianhai must be prepared, so she had made the worst-case scenario plans before coming.
"Mr. Wang, do you know how hard we’ve been looking for you? It’s not very hospitable to just send us away like this," Junxi said with a smile as she surveyed Wang Tianhai's studio.
His studio was discreetly located and intricately arranged; it really did seem quite impressive.
"If you two would like to have some tea before leaving, I wouldn’t mind," Wang Tianhai said, instructing his secretary to brew some tea. However, he did not continue to entertain them; instead, he returned to his desk and immersed himself in the documents laid out before him.
The secretary brought in the tea, and Junxi pulled Zhou Ziyan down to sit.
Zhou Ziyan had little patience for drinking tea; several times he tried to stand up and speak with Wang Tianhai but was held back by Junxi.
"Right now, we need something from him. We must wait until he loses patience before we can negotiate," Junxi explained.
Zhou Ziyan thought it over and, seeing no better option, decided to follow Junxi's lead.
About two hours later, Wang Tianhai could no longer sit still. He put down the documents in his hand and walked over to Junxi and the others, plopping down on the sofa opposite them.
"Get to the point. I have things to do later," Wang Tianhai said, showing signs of irritation.
"Our intention is very clear. We hope Mr. Wang can provide us with a copy of the evidence related to the Corruption Case involving Zhou Xuanyu," one of them replied.
"Since you already know I have it, I'll be straightforward. Our industry has its own rules, and I can't just break them because of you two, can I? Besides, Mr. Zhou specifically instructed me not to breach our agreement. So, I have no reason to give you the evidence."
"Mr. Zhou is currently under investigation; you should be aware of that," another interjected.
"I know, but just because he’s being controlled doesn’t mean I can abandon our arrangement."
"You're saving him. To save an innocent person, any promise can be set aside. Everyone would understand," Zhou Ziyan couldn't help but chime in. He found it hard to comprehend those who were so rigid in their thinking.
"Mr. Zhou turned himself in. He must have some plan behind this," Wang Tianhai replied.
In fact, when Wang Tianhai saw the news, he was taken aback as well.
Zhou Xuanyu clearly had evidence against his brother's crimes, yet he chose to turn himself in. It was utterly baffling. Most people would either report someone or hide the truth, but he chose a middle ground and sacrificed himself.
To some extent, Wang Tianhai admired Zhou Xuanyu for this bravery; how many people in Qingcheng could possess such courage? Having met him, he felt he couldn't help Zhou Xuanyu but could at least keep his secret.
"Mr. Zhou's plan is just as you think; he wants to protect his older brother. However, the law is relentless; criminals ultimately cannot escape justice. Mr. Wang, you should stand on the side of righteousness."
Wang Tianhai chuckled lightly, "You’re quite eloquent for a young lady. So tell me, what benefit do I gain from doing this?"
"Isn't seeking justice enough?"
"Seeking justice?" Wang Tianhai laughed heartily. "Aren't you a bit naive? People like us only care about benefits, not justice."
"Are you referring to monetary benefits or reputational benefits, Mr. Wang?"
"What difference does it make?" In Wang Tianhai's eyes, money and reputation were inherently intertwined.
"If Mr. Wang is only focused on monetary benefits, then I doubt there are many people in Qingcheng who can afford the price that Mr. Zhou offered you; I certainly can't. If Mr. Wang seeks reputation, then I believe that if you can help rectify the sensational Corruption Case from five years ago, your fame will surely rise. At that time, your studio will undoubtedly be hailed in the name of justice, and clients will come flocking."
Wang Tianhai fell silent.
The woman before him, though seemingly young, spoke with a certain logic that was hard to dismiss. Through her analysis, he seemed to see an opportunity for both fame and fortune.
After all, Zhou Xuanyu's money had already been given; if he handed over the evidence now, he could gain both money and a good reputation—truly a win-win situation.
If Zhou Xuanyu were to blame him later, he could simply say he was concerned for his safety and decided to save him; such an excuse would not lose him any goodwill.
Junxi noticed that Wang Tianhai was wavering and quickly exchanged a glance with Zhou Ziyan.
Zhou Ziyan understood immediately and said, "As for the industry rules that Mr. Wang is worried about, once you become famous, who will care about those things? You can say whatever you want; in fact, you could even blame us for pressuring you into it."
"Exactly. Just focus on seeking justice, Mr. Wang; there's no need to worry about the aftermath."
Wang Tianhai pondered for a moment but did not agree immediately. To agree too quickly would make it seem as though he had no principles in the face of fame and fortune.
"Let me think about it first."
"Alright." Junxi took out a pen from her bag and wrote down her phone number in a notebook. She tore off the page and handed it to Wang Tianhai. "Mr. Wang, this is my number. I hope you can come to a decision soon."
Wang Tianhai accepted Junxi's number but didn't say much more.
Zhou Ziyan seized the opportunity. "Mr. Wang, this is a rare chance. Once this opportunity passes, it won't come again. We are also sending someone else to gather evidence. Once we obtain the evidence they find, the evidence you have will hold no value for us."
Wang Tianhai nodded.
"I understand."
"Oh, by the way, just to let you know, Li Mu is already in our hands," Zhou Ziyan added.
Wang Tianhai was taken aback and quickly looked at Junxi. "Miss Wen, allow me to think it over. I will definitely give you a response by tomorrow morning."
Junxi smiled.
"Alright, I'll wait for Mr. Wang's news."
Wang Tianhai's reaction indicated that he was almost persuaded. As long as he made the call tomorrow, Junxi was confident she could rescue her parents and Zhou Xuanyu from prison.
However, at that point, Zhou Ziyan's father, Zhou Xuan Yong, would not be able to escape punishment.
Zhou Ziyan was doing his best to help Junxi, but he couldn't shake off the discomfort in his heart.
"Junxi, now that things are almost set in stone, can I ask you for one thing?" Zhou Ziyan's use of the word "ask" made Junxi feel a bit uneasy.
"Just say it."
"My dad has done something wrong, and I won't plead for him. But could you give me a day? I want to try to persuade him. If... if he's willing to turn himself in, I would still like to see him admit his mistakes voluntarily."
Zhou Ziyan lowered his head, his expression sorrowful.
Junxi completely understood Zhou Ziyan's request.
Even though Zhou Ziyan had always been at odds with his father, he was still his father after all. No matter how bad Zhou Xuan Yong was, the affection and care he had shown Zhou Ziyan over the years were undeniable.
Both Zhou Ziyan and Zhou Xuanyu were people of deep feelings and loyalty. The fact that Zhou Xuan Yong was loved by such two individuals was enough reason for Junxi to relent.
"Alright," Junxi agreed to Zhou Ziyan.
The next morning, Wang Tianhai called Junxi, saying he was willing to hand over the evidence he had.
Upon hearing the news, Zhou Ziyan didn't hesitate and went straight to the hospital.
He heard that ever since Zhou Xuanyu had turned himself in, Zhou Xuan Yong had shut himself off from visitors. Out of respect for him, the hospital refused any visits from others. If Zhou Ziyan weren't Zhou Xuan Yong's son, it would have been much harder for him to see his father today.
From the information Galen had given him that day, Zhou Xuan Yong could probably guess why Zhou Ziyan had come to see him. So when Zhou Ziyan stepped through the door, his father's expression was anything but pleasant.
Zhou Xuan Yong had always felt guilty towards his son, rarely showing him such a demeanor.
Zhou Ziyan was used to his father's attempts to please him, so seeing him like this for the first time made him feel a pang of heartache.
“Dad,” Zhou Ziyan called out.
This simple word, with no change in tone, resonated deeply in Zhou Xuan Yong's ears. He was taken aback; it had been so long since he had heard Zhou Ziyan call him "Dad."
Noticing Zhou Xuan Yong's silence, Zhou Ziyan called out again.
“Dad.”
Zhou Xuan Yong turned his head away, forcing back the tears in his eyes.
“Go ahead.”
“Dad. Have you heard about Uncle?”
“I have heard,” Zhou Xuan Yong replied flatly.
“Heard… is that your attitude?” Zhou Ziyan's previously calm demeanor suddenly showed signs of agitation.
“What attitude should I have? I am gravely ill and barely able to take care of myself; how can I look after him?”
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