Chapter 7: Ye Feng Gets Arrested

Ye Feng sat in the interrogation room, his handcuffed wrists resting heavily on the table. The stark, sterile environment felt more oppressive than ever, amplified by the lingering smell that clung to him. His face was a mess, swollen and bruised, a testament to the unprovoked attack he claimed had befallen him. Yet, as he caught Huang Xiya's scrutinizing gaze, he felt a mixture of embarrassment and resentment swirl within him.

Across from him, Huang Xiya maintained her cool demeanor, but internally, she wrestled with the urge to roll her eyes at Ye Feng's attempt to portray himself as a victim. She had seen countless similar cases, and this one reeked of deceit. "In a dead-end street, a few masked strong men attacked you and inflicted injuries on your face?" she repeated, her voice steady but laced with skepticism.

"Yes, exactly! They were professionals, probably part of some gang. I was just minding my own business, you know?" Ye Feng replied, desperation creeping into his tone. "They were after the antiques I bought. It was all self-defense!"

"Self-defense, huh?" Huang Xiya leaned forward, her arms crossed. "And yet, here you are, in the police station, covered in… well, you know." She gestured at him dismissively. "You expect us to believe that a group of masked men just happened upon you in a quiet alley?"

Ye Feng felt his cheeks burn with anger and humiliation. He glanced at the door, wishing he could disappear. "What do you want from me? I didn't do anything wrong! I was just trying to enjoy a peaceful day!" His voice rose, echoing in the small room.

"Tell me, what exactly did you do with those antiques?" Huang Xiya pressed, her gaze unwavering.

"I—" Ye Feng stammered, caught off guard. He needed to think fast. "I bought them from an old vendor. They were valuable! Those thugs just wanted to steal them from me!"

Huang Xiya's expression hardened. "You seem to have a knack for getting into trouble. How do we know you didn't provoke them? You look like the type who attracts trouble." Her tone was clinical, as if she were dissecting his character.

Feeling cornered, Ye Feng's mind raced. "I'm a victim here! Why would I provoke anyone? Just look at me!" He gestured to his battered face, his voice tinged with panic.

"Victim or not, you were found in a compromising situation. We'll need to investigate further," she replied coolly, standing up to leave. "You'll be here for a few days, until we sort this out."

"Days?" Ye Feng echoed, incredulous. "You can't be serious! I have a life, a job! I can't just—"

"Save it," Huang Xiya interrupted, her patience thinning. "You think I want to listen to your excuses? You've made a mess of things, and now it's time for you to face the consequences."

As she left the room, Ye Feng shouted after her, "You can't do this to me! I didn't eat shit!" The words came out in a frustrated roar, but Huang Xiya had already stepped out, leaving him to stew in his anger and humiliation.

The male officer, who had been silently observing, gave Ye Feng a sympathetic look. "Just try to keep your head down, alright? It's not going to help you to lash out like this."

"What do you know?" Ye Feng snapped back, bitterness pouring from his lips. "You're not the one stuck in here!"

The officer sighed, shaking his head. "You're right, but I know enough to say that making enemies in here isn't a good idea. Just wait for the investigation."

~~~

Meanwhile, in the luxurious Ling family manor, Ling Tian basked under the warm sun, relishing the serenity of his surroundings. The plush recliner cradled him comfortably as he savored the gentle caress of the breeze, his thoughts drifting far from the chaos of the police station. The three bunny maids at his side whispered sweet nothings, their laughter echoing softly, adding to the idyllic scene.

Suddenly, the tranquility was disrupted by the approach of Uncle Fu, his face alight with concern. "Young master, we have intelligence that Ye Feng was arrested inside the police station. Should we bail him out?"

Ling Tian's eyes opened slowly, revealing a calculating glint. He dismissed the notion with a wave of his hand. "No need to rush. Let him stew for a while. I'm sure he'll find a way to wiggle out eventually."

Uncle Fu's brow furrowed slightly. "But what if his mother comes to find you? She might not take this lightly."

"Ah, Aunt Wanrou," Ling Tian mused, a smirk forming on his lips. "She wouldn't want her precious son to suffer any harm, would she? I'm sure she'll come to me for help before too long. And when she does, that's when we can negotiate."

The butler nodded, understanding the young master's intentions. "Very well, young master. I'll keep an ear to the ground."

Ling Tian reclined back, a plan already forming in his mind. This situation could turn to his advantage if played right. After all, in his world, every situation was a potential stepping stone, and every person could be a pawn.

As he closed his eyes again, the world faded away, but the underlying tension in the air remained—an intricate web of ambition, power, and revenge just waiting to unfold.

Back in the police station, Ye Feng was led into a small cell, the door clanging shut behind him. He sank onto the hard cot, feeling defeated. The realization hit him: he needed a plan, and fast.

"This stinky woman is deliberately targeting me," he muttered to himself, frustration boiling over. "I'm not just going to sit here and take it. I'll figure a way out of this mess."

With his mind racing, he began to plot his next move. He needed allies, information, and most importantly, a way to turn the situation in his favor. The game was just beginning.

~~~

And thus, the tangled fates of Ye Feng and Ling Tian began to weave together, setting the stage for an inevitable clash that would test their cunning and resolve in ways they had yet to imagine.