Chapter 85: Dragged into the Blacklist

When Wang Ying received Chen Hao’s call, she had already arrived at the entrance of Diamond KTV. After reporting to the police, she was uneasy, so she rushed over immediately.

She had never been in a relationship throughout university, rarely had close girlfriends, yet she got along exceptionally well with Chen Hao, her male confidant. Before high school, Wang Ying always ranked first in her grade in exams, but after meeting Chen Hao, she became the perennial runner-up, never once surpassing him.

Wang Ying was quite dissatisfied. She worked hard for a period, but her scores were still no match for Chen Hao’s. Among girls her age, she always played the role of the wise older sister; many classmates liked to seek her advice, and she could always offer rational suggestions. She had always thought her analytical abilities were strong, but after interacting with Chen Hao out of curiosity from their exam rivalry, she realized his analytical skills were even more advanced than hers.

After becoming friends, they usually arrived at the same solutions when faced with problems. On the rare occasions they disagreed, the truth would almost always prove Chen Hao’s judgment correct. Mutual appreciation cemented their bond as confidants, maintaining their friendship from high school through university.

When filling out college applications, they simultaneously asked each other which school to choose, and their answers matched: Huayang University. Even more astonishing, their reasons were identical—the degree was merely a foot in the door; which school they graduated from wouldn’t greatly affect their future. Picking a university close to home was simply more convenient.

Wang Ying had never considered the possibility of romantic entanglement between herself and Chen Hao; the reason was that they were too familiar, too embarrassed to make a move, unwilling to ruin their precious friendship. Upon receiving Chen Hao’s text, she immediately called the police and rushed to Diamond KTV, unwilling for anything to happen to her best friend.

After finishing her call at the entrance of Diamond KTV, she saw four police officers coming out. She smoothed her hair and stepped forward, saying, “Officer, I was the one who called earlier. Why didn’t you intervene when something happened in Room 818?”

Though Wang Ying dressed simply, her figure was impressive and her presence exceptional. The officer, surnamed Qin, cast a greedy glance at her slender form and replied sternly, “Nothing happened in that room. We’re looking for whoever made the false report, and you just walked right up. Come with us to the station.”

Wang Ying responded coolly, “As public servants, it’s best to enforce the law impartially. Walk too many dark roads, and you’re bound to encounter ghosts.”

One officer was about to lose his temper, but the portly officer stopped him. The girl’s words were too intriguing; someone who spoke like this was either crazy or had a powerful background. This refined young woman was clearly not crazy.

Wang Ying ignored the four officers, pulled out her phone, and dialed a number. When it connected, she spoke sweetly, “Uncle Yu, I need a favor. A classmate had an accident at KTV, but after I called the police, they said I made a false report and want to take me in…”

After explaining the situation, she handed the phone to the portly officer. “Please take the call.”

The portly officer had been eavesdropping, and upon hearing “Uncle Yu,” suddenly remembered someone. His face changed dramatically. He trembled as he placed the phone to his ear, cautiously saying, “Hello, may I ask who is speaking?”

On the other end came a barrage of scolding. The officer wiped his brow, hurriedly replying, “Yes, Secretary Yu, I will absolutely carry out your instructions and bring the criminals to justice.”

After ending the call, the portly officer handed the phone back to Wang Ying with both hands, saying carefully, “Your phone.”

Wang Ying replied icily, “Well, go to the room now.”

The portly officer dashed upstairs at lightning speed. The municipal Party Secretary of Huayang City had personally given him the task—if he didn’t give his all, he’d lose his job.

Back in the private room, the portly officer pointed at Zhu Xiaodao and his group and ordered, “Arrest them.”

Wang Yu was about to protest, but Zhou Shi stopped him with a look. These officers were arresting people in their presence, which meant higher authority had intervened. Zhou Shi and Wang Yu had been in the room but hadn’t actually done anything; they could easily deny responsibility. As for Zhu Xiaodao, Zhou Shi had never cared about him; his fate was irrelevant.

Wang Ying didn’t move as quickly as the officer who was sprinting upstairs, so she entered the room a bit later. When Zhou Shi saw her, his face twisted. It was natural for Wang Ying to use her connections when Chen Hao was in danger, but to arrive immediately—such treatment would never be extended to him.

Wang Ying relaxed upon seeing Chen Hao unharmed. Noticing the cute girl in his arms, she was momentarily stunned, then smiled, “You’ve finally managed to sell yourself.”

Chen Hao gave a bitter smile, “Nearly became a pair of doomed lovers.”

Wang Ying glanced at Zhu Xiaodao and his companions, saying, “It’s alright now. These people will be punished as they deserve.”

Zhu Xiaodao pleaded desperately, “Young Master Zhou, Young Master Wang, help me!”

Wang Ying looked at Zhou Shi and Wang Yu with a cool gaze. “You two certainly have a wide circle of acquaintances.”

Suddenly, Zhou Shi slapped Wang Yu, scolding him harshly, “How many times have I told you not to get involved with these thugs? You never listen. If you want to chase women, there are plenty of ways—why use such low methods?”

Wang Yu appeared ashamed. “Boss, I was wrong. I lost my head—I promise it won’t happen again.”

“That slap is to remind you—not to waste your life away.”

After reprimanding Wang Yu, Zhou Shi approached Chen Hao. “Chen Hao, I never expected things to turn out like this. I came too late, and I sincerely apologize.”

Ban Qianqian’s beautiful eyes widened in astonishment; Zhou Shi’s shamelessness left her speechless. She exclaimed loudly, “You’re the biggest villain here! You tried to assault me just now!”

Zhou Shi’s performance was never meant to conceal the truth; he only wanted to save face, shifting the blame to Wang Yu so he could continue pursuing Wang Ying. Ban Qianqian, though young, was sharp-minded. Her seemingly innocent remark completely tore away Zhou Shi’s facade, leaving him unable to keep up appearances.

Chen Hao added coldly, “Nowadays, cats are more adept at pretending to mourn for mice.”

Zhou Shi was momentarily at a loss. He walked over to Wang Ying, saying, “Wang Ying, I didn’t expect you to come as well. There’s been some misunderstanding…”

Wang Ying dragged Zhou Shi’s name into her phone’s blacklist, then showed him the screen, saying coolly, “If anything happens to Chen Hao or this young girl, I believe the law will deliver a just verdict.”

Zhou Shi’s face instantly turned ashen. With a cold snort, he left the private room. The four officers were about to escort Dong Xiaohui and the others, when Ban Qianqian suddenly spoke up, “Wait.”

She walked over to Dong Xiaohui and her group, and slapped both Dong Xiaohui and Lili twice. The little girl struck with real force, leaving clear handprints on their faces.

Neither dared resist, instead sobbing bitterly, “Qianqian, we were wrong. Please ask the police to let us go!”

“You’re not fit to be human—typical beasts. I wish you would just die.” After speaking, Ban Qianqian returned to Chen Hao’s side, tears streaming down her face once more.

In Huaxi District, there are many ethnic minority settlements, places of beautiful scenery and preserved simplicity. Ban Qianqian’s family lived in a Buyi village over forty kilometers away. After leaving home for school, she felt the influence of society—many girls she’d grown up with had lost their way, but she always remembered her mother’s words and maintained her innocence.

Entering society meant she inevitably had to face certain situations. While adapting to the world, she constantly learned to protect herself. She never imagined, however, that the girls sharing her dorm would collude with thugs to harm her; this incident was a devastating blow.