Chapter 23: Resolutely Refusing Settlement

It came to Yang Chen’s ears that he wouldn’t accept a private settlement and insisted on a court trial.Zhang Hengzhi’s arrogance just now vanished, and he said, "Are you dissatisfied with ten thousand? Would twenty thousand work? Your broken car, even brand new, is only worth tens of thousands. Don’t be too greedy!"

Yang Chen chuckled and said, "It’s not about the money. I just want you to bear the burden of a criminal record. You have to compensate for the car, and you’ll be convicted too! Even if it’s half a year or probation, I want you to carry a criminal record for life! Aren’t you so cocky? Let’s see if your dad can wipe that record clean for you."

Given the current situation, even if Zhang Hengzhi ends up with a criminal record, he’d still have no worries about food or drink for life.

But who can say what the future holds?

What if Yao Wu Group collapses, and Zhang Hengzhi becomes a mere civilian?

What if Yang Chen rises to power and wipes out Yao Wu Group, turning Zhang Hengzhi into just another civilian?

Then bearing a criminal record wouldn’t be a pleasant thing.

Things need to progress step by step, without rushing.

For now, let’s just ensure he gets that record.

Zhang Hengzhi chuckled and said, "Trying to scare me, huh? Let’s not discuss whether the court dares to convict me; even if they do, do you think I care about such a criminal record? I don’t need a job or plan to become a civil servant. I’m just waiting to inherit the fortune. Does this record affect me?"

"Who can predict the future? What if your family goes bankrupt? We’ll see. The first step now is to saddle you with a criminal record. The rest isn’t a concern for now. Officers, please file this case. With all these witnesses, let’s proceed according to the law, shall we?" Yang Chen said earnestly.

To file or not, with so many watching, they must take Zhang Hengzhi and his men in; the rest can be discussed at the station.

With deep dissatisfaction, Zhang Hengzhi pointed at Yang Chen, saying, "Little thief, we’ve got an enmity as deep as death that won’t untangle until one of us falls. And Wang Qian Ni, you won’t successfully borrow the money. I will have you, you can’t escape! Ha-ha..."

After saying that, Zhang Hengzhi got into the police car.

As Yang Chen is one of the parties involved, he has to go to the police station too.

According to procedure, the station first attempts civil mediation between parties.

If they reach a compensation and forgiveness agreement, the matter resolves.

If Yang Chen firmly refuses reconciliation, the next step in evidence investigation and legal transfer proceeds.

Though Yang Chen spoke against reconciliation, the police follow procedure, requiring his attendance.

At the station, the deputy director tried to talk Yang Chen into a private settlement, for everyone’s benefit.

Lawsuits consume time, ranging from months to years.

Yang Chen’s stance remained firm; however much Zhang Hengzhi offers, he rejects. He insists on legal action, satisfied even if the court mandates a mere half-year or probation for Zhang Hengzhi.

As Yang Chen said before, he wants Zhang Hengzhi to have a criminal record, irrespective of the sentence’s length or probation.

After a while, Zhang Yaowu, Zhang Hengzhi’s father, arrived.

It’s like father, like son. Zhang Yaowu introduced himself and placed a blank check before Yang Chen for him to fill.

If Yang Chen agreed to settle, Zhang Yaowu would provide the amount.

Yang Chen laughed heartily, saying, "You think I’m stupid, don’t you? If I ask for money, you could accuse me of extortion, getting me imprisoned. Don’t waste your effort, I’m never settling with him. I’ve told the officers, I don’t care about his sentence length or probation. I want him to carry a permanent record."

"Do you think this insignificant record matters to us?" asked Zhang Yaowu with a smile.

"You truly are father and son, arrogant in the same way. If you don’t care, why reconcile with me? Just wait for the court judgment, why waste my time? Officers, my stance is clear, please proceed by law, don’t waste my time." Yang Chen voiced firmly.

Grinding his teeth, Zhang Yaowu asked, "Five hundred thousand? Enough?"

"I’ve said it’s not about money, can’t you understand?" Yang Chen retorted irritably.

Even the most patient reach their limit.

Saying the same thing repeatedly, who can tolerate it?

"One million? No more!" Zhang Yaowu continued.

Yang Chen glared coldly.

"Not enough? Two million, if you don’t agree, handle the consequences! If not for the company at a critical listing, I wouldn’t bother negotiating. Don’t be ungrateful!" Zhang Yaowu insisted.

"Officers, can I leave now?" Yang Chen asked.

"Do you really decline the settlement and insist on legal proceedings for a court trial, right?" asked the officer.

Yang Chen nodded resolutely, "Yes, I’m sure!"

The officer acknowledged, "Sign the statement declining mediation. We’ll proceed legally."

Taking the pen to sign, Zhang Yaowu firmly grabbed Yang Chen’s hand, speaking darkly, "Son, leave a margin for future encounters. You’re young; don’t narrow your path."

"Done with the crap? If so, let go!" Yang Chen retorted.

Zhang Yaowu chuckled and slowly released him.

Yang Chen signed, stood up, and left.

At fifteen, when his parents died in an accident, Yang Chen faced relentless creditors without fear.

How could he now fear Zhang Yaowu’s threats?

His car wrecked, Yang Chen had no choice but to hail a cab home.

Leaving the station, a figure rushed over.

Yang Chen instinctively stepped back, realizing it was Wang Qian Ni.

Opening his hands defensively, Yang Chen said, "What are you doing? Getting frisky at the station entrance?"

Wang Qian Ni giggled, "Didn’t I collect eight hundred from you? I’m delivering service, right? Come, tonight you’re lucky: my 24-year virginity is yours."

Yang Chen laughed, "Thanks, but I fear I’d freeze facing Guan Gong, best leave it be."

Covering her mouth, Wang Qian Ni whispered, "So you do enjoy attacking from behind? How else would you see my Guan Gong tattoo?"

"You act like you know, claiming 24 years of virginity? Buzz off!" Yang Chen barked, hurrying forward to catch a cab home.

Wang Qian Ni promptly asked, "Don’t trust me? Simple, let’s go to a hotel so you can verify, okay?"

Yang Chen shook his head.

"Then why help my family borrow then give me eight hundred?" Wang Qian Ni questioned.

"Purely out of irritation with Zhang Hengzhi’s arrogance, nothing personal, don’t flatter yourself." Yang Chen replied bluntly.

Staring, Wang Qian Ni found it absurd the man she’d only just met dismissed her, a man many desired.

Would letting this man conquer her mean admitting defeat and lack of allure?

He refused her advances; what an embarrassment!

"Spouting this, I must sleep with you. Aren’t men obsessed with first blood? I’m openly offering, don’t be ungrateful. If Dad and Sky Curtain Investment disagree tomorrow, I might settle debts with myself. You’d regret losing the chance!" Wang Qian Ni proclaimed loudly.

Damn, right at the station, around so many, how does she dare say this?

"Do you possess social audacity? Blurting anything. Rest assured, they’ll lend you money, or I won’t agree to invest in Peninsula Group. They’ve invested a year, they won’t abandon the deal. Provided you guard your first blood, none will take it." Yang Chen responded.

Just then, a cab arrived, and Yang Chen departed.

Wang Qian Ni watched Yang Chen’s taxi, remaining motionless.

Regaining her senses, she glanced at her tattoo, her lips curling into a smile.