Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 242: I Admit Defeat

Chapter 242: Chapter 242: I Admit Defeat

Cheng Qiaobei finally couldn’t hold it in before leaving, and he understood that when Mario initially said he could save him, it was all to buy time. He just wanted to find a scapegoat.

Xu Gao, with tears in his eyes, pleaded with Cheng Qiaobei to save him. But some mistakes couldn’t be undone just because you regretted them; police investigations were evidence-based.

As the two got into the car, Cheng Qiaobei asked Gao Heng, "How confident are you about getting him out?"

Gao Heng didn’t draw conclusions immediately, "We need evidence. Without evidence, no one can save him."

Cheng Qiaobei said, "The police have copied all the hotel’s video footage, and they’ve interviewed the staff who saw Mario taking a suitcase to see Xu Gao. Can’t this prove Xu Gao was unaware?"

Gao Heng said, "This happened outside the room. What Mario said after entering, no one can confirm. Also, Xu Gao arranged the room himself, and he knew young girls often went in and out. The police would assume he was involved in kidnapping and videotaping the girls, even if he wasn’t in the room; he would still be considered an accomplice."

Cheng Qiaobei rubbed his aching temples, "...Alright, let’s head back."

Wei Lai saw the car stop at the hotel entrance and quickly walked out. She met the two, asking,

"How’s the situation?"

Cheng Qiaobei said, "We’ll discuss it upstairs."

The three went to Cheng Qiaobei’s office; Wei Lai put down two cups of coffee and listened to Gao Heng,

"Xu Gao wasn’t involved in drug trafficking. He was deceived. As for providing the room," he paused, looking at Cheng Qiaobei, who said, "It’s fine, go ahead."

Gao Heng relayed Xu Gao’s words verbatim to Wei Lai. After hearing this, Wei Lai frowned, "Can he not change his greedy ways?"

Cheng Qiaobei said, "Since Xu Gao was wrongly accused, we must save him with all our might. If he’s tainted with this crime, the reputation of the entire Jade Jiali will be damaged. It’s a shared honor and disgrace situation."

"I understand, and I’ll do my best." Gao Heng nodded solemnly, "Now that Xu Gao is willing to cooperate, the odds of success in saving him have increased."

Cheng Qiaobei said, "What else do we need to do, or what kind of cooperation do you need? Feel free to ask."

Gao Heng said, "The police took videos from the week of the incident. Does the hotel still have the earlier footage?"

Cheng Qiaobei firmly replied, "Yes, the hotel’s videos are stored for a year. After the incident, I instructed the manager to secure the video evidence; no one is allowed to enter the video storage room."

Gao Heng’s eyes lit up, "Great, I need to copy all videos of Mario interacting with Xu Gao as evidence."

Cheng Qiaobei said, "Wei Lai, you’re responsible for assigning personnel to assist Lawyer Gao."

Wei Lai said, "Okay."

Cheng Qiaobei continued to search for other clues and witnesses. Besides Xu Gao, the one who knew the hotel best was the lobby manager, Lawrence.

Inviting Lawrence back into his office, he seemed to be hiding his nervousness.

Cheng Qiaobei watched his expressions and gestures, signaling Lawrence to sit down. He knew about today’s visit to Xu Gao, seemed more interested in what Xu Gao had said than in the inquiry about him and Mario. This made Cheng Qiaobei suspicious.

But outwardly, Cheng Qiaobei remained calm, asking a few inconsequential questions before letting him leave.

Cheng Qiaobei reopened a webpage, searching for information about the Justice Association. One entry caught his attention.

...

Danjiang Power Company.

Chen Ningxi tidied her desk, preparing to get off work. Just as she sat in her car, she received a call from Pan Cheng.

They had business dealings, so it was inevitable to contact by phone.

Chen Ningxi answered, with a formal and distant tone.

Pan Cheng said, "Manager Chen, are you off work?"

Chen Ningxi replied, "Just left. Is there something you need, Manager Pan?"

Pan Cheng said, "I saw the Danjiang news. You’ve stirred quite the commotion. Be sure to stay safe in the future."

Chen Ningxi said, "Thank you, Manager Pan, for your concern. I need to drive now; is there anything important left?"

The implication was to end the small talk.

Pan Cheng said, "I’m calling about something important."

"... Can you not be so greasy? About to fry a dish here."

Chen Ningxi asked coolly, "What is it?"

Pan Cheng said, "We’re delivering the second batch of goods tomorrow. What time will you be available to receive them?"

Chen Ningxi said, "Any time tomorrow is fine. I’ll have Dai Liang contact you later."

"Wait," Pan Cheng stopped her.

Holding her phone, Chen Ningxi didn’t move, waiting for what he wanted to say next.

Pan Cheng hesitantly said, "There’s something I haven’t told you. I’m not sure if I should, as it might affect your marital relationship."

Chen Ningxi frowned, "...Manager Pan, if it’s something questionable, don’t say it. My relationship with my husband isn’t affected by others. We have a harmonious marriage, so no need to worry."

As she was about to hang up, Pan Cheng said, "I saw your husband enter Golden Goblet last time with Zhou Sui from Huilv."

Before he could finish, Chen Ningxi had hung up.

When Pan Cheng called again, she didn’t answer.

Chen Ningxi parked her car. Just as she got out, she saw someone stepping out of a car not far away—it was none other than Pan Cheng.

Her expression turned cold immediately, deliberately ignoring his presence.

Pan Cheng followed her, and Chen Ningxi suddenly stopped, turning back with a stern look,

"Manager Pan, your actions now constitute harassment."

Pan Cheng shrugged, "I live in this neighborhood."

He flashed his elevator card as he spoke.

Embarrassed, Chen Ningxi withdrew her gaze, her frustration with Pan Cheng peaking. She deliberately slowed down to distance herself from him, only continuing when he disappeared around a corner ahead.

Nothing had prepared her for the moment when she opened the elevator and found Pan Cheng inside.

He leaned against the elevator cabin, clearly waiting for her.

Chen Ningxi said, "Manager Pan, what do you want?"

Pan Cheng walked out, dodging the question, "You don’t know Zhou Sui. When she deals with men in business, it’s not just business. Given how outstanding your husband is, aren’t you worried about something happening between them?"

Chen Ningxi said, "I’m not worried. I know what kind of person my husband is. What you mentioned won’t happen with him. And Miss Zhou isn’t the type of person you described. Spreading false rumors about a woman is disgraceful and illegal."

"Hehe..." Pan Cheng seemed amused, "You don’t understand men or Zhou Sui."

Chen Ningxi said, "Manager Pan, you’ve already offended me. If you continue to follow me or spread false rumors about my husband, I won’t hesitate to call the police immediately."

She took out her phone, and Pan Cheng shrugged with a smile, "Go ahead, report it. The police will find I’ve done nothing to you. I live here—is that a problem?"

Anger sparked in Chen Ningxi’s eyes, her hand clenched into a fist at her side.

Pan Cheng said, "Be assured, something unsavory must be happening between your husband and her. I wouldn’t say it without evidence."

Evidence, how ridiculous.

Chen Ningxi said, "I’ll emphasize once more, no inappropriate relationship exists between my husband and Miss Zhou. And you, being an outsider, shouldn’t meddle in my family affairs. Step aside."

Pan Cheng didn’t believe a woman wouldn’t bow down for money, and stated,

"In our circle, everyone looks out for themselves. I’m interested in you; you can name your terms, and I’ll meet them. By the way, your father has only two years left before retirement. Without him, who’ll have your back? But my network can ensure you achieve any position you desire."

Chen Ningxi said, "What do you mean?"

Noticing her softened attitude, Pan Cheng took a step nearer. Chen Ningxi stepped back half a step, and Pan Cheng laughed, "What are you afraid of? I can’t eat you. I like you a lot."

Chen Ningxi shifted her phone to another hand, tucking stray hair behind her ear, asking, "Are you trying to bribe me? You know bribery is illegal, right?"

Pan Cheng clicked his tongue lightly, his tone flippant, "What’s bribery? Wouldn’t you benefit by teaming up with me? Naturally, if there’s a chance for cooperation in the future, I won’t treat you unfairly."

Chen Ningxi said, "What do you mean by not being treated unfairly if there’s a chance for cooperation?"

Thinking she sought a promise, Pan Cheng quickly said, "If we succeed, I’ll give you a twenty percent cutback."

Chen Ningxi suddenly smiled, glancing upward behind him, saying,

"The surveillance has recorded your attempt to bribe me and your slanderous rumors."

"!" Shocked, Pan Cheng slowly turned his head.

Sure enough, there was a surveillance camera, the red light blinking, recording.

He turned his gaze back, nodding, "You, ...fine, I’m done for."