Chapter 426

Seeing the worried looks on the leaders’ faces, Lin Jiji was secretly delighted.

He then shot Chenyang a nasty smirk and said, “I was prepared for a storm, but from the looks of things, this one seems to be aimed only at you. It’s not going to land on my head.”

Chenyang retorted sarcastically, “Why wouldn’t it? We’re standing so close. If I get soaked, there’s no way you can just stand there looking cool, right?”

Lin Jiji snorted coldly. “Don’t lump us together. When the storm comes, I’ll have people to hold my umbrella and block the wind. But you… not only will you be soaked to the bone, you’ll be battered and bruised by this storm!”

“Hahahaha, just what I’d expect from a big star. You’ve really got your lines down.”

Chenyang shrugged, snatched the microphone from the beautiful reporter Yao Yadi’s hand, and faced the crowd. “It doesn’t really matter whether you give me a chance to explain myself or not. Because even if I don’t say a word, the truth will soon be laid bare before you. Also, you don’t need to be so hostile toward me. Even if you were given the chance to beat me or ‘punish’ me, you wouldn’t actually dare to do it. That being the case, just quiet down and listen to what I have to say. After I’m done, whether you want to protect your idol or play the hero, I’ll be ready for whatever you’ve got.”

Hearing this, the expressions on the faces of the crowd flickered with uncertainty.

They dared to hurl insults because with so many people yelling together, even if they cursed out eighteen generations of Chenyang’s ancestors, he couldn’t possibly hold them all responsible.

But fighting was a different story. The police and the officials were right there. If anyone dared to rush forward and start something, they would definitely be arrested long before Chenyang was ever “punished.”

So, in those few short seconds, even though everyone was still furious with Chenyang, no one said another word.

Chenyang seized the opportunity to continue, “I’ll just make three points. First, if I have done wrong, I will accept everyone’s judgment. I would even demand that the city leaders and the heads of the relevant departments punish me publicly, right in front of you. Second, I won’t argue about who is right or wrong, and I won’t waste any more time with useless talk. You can all judge for yourselves shortly. Third, and most importantly, it was my idea to ask Mr. Lin to let me explain, not his. As a leader, he simply wanted to give me a chance to speak publicly. He isn’t being biased and has no intention of protecting me. If you’re angry, direct it at me. Don’t drag innocent people into this.”

Seeing Chenyang defend him, Lin Yongkun was visibly moved. After a moment’s hesitation, he snatched the microphone back and said in a low, serious voice, “My relationship with Chenyang is not what you think. Of course, I know you won’t believe me just saying this. So, I am willing to stake my official position as a guarantee. If Chenyang cannot produce evidence to prove his innocence, I, Lin Yongkun, will resign from all my posts to the Municipal Party Committee and the City Government, right here in front of all of you!”

Hearing this, the crowd’s expressions turned to shock.

Many people present knew that Lin Yongkun was no ordinary official. To wager his position and political future required immense courage and confidence.

Win the bet, and everyone would be happy. Lose, and his life would be completely ruined.

This point alone was enough to move many people in the crowd.

After all, if he wasn’t certain that Chenyang was innocent, Lin Yongkun would never have made such a wager!

At that moment, many in the crowd secretly wondered, ‘Have we really misunderstood Chenyang?’

Of course, Lin Jiji’s fans, and the people who were already convinced they knew the truth, thought Lin Yongkun was just putting on a show.

“A high-ranking official like you? How could you just resign like that? Even if you wanted to, your superiors wouldn’t allow it. In the end, it’s just empty words.”

“Exactly! I think you’re just taking advantage of the fact that people don’t understand how this works, deliberately putting on this big display to fool everyone.”

Lin Yongkun gripped the microphone and shouted, “If you don’t trust me, surely you trust Vice Mayor Zhang! Let him bear witness to the oath I just made. Furthermore, you can record this on audio or video. If I go back on my word or fail to do as I said, you can come and raise hell at the City Hall anytime you want.”

With that, he handed the microphone to Zhang Hongtu. “Vice Mayor Zhang, please say a few words.”

Zhang Hongtu frowned and whispered, “Are you really going to do this?”

“Yes.”

“If this goes wrong, your political career will really be over.”

“I believe in Chenyang!”

Zhang Hongtu’s lips twitched. After a moment’s hesitation, he took the microphone and gave the crowd his guarantee in the name of the Municipal Party Committee and the City Government.

This time, the clamoring people finally fell silent.

But Lin Xiaoyue was having none of it. She grabbed Lin Yongkun’s arm. “Uncle, have you lost your mind? Is it worth doing all this for a criminal like him?”