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

Chapter 302 Entering the game personally
Upon hearing that Wang Chengpeng could offer advice, Yue Zhiyong's eyes lit up, thinking to himself that he had truly come to the right place. He immediately asked, without hesitation:

"good idea?"

"Comrade Wang's idea is brilliant; it must be absolutely ingenious. We must hear it."

“We’re not strangers, Comrade Wang, please feel free to speak your mind.”

Wang Chengpeng stood up abruptly, took a step forward, and immediately removed the handcuffs from Yue Zhiyong's waist, cuffing them onto his own wrists. He said:
"This method is very simple. You arrest me as a criminal and then take me to Wang Degong's house to report the news."

"At that time, just by looking at the expressions of this family, it will be clear who the real robber is."

The moment Wang Chengpeng mentioned his solution, Wang Zhong immediately stood up, grabbed the key, and prepared to unlock the door for Wang Chengpeng, shouting as he did so:
"no!"

Wang Chengpeng's method was indeed a good one, and it seemed foolproof, but it was extremely dangerous. If the real bandits failed to slip up, Wang Chengpeng would be in grave danger.

After all, if the murderer is not caught, and Wang Chengpeng has been accused of being the murderer, and he is an innocent person, it is difficult for others to believe him.

Yue Zhiyong also firmly refused, saying:
"Comrade Wang, although we are eager to solve the case, we cannot gamble with your reputation."

“We can think of other ways; there’s no need to be so radical.”

However, Wang Chengpeng avoided the key they were using to unlock the door, saying:

"Believe it or not, if we don't do as I say, the truth about this robbery won't be found for three to five years."

"The Wang family isn't all fools. Once they realize what's going on, they should be able to easily guess the truth of the matter."

“Once they figure out the truth, it will be very difficult to get a result, because the victims will help the perpetrators clear their names.”

"Anyway, the money didn't leave the Wang family. They can take it out and use it slowly later without attracting attention. Wouldn't that make the whole thing disappear?"

"It's just a pity for us innocent civilians, and for you two police officers who are thinking of our Wangjia Village. You're going to be made a fool of."

Thinking along the lines of Wang Chengpeng's words, Yue Zhiyong realized that it seemed to make perfect sense.

Even this is a relatively good, ideal outcome. If that shrew Zhao Yuju uses this incident as an excuse to run to the police station every few days, then the entire police station will be in deep trouble.

But at this moment, Yue Zhiyong's eyes held a strange look, and he asked in surprise:

"Comrade Wang, do you have a grudge against this family? Otherwise, why would you help us outsiders?"

"As a fellow member of the Wang family, you should be more willing to see this matter resolved peacefully and without any further issues."

Shaking the handcuffs on his wrists, Wang Chengpeng's eyes were solemn as he spoke with righteous indignation:
"I will only stand on the side of justice."

"It's no use if I just agree; I need the cooperation of two police officers."

"Whether or not to implement it, you need to give me a definite answer. After all, this isn't a one-man show by me."

They exchanged glances, and finally Wang Zhong spoke first:

"Cousin, the risks involved in this matter are far too great. I think it's best not to do it."

“If we really can’t find the robbers, then it’s our incompetence and we should bear the consequences. We can’t let innocent cousin like you get dragged into this.”

Yue Zhiyong shared the same opinion, saying, "Protecting the innocent is also a form of justice. We cannot harm one kind of justice for the sake of another."

Looking at the two overly upright police officers in front of him, Wang Chengpeng was somewhat speechless, but said with great confidence:
"What you're talking about simply doesn't exist, because my plan has a 100% success rate."

"Of course, only for now."

"My method will be most effective before they realize the truth and start colluding with each other."

"You don't actually believe that ordinary, untrained people can escape your sharp eyes, do you?"

After thinking about it for a moment, Yue Zhiyong and Wang Zhong felt that Wang Chengpeng's words were absolutely right.

If they don't even have this much ability, then they are not worthy of the clothes they wear, and they might as well resign.

Thinking this through, Yue Zhiyong gritted his teeth and said, "If you, Comrade Wang, are truly 100% confident, then please cooperate with us in this charade."

"Don't worry, even if this whole thing falls apart, I'll risk my job to prove your innocence."

Wang Zhong nodded firmly and said, "Me too."

Seeing that the two had agreed to his plan, Wang Chengpeng calmly said:
"As a reward for helping the two police officers solve the case, I have a small request that I believe you two will not refuse."

"I have only one request: even if you have already discovered the real culprit, do not rush to close the net before receiving my signal."

"Let me think of what this code should be called. That's it, let's call it 'The net of Heaven is vast, its meshes are wide, yet nothing escapes it!'"

Although they found it strange that Wang Chengpeng would make such a strange request, considering the huge sacrifices he had made in this matter, the two of them finally agreed to the condition.

To complete the charade, Wang Chengpeng's handcuffs remained on, gleaming and conspicuously visible.

Furthermore, the fact that the three of them weren't riding bicycles and were just walking on the road made them extremely conspicuous.

"..."

"What's going on? Why is Wang Chengpeng being escorted by two police officers? Could it be that he was the one who robbed us this time?"

"That's impossible. Wang Chengpeng is one of the best young men in our village. How could he have done something like this? Besides, his family is quite well-off."

"You can know a person's face but not their heart; who would think the money is too little?"

"It was precisely because his family was well-off, and because he was Zhao Yuju's grandson, that we never even considered that he would be the culprit."

"I didn't believe it when Zhao Yuju said the robber was Wang Chengpeng, but I didn't expect it to actually be him. He really disappointed me."

"No matter what, it's always good to go and see what's going on."

"..."

Despite the whispers around him, Wang Chengpeng remained completely unmoved.

Those who truly believe in him will not believe he is a criminal because of the current situation, and there is no need to try to win over those who are easily swayed by the wind.

As long as Wang Chengpeng maintains that he is always the strongest gale, they will always follow him and tilt in the direction he needs.

Just like now, their indignant expressions are exactly what Wang Chengpeng wanted to see; otherwise, he wouldn't have let the two of them drag him here on foot.

If they were riding bicycles, they wouldn't attract as much attention as they do now.

The three walked quickly and soon arrived at Wang Degong's house, where a large crowd had gathered.

This was the scene Zhao Yuju saw when she opened the door. Startled, she instinctively took a few steps back, thinking that the villagers who were dissatisfied with her had come to attack. She immediately prepared to close the door behind her.

However, Yue Zhiyong, quick-witted and agile, stopped them all. Under Zhao Yuju's questioning gaze, Yue Zhiyong pointed to the handcuffs on Wang Chengpeng's hands and said:
"Grandma Zhao, thanks to your reminder, we just went to Wang Chengpeng's house and brought him here."

"We need to have a proper talk about you being robbed of three thousand yuan."

Yue Zhiyong did have a bottom line, and he didn't directly say that Wang Chengpeng had committed a crime and been arrested.

However, given his expression and actions, as well as the gleaming handcuffs on Wang Chengpeng's body, any normal person would have the wrong idea.

Zhao Yuju, in particular, exclaimed with delight, saying:
"Hey, they actually found the robber?"

Honestly, she was just habitually criticizing Wang Chengpeng; she never believed that Wang Chengpeng was the one who did it.

After all, no matter how confident she was, she wouldn't believe that Wang Chengpeng would be interested in her broken bamboo basket and shamelessly come over to snatch it.

Wait a minute, this must be related to Wang Yong. He's the only one who's ever seen my money.

He must have told Wang Chengpeng about it immediately after seeing it, and the two of them committed this crime together.

Thinking this, Zhao Yuju's smile deepened.

Now that's great. Not only did she make Wang Chengpeng receive the punishment he deserved, but she also got the money back and even caught Wang Yong red-handed.

She could use this incident as leverage to force Wang Yong to obediently arrange for his two beloved grandsons to become leaders at Dapeng Sugar Factory. Wouldn't that be a piece of cake?

Thinking this, Zhao Yuju's smile widened, and with her wrinkled face, she looked just like a blooming chrysanthemum.

It was at this moment that Wang Chun'an's voice rang out:

"Grandma, what's going on? Why is it so noisy outside?"

Zhao Yuju said cheerfully, "It's nothing, the thief who robbed me has finally been caught."

"Quickly call your family out to see. Today we must give this shameless thug a good trial."

"You agree, right, Wang Chengpeng?"

By the end, Zhao Yuju's gaze had become aggressive, and she even moved closer to Wang Chengpeng step by step, looking like a ferocious beast about to devour him.

Faced with Zhao Yuju's coercion, Wang Chengpeng retreated unhurriedly, intending to take the battle to the more spacious courtyard.

This way, not only can we more easily observe the behavior of Wang Degong's family, but it will also make it easier for the villagers watching to see what is about to happen.

Wang Chengpeng thus personally entered the game, directly setting up a lavish stage for the upcoming event.

However, Zhao Yuju saw Wang Chengpeng's constant retreat as a sign of guilt, which made her even more smug.

It should be noted that since Wang Chengpeng's rebirth, she has clashed with him several times, and each time it ended in her defeat.

Having finally achieved such a glorious victory, how could she not be excited?
Ignoring Wang Chengpeng, Zhao Yuju instead warmly took Yue Zhiyong's hand and said:
"Oh my, Comrade Yue, you're a real detective!"

"You caught the culprit in such a big case in just a few days. I'll definitely send a banner to your police station when the time comes."

"But the way you handled this was a bit underhanded. Why didn't you get my stolen money back?"

Even if they were all brand new 100-yuan bills, the three thousand yuan would still be a thick pile, something that the three of them couldn't possibly carry on their person right now.

That is why Zhao Yuju made such a statement.

Then, as if she had just realized something, she smiled and said, "I really am a brilliant strategist."

"It seems things are exactly as I imagined; Wang Chengpeng is just putting on a brave face."

"Don't be fooled by their comfortable life; they're actually living on borrowed money and have a mountain of debt, creating this illusion."

"After robbing me of three thousand yuan, he probably used the money to pay off his debts, leaving nothing behind."

"But it doesn't matter. After all, I am his grandmother. How could I be so harsh on my own grandson?"

“All the radios, sewing machines, and other things in his house can be used to pay off his debts.”

"Let me think about it. A radio only costs a hundred yuan. I'll take the loss and buy it for thirty yuan."

"As for that sewing machine, it's not very useful. I'll take the loss and pay you forty yuan."

"And all those miscellaneous things, as long as they're usable, I'll have my men take them to pay off the debt."

"Hey, those things are all worthless junk. I only agreed to buy them because they're all family."

“But money is money, and crime is crime. Even if Wang Chengpeng gives me all the money, he still has to go to jail.”

"Let me think. This is the answer to the robbery of three thousand yuan. It should be locked up for at least five or ten years."

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhongshi could no longer contain himself and loudly advised:

"Comrade Zhao, aren't you going a bit too far with what you're saying? You should know that Comrade Wang is your grandson."

"We're family after all. If you pay back the money and apologize, then this matter will be settled."

"If you're still not satisfied, then let Comrade Wang go to the village for some reform, so that he can lead by example and achieve the purpose of punishment."

With a quick glance, Wang Zhong offered a very good suggestion, saying:

"How about we let Comrade Wang carry manure? Nobody wants to do this job normally, and it will definitely serve the purpose of punishing the criminals."

In fact, as early as when the Wang family came out to watch the commotion, Wang Zhong and Yue Zhiyong had already guessed the real culprit with a high degree of accuracy.

The real culprit's behavior was simply too striking, completely different from the expressions of the others.

The surrounding onlookers generally had a "watching the show" expression, remaining indifferent as if it didn't concern them, and even if they just chatted a bit, they considered it a piece of gossip.

As for the other members of the Wang family, their expressions were even more varied and peculiar, which was quite poignant.

Wang Degong, leaning on his cane, was looking at Wang Chengpeng with a look of disappointment and indignation, clearly very disappointed in him.

Wang Xia'an, on the other hand, had a look of great satisfaction on his face, as he had not forgotten the humiliation he suffered at the hands of Wang Chengpeng.

He had been unable to take revenge before, and probably would never be able to in the future, but unexpectedly, the opportunity for revenge was delivered to him.

With the roles reversed, Wang Chengpeng is now a criminal, not a hero, and even if he's a good-for-nothing, he's still better than a criminal, so how could he not be happy?
Wang Jinshan's expression was quite complicated. He didn't seem happy, nor did he seem sad. He just looked at Wang Chengpeng with a complicated expression, as if he wanted to gloat, but he also felt that it was not appropriate.

As for Liu Xiumei and Zheng Yafang, they were just watching from the sidelines. After all, their conflict with Wang Chengpeng was minor, and they didn't have any deep-seated hatred. Their mindset was more like that of the onlookers.

However, among this group of people, Wang Chun'an's expression was so striking that it was hard not to suspect that something was wrong with him.

(End of this chapter)