Chapter 688: Used as a scapegoat
Yeah, why does it still appear even after I deleted it?
Han Yan couldn't understand it at all.
Qin Ce said coldly, "You've been played."
Qin Ce remembered that Han Yan said at the time that Shi Yi was the one who took these photos. At that time, Qin Ce did have some doubts about Shi Yi's true purpose.
But Han Yan deleted the photos, so he didn't think about it any other way.
He never expected that Han Yan would make such a basic mistake.
Han Yan realized what was happening and asked, "You mean, she made me delete those photos on purpose?"
Qin Ce remained silent.
Han Yan clicked his tongue. "This girl seems quite sensible, how can she be so scheming?"
Qin Ce said, "Let's investigate first. There should be more than just her involved in this matter."
Han Yan agreed.
Even if Shi Yi has extraordinary abilities, it's impossible for her to stir up such a huge public opinion online all by herself.
There must be someone behind this supporting her or helping her do these things.
Han Yan stood up. "Alright, I'll take care of the mess I made."
Qin Ce said in a deep voice, "Try to keep it under wraps and don't let Qin Liang know."
"Okay, I understand."
Although it is known that these photos may have been leaked by Shi Yi, there is no substantial evidence to prove it, and even if we find her now, she may not admit it.
Therefore, Han Yan thought that he should start with the media and websites. As long as the source of the information was found, he would not have to worry about finding out who did it.
"Mr. Han, here is the information you need. Not counting those obscure, unknown websites, most of the news online comes from these few media outlets. I also checked the source; it was submitted by anonymous users. Even the media outlets themselves don't know who submitted these articles."
Han Yan said, "What do you mean? You can't find out?"
"It is indeed a bit difficult. The article was submitted to the media in paper form, without a signature, without handwriting, and not even an IP address, so it is really hard to trace."
"We must investigate, no matter how difficult!" Han Yan ordered. "Even if it's an anonymous submission, the media must verify its authenticity. Who will take responsibility for publishing something without confirming anything?"
He told his assistant, "First, put pressure on the media and reduce the heat as much as possible. We must find the source of the information. They gave us the information themselves, so let them give us an explanation. They dare to publish rumors about anyone. They're really courting death."
"Okay, Mr. Han."
After his assistant left, Han Yan pondered for a moment and decided to go and talk to Shi Yi.
Han Yan found a nice coffee shop. Shi Yi saw Han Yan as soon as she entered. She walked over and sat down opposite him.
A faint smile played on her lips, whether genuinely unaware or feigning it was hard to tell. "Mr. Han, is there something you need that you called me out of your way?"
Han Yan tried to find a clue in her expression, but he couldn't see anything.
He even wondered if he and Qin Ce were being petty, and perhaps those photos weren't posted by him at all.
"President Han?" Shi Yi looked at Han Yan with a puzzled expression.
Han Yan raised an eyebrow. "It's like this, there have been some negative news and photos about Qin Ce online these past two days. I wanted to ask Miss Shi if you are aware of this matter?"
Upon hearing this, Shi Yi looked somewhat worried. "Negative news? Is it serious? Didn't very few people know about Brother Qin Ce's trip to Beijing? How could something like this happen?"
Han Yan shrugged. "Qin Ce, well, his status is what it is. He can't keep a low profile even if he wants to, especially if some people with ulterior motives are watching him. That will only bring more trouble."
Shi Yi appeared completely unaware of the situation. "President Han, I don't usually go online, so I don't know what's going on. But if there's anything I can help with, please let me know."
"I don't need any help, but there are a few photos that are having a significant impact. Those photos look quite similar to the ones Ms. Shi took that day. I called you here to ask, Ms. Shi, are you sure you've completely deleted those photos?"
Shi Yi nodded quickly, "Those photos, didn't you delete them yourself, President Han? I swear, I only took those few pictures, and you deleted them all. Besides, Qin Ce and I grew up together, and I would never do something like that to put Brother Qin Ce in trouble."
Han Yan listened quietly to her explanation.
Her tone and expression were impeccable, giving no indication that she was guilty.
Even so, she was still the most suspicious person, so Han Yan did not believe her explanations.
But Han Yan didn't expose it. After all, if Shi Yi really didn't do it, it wouldn't sound good for a girl like her to be wrongly accused.
"Miss Shi, don't be nervous. I just came to ask a question. I don't mean to suspect you. You know Qin Ce hates nothing more than people doing these kinds of dirty tricks behind his back."
Shi Yi nodded, "I understand. What happened that day was also wrong of me. I shouldn't have taken those photos. But please rest assured, Mr. Han, I will not do anything bad to Brother Qin Ce."
Han Yan smiled and said, "You and Qin Ce grew up together, and the Shi family and the Qin family have a good relationship. I don't want things to get too ugly, so I wanted to confirm beforehand. I'm relieved to hear that it wasn't you."
Han Yan stood up. "Alright, I apologize for bothering Miss Shi today."
Shi Yi also stood up. "It's okay. I'll say it again: if Brother Qin Ce needs my help, just contact me."
After Han Yan left, Shi Yi sat down again. She looked at the scenery outside the window, her fingers gently stroking the rim of her coffee cup, seemingly lost in thought.
She gestured to take out her phone and made a call. After a while, the call was connected, and a man's voice came through, "Hello, Miss Shi."
"What are you doing? Who gave you permission to send it out?"
"I didn't send them. Those photos have always been on my USB drive, and I haven't taken them out yet."
"It really wasn't you?" Shi Yi frowned. "The angles of those photos are exactly the same as the ones I took."
"Really, Miss Shi, I swear it really wasn't me, please believe me..."
Shi Yi's face darkened further. "If it wasn't you, then who was it? Han Yan discovered her taking the photos earlier. If these photos were leaked again, anyone would suspect her. She was just trying to have a backup plan. Who would have thought that these photos would be released like this?"
She had a vague feeling that she was probably being made a scapegoat this time.
Now it all depends on whether Qin Ce can find the real culprit; otherwise, she'll be stuck with the blame.
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