Chapter 1602: Chapter 928: When It Rains, It Pours—Evil to the Bone
The police’s discovery of kingfisher pelts, accompanied by Tang Wan’s arrest, instantly sparked a frenzy in public opinion, especially since these kingfishers are protected animals.
"Are they even human?"
"Some people really have evil ingrained in their bones."
"Everything has a spirit. Don’t those supporting Cyan Feather feel ashamed after seeing this? It’s insane, please punish them severely according to the law."
"Didn’t Tang Wan’s studio claim they used artificial materials to imitate Cyan Feather? So what are these?"
"Imitation Cyan Feather is nowhere near as valuable as the real thing; without the ’feather,’ Cyan Feather is worthless. Who knows how many of the exhibited items used real kingfisher feathers. The Cyan Feather craft isn’t particularly profound, it’s the scarcity of feathers that makes it expensive."
...
At this moment, all the slander and criticism were directed at Tang Wan.
Anyone daring to speak for her would be attacked, accused of getting paid to whitewash her; how much money did the other party give, and if so, let’s all make money together.
Are you really going to make money soaked in blood? Is that the loss of conscience?
The elderly lady was originally watching a prime-time drama when she received the news and was extremely shocked. Unable to reach Tang Wan, she contacted Jiang Jinsang, who said he was at the police station and told her not to worry.
Many people were calling to express concern; Jiang Jinsang also had to focus on this case and couldn’t manage it all.
Tang Wan was being questioned by the police at that moment, completely unaware of the storm brewing outside.
"...So, you’re saying you didn’t know anything?"
"Even assuming the worst-case scenario where I did use kingfisher feathers for Cyan Feather, it would have been in secret. Now I’m holding an exhibition at the Exhibition Center, which isn’t my studio, why would I transport kingfisher corpses here? Nobody would be interested in such things."
The police officer nodded, finding the matter indeed suspicious. If Tang Wan did arrange this, what was the motive? The purpose?
If it’s merely because she needed materials for Cyan Feather, linking the kingfisher corpses to her is a bit of a stretch; they needed more evidence.
"How many people entered the Exhibition Center today?"
"Today, I had to deliver the exhibits, so there were a lot of people coming and going, making the personnel structure quite complicated."
The officer immediately felt a headache; with so many people, anyone could be suspicious, and the workload of screening was considerable.
In recent years, the public has detested the wanton abuse and killing of animals. This incident involving the Jiang Family was sure to be magnified. The police must quickly uncover the truth.
"We’ve pulled the surveillance and found that these kingfisher bodies were likely transported in with your exhibits. If convenient, we may need to search your studio."
"No problem, I’ll give you the manager’s phone number; he’ll cooperate with you."
**
The investigation and questioning of Tang Wan continued until past ten at night; at present, she was a major suspect but the police needed evidence, so they had not taken other measures against her.
"May I ask who reported it?" Jiang Jinsang inquired.
"It’s really odd; the informant used a voice changer." This was another reason the police found the case peculiar.
Why would you hide your identity as an informant? Perhaps fearing revenge from Tang Wan?
"A voice changer?" Jiang Jinsang mused, though he didn’t linger at the police station. When Tang Wan came out, he took her home.
There were always reporters outside the police station; when they learned Tang Wan had been released, they immediately reported it, sparking heated discussions again.
"Being wealthy and powerful sure is good; just got released?"
"Her husband was waiting at the police station, surely they’ve greased some palms."
"Please ensure justice is served, no wrongful arrests, and no unjust releases."
...
Sitting in the car, Tang Wan scrolled through online comments. Usually, she didn’t think she was so disliked; why did so many people pop up suddenly, so aggressive?
"Grandma, I’ve informed Dad and Mom; Mutang is playing hide and seek with Sese at the old house and went to bed early." Jiang Jinsang watched her from the corner of his eye, "Are you hungry?"
"I’m okay," Tang Wan was messaging Ruan Mengxi, who had many inquiries about her situation, "Just pondering who wants to frame me."
This incident was clearly targeting her.
"Have you recently offended anyone?"
"Probably not. The only potential friction was a failed negotiation, but she wouldn’t go to such lengths just because of that. Those kingfishers aren’t cheap even on the black market; it’s unnecessary."
"Who is it?"
"Someone named Yu Zhen, a web influencer." Tang Wan found her Weibo, preparing to show Jiang Jinsang, discovering she was currently live-streaming.
She cradled a cat in her arms, portraying a deeply ingrained animal-loving influencer image.
"...Thanks for everyone’s donations and support. Regarding Teacher Tang’s case, I can’t comment much, but I don’t believe it’s related to her. She’s very gentle and wouldn’t do such a thing. I’m still very much looking forward to her exhibition; let’s wait for police updates."
Someone commented: [Zhenzhen, will you still attend her exhibition?]
Yu Zhen just smiled and ignored the question, though most comments suggested she was naive and too kind, unaware of people’s treachery.
Telling her to keep away from Tang Wan!
"By the way, I also went to the Exhibition Center today; it’s beautifully arranged. I believe the exhibition will be very successful," Yu Zhen smiled gently.
If it wasn’t for that kick at Lord Wansui, Tang Wan might have thought she was just pretentious; now she found her very fake.
She genuinely wondered how someone, wearing a false mask, could face so many people daily through streaming without feeling exhausted?
...
Tang Wan found it unpleasant and exited the stream, calling Ruan Mengxi instead.
Ruan Mengxi once served as an assistant to Qi Zeyan and now helps Jiang Chengsi manage his club. Her public relations experience was vast, and she was guiding her on how to handle the situation.
"...The public’s sentiment is against you right now; you should issue a statement clarifying that you’re uninvolved and will cooperate with the police investigation, stating your stance," Ruan Mengxi advised, whilst glancing at the three people in the living room.
It was already past ten, yet the two kids weren’t sleepy at all.
Qi Zeyan was supposed to help put them to sleep, but instead...
He ended up playing with them!
With the children’s toys, he was having a great time himself. When his son’s little car first arrived, it’s fortunate he couldn’t fit in it.
Otherwise, with his personality, he’d probably say:
"Let Daddy take it for a test drive."
Seeing his son play with a toy car, he was filled with envy.
Ruan Mengxi pinched her brow, feeling like she was raising three children.
"I know, Uncle Chen has already set things up." Tang Wan acknowledged her concern, "Don’t worry about me; I can handle it."
"If you need any help, just let me know."
"Don’t worry, if I need your help, I won’t hesitate to ask."
Tang Wan ended the call, preparing to contact Chen Zhi, but his call came in first.
"Uncle Chen, I was just about to call you..."
"Listen to me first; something else has happened." Over the phone, Chen Zhi’s anxiety and irritation were palpable.
"What now?"
"Our exhibition venue’s design is being accused of plagiarism."
"What?"
Each exhibition requires careful planning and arrangement for venue design. For Tang Wan’s Cyan Feather exhibition, the Exhibition Center adopted a classical style, with every design meticulously thought out.
The exhibition wasn’t a secret; the completed design diagrams had been online without previous complaints.
Even if some resisted the idea, others supported it, mainly within small circles, until the kingfisher incident brought the exhibition to widespread attention.
Online warriors and self-proclaimed experts were eager to scrutinize everything.
Any mistake by Tang Wan would be amplified.
Especially with allegations of design similarity.
Tang Wan took a deep breath, "Whose design are we accused of plagiarizing?"
"They claim some of our designs overlap with those from Yan’s Jewelry’s exhibitions; the similarity is very high." Chen Zhi cleared his throat, "Someone found out you visited Nanjiang, coinciding with Yan Family’s jewelry exhibition, and so..."
Tang Wan answered in a low voice, "So they’re saying I stole Yan’s Jewelry Exhibition’s concept and design?"
"Yes." Chen Zhi pinched his forehead, "After so many years, finally an exhibition, and now there are so many issues, plagiarism, theft—it’s sheer nonsense. This is clearly..."
Out of frustration, Chen Zhi swore.
Tang Wan merely smiled, "Don’t be upset; the truth will eventually come to light."
It truly is...
When it rains, it pours.
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