Chapter 049: Becoming an Honorary Citizen and Settling Accounts

“According to our station’s reporters, a shocking case of food poisoning has occurred in Tangwan Town, Zhucheng…”
“It’s suspected to be a dispute over customers; the owner actually instructed an employee to poison, but ended up hiring a foolish worker…”
“Astonishing! For money, one man caused hundreds of thousands to be hospitalized.”
Inside a room of the Tangwan Town police station, Xu Juncong turned off the radio, his smile brimming as he said, “Boss Zhang, after last night, your fame has grown quite a bit.”
“That’s thanks to you, Boss Xu, for stirring things up,” Zhang Tianfeng replied calmly, “Without you and your friends’ help, I wouldn’t have risen to notoriety so quickly.”
“I don’t quite understand what you mean,” Xu Juncong laughed. “Have you gone mad after being locked up here for a night?”
“No matter, as long as you’re happy.”
With that, Zhang Tianfeng rested his head on the table. “Boss Xu, you came to see me before dawn. Surely it’s not just to remind me of my predicament? I think you ought to lay out your next plan—threats, enticements, or at least ridicule me a bit. Sitting here in silence is rather dull, don’t you think?”
“I really don’t understand what you’re getting at.”
“Oh, switching to riddles now? Then get lost.”
Seeing Zhang Tianfeng’s composed demeanor, Xu Juncong was nearly driven mad.
He had invested enormous resources and manpower overnight to push Zhang Tianfeng to the eye of the storm, then rushed over at the first opportunity to deliver the news, just to see his reaction.
After all, anyone faced with such a situation would show some emotional turmoil. But Zhang Tianfeng seemed to be utterly devoid of fear or panic, an oddity.
In his presence, in his eyes, Xu Juncong found not a hint of change; this little rascal even had the leisure to tease and curse him.
Damn it, do I really have to use my trump card?
Clenching his fists, Xu Juncong stood and said, “I had hoped we could be friends, but since you won’t cooperate, let’s end this here.”
“End it? Indeed, it’s time to end.”
Lu Dingqian entered, followed by a cameraman with his equipment.
“Boss Xu, we have ample reason to suspect you instructed Wang Li to poison. Please cooperate with our investigation.”
“Wow, Boss Xu, you’re being falsely accused as well,” Zhang Tianfeng laughed. “I can already predict the next scene: the Deep City Daily will work tirelessly to clear your name and proclaim your innocence.”
“But you should be careful. Hiring them costs money. How much more can you pour in?”
“Don’t worry, I have plenty, and I’ll surely get out before you do. We’ll see!”
Being investigated was part of the plan, so Xu Juncong showed not a shred of panic and followed Lu Dingqian out.
But as he was about to enter another interrogation room, he caught sight of a large group approaching.
Leading them was an elderly man, unfamiliar to him, but behind him was Zhucheng’s top official, followed by managers from various levels.
A heaviness settled in Xu Juncong’s heart; a foreboding sense crept in.
Bang—the door swung open again. Seeing the group enter, Zhang Tianfeng’s gaze flickered briefly.

“Little fellow, you’ve had a hard time—taking the blame for us, enduring hardship for us!”
“Sir, I don’t know what you mean. I simply did what I felt was right. It was a promise I made to working people.”
“Good, a man who keeps his word, responsible and honorable.”
Chen Youcai laughed heartily and stepped aside, letting the middle-aged man behind him come forward. With evident regret, he said, “Boss Zhang, the matter has been thoroughly investigated. You are indeed not involved.”
“Furthermore, due to our own lapses, many patients did not receive timely treatment. We must thank you for your help yesterday.”
“Rest assured, we will reimburse all your expenses and restore your reputation.”
“Thank you very much for your kindness.”
“No need for formality. Is there anything else we can do?”
“I earnestly ask you to pay more attention to Zhucheng’s employment environment and factory recruitment. Those people aren’t just here for money; they are the backbone strengthening Zhucheng.”
“Understood. We have already begun work in this area—results will soon follow.”
“Also, your actions have shown us the brilliance of humanity and the responsibility of a man. Therefore, the city has decided to name you Zhucheng’s 139th Honorary Citizen.”
“Thank you for this honor. I promise I will not tarnish the title.”
The conversation was brief, the entire exchange lasting less than ten minutes; the officials came and went quickly.
After they left, Gao Ran entered with breakfast and sat opposite Zhang Tianfeng, sharing the meal.
“Hm, it’s my first time having breakfast in a police station. It does feel a bit different. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Who knows, you might have another chance someday.”
“No thanks, once is plenty for me. Leave the blessing for someone else.”
The two ate and bantered, discussing the events of yesterday and today.
After breakfast, dressed and ready, Zhang Tianfeng left the station with Gao Ran.
Liu Jue approached with a microphone, smiling. “Mr. Zhang, we meet again. How do you feel about all this?”
“Feelings? None. I only witnessed the city leadership’s remarkable efficiency, ensuring I wasn’t unjustly accused.”
“And what are your next steps?”
“First, I’ll settle accounts. Within a day, some city’s media feverishly condemned me without ascertaining the facts, even inventing wild accusations, causing tremendous harm to my reputation. I will sue them.”
“How much are you planning to claim in compensation?”
Zhang Tianfeng stepped aside and Gao Ran came forward.
Facing the crowd of reporters, she showed no fear, speaking clearly and forcefully: “The compensation amount will depend on the extent of the defamatory rumors’ spread.”
“At present, Fuhai Law Firm in Hong Kong City has gathered sufficient evidence. We will proceed with the lawsuit and continue collecting more evidence.”

“This beautiful lady, based on the evidence collected so far, can you give us a rough estimate of the amount?”
“It should be around five million.”
In this era, legal awareness was still weak; many people simply had no fear.
But a behemoth like Deep City Daily had to take this seriously, especially since the opposing lawyers were from Hong Kong City.
It wasn’t the compensation that mattered, but the blow this incident would deal to Deep City Daily’s reputation.
Inside the Deep City Daily headquarters, angry roars pierced the thick wooden doors of the manager’s office.
“Are you all idiots? Reporting without solid evidence, and even putting it on the front page!”
“Get out! Head to Tangwan Town immediately and beg Mr. Zhang for forgiveness so they don’t sue us!”
“If you fail, you’ll rot in jail—traitors!”
The door opened, and three pale-faced people walked out.
The portly middle-aged man was Jin Haijun, Xu Juncong’s friend and owner of Deep City Daily.
Next to him was the thin, balding editor Liu Haizhu, in charge of polishing articles and photographs.
On the right was the young woman who had blocked Zhang Tianfeng’s path yesterday for a live interview: Host Hu Xuelian.
They glanced up, and, as if watching a tragedy, quickly lowered their heads.
Jin Haijun sighed helplessly and waved his hand. The three left the building for a nearby café.
“What should we do? That bastard Xu Juncong can’t be reached. His staff say he didn’t come to work today. Is he trying to skip town?” Liu Haizhu returned with his phone, panic written all over his face.
If Xu Juncong really fled, they’d be in serious trouble.
“Doesn’t matter. Getting Mr. Zhang’s forgiveness is our priority,” said Jin Haijun.
“I’ll arrange a car now and hurry over.”
“Why so hasty?” Jin Haijun barked, “You want forgiveness without preparing anything? How can you be so stupid!”
Having been scolded twice, Liu Haizhu’s temper flared. “So what’s your plan? You keep nagging but never say what to do.”
“There is a way—send Xiao Hu.”
“Xiao Hu? She offended Mr. Zhang badly yesterday. You still want her to go?”
“No man can resist a beauty, especially a hot-blooded boy under twenty.”
Liu Haizhu’s eyes lit up, sizing up Hu Xuelian.