The Villain Slaps The Protagonist’s Halo - Chapter 20 (Patreon)

Chapter 20: Stepson of a Prestigious Family

This wasn't just any matter. Most importantly, Fang Yan had already identified Meng Qian as the mastermind behind Jiang He's murder. Besides Fang Yan's testimony, the authorities also obtained concrete evidence pinpointing Meng Qian as the culprit. The prosecution team was set to quickly bring charges against Meng Qian.

Initially, Meng Qian was already under strong suspicion of money laundering, a crime with a significant amount involved, securing him a sentence of no less than ten years. But now, with the truth about the murder case emerging, Meng Qian's fate of facing the death penalty seemed almost inevitable.

This revelation set off a storm. The entire Moon City erupted in discussions. Onlookers chimed in, affirming their prior judgments about Meng Qian, claiming they knew something big was brewing.

As the case was further investigated, despite things moving toward clarity, it only seemed to deepen the mystery.

Jiang He was Jiang Yang's cousin, and Jiang Yang had always treated him well. Why would Meng Qian want to kill Jiang He? Meng Qian, an artist, was seen laughing and chatting with Jiang He just over a month ago at an engagement banquet. How did things escalate to murder so suddenly? Was there any connection to Jiang Yang?

Quickly, public opinion once again pushed Jiang Yang into the spotlight. The bribery scandal involving the mayor was now linked to the Jiang Family's group of companies. Some even speculated that the entire Jiang Family might be linked to Fang Yan's money laundering case.

Since the night of the engagement banquet, Jiang Yang hadn't had a peaceful day. In just a month and a half, his life had been tumultuous. At barely thirty years old, he appeared worn out, constantly stressed in his office, venting frustration on his subordinates. With the Jiang Family embroiled in such a scandal, inevitable damage struck the stock market. Moreover, the media's reports were beyond his control, leaving the Jiang Family teetering on the brink of collapse once more.

He knew all of this was orchestrated by Yan Su as revenge. From the moment he returned to the country, Yan Su had been watching him closely. He had assumed that with Huo Qing's support, Yan Su would back down. Jiang Yang realized he had been too careless, letting his guard down and allowing Yan Su to take advantage.

But how could Jiang Yang have foreseen that Yan Su could convince the secretary and, through Meng Qian, drag both him and the entire Jiang Family into this mess!

Seven days later, Jiang Yang saw a significantly thinner Meng Qian in the detention center. Pale-faced, dressed in prison garb, Meng Qian was led into the visiting room. His eyes, enlarged by his gaunt cheeks, welled up with tears upon seeing Jiang Yang.

"Jiang Yang..." Meng Qian resembled a frightened deer trapped in a hunter's cage, looking at his fiancé with fear and hope, appearing incredibly pitiful.

In the past, Jiang Yang couldn't bear to see Meng Qian distressed. Even if Meng Qian stayed up late painting, he'd be full of concern. But now, seeing Meng Qian so tormented, Jiang Yang was filled with resentment!

If Meng Qian hadn't helped Fang Yan launder money or assisted in Jiang He's murder, the Jiang Family wouldn't be implicated like this!

"Fang Yan and the person who killed Jiang He have both implicated you as the mastermind. I've arranged the best legal team in the country for your defense. Rest assured, I won't let you be sentenced to death," Jiang Yang sat across from Meng Qian, speaking calmly. "The lawyers will strive for a life sentence. After all, you didn't personally commit the act. If things go well, with good behavior, at most, a reduction of about a dozen years."

Meng Qian's expression changed from despair to disbelief. He looked at Jiang Yang incredulously, "What do you mean?"

With deep affection, Jiang Yang added, "I'll wait for you."

"Meng Qian stood stunned for over a minute before a cold, despairing laugh escaped him. 'Jiang Yang, have you forgotten why I would kill Jiang He? Without the despicable things you did before, why would I harm Jiang He? I did it to protect you! I'm sitting here today to safeguard your reputation! And now you want to pin everything on me? Has your conscience been eaten by dogs!'"

Jiang Yang's indifference remained unwavering in his eyes and expression. He calmly stated, "All your assets have been confiscated. Your grandfather is still in the intensive care unit, with medical expenses totaling forty thousand a day. If you don't want me to cut off his medical fees, keep your mouth shut. You understand what I mean, right?"

Meng Qian, with tears in his widened eyes, trembled while staring at Jiang Yang, unable to believe this was the same person who once vowed eternal love to him.

Jiang Yang, after stating his purpose for this visit, effortlessly buttoned his suit and looked down at Meng Qian. He coldly said, "Rest assured during your sentence. I promised to wait for you without fail. When you come out, the Jiang family will still have a place for you."

With that, he tidied his cuffs and ruthlessly left the meeting room.

Meng Qian's eyes turned red. Despite tears streaming down his face, there was no sign of sorrow, only pure hatred in his eyes.

"Only an idiot would believe your nonsense again. You framed me. Don't think you'll have it easy either. If I die, we'll die together!" Meng Qian stared, unblinking, in the direction Jiang Yang disappeared, gritting his teeth and muttering.

For over half a month, the public had maintained an unprecedented interest in this case. With each shocking revelation, the case's heat remained unabated. Major national websites initially formed special sections for continuous coverage, followed by national channels interviewing the central figures of the case.

However, when reporters initially sought to interview Meng Qian in the detention center, they faced his firm refusal. Consequently, they turned to Jiang Yang as the next option. This was the most influential national channel. Jiang Yang, suffering from being heavily slandered by major media during this period, eagerly accepted the interview.

In front of the camera, Jiang Yang expressed shock and sorrow at the actions of his fiancé, Meng Qian, and tried to justify him. According to Jiang Yang, Meng Qian's impulsive act was due to Jiang He bringing Yan Yu and disrupting their engagement ceremony. Jiang Yang admitted that despite this, he still deeply loved Meng Qian and would wait for him during his sentence.

Jiang Yang didn't absolve Meng Qian of blame. He sincerely apologized on Meng Qian's behalf to the public and displayed his affection. Unexpectedly, some voices emerged defending Jiang Yang, claiming Meng Qian was solely responsible for the situation, and Jiang Yang was just being dragged into it.

After the interview aired, Jiang Yang achieved his goal. More and more people spoke up in his favor. After all, a handsome, wealthy, and affectionate man often easily gained forgiveness. Moreover, the truth was that Jiang Yang wasn't the instigator. Why should he bear the brunt of blame?

They say the public's memory is short, and indeed, it was so. Jiang Yang sighed a few times on camera, and people forgot about the accusations of his deceitful marriage.

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