165: Chapter 165 Irrefutable Evidence

Leng Yue's expression remained objective and rigorous, characteristic of a law enforcement officer; she did not immediately believe Jiang Chen's side of the story upon hearing it.

As a pillar of the criminal investigation team, she had always been guided by evidence and would never jump to conclusions based solely on a unilateral statement.

Her gaze swept over the accompanying officers beside her as she issued a command in a deep voice: "Immediately retrieve the public surveillance footage from the surrounding roads as well as the internal and external cameras of this convenience store. Make full copies and verify the entire process of the incident step by step."

After methodically arranging the evidence collection, Leng Yue stepped toward the wretched man who was being held firmly by Zhang Heng and Zhao Yiming.

Her steps were steady, and her entire being exuded a natural, awe-inspiring authority of the law. She spoke coldly, "You tell me, what exactly happened? Why are you being restrained here?"

The man in the baseball cap was trembling with fear deep down, but he forced a calm facade, stiffening his neck and shouting his excuses, even managing to squeeze out a face full of grievance and innocence.

"Officer, you can't just listen to his side of the story! I was just heading home after work. Just because we walked the same path for a bit, how does that become stalking? It's clearly this little girl overthinking and misunderstanding. I didn't pay her any mind at all, let alone have any bad intentions!"

He struggled desperately to lift his head, but his eyes were shifty and evasive, not daring to meet Leng Yue's sharp gaze for a second.

Even though he was guilty to the extreme, he still clung to the excuse of it being "on the way," refusing to admit to his stalking behavior.

"I was walking normally the whole time. I didn't touch her, and I didn't block her. Why are you labeling me a stalker? This is simply framing an innocent man!"

Jiang Chen stood to the side with an indifferent expression, watching the man's clumsy performance with cold eyes. There was no extra emotion in his gaze, only a trace of imperceptible impatience.

He had long anticipated that the other party would deny it in every possible way, but there were surveillance cameras all along the route; the evidence was irrefutable.

After a short while, the officer who went to retrieve the footage returned quickly. Holding a tablet, he walked to Leng Yue's side, lowering his voice to report while handing over the screen.

"Captain Leng, the surveillance has been fully retrieved, providing a complete record of this person's movements. He began tailing this girl from the market entrance, maintaining a consistent distance. He even intentionally lowered his cap to avoid detection. His behavior is extremely suspicious; it's definitely not as simple as being 'on the way.'"

Leng Yue lowered her eyes, carefully reviewing the surveillance footage.

In the high-definition images, the wretched man's behavior—following Su Xiaoxi the whole way, frequently peeking, and deliberately hiding his tracks—was captured clearly. All his misdeeds were laid bare.

After watching the footage, Leng Yue looked up at the man with a cold, piercing gaze. Her tone was certain and authoritative, completely cutting off his last chance at making excuses.

"The surveillance is irrefutable! You followed this girl from the market entrance all the way here. During that time, you repeatedly spied on her illegally and intentionally hid yourself. Your explanation has zero credibility."

Standing tall, she informed him of his illegal acts with a clear and powerful voice that echoed through the night.

"I am telling you clearly: even if you haven't committed further harm yet, you subjectively held unlawful intentions and put them into action through stalking and illegal spying. This behavior is suspected of picking quarrels and provoking trouble, infringing on the personal safety of others, and disturbing public order. We are taking compulsory measures against you according to the law, which is fully compliant."

The man stared at his own actions on the tablet, his face instantly turning as pale as paper, his whole body shaking uncontrollably.

The arrogance he had while making excuses just now vanished into thin air. He slumped to the ground, unable to utter another word of rebuttal.

He never expected the roadside cameras to capture his misdeeds so clearly, leaving him no room for denial. Only deep despair and panic remained in his eyes.

Leng Yue said no more and gave a slight nod to the officers behind her. "Take him to the police car and bring him back to the station for further statements and investigation."

Two officers immediately stepped forward, working with Zhang Heng and Zhao Yiming to firmly escort the wretched man to the police car parked by the road.

After handling the scene, Leng Yue turned to Jiang Chen and Su Xiaoxi. Her cold expression softened slightly, though her tone remained efficient and crisp. "I'll need you two to come back to the station with us to cooperate with a simple statement and complete the relevant procedures for the case."

Jiang Chen nodded slightly, his tone flat and steady. "Fine."

As he turned to walk, Su Xiaoxi instinctively leaned toward him.

It wasn't a deliberate attempt to please him, but an instinctive reliance. Having just experienced a scare, she could only find a sense of security by being close to Jiang Chen.

She followed closely by his side, her gaze unconsciously glued to his back. In this strange and terrifying situation, Jiang Chen was her only pillar of support.

Leng Yue gave a slight nod and said no more, turning to signal the officers to wrap up.

Red and blue police lights flashed alternately in the night, and the sound of sirens gradually faded as the police car carrying the suspect drove away from the convenience store intersection.

This stalking incident that had left Su Xiaoxi shaken had finally been completely settled.

Lu Zheng then stepped forward, bowing slightly at Jiang Chen's side to ask for instructions. "President Jiang, I will immediately arrange a private car to take you and Miss Su to the police station."

"Mm," Jiang Chen responded indifferently, walking toward the private car with composed steps.

Su Xiaoxi followed him step for step, her small hand lightly clutching the edge of his clothes. Her movements were so light they almost wouldn't disturb him, yet she was loath to let go of her only source of reliance.

Her heart was full of guilt, feeling that she had caused trouble by wandering off and delayed Brother Chen's important business; yet, if Jiang Chen hadn't appeared in time, she wouldn't have known what to do at all.

To her, Jiang Chen was never just a simple provider, but the only light she could grasp when lost and helpless—her absolute reliance.

The group arrived at the police station by car, and the entire process was simple and smooth.

Jiang Chen stood not far away, quietly waiting for Su Xiaoxi to finish her statement.

This silent companionship had already put Su Xiaoxi's mind at ease significantly.

She remained tense throughout, finishing the signature confirmation as quickly as possible, wanting only to return to his side.

When they walked out of the police station gates, the night was deep, and the evening breeze of Jiang City carried the damp vapor of the river, feeling slightly chilly against the skin.

Su Xiaoxi's small face was still pale, and traces of lingering fear remained in her eyes.

She unconsciously moved closer to Jiang Chen, her hand hanging at her side clenching slightly. Her eyes were full of reliance, yet she was sensible enough not to actively disturb him.

Jiang Chen glanced at her, and seeing her helpless appearance after being frightened, his heart softened slightly.

"Let's go. We'll sit by the river for a while and enjoy the breeze."

As he spoke, he turned to Lu Zheng and instructed, "Arrange a cruise boat, then you may head back."

"Yes, President Jiang," Lu Zheng replied respectfully and immediately went to make the arrangements.

Jiang Chen started walking forward, and Su Xiaoxi followed obediently by his side.

She peeked up at his profile, and the panic in her heart gradually calmed down bit by bit.

As long as Jiang Chen was there, she felt at peace no matter where they went.

When they reached the Binjiang Pier, the exclusive cruise boat was already prepared. The lighting was warm and elegant, providing total privacy, and the crew stood by to welcome them respectfully.

When Jiang Chen stepped onto the boat, his pace instinctively faltered for a moment. Although he didn't look back, it was as if he were waiting for her to catch up.

Su Xiaoxi's heart warmed, and she quickly took two steps forward, carefully standing by his side.

Coming to the deck, Jiang Chen sat down casually on a chair.

Su Xiaoxi took a seat beside him. She was no longer as excessively stiff as before, yet she still carried a bit of docility, her body leaning slightly toward him, instinctively drawing close to her reliance.

The river wind blew past, carrying a hint of chill.

Su Xiaoxi shivered slightly. She didn't dare make a sound, but Jiang Chen noticed it nonetheless.

He casually picked up a thin blanket from the side and handed it over. There were no extra words, yet it was a silent act of care.

Su Xiaoxi's heart warmed as she whispered, "Thank you, Brother Chen," taking the blanket to wrap around herself. Her gaze fell upon the shimmering surface of the river.

After a moment of silence, she gathered her courage and spoke up in her uniquely soft and sweet voice.

"Brother Chen, look at the lights on the river. They're so beautiful."