Although Qi Heng was furious, the group of troublemakers in front of him were no ordinary people. If he didn't handle it properly, it could cause a huge mess. So he had to suppress his anger and remain restrained.

He took a deep breath, grabbed the megaphone, and shouted, "Gentlemen, many of you are our institute's senior members, former leaders, and researchers who are quietly contributing to scientific and technological progress. How can you make a fuss over some unfounded rumors? Our institute, as a key national research center, has always adhered to the principles of rigor, science, and fairness..."

"Stop talking nonsense and let my sister Lele go!" Zhang Tianhao's shout directly interrupted Qi Heng.

“Xiao Qi, Lele is the old director’s only granddaughter. The old director has only been retired for a few years. Aren’t you afraid that doing this will break his heart?” An old man, supported by two middle-aged men and women, stood up shakily. His voice was weak, but it carried an undeniable authority and emotion.

Qi Heng frowned. He naturally recognized the old man. His name was Deng Xuelin, an academician of the Daxia Academy of Science and Technology. He had served as the vice president of the academy and enjoyed a high reputation in the entire Daxia scientific community. Even now that he had retired, his influence was still considerable.

Qi Heng dared not be negligent. He immediately adjusted his tone, making it more gentle and sincere: "Elder Deng, although Lin Lele is the granddaughter of the former dean, since she made a mistake, she must bear the corresponding responsibility. Our Academy of Science and Technology is a place that values ​​rules and order, and no one is exempt. As a former leader of the Academy, you should understand this even more, shouldn't you?"

"Hmph! Don't give me that official talk. We've watched Lele grow up since she was little. Do you think I don't know what kind of person she is? Although she's mischievous and willful sometimes, she's kind-hearted by nature and would never do anything against her principles!" Deng Xuelin said, tapping his cane, his eyes gleaming with an undeniable light. "No matter what, release her first!"

Qi Heng smiled wryly: "Elder Deng, Lin Lele has spread rumors and maliciously slandered the leaders of the Academy of Sciences. The impact is extremely negative, and this is a fact supported by conclusive evidence. We cannot condone and tolerate her just because she is the former president's granddaughter. Otherwise, how can we explain this to the entire academy?"

"You say my sister Lele is spreading rumors? And you even slander the leaders of the Academy of Sciences? Just say he's exposing your true colors, aren't you feeling guilty?" Zhang Tianhao interrupted emotionally, staring intently at Qi Heng as if trying to see right through him.

Upon hearing this, Qi Heng's face darkened, and he said in a deep voice, "Zhang Tianhao, you really just spout nonsense. Do you know that you are provoking trouble? Do you think that just because your father is the dean, I won't dare to arrest you?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tianhao immediately squeezed into the crowd, which gave him a slight sense of security. Then he shouted again, "Qi Heng, don't try to scare me with that. I'm not easily frightened. Let me tell you, I've already told my dad about this, and he'll be here soon! Release my sister Lele right now, or you'll be in big trouble!"

Upon hearing this, Qi Heng narrowed his eyes and ordered his men, "Arrest Zhang Tianhao!"

"Stop!" Deng Xuelin shouted. "Qi Heng, Minister Qi, we old guys aren't dead yet, and you dare to commit violence in front of us!"

"Mr. Deng, you've misunderstood," Qi Heng quickly explained, stopping his subordinate. He realized his order might have been too harsh, failing to consider the atmosphere and the feelings of the older generation. "I didn't intend to harm anyone; I just wanted to maintain order and ensure the investigation could proceed smoothly. Zhang Tianhao's actions did constitute disorderly conduct, but I had no intention of hurting him. I just wanted him to calm down and cooperate with our work."

"Qi Heng, stop putting on airs." Chen Yu stepped forward, speaking sternly, "Don't forget, this is the Academy of Sciences, a research institution. Your Armed Forces Department is, in essence, merely an external force protecting the personal safety of researchers and the research environment. The Academy of Sciences pursues truth and innovation, not power and suppression. Whatever the truth of Lin Lele's matter, it should be resolved through reasonable procedures and a transparent investigation, not by threatening and suppressing us in this way!"

"That's right. You say Lele is spreading rumors and making false accusations, then we should refute that with facts, not arrest her directly!"

"Yes, find out the truth and let the facts speak for themselves, instead of using power to silence people!"

…………

The crowd echoed loudly, and even some of the armed forces soldiers began to waver.

Seeing this, Qi Heng knew that it would be impossible to get things done without presenting substantial evidence to everyone. So he took a deep breath and said, "Fine, I'll give you this explanation! Didn't Lin Lele say that I was embezzling money and hoarding supplies at home? Then let's conduct a surprise inspection on the spot and expose my residence to everyone's view. Let the facts speak for themselves."

"Are you all satisfied now?" Qi Heng asked, staring intently at Chen Yu.

"Hehe, since Minister Qi has a clear conscience, we naturally have no reason to object," Chen Yu said with a smile.

The others nodded in agreement.

Immediately afterwards, the large group of people followed Qi Heng to his residence.

The group included people of all ages, researchers, and soldiers from the armed forces. Their faces were filled with complex and expectant expressions, as if they were about to witness a contest of fairness and trust.

"Chen Yu, you're quite something. I've been busy lately and haven't had time to deal with you bunch of wolves with ulterior motives. I didn't expect you to provoke me like this. From today onwards, we'll have to have a proper talk about your affairs!" Qi Heng thought to himself, but remained outwardly calm as he led the group toward his residence.

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