Life and Death Insurance – CH 011

Chapter 11

Xiang Tian hurriedly said, “I’m sure it was 6:30, because I heard Mr. Ling is very busy on weekends and rarely stays at home, so I went early on purpose.”

“According to your testimony, after Mr. Ling yelled at you and sent you away, you waited downstairs for a while and then went back up to find him, but he molested you…”

“Officer Chu, that was just a misunderstanding! I was joking with Mr. Xiang!” Ling Zhengzhong quickly emphasized.

Although he had experience going to bars with men, he couldn’t bear the unfounded charge of harassing and assaulting a man.

Chu Feng glanced at Ling Zhengzhong and continued, “Since you were jokingly assaulted by Mr. Ling, why did you still go to visit him?”

Cousin, could you please not ask so many questions?

Knowing that his cousin’s idle curiosity was at play, Xiang Tian couldn’t help but give the upright Chu Feng a reproachful look, which immediately conveyed his sense of duty and asked him to forgive him.

“Because Mr. Ling was a bit drunk the last time, I thought it would be better to visit him at another time, so I went for the third time. That’s when I heard Mr. Ling mention that he was framed.”

“Are you sure he was very drunk when you first visited?”

“Yes, he was unsteady on his feet, and his breath reeked of alcohol.”

“That damn cop! I wasn’t even fully sober when I saw you, yet you keep pestering me with questions. Are you determined to make me a suspect?”

Ling Zhengzhong originally wanted to give the Chu Feng family another dressing down, but considering Xiang Tian’s cousin relationship with him, he reluctantly gave up.

After gathering evidence for two hours and thirty minutes, Ling Zhengzhong was eventually deemed innocent. When he and Xiang Tian left the police station, it was already past nine o’clock at night.

Outside, it was pitch black and bitterly cold. Large snowflakes danced in the dim light of the streetlights, and a thin layer of snow had already accumulated on the road. The cold wind carried a penetrating chill.

“Finally, my name has been cleared!!”

Ling Zhengzhong shouted as he stepped out of the police station, releasing all the resentment that had been building up inside him.

Seeing the overjoyed Ling Zhengzhong, Xiang Tian, ​​who had come out with him, couldn’t help but smile.

His first impression of this man was indeed terrible, but his deliberate flirting the second time, his pathetic behavior the third time, and his utterly embarrassed appearance at the police station just now all made Xiang Tian find this man both funny and amusing. This was a completely different version from the refined gentleman in the newspapers, making Xiang Tian very curious about which image was the real him.

“Mr. Ling, congratulations on your exoneration. Now that the matter is resolved, let’s part ways here,” Xiang Tian said with a professional smile.

“Wait!” Ling Zhengzhong quickly grabbed Xiang Tian, ​​who was about to turn and leave.

“Without your help this time, how could I have cleared my name so quickly? It’s been so long; you haven’t even had dinner yet. Come on, it’s my treat; let’s go get something good to eat.”

“No need; it was just a small favor, Mr. Ling…”

Before Xiang Tian could finish speaking, Ling Zhengzhong grabbed his hand, hailed a taxi without explanation, and urged him to get in.

“Anyway, I haven’t eaten either; let’s eat together. Don’t be so formal, calling me Mr. Ling; just call me Zhengzhong. That’s what my friends call me.”

Unable to refuse Ling Zhengzhong’s enthusiasm, Xiang Tian had no choice but to go along with it. The two got into a taxi and drove to the bustling city center.

“No way? How come everything’s packed?”

To express his gratitude, Ling Zhengzhong had dragged Xiang Tian to several of his usual upscale hotels. Unexpectedly, every single one was completely full. At the last hotel, before even entering, he could see a long queue of customers through the glass window. Frustrated, Ling Zhengzhong gave up without even stepping inside.

“Um… Mr. Ling, have you forgotten that today is Christmas? Couples are all out for Christmas set meals, and with the end of the year approaching, many companies are also holding New Year’s celebrations, so it’s probably very difficult to get a table at this time.”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

Without thinking, Ling Zhengzhong blurted out a complaint. Only after the words left his mouth did he realize that the person in front of him wasn’t his best friend with thick skin. Looking at Xiang Tian’s slightly embarrassed face, he really wanted to kick himself.

“I’m so sorry. I… I didn’t mean it that way. I just thought of you as my best friend. I’m not very tactful with friends, so please don’t take offense.”

Xiang Tian smiled slightly. “It’s alright.”

That sudden complaint had really startled him, but seeing the other person immediately and flusteredly apologizing, Xiang Tian found it somewhat amusing. This Ling Zhengzhong was quite interesting.

“Mr. Ling…”

“Zhengzhong, Zhengzhong!”

“Zheng…Zhong…, I know a really good spicy hot pot restaurant nearby. I doubt couples would go there for Christmas. Do you eat spicy food?”

“Sure, sure! I love spicy food! Let’s go to the place you mentioned.”

Ten minutes later, Ling Zhengzhong arrived at the Li Ji Spicy Hot Pot Restaurant with Xiang Tian. Looking through the window at the packed restaurant, he sighed, “Looks like it’s full too.”

“No problem, there’ll definitely be seats.” Xiang Tian gave Ling Zhengzhong a sly smile, opened the door, and gestured for him to go in.

As soon as he entered, a unique spicy aroma wafted out. The room was steaming, and every table was surrounded by people. It seemed to be a very popular restaurant.