Chapter 24: The Arrest of Qiao Wanwan

The police arrived in less than ten minutes. Upon entering the villa, they first greeted President Fu with polite deference before briefly inquiring about the situation.

One of the officers spoke courteously: "It is a relief that Miss Shen has been found. Let us take her statement here, briefly."

A wave of murmurs rose from the crowd. "Just wait and see. She might not tell us, but she has to answer the police."

"Miss Shen, could you please tell us where you have been during this time? Why did you not contact your family, and were you aware that they had already filed a missing person’s report?" a young officer asked, while his partner opened a laptop to begin recording.

Shen Mengxia sat opposite the officers, her expression pained. "I signed a non-disclosure agreement," she said. "I truly cannot say."

"Miss Shen, every citizen has an obligation to cooperate with police investigations. I must ask you to comply." The young officer sounded slightly displeased, his tone sharp with warning.

Qiao Wanwan jumped at the opportunity. "See? She won't even answer the police. She claims she has nothing to hide, but she must be involved in something shameful. Officer, she’s obstructing your investigation—arrest her!"

At some point, Qiao Wanwan had recorded a video, and now, brimming with confidence, she eagerly posted it to the internet.

"The sister of the Beijing elite’s crown prince, involved in illicit affairs, refuses to cooperate with police—irrefutable proof." The headline shot to the top of the trending list, claiming the number one spot.

"Officer, I have no way of explaining my whereabouts to you," Shen Mengxia said, her tone calm and composed. "Your clearance levels are insufficient. I suggest you access my file through the internal public security system."

The officer at the laptop seemed to realize something. His fingers flew across the keyboard. Qiao Wanwan grew increasingly brazen. "Look at this! Look at the performance she’s putting on. She actually said the police don't have enough authority—who does she think she is? She must have hooked up with some high-ranking official."

The officer with the laptop suddenly changed expression. He turned the screen toward his colleague. The two men glanced at the monitor, locked eyes, and immediately stood up. They straightened their uniforms, adjusted their caps, and delivered a crisp, precise salute.

"Our apologies, Miss Shen! We were presumptuous. On behalf of the nation and the people, we thank you for your selfless service. As for those who have slandered you, we will investigate thoroughly to restore your reputation and peace." The officers' words silenced the banquet hall instantly.

"You, you, and you—come with us." Jiang Zeyu had called for backup, and a phalanx of officers marched in, handcuffing everyone who had spoken ill of Shen Mengxia.

Legal sanctions awaited Qiao Wanwan and her cohorts. Once the police had withdrawn, Ye Huaiting, his grandfather, and Shen Mengqing were left stunned.

Grandfather took Shen Mengxia’s hand, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Xia, what exactly have you been doing? Why can’t you say? Why can’t even the police ask?"

As the Vice President of the Chinese Medical Association, Shen Mengqing possessed a broader perspective. "Grandfather, don't ask. Xia has been working for the state. To press her on the details is akin to treason; the consequences are grave."

With Shen Mengqing’s explanation, the crowd’s gaze shifted from confusion to profound reverence. Jiang Zeyu posted the video of Qiao Wanwan’s arrest online, and the public reaction swung decisively, with netizens flooding the comments to condemn her.

In a way, they actually owed Qiao Wanwan a debt of gratitude for that trending video. The effect had been unexpectedly perfect.