Chapter 176: Chapter 176: Police Visit

Early in the morning, the Zhong Family was leisurely having breakfast. It seemed that no one had any pressing matters today, so almost everyone was present except for Li Yiqiu, who was resting in bed.

Zhong Niangyao was among them, naturally. She didn’t have classes this morning, so there was plenty of time.

However, in such a comfortable moment, Uncle Wu, the butler, hurried in with an obviously anxious look on his face.

“Uncle Wu, what’s happened?” Zhong Minghao, who had furrowed his brow and did not look pleased, asked. “You’re usually so steady when you go about things. What has made you lose your composure today?”

Old Sir Zhong, however, maintained a calm expression, “Old Wu, has something happened?”

He understood his old servant, who had been with their family for decades, very well. It must be something significant to have caused such a reaction.

“Old Sir, it’s just…”

While speaking, Uncle Wu carefully glanced towards Zhong Niangyao, hesitating and with a troubled look on his face.

Seeing him like this, how could anyone present not understand? Clearly, something had happened, and it related to Zhong Niangyao.

Zhong Mengxuan felt an unexpected sense of pleasure at this development; even her breakfast seemed more delicious because of it.

Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong’s hearts skipped a beat, both harboring an ominous premonition.

As for Zhong Niangyao, the center of attention, she couldn’t help but sigh to herself. It seemed impossible to have a peaceful breakfast without interruption.

“Grandpa Wu, if you have something to say, just speak up! Don’t beat around the bush here.”

Uncle Wu cautiously glanced at Old Master Zhong and Old Madam Zhong before he spoke, “The police have come to our home, and they said they want to speak with Miss Niangyao to assist in an investigation.”

As soon as he said this, everyone’s expressions changed. Although Uncle Wu’s demeanor had led many to guess that this had something to do with Zhong Niangyao, no one had imagined the matter was so serious that the police would come calling.

“Niangyao, what have you done?” Zheng Silin’s face was stern, but she couldn’t hide the schadenfreude gleaming in her eyes, “Now the police have come knocking at our door, you’ve truly brought disgrace upon our Zhong Family.”

The issue involving her daughter was brought to light by Zhong Niangyao. Even though she knew what had happened with Zhong Mengxuan was wrong, she held no fondness for Zhong Niangyao who had exposed it.

Especially since her own daughter, pregnant and under pressure, had to flee abroad while Zhong Niangyao here enjoyed her good days in the Zhong household, which only added to her discomfort.

If Zhong Niangyao had first brought the issue to her and her husband instead of directly to Old Sir and Old Madam Zhong, their daughter Meng Fan wouldn’t be in such a miserable state now.

Seeing Zhong Niangyao’s misfortune now, how could her heart not feel elated!

“Great Aunt, considering that the situation isn’t clear yet, isn’t it a bit much to sling mud at me?” Zhong Niangyao, putting down her chopsticks, spoke up, “The police have only asked for my assistance in an investigation, they are not arresting me. Isn’t it a bit early for you to kick someone when they’re down?”

“Zhong Niangyao, watch your language.”

Zheng Silin glanced subconsciously in the direction of Old Master Zhong and Old Madam Zhong and, seeing their unassuming expressions, felt a shock in her heart and quickly said, “I’m merely speaking about the facts, not trying to kick you while you’re down. Don’t try to smear me here.”

“Enough, shut up,” Old Master Zhong, slamming his hand on the table with a severe look towards Zheng Silin, spoke, “No one understands the situation yet, and if anyone continues making up stories here, don’t blame me for being rude.”

Following his words, the restless thoughts among those around the table were immediately suppressed.

By now, Zhong Niangyao had stood up and said to Old Master Zhong and Old Madam Zhong, “Grandpa, Grandma, I will go out and see exactly what is going on.”

“I will go with you,” said Old Madam Zhong, starting to rise.

Old Sir was also prepared to follow.

“Grandpa, Grandma, please continue with your breakfast,” Zhong Niangyao said, stopping the elders from rising, “It’s just a minor issue. They’ve said it’s only to assist in an investigation. Let me first clarify what’s happening.”

“No, I will go with you,” Old Sir Zhong insisted, then turned to his wife, “You wait here. There’s no need for you to come.”

Old Madam Zhong wanted to say more, but upon seeing Old Sir Zhong’s resolute look, she relented.

Zhong Niangyao didn’t want Old Sir to accompany her, but she couldn’t persuade him otherwise.

Thus, the two left the dining room together.

Zhong Niangyao, though somewhat puzzled about the police visit, wasn’t worried. She knew what she had done and was certain it wasn’t against the law.

Soon, Old Master Zhong and Zhong Niangyao arrived at the parlor.

Seeing them enter, the two policemen stood up immediately.

One with a higher rank introduced himself first, “Old Master Zhong, Lady Zhong, hello. My name is Han Xin, I’m the captain of the Criminal Investigation Unit from the Imperial City Public Security Bureau, and this is my colleague Luo Yong. We’re here today to understand some matters from Miss Niangyao.”

Before coming to the Zhong Family home, Han Xin had already investigated their situation, and thus he recognized Old Master Zhong and Zhong Niangyao instantly.

His demeanor was respectful, without any arrogance, and his tone was quite amiable.

Firstly, although he was a policeman, there was no need to flaunt any sense of superiority. Especially since the Zhong Family had a certain standing in the Imperial Capital, and if they were offended, his position as captain might be at stake.

Secondly, they were simply there to understand some details that day, and Zhong Niangyao was not a suspect in any crime.

“What do you want to understand from my granddaughter exactly?”

The other party had good manners, and Old Master Zhong’s expression also softened, “She is still young and currently studying; I’m afraid she might not be able to help you much.”

“Old Master Zhong, this matter may only be assisted by Miss Zhong,” Han Xin said quickly, “We won’t take too much of her time, just a slight inconvenience. I hope you can understand the difficulties of our work.”

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