When Zhan Yichen learned that news about him and Qiao Ningzhi had been released, the matter had already fermented and was known to everyone.
The pressure of public opinion surged, as if the whole world was waiting for him to give Qiao Ningzhi an explanation.
But what occupied his mind was still how to give Mu Linjing an explanation.
Especially when he saw the news, he knew that Mu Linjing must have seen it too, and possibly even earlier than him.
He rushed to the downstairs of Mu Linjing's home, burning with anxiety, but hesitated to go up because he didn't know how to explain himself to Mu Linjing.
From beginning to end, he was completely in the dark about this matter. Everyone told him how to take responsibility, but no one told him the whole story.
His memory still lingered on the wine table. As for how he got home, and how Qiao Ningzhi ended up in his bed, he couldn't remember anything.
Wei Yumeng saw his car parked downstairs and not coming up, so she used the excuse of taking out the trash to come down and find him.
"Sister-in-law, how is Linjing? I saw the news..."
"We saw the news too. You should not come to find her for now. Deal with the Qiao family first, then talk about the two of you."
She had a rough idea of the conversation that took place in Zhan Yichen's apartment last night. Both sides were now pressuring him to give Qiao Ningzhi an explanation, so it was naturally not a suitable time to discuss his relationship with Mu Linjing.
What was unfair was that Mu Linjing was also a victim in this matter, yet no one sought justice for her.
After inquiring about Mu Linjing's situation from Wei Yumeng, Zhan Yichen became more uneasy. However, since Mu Linjing refused to see him, she had no choice but to leave. The news had fermented for several hours and had already sparked heated discussions. The Qiao and Zhan families were pushed to the forefront. Old Master Zhan naturally learned about the matter.
He summoned them all back to the Zhan family. The first thing he did, of course, was to scold Zhan Yichen severely. After the lecture, it was time to sit down and discuss a solution.
"Since things have come to this point, listen to your mother and do as she says."
A strong alliance between the Zhan and Qiao families was definitely something that could make the entire business circle tremble.
Although Old Master Zhan had previously expressed his preference for Mu Linjing, given the current situation, he could not help but consider the future of the Zhan family and Zhan Yichen. In this context, sacrificing Mu Linjing was not a big deal.
When Zhan Yichen heard this, he became anxious. "Grandpa, Linjing is the one I love. Weren't you also very satisfied with her?"
Old Master Zhan glared at him fiercely. "At this point, you still have the audacity to ask me such questions?"
Wen Yulan quickly tugged at his arm, signaling him not to say anything that would anger the old man.
"Mo Han, this matter is decided. You go and negotiate with the Qiao family."
In essence, it was mainly to negotiate with Qiao Ningzhi. It was about their reputations, and it should be handled with caution.
Zhan Mohan conveyed this outcome to Wei Yumeng, which put her in a difficult position. How could she tell these words to Mu Linjing?
She truly couldn't bring herself to say these hurtful words. As she was struggling, she saw Mu Linjing pushing a suitcase towards the bedroom and quickly followed her.
"Linjing, what are you doing?"
While packing her clothes, Mu Linjing forced a smile. "I plan to go on a trip and relax my mind. When I return, I can resume work normally."
Seeing Wei Yumeng's hesitant expression, she had already guessed the general idea. She was not surprised; it was all within her expectations.
Even though Old Master Zhan had no objections to her, she knew her own standing. At this time, she shouldn't harbor any illusions of receiving fair treatment.
She shouldn't let these matters affect her mood. She decided to go out for a walk. Perhaps with a different frame of mind upon her return, she wouldn't find life so unbearable.
Therefore, Wei Yumeng did not stop her. She helped her pack her luggage and sent her directly to the airport the next day.
After she left, Wei Yumeng returned to Zhan Mohan's apartment with the child and asked him about the negotiations with the Qiao family.
Mentioning the matter, Zhan Mohan rubbed his temples with some irritation. "You've likely guessed the outcome. Currently, the two individuals are unwilling. Yichen naturally can't say anything, but Qiao Ningzhi refuses outright. The Qiao family is now at a stalemate."
Hearing this result, Wei Yumeng actually felt a sense of relief. Perhaps if Qiao Ningzhi continued to refuse, the marriage between the Zhan and Qiao families could be called off.
Even if Mu Linjing wouldn't end up with Zhan Yichen, she didn't want to see Zhan Yichen marry another woman at this time and under these circumstances.
Her instinct was simply to protect her good friend from being hurt again and again. As for so-called principles, they seemed less important at times.
At this moment, Zhan Mohan said in a deep voice, "I had Fang Xun check the surveillance footage from the hotel that day. It turns out the surveillance was damaged precisely that day. Do you think that's a coincidence?"
The whole affair seemed too coincidental, making him suspect that someone might be manipulating things.
Their tacit understanding made Wei Yumeng instantly grasp his meaning. "Is it possible that they didn't have sexual relations?"
Zhan Mohan had the same suspicion, but it was now impossible to verify. Both of them were heavily intoxicated and had hazy memories of that day, to the point of remembering nothing.
As for whether they had sexual relations, Zhan Yichen's apartment was a private residence with no surveillance. Moreover, they couldn't force Qiao Ningzhi to undergo medical examinations based on mere speculation.
Qiao Ningzhi would certainly not agree. Furthermore, even if they went to the hospital now, nothing could be detected.
Their suspicion seemed destined to begin silently and end in silence, without any proof. The suspicion was as meaningless as nonsense.
However, with this suspicion, Wei Yumeng refused to give up. She held onto Zhan Mohan and carefully recalled if there were any details they had overlooked.
Zhan Mohan actually remembered something. "You know Yichen's alcohol tolerance. But he told me that day he felt he hadn't drunk much, yet he felt increasingly groggy. Perhaps someone added something impure to his cup."
It would be futile to check the tableware used at that time now. Moreover, the hotel might have been an accomplice.
After much thought, Zhan Mohan decided to take Zhan Yichen to the hospital. It had only been just over 48 hours, still less than 72 hours, so perhaps something could still be detected from his body through laboratory tests.
He explained the reason to Zhan Yichen, and the two went to the hospital. Zhan Yichen was naturally very enthusiastic about proving his innocence.