Chapter Ninety-Four: My Aunt Is Getting a Divorce

"Good, good, good, you really have ambition. All of you, get back and write your self-criticisms. Even among system colleagues, you steal each other’s credit—what a feat," Ye Qidong said three times in a row, clearly furious.

Standing silently behind Zhang Ye, Ye Wenxin and another officer, Zhang Wang, exchanged grateful glances with him. The unpleasantness from their last encounter at the police station immediately vanished.

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle this personally. The credit belongs to whoever earned it—no one can take it away or run off with it,” Ye Qidong assured Zhang Ye, then personally stationed himself in the interrogation room and began the review.

Ye Qidong held Zhang Ye in high regard, not only because of his connections to Yuan Yuqing and Guo Haijun’s daughter Guo Xiangqing but also for his ability to handle matters. His brave fight against thugs the first time, the furious commotion at the police station the second, and now this third time helping crack a major case—all demonstrated his exceptional nature. Moreover, because he firmly stood with Guo Haidong’s side, he knew more than most. This young man’s knack for stirring up trouble was no small matter; several leading officials had already been interrogated and removed from office because of him.

“Zhang Ye, thank you so much this time,” Ye Qidong said as he left. Ye Wenxin quickly came forward and sincerely expressed his gratitude. Being robbed of credit was nothing new to him. From youthful defiance to present-day despondency, he had suffered many losses. His years as a policeman had earned him enough merit. If he could add another substantial case to his record, his promotion hopes would brighten. This truly was an excellent opportunity. If it was snatched away again like before, he would be utterly heartbroken.

“No need to thank me. I just can’t stand their attitude,” Zhang Ye smiled.

“No matter what, you helped us this time. No arguments—tonight, the Liudong Restaurant is on me,” Zhang Wang said with a flush on his face, smiling.

“That’s right, this time I insist on treating you all at Liudong Restaurant. Xiao Wang, you just started working and don’t have much money yet. Let’s invite those other guys too and have a lively dinner,” Ye Wenxin added eagerly.

Unable to refuse such warmth, Zhang Ye nodded.

At that moment, Zhang Ye’s family and several relatives arrived. Liu Boqing had received the full 500,000 yuan, not a cent less, but there was no smile on his face. Today’s events dealt him a severe blow. Zhang Ye’s aunt and some relatives cursed angrily. They had long known Shen Kaixing was no good, but never imagined he would stoop to such deeds.

And then there was Zheng Fan, who usually appeared so honest—proving that appearances can be deceiving.

“Xiao Ye, are you alright? I heard you even got into a fight. Are you hurt?” Liu Meiju held Zhang Ye’s hand and looked him over carefully. This time she didn’t scold him; after all, if not for him, their eldest brother’s money might have been swindled away.

“Let this incident pass, but next time don’t meddle in so many things,” Zhang Haiguan reprimanded lightly, though his face showed no anger.

Because he earned little and Zhang Ye’s achievements weren’t outstanding, he usually felt ashamed in front of relatives. This time, however, Zhang Ye’s actions truly restored his dignity. Though he didn’t fully approve, such loyalty to family matters deserved praise. The only thing that troubled him was the scoundrel Shen Kaixing.

“I wonder how Liu Xin will react when she hears the news,” an unknown relative remarked, casting a somber shadow over the gathering.

“Shen Kaixing is truly a harm to others,” Zhang Haiguan said angrily, his expression dark.

“Have you told Aunt Xiao?” Liu Qianqian asked timidly. She truly admired Zhang Ye this time. With all their money invested in the factory, they would be bankrupt if they lost the funds to buy equipment now that the factory contract was signed. Though her face remained composed when facing Zhang Ye, she felt a warm gratitude inside.

“This matter should be told to Liu Xin,” Liu Meiju said, then hesitated. “Brother, maybe you can talk to the police to try to lessen Shen Kaixing’s sentence.” Since childhood, she had been very close to her sister Liu Xin. Thinking about her husband soon going to jail pained her heart.

“I think it’s better to let Aunt Xiao decide for herself. Given Shen Kaixing’s character, he probably isn’t good for her anyway. This might be a good opportunity for a divorce,” Zhang Ye refused. When someone has done wrong, it’s wrong. Shen Kaixing never treated them as family; why should they treat him as such?

“This kid is asking for a beating. Divorce isn’t something you say lightly,” Liu Meiju scolded, though she considered his words. After all, everyone hated him now.

So the matter was settled.

That evening, at the warm invitation of Ye Wenxin and Zhang Wang, Zhang Ye called Liu Wentao and the others over to eat. Zhao Haidong was also present and regretted deeply when he heard. He begged to join but was pulled back by Wu Dongjun. It was a busy night, and he couldn’t handle it alone.

“Ye, big brother, you’re likely to get promoted now, right?” After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Zhang Ye smiled and asked.

When he arrived, Ye Wenxin’s face was flushed with joy, smiling warmly at everyone—quite different from his usual cold demeanor.

“Ha ha, am I showing it that obviously?” Ye Wenxin was truly delighted today, having drunk a bottle of strong liquor and three or four bottles of beer, his spirits undiminished.

“Brother Ye has already served seven or eight years on the police force and earned enough merit. Now with this case, the leaders hinted that a move might be made. The deputy captain position in the second squad has been vacant for over half a year. I don’t think he can avoid it,” Zhang Wang, somewhat tipsy, spoke candidly, genuinely happy for Ye Wenxin.

“Oh, congratulations, Brother Ye. You know I’m a student and can’t drink much, but for this I’ll finish my glass,” Zhang Ye said, downing his drink.

He wasn’t fond of alcohol to begin with, and after last time’s mishap involving drinking, he was more cautious now and mostly drank soft drinks. The others, seeing his youth, didn’t insist.

“This isn’t certain yet, but this drink must be finished. Cheers,” Ye Wenxin said shyly, still downing his glass.

The lively gathering lasted until around ten o’clock before everyone dispersed.