"Didn't they say the truth of the matter would be announced today? Why is this person so late in arriving? Could they have deliberately led us here and then fled beforehand?"
"I think this is a delaying tactic! They have no intention of compensating and their attitude is simply too awful. How can someone in possession of the truth behave like this?"
"If it were me, and I really intended to run, I wouldn't have had time to move things from the office. My suggestion is that the victims can go up and take her belongings as compensation!"
"..."
As soon as this was said, the crowd instantly became restless. Some, however, were using the guise of victims to try and grab something valuable. But just as they made a move, Chen Lishu appeared, and everyone present fell silent.
At that moment, a man with a scar on his face rushed out of the crowd. He menacingly questioned, "You unscrupulous merchant, showing up only now! Speak honestly, were you hiding upstairs to deliberately delay, actually transferring assets and preparing to escape?!"
Facing the man's interrogation, Chen Lishu's lips curved upwards. She said unhurriedly, "Escape? Why would I escape? To be honest with you all, I was upstairs just now sorting out the evidence for this incident.
I know you all have many questions for me, but there are too many people here. To avoid wasting everyone's time, why don't I ask a few questions to the victims present? If you answer them, I won't say much more. Those who need compensation will be compensated, and those who bear responsibility will take responsibility. So, I now ask the families of the victims to please step forward!"
As soon as she said this, many people's gazes fell on the scarred man, as if seeking his opinion.
The scarred man hadn't expected the actor Qin Lan had hired to be so foolish. He was afraid that if Chen Lishu didn't know they were in cahoots, and Chen Lishu asked about their relationship in front of everyone, how would they answer?
To avoid being cornered by Chen Lishu, the scarred man immediately chose to take control. He cleared his throat and explained, "I have always believed in punishing evil and promoting good. Don't you dare bully honest people just because you know a few characters. With me, Liu Ping, watching, people like you will never get away with tricks!
To all the victims, I am here to represent you. Rest assured and step forward bravely. I have also understood the situation from many people regarding this matter. If anyone cannot answer, I will do it for them! I will not let you be wronged."
Upon hearing this, the hesitant victims seemed to have found their anchor and stepped forward without fear.
Chen Lishu withdrew the unusual look in her eyes, scanned the victims present, and then took out the investigation results that the police comrades had given to Su Nian that morning. She said, "I am extremely familiar with the food hygiene of our company.
If one or two people with sensitive constitutions ate my ham sausage and ended up in the hospital, I could understand it. But to have over thirty people fall ill overnight, I think there's something wrong.
So I sent people to investigate. Guess what I discovered? Over twenty of the thirty-odd victims received a transfer before being admitted to the hospital, and the transfer account was the same. Could this money be ill-gotten gains?"
After speaking, Chen Lishu cast her intensely pressing gaze around the area. The honest and timid people were so frightened that their eyes rolled back, almost making them collapse. Fortunately, they were supported by their companions.
The remaining half of the people remained relatively calm, but their pale faces and cold sweat betrayed them. Qin Lan, watching on television, couldn't help but curse, "Idiot! It's so obvious, who doesn't know you people are up to something?!"
However, Chen Lishu checking their bank statements was something Qin Lan hadn't anticipated. He thought that with her busy handling the affairs of the clothing company and the ham sausage factory these past few days, she wouldn't have the capacity to manage the chaos. Unexpectedly, he had underestimated Chen Lishu.
Seeing that the victims were lowering their heads and remaining silent, Chen Lishu rested one hand on the table, tapping it rhythmically as she spoke, "Confess and be treated leniently; resist and be punished severely. Those who wish to frame me should think carefully. After all, I am a soldier's wife. Slandering a soldier's wife carries more severe consequences than ordinary crimes!
Now I am giving you an opportunity to confess. Perhaps, considering your sincere attitude, I will not hold you accountable for your mistakes. But if you continue to be stubborn, then don't blame me for presenting all the evidence and refusing mediation.
You all have elders and children to care for. Is it worth risking your entire family's happiness for a few dollars? Do you want to be separated from your families and count the days until you can see each other again?!"
At these words, the victims immediately raised their heads and shook them.
Sensing that the situation was slipping out of his control, the scarred man cursed inwardly. He then stepped in front of the victims and said coldly, "Madam Chen, are you threatening these victims?
Don't admit anything! If you do, you'll be aiding and abetting the wicked, letting the culprit escape justice. She can threaten and bully you in front of everyone now! Once you're in prison, it's likely your families will be the ones being bullied!"
This statement, while seemingly a warning to the victims to be wary of Chen Lishu, was actually a threat, implying that they shouldn't compromise, otherwise, he wouldn't hesitate to target their families!
Catching the scarred man's hint, the victims shivered, regretting putting their families' safety at risk for a few hundred dollars!
However, things had already progressed this far. Despite their dissatisfaction, everyone could only grit their teeth and play along with the scarred man, saying, "Brother Liu is right. We will never allow a villain like you to go unpunished! You want to know where this transfer came from? It was a donation from kindhearted people to help with our medical expenses!
Since the incident, you haven't paid a single cent, nor have you directly addressed this issue. Some people took pity on us, and this money was pooled by everyone and donated to the owner of this account, who then transferred it into our accounts. Does Madam Chen have any further objections to this matter?"
Chen Lishu nodded. This explanation was somewhat plausible, but…
Facing their pressure, she took out a stack of documents and placed them on the table, stating coldly, "Yes! You can explain the money, but how do you explain the medicinal components in the victims' bodies?
I have collected blood samples from various hospitals. It was found that the bodies of these victims all contained residual laxatives and unknown medicinal components. What, is this also a supplement donated to you?"
As they saw the examination reports, their right eyelids twitched violently. However, there was strength in numbers. Among so many victim families, some smarter individuals immediately found a reason and stepped forward to retort, "This… who knows if your test report was bought with money? We demand a retest!"
It had been such a long time since the medication was administered; they didn't believe that a retest would still reveal anything adverse!