Chapter 1508 - 1498: Ink Addiction

Chapter 1508: Chapter 1498: Ink Addiction

Although the woman seemed a bit hesitant earlier, as if she wanted to confess, her words were on the tip of her tongue but left unsaid. It seemed that either her inner fear held her back, or someone had threatened her, making her fear for her and her family’s safety if she spoke out.

Jiang Cheng observed the woman’s expression, trying to gauge her thoughts, and continued, "You can safely say it. With us here, they wouldn’t dare harm you, and your family will be fine."

Only if you speak can we resolve it. Otherwise, we’ll be stuck like this, with the criminals at large, while you endure a living hell every day.

Jiang Cheng paused and continued, hoping to break down the woman’s psychological barriers bit by bit.

The atmosphere around became tense. Each of Jiang Cheng’s words pierced the woman’s heart like a needle, causing waves of pain. Silence fell over the room as Jiang Cheng stopped speaking, and the woman still said nothing. He wanted her to think for a moment. Although he had said much, her earlier expression showed she didn’t completely reject the idea of speaking; perhaps she needed more time.

Jiang Cheng watched as the woman sobbed with her face buried in her hands, a slight curve forming at the corner of his mouth. He took a small sip of water from the table. He could infer what others were thinking from observing their actions or expressions; he always knew how to sense the activities within a criminal’s mind.

Relying on this skill, he had successfully navigated many challenges during the establishment of the company.

After the woman cried, tears still flowed from her eyes, making her seem pitiable. However, Jiang Cheng knew that in such moments, he mustn’t soften. Only by pressuring her in her current state of inner turmoil would she be more likely to reveal the truth.

"I have a two-year-old child. After I go to prison, could you please send her to the orphanage?" This was the first thing the woman had said so far.

Jiang Cheng understood that the result would soon be clear.

He quickly said, "Don’t worry, we’ll arrange everything for your child, sending her to the orphanage. Although you are guilty, the child is not, so rest assured we’ll take care of it, as long as you tell us the truth now."

Jiang Cheng’s words grew firmer, solely to convince the woman to trust him and recount the facts.

"Alright, I’ll tell!" The woman exhaled deeply, as if making a firm decision.

"The tobacco was given to me by the person who hit me earlier. I used to work in a nightclub. That night, the boss mentioned there were some big figures, wealthy individuals, who wanted girls skilled at drinking to accompany them. The boss asked me to go with them," the woman said, tears again trickling down her cheeks.

"Apparently, they specifically requested me. After I went over, I just drank with them. I felt they were a bit wild, but I didn’t pay much attention. We had strict rules, so we couldn’t ask the customers much."

"Then what happened? Please continue," Jiang Cheng softly urged the exhausted woman in front of him. Later, as they drank more and more, I began to feel dizzy. Those people kept insisting, "Drink up, drink up, the master is happy today, keep the master entertained, there’s plenty of money." The woman wiped away tears and continued.

"I persevered and kept drinking with them, but after a while, I felt an indescribable discomfort, a mix of comfort and unease, and soon fell asleep. Later, those people left."

After about two days, I started feeling very uncomfortable, though I didn’t know why. I felt on the verge of collapse when they unexpectedly approached me as I left work, handing me a packet of white powder.

I recognized the familiar scent and used it. After that, I couldn’t stop buying tobacco from them. Just a few days ago, I ran out of money, owing them a lot, and that’s when they beat me, which you’re already aware of.

The woman finished speaking, glancing nervously at Jiang Cheng.

"Is there anything else?" Jiang Cheng reached into his pocket, fiddling with a voice recorder as he asked.

"No, sir. I’ve confessed everything I know. Please, ensure my child is sent to the orphanage. She’s so young; she can’t be left without care, I’m begging you, sir." The woman pleaded with tears.

"Rest assured, we’ll honor our promise to you. Focus on your rehabilitation for now," Jiang Cheng said and then left the room, leaving others to take the woman into custody.

After leaving, Jiang Cheng handed the recorder to Mu Yu and said coldly, "She confessed." A puzzled Mu Yu opened the recorder. After listening, he looked at Jiang Cheng in surprise and said, "So that’s how it happened."

Mu Yu scanned the surroundings and said, "Since this woman has confessed, let’s hurry over. I have a feeling this isn’t a simple matter, and there’s a bigger hand behind it."

"Yan, head to the place the woman mentioned and ensure her child is sent to the orphanage. We’ll discuss the rest afterward. After all, the child is innocent. He’s only two years old; you should go first, and we’ll reconvene later."

After speaking with her team, Mu Yu planned to take the child away. Nevertheless, he felt quite helpless. Although this woman was involved in drug abuse and possibly connected to the tobacco elements, no one wanted to be associated with such matters.

What if the tobacco people seek revenge and hold you responsible? Mu Yu understood the neighbor’s concerns. Although they could place the child in an orphanage, many details remained unclear.

In the end, Mu Yu repeatedly hesitated but decided to bring the child back to the bureau. Returning there, Jiang Cheng glanced at the child in Mu Yu’s arms and asked, "Why did you bring the child back?"

"There’s no choice. At the orphanage, the child’s identity is unclear, and there’s a lot of information we still need to provide; I couldn’t take him there for now," Mu Yu sighed, then asked, "Does this child have a father?"

"This woman’s addiction ruined her family. The father died while earning money, crushed at a construction site. Back then, this woman demanded money from the foreman, who eventually gave some, probably all spent on drugs," Jiang Cheng said, shaking his head in resignation.

"So what do we do with the child now? I’m a grown man without a wife; how can I take care of a child?" Just as he was speaking, Zhang Lin pushed the door open and entered.

She had just returned from an investigation outside, carrying a stack of files. Mu Yu glanced at Zhang Lin and said, "Zhang Lin, don’t you also have a young child at home?"

"Yes, why? My child is over a year old now." Zhang Lin put down the stack of files, took a sip of coffee, and replied without lifting her head.

"Hey, how about taking this child to your home? He’s only a little over two. Given various uncertainties about his identity, we can’t send him to the orphanage yet. We’re all men here, and we’re really not sure how to care for a child."

Mu Yu softened his tone, trying to win over Zhang Lin.