Jiang Wanqing's words were not so tactful, and everyone knew who she was referring to. Cheng Ran's parents exchanged a complicated look.
"You...do you have any evidence to prove it..."
Before Cheng's mother, that argumentative woman, could finish speaking, Jiang Wanqing retorted directly.
"Would I say that without evidence? Would Wang Duo have been arrested without evidence? It's a fact that he killed someone. Even if he didn't kill anyone, his actions over the years are enough to put him in jail for the rest of his life!"
Her words were firm and resounding. Cheng Ran stood firmly beside her, looking at his parents.
"As you requested, we have returned and made our position very clear. What else do you have to say?"
Originally, she thought it was just a minor matter of cheating, but she never expected that it would actually involve a life. At this moment, Cheng's mother's confidence suddenly wavered. She swallowed and lowered her voice slightly.
"Fine, even if there's no turning back on Wang Duo's matter, you still underestimated its impact. Now, your father's and my old friends are starting to distance themselves from us. We're getting old, and we've ended up being abandoned by everyone. Cheng Ran, is this how you repay our kindness in raising you? You've really forgotten your parents after getting married!"
As she spoke, Cheng's mother still became somewhat angry, and her tone unconsciously became even harsher, but Cheng Ran just snorted coldly.
"Being alienated by those scheming and despicable people may not be a bad thing. If they had nothing to hide and a clear conscience, why would they be so angry and ashamed? Don't you know that Chief Ji was involved in bringing down Wang Duo? Dad, as a veteran, you must know about him, right?"
Mr. Cheng's mouth gaped open wide enough to fit an egg. Had he really been deceived to the point that he didn't know such important information?
"You're not lying to me?" he asked, frowning.
"Whether I'm lying or not, you'll know when you come with me to visit Chief Ji. His son participated in the research institute's assessment as an ordinary person, but was implicated by Wang Duo's underhanded dealings and was unable to make the admission list. You've already seen the consequences. Don't get the priorities wrong, or it will be you two who implicate me and Wanqing, not us."
Cheng's mother staggered two steps and fell onto the sofa, her hand on the armrest, her face pale and frightened.
When they arrived at the old house, Cheng Ran was there to fight, and Jiang Wanqing could easily watch the farce unfold from behind him, rising dramatically and then quietly fading away.
"If there's nothing else, we'll head back. We've been busy with the investigation these past few days and haven't spent much time with Nannan. You two should think this through carefully, and it's best not to get lost in the illusion of being abandoned by everyone these next few days."
Having said all he needed to say, Cheng Ran didn't think his parents were stupid. As long as they understood, that was enough. After he finished speaking, he pulled Jiang Wanqing away from home to avoid being disliked by his parents again.
After the two left, Cheng's mother moved to sit next to Cheng's father, her expression still not recovered.
"Old man, what do you think? About Wang Duo's matter..."
“Cheng Ran is right. No matter how good our friendship is, we must be extremely cautious when it comes to matters of political stance. Even Chief Ji has been taken over by JD.com, so it’s probably not that simple. Even if there are conflicts among our own people, we can resolve them internally. We still can’t be easily provoked by outsiders.”
Mr. Cheng clenched his fists, showing he wasn't senile. Mrs. Cheng fell silent after hearing his words, and only spoke after a long while.
"So what do we do next? Those old buddies keep saying they'll stay away from us, but the calls to find out what's going on haven't stopped..."
"I'm staying home these days and not seeing anyone. I need to be careful when answering the phone; I can't just answer every call."
"We can only do as you say for now. It's such a tragedy. How did things come to this?" Mother Cheng sighed.
...
Jiang Wanqing's reputation was once again enhanced in the industry, and a new director was directly appointed to manage the research institute. The new director was a former student of Professor Xue, making him her senior.
When she and Cheng Ran returned to the research institute, Xiao Wei reported something that made them happy.
“Look at these,” Xiao Wei said, pointing to the stacks of resignation letters on the table. “Most of Wang Duo’s cronies have already resigned. There are still some stubborn ones who don’t believe in fate and are waiting for the exam.”
"Then let them take the exam. If they are truly capable, it's not impossible for them to stay. Now that they have no backers, they can only rely on their abilities to succeed. Whether they can do it or not, the exam results will tell."
"You're right, the new director is already arranging for us to prepare for the exam. There's absolutely no chance of anything going wrong this time!"
Xiao Wei was full of fighting spirit. Before, under Wang Duo, she could only coast along and protect herself. This time, she could finally be herself and do something truly useful for the institute.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Director Xiao."
"Hey, what are you saying? I'm actually a little ashamed."
Since the major reshuffle at the institute, Xiao Wei has been promoted one level, from deputy director to director. So Jiang Wanqing calls her Director Xiao directly, which makes her a little uncomfortable. She scratches her head shyly.
"I'm not talking to you anymore. We need to meet with the new director and report to him. You're busy."
"Okay, you can go ahead. If you need anything, just let me know. Don't be shy and don't hesitate to bother me."
"knew."
After leaving Xiao Wei's office, Jiang Wanqing and Cheng Ran went to the director's office.
The new director was named Wan Qing, a bespectacled, refined, tall and thin man with fair skin. As soon as they entered, he immediately stood up to greet them and shook hands with them one by one.
"Oh, Comrade Jiang, Comrade Cheng, it's great to finally meet you. The institute can't function without you."
Wan Qing had a kind expression and poured them tea, looking at Jiang Wanqing with particular attention.
"Junior sister, is it alright if I call you that? Professor Xue entrusted you with such an important task, and you completed it so perfectly. It's clear that your abilities lie not only in your research but also in handling official business. I've also heard that your factory is thriving. You're truly a multi-talented person!"
Uh… he's a senior brother, but he's praising her like this, which made Jiang Wanqing blush a little. It's a very normal thing, but he's praising her to the skies…
"Hehe, senior brother, you flatter me. My mission is complete. Now it's up to you to lead the research institute to new heights."
"Yes, Director Wan has just arrived, and the institute has a brand new look. Everyone is looking forward to recruiting talents and making more and better achievements under your leadership."
In return, he praised Jiang Wanqing, and Cheng Ran praised him in return, achieving a strange balance between them, and then they smiled at each other.
"Hahaha... With your cooperation, I believe a new peak is just around the corner!"
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