Yvonne Yang, who had lost all hope, suddenly brightened at the words: "Chief Xing, do you have a way? If you can save Stephen, our family will never forget your kindness."
"Only the one who tied the knot can untie it," Deputy Director Xing smiled, clearly enjoying having Yvonne Yang in the palm of his hand.
Chief Xing, do you mean...?
Yvonne Yang looked at Deputy Director Xing in confusion, unable to guess what he was up to.
There's no need to explain what kind of power the Nangong Family holds. Even the city party secretary and mayor wouldn't dare cross them. But my own backers in the city have some connections with Young Master Nangong. If we can persuade him, Stephen will be fine.
"That's wonderful! Chief Xing, thank you so much!" Yvonne Yang said, unable to hide her excitement.
"Don't get your hopes up too soon," Deputy Director Xing suddenly said, his expression darkening.
Yvonne Yang's heart tightened. "Chief Xing, is there something else you want to say?"
Everyone knows the Nangong Family is powerful and wealthy. It's not easy to impress Young Master Nangong. To win him over, you have to cater to his tastes." As he spoke, Deputy Director Xing once again glanced at Shelly Song.
Yvonne Yang was puzzled at first, but then her face turned pale as she remembered a rumor—Young Master Nangong was infamous for his debauchery. Seeing the way Deputy Director Xing looked at Shelly Song, she realized what 'catering to his tastes' meant...
Chief Xing, I still don't understand what you mean!" Yvonne Yang said, her voice trembling.
Deputy Director Xing sneered, "Yvonne, you're a smart woman—you should know what I mean. Let me remind you: Stephen Song is still under investigation. Once the verdict is set, no one can save him. He'll rot in prison for life."
Yvonne Yang glanced at her daughter, her eyes full of hesitation and inner turmoil.
Deputy Director Xing pressed on, "I've said all I can. What you do next is up to you. But this opportunity only comes once—miss it, and it's gone for good."
Chief Xing, can I talk to Shelly for a moment?" Yvonne Yang steeled herself—if it meant saving Stephen, she would have to sacrifice her daughter. After all, Shelly was beautiful; even if she lost her innocence, she could still marry well.
Go ahead," Deputy Director Xing said smugly, seeing Yvonne Yang finally give in. "Stephen, after all these years, now you're in jail—and I'm going to have my fun with your daughter! Don't blame me; it's not my fault she's so tempting."
Thinking this, Deputy Director Xing's gaze toward Shelly Song grew even more heated. While his backers did know Justin Nangong, they couldn't actually intervene in this matter—the whole story was just a lie to trick Yvonne Yang into offering up her daughter.
What? Mom, how could you ask your daughter to do something like that?
Hearing her own mother suggest she should go keep Justin Nangong company, Shelly Song was both shocked and heartbroken.
Shelly, Mom has no other choice. Your dad has offended the Nangong Family—if we don't do this, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. If I had any other way, I wouldn't ask you to..." Yvonne Yang pleaded, her voice full of sorrow.
At this point, Yvonne Yang couldn't hold back her tears any longer.
Shelly Song was torn, but unable to bear her mother's sorrow or the thought of her father spending his life in prison, she finally nodded. "Mom, I'll go."
I don't agree!
Just then, the private room door swung open and Ian Song strode in. He shot Deputy Director Xing a sharp look before quickly moving to Yvonne Yang and Shelly Song's side, his voice steady: "I don't agree with Shelly doing this!"
Ian had been thrown out of the room earlier, but his keen hearing and Clairvoyant Vision let him follow everything happening inside.
When Deputy Director Xing made that ridiculous proposal, Ian thought his aunt would refuse. He hadn't expected her to agree—and even to persuade Shelly. Ian was furious.
Ian, who let you in here? Get out!" Yvonne Yang snapped, glaring at him.
Aunt Yvonne, hear me out. You can't trust Deputy Director Xing. From what I know, Justin Nangong is still in the hospital—and if I'm right, it's because he has designs on Shelly." Ian's sharp gaze landed on Deputy Director Xing again.
Deputy Director Xing panicked at being called out and quickly retorted, "Kid, don't slander me! I'm just trying to help your family!"
Kindness? Ian scoffed. "You're just a wolf in sheep's clothing!"
Bang!
Deputy Director Xing slammed the table. "Watch your tone, boy! Who are you calling a wolf in sheep's clothing?"
Whoever fits the description!
...You...!" Deputy Director Xing was furious, then turned to Yvonne Yang and shouted, "Yvonne Yang, do you want to save Stephen or not? If you do, get this brat out of here!"
Ian's defiance made Yvonne Yang furious. She pointed at him, exasperated: "Ian, get out!"
Aunt Yvonne, don't let him fool you! Give me three days—I'll save Uncle Stephen!" Ian said with determination. He'd already made up his mind: if he couldn't rescue Stephen through the Martial League, he'd risk everything and kidnap Justin Nangong to force their hand.
How arrogant! You think you can stand up to the Nangong Family?" Deputy Director Xing sneered from the side.
But Yvonne Yang didn't believe Ian either. Her face cold, she said, "Ian, get out now! I don't want to see you again!"
Aunt Yvonne, you have to trust me!" Ian pleaded, his face full of anxiety.
Get out!" Yvonne Yang's eyes now brimmed with deep disgust.
The repeated cries of "Get out!" deeply wounded Ian's pride, but he couldn't just watch Shelly fall into a predator's hands. If he couldn't persuade Aunt Yvonne, then...
He looked at Shelly and said, "Shelly, do you trust me? Give me three days—I'll save Uncle Stephen!"
Shelly was deeply moved by Ian's willingness to stand up for her, but she didn't believe he could save her father. After a long silence, she said, "Brother, please go."
Ian was stunned. His face fell, feeling utterly defeated—the pain of not being trusted, especially by his closest family, was hard to bear.
Aunt Yvonne, Shelly, take care.
With that, Ian turned and walked out of the private room. Deputy Director Xing watched him go, a smug smile on his lips.