Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Not long after Luo Qianjian hung up the phone, the steward on duty for this time slot, Mr. Zhao, received a call from the front gate and rushed into the dining room where dinner was about to begin.

"Sir, Madam, Young Masters and Misses - the police have arrived at the gate, saying someone in the house called them."

A single stone stirred up a thousand waves.

Luo Qianjian sipped his appetizer soup elegantly.

"Called the police? Who did it? Why?" Luo Chen asked with a frown.

Mr. Zhao: "The police haven't said yet..."

"I did it," Luo Qianjian said lightly. "Mr. Zhao, please invite them in first."

The rest of the Luo family were quite surprised, feeling that Luo Qianjian was stirring up trouble again. But since the police had been called and couldn't be stopped outside, they could only tolerate Mr. Zhao following Luo Qianjian's instructions.

While waiting for the police to arrive, Luo Qianjian continued eating, which infuriated Luo Chen.

"Luo Qianjian, explain yourself," Luo Chen said coldly.

Luo Qianjian sighed. "Dad, don't worry. The police will be here soon if they're at the gate. Rest assured, it has nothing to do with you and Mom."

Hearing this, Luo Chen and He Ruyan indeed relaxed a bit.

Four police officers arrived in response to the call - after all, Luo Qianjian mentioned unlawful imprisonment, and this was the Luo residence; fewer people might not suffice.

When the police sternly mentioned "unlawful imprisonment," everyone present except Luo Qianjian was taken aback, then looked at Luo Gongyou simultaneously.

There was no way around it; the most obvious case of confinement in the household was Luo Gongyou, who still had that pretty face in her room.

Luo Gongyou laughed in frustration, asking Luo Qianjian, "Qianjian, when you called the police about unlawful imprisonment, you weren't referring to your second sister, me, were you?"

Luo Qianjian was helpless. "Second Sister, I didn't want to do this, but Yusheng is truly pitiful. He kept begging me to help him gain freedom."

"So you called the police? Luo Qianjian, do you even know what you're doing!" Luo Gongyou was incredulous.

The others in the Luo family also expressed shock and disapproval, saying that Luo Qianjian's rebellious act was too much this time, involving outsiders like the police. What would other families think of their Luo family...

Luo Qianjian chuckled softly.

Wasn't this how domineering CEO novels always seemed to lack police and law? He couldn't resist giving it a try.

The effect was good.

The police officers interrupted the Luo family with righteous indignation. "Reporting criminal behavior is absolutely the right choice. What are you doing! Also, hearing you say that, are you admitting to the crime of unlawful imprisonment? Where is the victim now?"

"No, it's just a misunderstanding," Luo Gongyou regained her composure. "My boyfriend and I had a disagreement. My brother misunderstood and rashly called the police. If you don't believe me, I'll take you upstairs, and you can ask my boyfriend yourself whether I've confined him."

The Luo family and the police officers went upstairs together.

Arriving at Luo Gongyou's door, the police confirmed with the complainant, Luo Qianjian, "Is this the place?"

Luo Qianjian nodded.

Luo Gongyou opened the door speechlessly. "See, I didn't even lock the door. How could I have confined him?"

Hearing the door open, Bai Yusheng first hid behind the sofa out of habit, then cautiously peeked out upon realizing there were more people than usual entering.

"Bai Yusheng? Come out!" Luo Gongyou shouted impatiently.

Bai Yusheng was stunned to see the people in police uniforms.

Luo Gongyou disliked his cat-and-mouse behavior and became even more impatient, pulling him out from behind the sofa and pushing him in front of the police.

"You see, he's perfectly fine here, well-fed, well-dressed, and living comfortably. I didn't lock the door or tie him up in the room. How can this be considered unlawful imprisonment? Ask him yourself if I confined him," Luo Gongyou said irritably.

Bai Yusheng was utterly confused, subconsciously looking back at Luo Gongyou, then facing the police officers before him, and finally looking towards Luo Qianjian, who had promised hours ago to find a way to restore his freedom legitimately.

"What... is this?" Bai Yusheng asked cautiously.

The police reassured him reliably. "Sir, don't be afraid. We are the police. Mr. Luo Qianjian reported that you were unlawfully imprisoned by Miss Luo Gongyou. Is that true?"

Bai Yusheng looked at Luo Qianjian in shock.

He never expected Luo Qianjian to call the police.

"I..." Bai Yusheng was in a difficult position.

Strictly speaking, Luo Gongyou did indeed restrict his personal freedom and coerced him into an improper relationship. However... Bai Yusheng didn't dare admit it, and even, didn't want to admit it.

He realized that he didn't wish to cause Luo Gongyou any trouble.

Luo Gongyou remained expressionless. "I did tell him not to leave, but it was just a lover's jest. Coincidentally, my boyfriend and I had a disagreement, and he acted out of spite, telling my brother nonsense. It's my brother's stubbornness and taking everything seriously that led to this awkward situation."

Bai Yusheng pursed his lips, then chose to go along with Luo Gongyou's explanation. "Yes... that's exactly it. I apologize. I wasn't confined. It was just a disagreement. In a fit of anger, I exaggerated to Qianjian. I didn't expect it to turn out like this... Luo Gongyou treats me well, really."

Luo Qianjian interjected in surprise. "But, Yusheng, when you cried to me, it sounded very serious..."

"Sorry, Qianjian, I lost control when I was sulking. I..." Bai Yusheng swallowed nervously. "I... I thought that since you're Luo Gongyou's younger brother, if I made the situation sound severe, you, being kind-hearted, would definitely talk to Luo Gongyou on my behalf. I... I just wanted to annoy her. I threw a tantrum. I'm truly sorry. Comrades, I'm sorry for wasting your time..."

With the parties involved saying so, and no signs of confinement visible at the scene, emotional issues were indeed complicated, and this explanation was logically sound. As for Luo Qianjian's call to the police, it did have a reason and couldn't be considered reckless.

The police then reiterated the importance of combating crime and left.

After seeing off the police, Luo Gongyou unleashed her fury.

"Luo Qianjian, explain yourself clearly! What are you doing! Don't pretend to be innocent. I don't believe you don't know what you're doing!" Luo Gongyou gritted her teeth.

Luo Qianjian spoke calmly yet helplessly, "Second Sister, don't be angry. I really didn't want to see you and Yusheng torment each other any longer. Isn't this better now? It proves that Yusheng is truly devoted to you. Otherwise, if he had left with the police just now, could you have stopped him? Treat each other well in the future, and please stop doubting Yusheng all the time."

Luo Gongyou frowned. "Are you suggesting that your rash decision to call the police was to show me Bai Yusheng's sincerity? Luo Qianjian, do you take me for a fool? I've said it countless times; you don't need to meddle in my affairs with Bai Yusheng! Wait, when did he seek your help?"

Luo Qianjian feigned innocence. "Just this afternoon. I suddenly remembered and went to check on Yusheng in your room, Second Sister."

Luo Gongyou was displeased. "What were you doing in my room when you had nothing better to do!"

"It was precisely because I had nothing better to do that I went," Luo Qianjian replied matter-of-factly.

Annoyed, Luo Gongyou pulled up the surveillance footage from her room. "I'd like to hear what you two talked about. Where did you have your conversation?"

Bai Yusheng's eyes widened. "There's surveillance in the room?!"

Luo Qianjian answered calmly, "On the balcony. Second Sister, why did you install surveillance in your own room?"

Of course, it was to keep an eye on Bai Yusheng.

However, Luo Gongyou had matters to attend to and couldn't spend all day watching Bai Yusheng. She simply installed the cameras so she could check whenever she wanted.

Now, as she played back the afternoon's footage in front of the rest of the Luo family, every word exchanged between Luo Qianjian and Bai Yusheng was heard loud and clear.

Luo Gongyou's face darkened with each passing moment, while Bai Yusheng's complexion turned increasingly pale.

Although there wasn't much fault to find in what Luo Qianjian had said at the time, it was Bai Yusheng's complaints that truly stung Luo Gongyou.

"Everyone, leave." Luo Gongyou shut off the surveillance and addressed the remaining family members in her room.

Luo Qianjian walked out last, taking his time, and considerately closed the door behind him.

In that instant, Luo Qianjian saw Luo Gongyou slap Bai Yusheng across the face.

Luo Qianjian let out a soft tsk.

Though Elder Brother and Second Sister weren't their parents' biological children, they were raised to be very much like a family, sharing a penchant for violence, thanks to their parents' influence.

"Qianjian, behave yourself," He Ruyan sighed as they descended the stairs.

Luo Chen added, "The recent turmoil in our home has been one incident after another, all instigated by you."

Luo Hefeng joined in the criticism. "If you're really bored, go out more. Why focus on causing trouble at home?"

Luo Qianjian wore an expression of innocence but sighed. "I understand. I won't meddle in family affairs anymore. It always ends up counterproductive. My concern for family seems to only cause trouble, which saddens me."

His words made it seem as though the others in the Luo family were ungrateful, leaving Luo Chen, He Ruyan, and Luo Hefeng feeling uncomfortable, yet also acknowledging they might have been too harsh.

"That's not what we meant, Mother and Father," Luo Hefeng softened his tone. "We know you're worried about the family, but we're adults with more experience than you. We can handle our own affairs. You don't need to worry on our behalf."

Luo Qianjian continued to sigh. "I truly understand. I won't interfere in family matters again. Goodnight, I'm going back to my room."

"Qianjian..."

Without looking back, Luo Qianjian returned to his room with a smile.

However, almost as soon as he entered, someone knocked on his door.

"Suiyun?" Luo Qianjian opened the door to find his fourth sister, Luo Suiyun, standing outside.

Luo Suiyun pursed her lips, hesitating. "Third Brother... there's something... I'd like to ask for your help. Can you do it?"

Luo Qianjian appeared disinterested. "Ask me for help? Let's not. Didn't you hear what Mother and Father said? They think I cause trouble."

Luo Suiyun reached out and grabbed Luo Qianjian's arm, her tone urgent. "Please, Third Brother. I can only turn to you for help. I didn't think you caused trouble with Mother, Father, Elder Brother, and Second Sister. You were just more decisive. The favor I need requires that kind of efficiency..."

Only then did Luo Qianjian show some interest. "Alright, I'll listen to what you have to say. But are you sure you want to come to me? Why not ask Mother, Father, Elder Brother, or Second Sister? They would likely be more convenient."

"I don't want Mother and Father to know. Elder Brother and Second Sister have their own matters to attend to, and I feel... Third Brother, you're easier to talk to." Luo Suiyun bit her lip.

The accommodating Luo Qianjian allowed Luo Suiyun into his room.

He poured her a glass of water and listened patiently as she spoke.

He didn't interrupt or rush her, waiting until she finished before kindly summarizing her story.

"You're saying that there's a classmate named Jiang Chengchen at your school. Despite being at the bottom of the class academically and having a reputation as a school bully, he helped you once last semester, leading to your acquaintance. In a moment of confusion, you accepted his confession and started dating him."

"But over time, you discovered significant flaws in his character. He views early romance as paramount, which, while indicative of his affection for you, has caused you considerable distress and even affected your academic performance."

"You had been considering ending the relationship but didn't know how to bring it up. It wasn't until your grades dropped significantly in the recent monthly exam that you made up your mind. However, Jiang Chengchen's personality makes you hesitant to break up with him alone. That's why you want me to intervene. As your older family member, I might have more influence over Jiang Chengchen."

"Suiyun, is that correct?"

Luo Suiyun nodded awkwardly, then pleaded with Luo Qianjian. "Third Brother, please don't tell Mother, Father, or anyone else in the family about this. I know you revealed the truth when Mother asked you to keep it secret before, but this situation is different. My early romance affected my grades slightly, but I've decided to end the relationship and focus on my studies again..."

Luo Qianjian nodded, reassuring her. "Don't worry, Suiyun. When it came to Mother and Father's issues, I exposed them to prevent the buildup of hidden problems. But in your case, even if Mother and Father knew, the solution would merely be for you to break up, so there's no need to specifically inform them."

"I will help you break up with Jiang Chengchen, and I won't tell anyone in the family about it."

Hearing Luo Qianjian's promise, Luo Suiyun felt her heart settle.