189 Negotiations

Shen Xi explained the situation to the security guard, doubtful of Guan Lei’s claims. She prepared to go back to bed after she had settled the matter.

With Guan Lei’s injury to his back, Shen Xi did not dare to cover him further up than his waist. She then lay on the bed next to him.

Guan Lei’s grip on Shen Xi’s hand tightened as she drew closer. He closed his eyes, bliss overtaking his features.

Once he was sure Shen Xi was asleep, Guan Lei picked up his phone and sent a text to Xue Li.

He left her a message, instructing her to handle matters regarding the assault on him and Shen Xi.

Not knowing all that had transpired, Jiang Xue smirked in smug satisfaction. She said to Su Ni, “You did well. I’ll ask my father to lend the Su family a hand and give you all an opportunity to cooperate.”

Su Ni balled her hands into fists that shook at her sides. She wanted to shove Jiang Xue to the ground and beat her up, but she maintained an obsequious smile on the surface. “Thank you, Jiang Xue. You’re such a good person!”

Jiang Xue snorted coldly, strutting away in arrogance. Su Ni’s eyes were red, and she had trouble stopping herself from crying.

As soon as she returned to her dorm, Su Ni rushed into the bathroom and slammed the door shut, spending half an hour inside to herself.

Xue Li sprung into action upon reading Guan Lei’s message, gathering all her men to deal with the matter now on her lap.

It was not long before she learned that the eight assailants were being held in police custody, and Xue Li quickly put her men to work, directing them to the police station in question.

The police were taking statements when they arrived, a copy of each transcript soon finding its way into Xue Li’s hands.

The eight intruders pleaded guilty; however, they pointed at the one who fought the fiercest in the observation room, saying he was the ring leader. The rest confirmed their participation as a matter of cooperation, not out of some dispute or vendetta with Shen Xi.

Due to their admittance of guilt and the fact that Guan Lei’s injury was only minor, they were only sentenced to three years in prison.

However, the lawyer that Xue Li brought objected.

The lawyer argued that all eight of them were equally guilty and that it was clear they had the intent to cause serious harm or injury through their actions. It was not a matter of recklessness or a small spat among friends. It was a premeditated attack, not some misunderstanding or a prank that had gone too far.

The police did not expect Xue Li’s lawyer, who acted for Guan Lei and Shen Xi, to respond as severely as they did, calling for a greater sentence.

The lawyer spoke on behalf of Xue Li and her clients, expressing their wish to communicate with the eight people detained. The officers, seeing nothing wrong with the request, allowed them through.

Xue Li regarded the eight captives with indifference. Smiling ambiguously, she prompted, “Just because you confessed to your crimes does not mean that your sentence will only last three years. What happens afterwards? Do you think your lives will still be the same upon release?”

They looked at one another, wondering how best to respond. Admitting to the crime had always been a part of the plan. Even if they failed to complete the assignment, they would still receive half of the promised money. All they needed to do was weather three years in prison before they were home free, their pockets lined with money.

The barely veiled threat in Xue Li’s words made them reconsider.

“Don’t be afraid. I’m here to help. As long as you cooperate, the Young Master is willing to sweep things under the rug and explain the situation as an unfortunate misunderstanding on everyone’s part,” Xue Li spoke earnestly, her words the sweet promise of freedom.

The eight of them eyed Xue Li warily. “Why would you help us?” One of them asked.

“Our Young Master holds great sway in Rongcheng. What happened earlier could result in some unfortunate rumours, which would put him at a disadvantage. If it makes swallowing easier, you can think of us as spending some money and energy to buy your words,” Xue Li shook her head helplessly.

None of them had anticipated such an answer, but it made sense when they put what they had seen into perspective. Two men sharing a room with a woman would not leave a good impression on most, and a few had their thoughts drifting to certain unsavoury explanations.

Since the other party had opened that can of worms, it would be not very smart of them not to try to extort as much as they could.

Although they did not know which of the two men happened to be the so-called ‘Young Master’, it was of little consequence. They would know the answer soon enough.

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