Twenty-four hours had passed since Ning Ran was brought in.
At first, it didn’t matter for Ning Ran because she had also been detained here last time and she managed to leave within a while.
Therefore, she assumed it would be the same this time around because Nan Chen would definitely save her.
Nevertheless, after half a day passed, she started to grow anxious.
She missed her children. What are they doing now? Do they miss me?
What about Nan Chen? What is he doing? Why isn’t he coming for me after such a long time?
Has he forgotten about me?
If he hasn’t abandoned me, he wouldn’t have let me stay here for so long with his influence and power.
Humans had the tendency to overthink when they were in trouble. The more dubious they were, the more desperate they became.
In the meantime, they had to remind themselves from time to time to not give up on hope.
For it was the only thing that could get them through thick and thin. Without hope, there would be nothing left.
Just then, someone showed up. It was a policewoman who came to deliver food to her.
The meal was actually fine. There were vegetables, eggs, and even fruits.
But Ning Ran lost her appetite as her mind was preoccupied.
Regardless, one had to eat even though she did not feel like it. Ning Ran took the meal tray and thanked her.
This policewoman doesn’t look familiar. She isn’t the one who came to deliver the meal for the last two rounds.
And she’s even wearing a mask, maybe she’s sick or it’s because of other reasons.
After delivering the food, the policewoman did not leave immediately, and instead, she stayed there and watched Ning Ran nibbling the food.
“Ms. Ding, I’ve watched the drama you were cast in. It’s amazing but why did you take drugs?”
Another policewoman had asked her the same question but she was not the same person as this masked officer in front of her.
Their voices and the ways they walked were totally different. Ning Ran could still distinguish that.
“I did not take drugs. I was framed,” replied Ning Ran.
The policewoman shook her head. “Everyone who is detained here said they were innocent. You know what? Your drug test result is positive; you’ve taken the pills.”
“I didn’t. It must be the drinks I had. Something went wrong but I’m still clueless.”
“Ms. Ding, what you’re telling me right now is useless. You’d be charged because the amount of the pills you carried with you that night was enough to get you sentenced.”
“I know it’s a waste of time explaining to you but trust me, someone would clear my name.”
The policewoman went quiet.
Seeing that she had nothing to say, Ning Ran kept quiet as well.
“I read from the internet that you have two children?”
“That’s right.”
“If you’re imprisoned, it would be miserable for the kids,” the policewoman heaved a sigh.
“I won’t because I didn’t do anything wrong. Like I said, I was framed,” Ning Ran was insistent.
“But the evidence is clearly against you now. What happens next is only to go through the formalities and you would definitely go to jail.”
“How you do know? Are you the judge?” Ning Ran retorted.
The policewoman was startled. “Of course I’m not; I was just reminding you.”
“Then in your opinion, what should I do now?” Ning Ran asked again.
There was a flicker in the policewoman’s eyes before she replied, “I don’t know.”
“No, I can feel that you have something to tell me. Can you show me a glimpse of the light?”
“What light can I show? Anyway, I happened to hear that you have a certain connection with the Nan family, is that true?” the policewoman asked.
Since you’ve already found out about my children, how can you not know that they’re the descendants of the Nan family?
Speaking so secretively, there must be something fishy about you!
“There is no connection between me and the Nan family,” Ning Ran answered.
“Is that so? But you were bailed out by the Nan family last time.”
“Oh, that was probably because I am an artist from Star Entertainment, which happened to be a company under Nanshi Corporation.”
“Hmm… Then your case must have something to do with the Nan family. As the saying goes, ‘whilst trees provide shade, they may also fall and kill.” Hence, it’s a good thing to be backed by someone with a prominent background but you still need to analyze the situation carefully. If the tree turns brittle, it is only wise to stay away from it.”
There were other implications in the policewoman’s words. Ning Ran had roughly figured out what she meant.
However, Ning Ran pretended as though she still didn’t understand a thing because she wanted to see what the policewoman was up to.
“So should I draw a line between myself and this big tree, Nanshi Corporation now by terminating my contract with Star Entertainment?” Ning Ran was feigning ignorance.
“Terminating the contract won’t work. That still wouldn’t clear your name.”
“Then what should I do to prove my innocence? It’s getting more and more confusing for me.”
“You can say that the pills belonged to someone else and you’re only helping to keep them,” the policewoman replied.
“Then whose pills should I say they were?” Ning Ran’s eyes were fixated on her.
“Aren’t you very close with Sir Chen from the Nan family? Just say that they were his.”
Even though she had prepared herself mentally, she almost jumped upon hearing what the policewoman said.
She’s asking me to target Nan Chen so bluntly?
Ning Ran forged a laugh and asked, “You must be joking. I’m sure you know the status of Nan Chen and his family in Flower City. If I say that, do you really think people would believe it?”
“You’re going to be put behind bars soon and you have the nerve to laugh? If the Nan family really cares about you, you’d have been released. Since they’ve abandoned you now, that means you’d become a scarification to them. You should stop dreaming.”
The policewoman had finally unveiled her real intention.
“Are you really a police?” Ning Ran suddenly asked.
“Of course I am.” The policewoman gestured her hat.
“Then why aren’t you wearing the police uniform other than the hat?”
“I just came back from an undercover operation and haven’t had the time to change yet.”
“You’re delivering food for me as soon as you’re back from an operation? How tiring it must be for you.”
“Don’t mention it. Anyway, let’s get to the point. Now that the Nan family is leaving you alone here, you should save yourself.” The policewoman steered the conversation back.
“So the way for me to save myself is by involving Nan Chen in this?”
“Not involving him, but borrowing help from him.”
“What do you mean?”
“As you said, Nan Chen’s status is prominent in Flower City. It’s not like he would go to jail if you testify against him. Even if those pills did belong to him, with his capabilities, he would be able to escape effortlessly. Therefore, let him face this situation instead of you facing it alone. So long as you turn him in, you’d be freed and you can then flee. As with how Nan Chen deals with it, that’s his business. With the Nan family’s influence, you don’t need to worry if they could handle this.”
The policewoman was eloquently patronizing her. It was unmistakable that she had come well prepared.
There was only one thing — the logic behind this sounded clearly absurd. How could anyone be freed just by turning someone else in?
If it were so simple, then all the suspects could have just been excused by accusing someone else of their own wrongdoings. What proof would still be needed?
And if anyone could just walk free without any proof needed, then this world would have become a madhouse.
This is such simple logic; but how could this policewoman standing across me not know?
If she knew, then why did she say something so senseless?
“What is in your mind?” The policewoman asked Ning Ran.
“Nothing, please carry on with what you’re going to say,” Ning Ran’s wandering thought was pulled back in reality.
“I’ve made myself very clear. You can get off the hook provided you testify against Nan Chen.”
“Who is going to guarantee that? You? You’re wearing a freaking mask and I can’t even see your face, not to mention knowing who you are. How can I trust you on this?”
“You don’t need to know who I am. As long as you agree to this, I’d get someone to come and take your statements. You only need to tell them that the pills belonged to Nan Chen and you’re only helping him keep them, then you’d be released.”
Ning Ran drew a sharp breath. Who are these people, really? How daring they must be to try to frame Nan Chen!
