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

Chapter 308 Fraud
Zhou Delai glanced at the handkerchief bag and shook his head: "This little bit of money won't even get you into the police station."

He leaned closer: "I know Deputy Chief Li of the police station. His wife works as an accountant in our factory."

“This matter needs to go through the proper procedures, and a deposit needs to be paid, and that deposit is quite substantial.”

Upon hearing that a considerable amount of money was required, Zhao Yuju immediately became wary.

She wasn't afraid of spending money, but she was afraid that the money would be spent without any effect, and in the end, even the last bit of her family's savings would be depleted.

Thinking this, Zhao Yuju clenched her handkerchief and loudly questioned, "Comrade, how do I know you're not a liar?"

Zhou Delai smiled and took out a work ID from his pocket:

"Auntie, look, I'm a purchasing agent from Hongxing Machinery Factory. Would I lie to you?"

The work permit was stamped with a red seal, and the person in the photo was wearing a Zhongshan suit and looked upright. Who else could it be but Zhou Delai?

Zhao Yuju examined it carefully and, seeing that the work permit was extremely official, immediately became somewhat convinced.

She was still a little hesitant, muttering, "Why don't you take me to see Deputy Director Li first?"

"Once I meet the person and confirm that you really have connections, I'll give you the deposit!"

Zhou Delai sighed: "Auntie, Deputy Director Li is in a meeting right now."

"How about this, I'll take you to the police station first and ask Captain Wang about the situation."

He stood up and gestured for Zhao Yuju to follow: "Captain Wang is my old classmate, and his wife works as an accountant in our factory."

“We have a great relationship. With me putting in a good word for you, even the biggest problems can be solved.”

Zhao Yuju followed him out of the teahouse with some skepticism, pondering to herself:

If we can actually meet the captain, then things will be on track.

At the same time, she breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to herself that there really is nothing in this world that money can't solve.

Don't be fooled by the respectable appearance of those people when I went to the police station. They're actually full of bad intentions. Otherwise, why would someone immediately come up to me to help me get a referral?
The two had just stepped out of the teahouse when they saw a police officer in uniform walking towards them.

Zhou Delai was overjoyed and immediately greeted them:
"Captain Wang, what a coincidence! I was just about to look for you."

"Here, have a cigarette."

At this point, Zhou Delai offered the visitor a cigarette and thoughtfully lit it for him.

Taking a deep drag of his cigarette, Captain Wang flicked off the ash and asked curiously:

"Zhou Delai, what are you doing here?"

Zhou Delai turned and gave Zhao Yuju a look, then quickly explained:

"Captain Wang, what a coincidence! I have a distant relative who is in trouble, and it just so happens to be within your jurisdiction."

“His grandson, Wang Chun’an, has gotten into some trouble and is currently detained in the police station. Do you have any connections that can help him?”

"You two are from the same clan, so you can't refuse to help me with this."

Captain Wang leisurely exhaled a smoke ring, then, as if remembering something, said:
"Wang Chun'an? I vaguely remember him. It seems he's being transferred to the Public Security Bureau tomorrow, and once he gets there, he'll only be able to go to jail."

Upon hearing that Wang Chun'an was to be transferred to the Public Security Bureau, Zhao Yuju panicked and bowed and scraped to Captain Wang, saying:
"Captain Wang, please help me. You can't hand my grandson over to the police station."

Faced with Zhao Yuju's plea, Captain Wang looked troubled and did not agree, only replying simply:
"Hard to say."

Seeing that Zhao Yuju was still trying to argue, Zhou Delai immediately pulled her back and whispered in her ear:
"Auntie, don't cause trouble. If you offend Captain Wang, your grandson will really never get out."

"Some things can't be said too explicitly, you understand?"

At this point, Zhou Delai offered Captain Wang a cigarette, saying:

"Captain Wang, you can go first. I'll come find you later."

After Captain Wang left, Zhou Delai held up two fingers in front of Zhao Yuju and said:
"Auntie, give me the two thousand yuan deposit now, and I promise I'll release your grandson first thing tomorrow morning."

"Of course, the deposit is a deposit, and the kickback is a kickback. I can't help you for nothing."

"I also want a 200 yuan kickback. You can give it to us if you want, or we can part ways if you don't."

"Once your grandson is handed over to the Public Security Bureau, even Deputy Director Li might not be able to get him out."

The thought that Wang Chun'an might face imprisonment, and that paying money to save him was his only way out, made Zhao Yuju grit her teeth, take off her backpack, and hand it over.

"This is my retirement savings of ten years, you absolutely have to help me make it happen!"

Seeing how readily Zhao Yuju paid, a hint of regret flashed in Zhou Delai's eyes. He should have asked for more money earlier.

Taking Zhao Yuju's backpack and opening it, Zhou Delai discovered that it was full of the largest denomination banknotes, the "Big Unity" banknotes.

A rough estimate suggests there are at least two thousand. He immediately smiled and nodded, saying:

"Don't worry, ma'am, I'm very reliable."

“I’ll go to the police station right away and try to put in a good word for you. Don’t worry, just go home and wait. Your grandson will be home by noon tomorrow at the latest.”

After saying that, Zhou Delai picked up his backpack and walked towards the police station.

Judging from his composed demeanor, he treated the police station as if it were his own home, showing no embarrassment or awkwardness whatsoever.

Seeing Zhou Delai's performance, Zhao Yuju was in a great mood and felt that the matter was sure to be settled.

If Zhou Delai were a fraud, how could he so calmly walk into the police station? He would probably be trying to hide as fast as he could. He immediately let out a smug snort.
"Wang Degong, you old codger, you said you didn't want to come and save my grandson, but do you really think I have no way?"

"There's nothing in this world that money can't buy. Look at me, I got things done so easily."

"Awei, don't worry, I will absolutely not let your grandson go to jail."

“Every time I see his face, it’s like I’m seeing you.”

As she said this, Zhao Yuju nimbly got on her bicycle, but little did she know that there was a pair of eyes staring straight at her from behind.

After Zhao Yuju had completely left, Wang Chengpeng emerged from the shadows.

Although he had suspected it, he was still taken aback when he heard Zhao Yuju's words.

Zhao Yuju is really ruthless; she not only made Wang Degong help raise her child with another man, but also...

She even abused Wang Degong's biological son and his adopted son, sucking their blood to support her and her lover's child.

If Wang Degong knew about this, his expression would surely be quite interesting.
Most importantly, this scene gave Wang Chengpeng an idea: how to find the person behind the scenes.

Investigating something from so long ago is clearly impractical, but we can take a different approach and get Zhao Yuju to tell the truth about what happened back then. As for how to get Zhao Yuju to tell such an important truth, the only way is naturally to use a combination of coaxing and deception, just like Zhou Delai did.

Thinking of this, Wang Chengpeng smiled to himself, realizing that although he had enough tricks to fool Zhao Yuju, he was too good-looking, making it difficult for Zhao Yuju not to see through his disguise.

In that case, he might need some help to do this for him.

Thinking this, Wang Chengpeng turned his gaze to Zhou Delai, who had just come out of the police station.

This is clearly an organized and meticulously planned fraud gang that not only dares to impersonate police officers but also dares to commit fraud right in front of a police station.

If there is someone of suitable age among them, then they would be the best executors of this plan.

Thinking this way, Wang Chengpeng was not in a hurry to find Song Wenxin, and just hung behind Zhou Delai at a leisurely pace.

Overjoyed with the 2,200 yuan given to him by Zhao Yuju, Zhou Delai was completely unaware of Wang Chengpeng following behind him.

This scam was extremely successful; they managed to swindle over two thousand yuan in just a few hours, which was faster than robbing someone.

After turning several corners and going around several intersections, a familiar figure appeared in front of Zhou Delai. It was "Captain Wang," who had already taken off his police uniform.

However, Captain Wang at this moment was completely different from before, almost like a different person, clearly having been disguised before.

However, despite his cunning, Wang Chengpeng still recognized him by his familiar physique.

The moment Captain Wang saw Zhou Delai, he spoke, as was absolutely necessary:

"Old Zhou, how's it going? Did you get the money?"

Patting the thick backpack on his back, Zhou Delai smiled and said, "I succeeded, and the money is more than I expected."

"I just casually asked for a deposit of two thousand yuan, and I didn't expect her to give it to me right away."

"I never would have guessed that old lady was rich. I really couldn't tell at all."

Upon hearing that they had earned two thousand yuan this time, Captain Wang's expression turned to surprise and delight, and he said:

"He gave us two thousand yuan too? That's great! That's enough for us to live on for a long time."

However, just as the two were about to leave, Wang Chengpeng emerged from the end of the alley and said bluntly:

“It’s true that earning those two thousand dollars is easy. I also have an opportunity for the two of you to make money. I wonder if you’re interested.”

The moment they saw Wang Chengpeng, the two became alert, staring at him with surprise, wondering if there were police officers behind him.

People in their line of work are most secretive about their profession and absolutely refuse to expose themselves.

However, after realizing that Wang Chengpeng was alone, the two completely relaxed, grinned maliciously, and said:
"Hey kid, when did you get here? Did you hear anything you shouldn't have?"

Touching the pistol hidden on his person, Wang Chengpeng was full of confidence and said:

"I've been listening since you first met, and I don't know if I've heard anything I shouldn't have."

The outside world is not as safe as Wang Chengpeng imagined, which is why he always brings his spoils with him whenever he goes out.

Fortunately, there's no security check now, so Wang Chengpeng's pistol can be hidden.

Upon hearing that Wang Chengpeng had heard everything, Zhou Delai's face turned green.

After exchanging a glance with Captain Wang, the two began to slowly approach Wang Chengpeng.
Judging from their positions on the left and right, they were clearly planning to encircle Wang Chengpeng.

Captain Wang laughed loudly and said, "Kid, you should have just stayed hidden, but you actually came to my doorstep. I really don't know how to praise your stupidity."

"Don't worry, we only want money, we won't kill you."

"Get a good night's sleep. By the time you wake up, the grandfathers will have already run away, and naturally, they'll be strangers."

The two men clearly didn't take Wang Chengpeng seriously. People who can make a living through shady means usually have some skills, not to mention that they were tall and strong, and obviously capable fighters.

But even if they are good fighters, can they be as good as Wang Chengpeng?
Bang, bang, bang, bang...

With a few dull thuds, soon only Wang Chengpeng remained standing in the alley.

If it weren't for testing whether they had any weapons, Wang Chengpeng would have already taken them down.

A good man does not suffer from immediate losses!
Seeing that the two of them couldn't beat Wang Chengpeng, Zhou Delai immediately changed his tune and said:

"Brother, please, please forgive us, just let us go like we're nothing."

Suppressing the pain, a hint of heartache flashed in Zhou Delai's eyes. He threw the backpack behind him to Wang Chengpeng and said:

"This is the money we swindled this time, a full 2,200 yuan. We don't want a single penny, we'll give it all to you."

Brushing off non-existent dust from his clothes, Wang Chengpeng kicked the stolen money back onto his body and said:

"Gentlemen, you seem to have misunderstood why I came to see you."

“I’ve said it before, I’m not here to cause you trouble, I just want to make a deal with you.”

"It's that old lady from before. I need you to pretend to be her first love to help me uncover a secret buried in the past."

"Don't worry, I won't let you work for free. I will pay you."

"How about a thousand yuan? I will not only give you an extra thousand yuan as a reward, but I will also help you launder the two thousand two hundred yuan."

Two thousand two hundred yuan?

Captain Wang had a strange expression on his face. He had only made two thousand yuan this time, so why did he need to launder two thousand two hundred yuan?

Zhou Delai, fearing that Captain Wang might overthink things, loudly interrupted Wang Chengpeng, saying:
"Help us launder this money? You really have that ability?"

"If that's the case, then we don't need the thousand yuan reward; helping you with this favor is certainly an option."

Wang Delu knew a principle well: you need to be alive to enjoy money.

Therefore, he was not tempted by Wang Chengpeng's rosy promises at all; all he felt was deep fear.

If the other party is truly capable of laundering a large sum of embezzled funds, then they definitely have the ability to deal with these two petty thieves who have already been exposed.

Wang Chengpeng shook his head noncommittally and said, "The reward I'm offering isn't something you can refuse just because you want to."

"You have to take this money whether you want to or not."

Wang Chengpeng's words exuded an indescribable domineering aura, causing the two people sitting on the ground to tremble. The other party was indeed not someone to be trifled with.

"As for laundering this money, it's an easy thing to do."

(End of this chapter)