Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 197 Cleanse and leave the house

Although the conditions offered by Wang Chengpeng were harsh, they were Zhou Xia's only way out at the moment.

After all, the evidence is already presented, and whether he pleads guilty or not cannot change the established facts.

Seeing that Zhou Xia was still hesitating, Wang Chengpeng added fuel to the fire, saying:

"It seems you don't truly want my forgiveness, so there's no need for me to stay here with you any longer."

"This interrogation room stinks. I'd better go rest in the lobby where the air is better."

Zhou Xia is well-versed in explaining why it smells so bad.

Seeing Wang Chengpeng about to leave, Zhou Xia gritted his teeth and called Wang Chengpeng down, saying:
“I agree to your conditions, but I have one condition: the contents of the IOU cannot be written into the case.”

In this way, Zhou Xia can be considered to be in an invincible position.

As long as he isn't arrested for cheating, the impact on him isn't actually that significant.

However, Zhou Xia probably never dreamed that he would soon lose his arrogance, because an even greater disaster was waiting for him.

Losing Song Wenxin as his support, a prison sentence would be absolutely fatal for him.

Wang Chengpeng naturally had no objection to Zhou Xia's request. Having the original IOU in hand, he had no need for a photocopy.

In other words, Zhou Xia was too confident and thought that he had already destroyed the original IOU, which is why he did not write the original down.

In the presence of several police officers, Zhou Xia wrote another IOU to Wang Chengpeng.

This time, however, he couldn't deny it even if he wanted to, since there were so many police officers as witnesses.

After Wang Chengpeng signed the document, Zhou Xia reverted to his former arrogant demeanor, shrugged, and said to Wang Chengpeng:
"Give it to me, hand over all the photocopies of your IOUs."

Although Wang Chengpeng had already produced two photocopies of IOUs, Zhou Xia naturally wanted to continue demanding more, considering Wang Chengpeng's history of deceiving him.

He trusted Wang Chengpeng's character; he always kept his promises. So he wasn't worried that Wang Chengpeng would keep the copy of the IOU.

Nodding slightly, Wang Chengpeng smiled and said, "I'm a man of my word. Even if you hadn't said anything, I would have given you a copy of the IOU."

After saying that, Wang Chengpeng reached into his pocket again, and to everyone's astonishment, he pulled out a large number of photocopies of IOUs.

Even with just a quick scan, the stack of photocopies was definitely no less than five pages, which made Zhou Xia's face turn green.

Since Wang Chengpeng has so many copies of IOUs, what's the difference between his act of swallowing the paper and a clown performance?
At the same time, she felt a little relieved, thinking to herself that she was smart enough to ask at the right time, otherwise she might have fallen into Wang Chengpeng's trap again.

Taking the IOU from Wang Chengpeng, Zhou Xia struck a match, and the engulfing flames consumed the photocopies of the IOUs, which were extremely unfavorable to him.

This time, he didn't perform the magic trick of swallowing paper, which disappointed the onlookers.

After hesitating for a moment, Zhou Xia asked again, "Are you sure there are no more photocopies of the IOU?"

They were actually made to question their existence by Wang Chengpeng's actions.

Wang Chengpeng nodded and said, "It's just something to be on the safe side. Why would I need so many photocopies?"

"Besides, it wasn't me who went looking for trouble with you; it was you who insisted on courting death by coming to my door."

"I was just sitting at home when this disaster struck out of nowhere. I'm completely innocent."

Zhou Xia nodded absently, then realized that what Wang Chengpeng said seemed to be true; he had indeed been forced into this matter.

The thought that he had not only lost face at the police station, but was also forced to pay 500 yuan as compensation made him feel very unhappy, and he also felt a little resentful towards Liu Yanran, who had urged him to deal with Wang Chengpeng.

If Liu Yanran hadn't come to urge him, he probably wouldn't have dealt with Wang Chengpeng. In time, the matter would have simply faded away, and it wouldn't have developed into what it is now.

If it were just over a thousand yuan, it would only be painful for Zhou Xia, but an additional five hundred yuan in compensation would be like robbing him of his marrow.

With so many police officers as witnesses, and Wang Chengpeng retaining the right to prosecute him, he had no choice but to endure it, no matter how unwilling he was.

It seems that the official channels are no longer able to help me get revenge, so I might as well try some unofficial channels.

That's nearly two thousand yuan, how could Zhou Xia possibly be willing to let Wang Chengpeng take it all away, including the money?

Unfortunately, Zhou Xia is about to face the biggest crisis of his life, and he will no longer have the mind to care about Wang Chengpeng.

Late but arrived!

Despite Wang Chengpeng's significant delay, Song Wenxin eventually arrived at the police station.

Looking at Zhou Xia surrounded by the crowd, and smelling the strange odor in the air, Song Wenxin frowned and said:
“Zhou Xia, I think you should give me an explanation now. Tell me why you are here, and even…”

After all, he was still her husband in name only, so Song Wenxin gave Zhou Xia some face and didn't make things too explicit.

Even so, being discovered by his wife that he had wet his pants was a complete disgrace to Zhou Xia.

With his face flushed, Zhou Xia mumbled, "No, it's nothing."

"I had some questions for the police officers, and now that I've finished asking them, it's time for me to leave."

"Wenxin, let's go back now."

Song Wenxin glanced at Wang Chengpeng, but found that he didn't even look at her, as if he didn't know her at all.

It seems this young man is complaining that he arrived too late.

A sudden realization dawned on Song Wenxin, but she didn't continue the conversation. Instead, she looked at the nearby police officers and asked:

"Now I'm a little curious about why my husband is in the police station and why he wet his pants."

"If you don't give me a straight answer today, don't blame me for making a scene at the police station."

Song Wenxin was dressed elegantly, and she didn't look like the daughter of an ordinary family.

Even when she was angry, she still exuded a hint of authority, clearly the kind of demeanor one would expect from someone in a high position.

They exchanged glances, the police officers hesitant, unsure whether they should expose the matter.

In the end, Luo Haochuan, considering Wang Chengpeng's interests, spoke up to explain, saying:

“We have our requirements and a responsibility to keep our citizens’ information confidential.”

"If the parties involved do not agree, I cannot disclose the details of the matter to outsiders at will."

Startled, Zhou Xia finally came to her senses and said casually, "Wenxin, this is the police station, not a place for you to throw a tantrum."

"I'm very touched that you came to see me, but it would be better if we went back now."

"I've already taken care of things here, you don't need to worry about it at all."

At this point, Zhou Xia said somewhat awkwardly, "Look at my current state, it's really not suitable for me to stay here any longer."

"Just give me face and don't get involved in this anymore."

Ignoring Zhou Xia's pleas for mercy, Song Wenxin walked straight to where Zhou Xia was.

Only when passing by Wang Chengpeng did Song Wenxin pause briefly and whisper:
"Sorry I'm a little late."

"But things were too rushed, and I only just finished arranging everything."

Song Wenxin's acting skills were quite good. If Wang Chengpeng hadn't heard her words with his own ears, he might have thought that she just happened to be passing by.

Song Wenxin strode up to Zhou Xia and said coldly:

"What? Do you think you're some kind of big shot here just because you're a live-in son-in-law?"

"If you do anything that damages the reputation of the Song family, I will absolutely not let you off the hook."

"Officers, I am Zhou Xia's wife, and I naturally have the right to intervene in this matter. Please explain the situation more clearly."

Just then, whether intentionally or accidentally, Mao Weiming, who had initially been falsely accused by Zhou Xia of colluding with Wang Chengpeng, walked in and shouted:
"Here is a photocopy of an IOU, Comrade Zhou Xia. This is what I promised to give you. Please accept it."

At this point, a sense of satisfaction flashed through Mao Weiming's mind; he was finally about to get his revenge.

Since Xia dared to embarrass me so much this week, I shouldn't blame him for betraying me at a crucial moment.

Although Wang Chengpeng had also concealed some things from him, considering the other party's status as a victim, and that he himself had caused the first piece of evidence to be destroyed in front of him,

It's perfectly normal to have some concerns, but there's not that much hatred involved.

Moreover, Wang Chengpeng himself has not committed any crime, so even if Mao Weiming wanted to target him, he couldn't.

A photocopy of the IOU?
Song Wenxin's eyes lit up; her intuition told her that she had grasped Zhou Xia's biggest weakness.

It's too late to say, then soon!
Just as Song Wenxin was about to snatch the copy of the IOU to examine it, Zhou Xia leaped forward and grabbed the copy, once again putting on a show of swallowing the paper whole for everyone.

Judging from his practiced movements, this must have been his first time doing something like this; he was frighteningly skilled.

Frowning at Zhou Xia, Song Wenxin loudly questioned, "Zhou Xia, what exactly do you mean? What shady business are you hiding from me?"

"Could it be that you're having an affair?"

Shaking his head in fear, Zhou Xia said with a fawning expression, "Wife, you are more than enough for me, how could I possibly have a mistress outside?"

"Stop making a scene. Staying here will only make you look foolish."

"Good boy, come back with me now."

It must be said that Zhou Xia is truly a talented actor; even under these circumstances, he was still able to handle the situation calmly and composedly.

No wonder he was able to eat Song Wenxin's childless offspring in his previous life. If it weren't for Wang Chengpeng's reminder, Song Wenxin would never have escaped the fate of being eaten by her childless offspring in this life.

But things are different now. Zhou Xia has met his destined nemesis, and he will never have a chance to turn things around again.

Zhu Hong waved to the crowd, and upon being summoned by Wang Chengpeng, he quickly rushed over and, at Wang Chengpeng's prompting, handed him a small box.

Although Song Wenxin made her wait for a long time, the other party had already apologized and softened their stance.
Furthermore, since eliminating Zhou Xia outright would be more in his best interest, Wang Chengpeng decided to deliver the most fatal blow just when Zhou Xia thought he could escape punishment.

Thinking this, Wang Chengpeng deliberately waved the wooden box in his hand at Zhou Xia and said:

"Comrade Zhou, I suddenly remembered something, and that is, there is something very important that I haven't given you yet."

"I'm handing it over to you now, so take good care of it."

After saying that, Wang Chengpeng exerted force with his right hand, and the wooden box in his hand drew a perfect parabola in the air before falling smoothly into Song Wenxin's arms.

Seeing this, Wang Chengpeng pretended to be surprised and said, "Oh dear, it seems like you threw it a little off-center."

"But it doesn't seem to matter. After all, this woman is Comrade Zhou's wife, and there shouldn't be any secrets between them."

Realizing that something seemed amiss, and although he didn't know what was inside the box, Zhou Xia's intuition told him that he absolutely couldn't let Song Wenxin have it.

Ignoring the paper in his mouth, Zhou Xia lunged at Song Wenxin, immediately preparing to snatch the wooden box from her hand.

Unfortunately, having been frightened by Zhou Xia, Song Wenxin had already run to a very safe distance.

Otherwise, Wang Chengpeng wouldn't have so casually tossed the wooden box over.

At this point, Zhou Xia wanted to give chase, but he could no longer catch up with Song Wenxin and could only watch helplessly as she disappeared outside the door.

When Zhou Xia finally caught up with her, he only saw Song Wenxin holding a very familiar IOU, glaring at him angrily.

Before Zhou Xia could explain, Song Wenxin roared angrily:
"Zhou Xia, I thought I had treated you well, but I never expected that you would cheat on me and have affairs with other women."

"You're quite good, even better than I imagined."

"I don't want to hear your explanation. After being married for so many years, do you think I can't recognize your handwriting?"

"You can choose to leave with nothing, or be sent to be shot for having illicit affairs. I'll give you a chance to choose."

After saying that, under Zhou Xia's horrified gaze, Song Wenxin put the IOU back into the wooden box and left the police station.

Although Zhou Xia's mind was full of questions.
For example, they don't understand why the IOU they had already destroyed could still be found here intact.

For example, they don't understand why Wang Chengpeng, who is clearly very honest and easy to bully, would break his promise and screw himself over at this time.

But what's done is done, and now is not the time to dwell on such trivial matters. He didn't care about his wet pants and hurriedly chased after him.

While chasing, he kept shouting, "Wenxin, let me explain, things aren't as you think."

If Zhou Xia doesn't chase after Song Wenxin to explain and get her to forgive him, the only outcome he'll face is being left with nothing!

(End of this chapter)