CHAPTER 342: I WAS THE ONE WITH HIM THAT NIGHT.

"Her roommate stated that she didn’t return until the early hours of the morning that day. I checked the records at the gatehouse—she left at 8:15 PM and returned at 12:27 AM. The timing matches," said the female subordinate to Hua Jun.

Impossible?! Ji Yao’er found it hard to believe. The gatehouse records? Could it be that her brother-in-law tampered with them? Why would he do that? Did he already know?

Hua Jun thought about Ji Yao’er’s earlier testimony. The timing lined up as well, so it seemed accurate.

She nodded. "There’s no issue with Ji Yao’er; only Zhao Chun is left. After all these years, Zhao Chun has ended up like this? I remember when he was young, he was so pure and naive."

Female subordinate: "People change."

Hua Jun responded, "Yes, people change. Especially when separated for so long; it’s inevitable. Even though I know him, I won’t shield him because of this. Rest assured, we will handle this as per procedure."

Ji Yao’er quickly asked, "If you capture Zhao Chun, what will happen to him?"

"Naturally, he’ll be dealt with according to regulations if the allegations are true," Hua Jun replied plainly. This sort of ’welcoming gift,’ could he bear it?

"Can... can I leave now?" Ji Yao’er shivered timidly.

"Let her go," Hua Jun instructed lightly.

Tian Sangsang came down the hallway, while Qin Lan and the others gathered for another discussion.

"Ji Yao’er was caught and then released. No wonder she hasn’t been seen around in these last few days."

"This Hua Inspection officer from Beijing, truly swift and decisive."

"Yeah, Ji Yao’er even has some family ties to the Commander. Yet, she was arrested without any regard for privilege."

"What era do you think we’re living in? Nobody cares about privilege anymore."

Tian Sangsang furrowed her brows slightly, standing quietly to the side.

The military wives continued chatting away, so invested in their conversation that they didn’t even notice her presence.

"I heard Ji Yao’er is about a month pregnant—twenty-five days, to be exact."

"What? Even the exact number of days could be found out?"

"If someone wants to investigate, nothing is out of reach."

"Those people asked her who she was with on the night of the 9th last month."

"So, if they figure out who she was with, they can identify the lover?"

"Exactly."

"But doesn’t Ji Yao’er have a boyfriend named Zhao Chun?"

"Yes, it’s Zhao Chun. Ji Yao’er admitted to meeting him on the night of the 9th for a date. The date lasted well into the night, almost until dawn."

The group exchanged looks of realization.

"Honestly, I thought Ji Yao’er would never admit it."

"How could she not? She has to for the sake of the baby; otherwise, she’d be the one receiving harsher punishment."

"Zhao Chun was just arrested. He’s being interrogated now!"

"Zhao Chun even acted in a movie with Tian Sangsang... I saw it. So good-looking, such a shame."

"Which is why it’s better to steer clear of relationships these days. Doesn’t matter who you are—if you’re investigated, you’re arrested."

"..."

Last month, on the 9th, at night.

Tian Sangsang clenched her fists tightly and couldn’t hold back any longer. "Did you say Zhao Chun was arrested?"

The abrupt question startled the group, and only then did they notice Tian Sangsang.

Qin Lan said, "Yes, he’s over in the interrogation room."

The sudden shift in the atmosphere caught everyone off guard. Under the military wives’ strange gazes, Tian Sangsang returned home.

Her mind was in turmoil, like an oar trying to contend with the chaos. Sitting in struggle for a while, she didn’t even get to eat dinner before heading for the door.

"Where are you going?" Jiang Jinghuai stretched out his hand and held her back, his eyes sinking deeply.

Held tight by her wrist, unable to get free, Tian Sangsang said, "Zhao Chun was arrested. Did you hear?"

He lowered his gaze to look at her, pressing his thin lips together. "That has nothing to do with you."

"You’re his friend, aren’t you? How can you be so calm?" Tian Sangsang couldn’t take his indifferent attitude. The last time their son went missing, he was the same—so composed. Even at the edge of a cliff, he had the calm to abandon their son. And now, with Zhao Chun in trouble, he was still unmoved.

He was cold to the point of being inhuman!

"A man must take responsibility for his actions. If Zhao Chun did it, he must bear the consequences. If he didn’t, Hua Jun wouldn’t wrongly accuse him," Jiang Jinghuai said as his brows knitted in annoyance. "Sangsang, why are you so anxious?"

"You’re right; you’re rational. But I’m still anxious because things aren’t that simple," Tian Sangsang scoffed coldly. "Ji Yao’er claims Zhao Chun was with her that night, but I don’t believe it—I think she’s framing him. Zhao Chun’s naive nature wouldn’t make him a match for those women."

"And what can you accomplish by storming off in such a manner?" He released her hand and placed both hands on her shoulders, sighing deeply. "Sangsang, can you not be reckless?"

"I’m not being reckless," Tian Sangsang pushed his hands away, resolute. "I have proof that he wasn’t there. I can be a witness, and I must help him."

"You—a witness?" Jiang Jinghuai looked at her, his gaze suddenly growing icy—a chilling coldness.

Meeting his gaze head-on without hesitation, she said, "That’s right, a witness. He was with me that night. During the day, he was at school. I don’t believe he had the chance to be with Ji Yao’er."

He stared at her in silence for a long time before finally saying, "Tian Sangsang, do you even know what you’re saying?"

She nodded. "I know."

"Take it back."

"Which part?"

"All of it."

"I won’t take it back."

"Do you know what kind of times we’re in? Everyone’s fearful; no one wants to take unnecessary risks." He suddenly gripped her hand, so tightly her wrist ached. "Are you really planning to go, given your position? Can’t we just wait and see how things unfold?"

"Waiting won’t help. All I know is that Zhao Chun is my friend, and I have to help him. Even your classmate, Hua Jun—she knows Zhao Chun but still arrested him. That means we can’t expect results by simply waiting. I must clear his name myself."

"Tian Sangsang," Jiang Jinghuai nearly hissed through clenched teeth. "What are you relying on to act with such recklessness?"

"I’m relying on myself," she said bluntly, casting him a glance. "If you’re scared, stay home. If you’re worried I’ll drag you into trouble, don’t worry—I’ll tell them we have no connection." With that, she stormed out the door.

Meng Shuyan sat on the couch, staring blankly at the two of them.

Jiang Jinghuai sat down beside him, rubbed his temples wearily, and pulled out a cigarette. He lit it and took a deep drag, the smoke curling around him.

After finishing the cigarette, he stood up, grabbed the coat beside him, and said in a low voice, "Yanyan, Daddy’s heading out for a bit. Stay home and be good."

"Okay, Daddy," Meng Shuyan could sense the tense atmosphere and didn’t say much, nodding obediently.

Jiang Jinghuai gently stroked his head, his gaze tinged with sorrow. "We’ll be back soon."

After he left, the sensitive Meng Shuyan started piecing things together—Chun Zisu was arrested? And Mommy and Daddy... Were they arguing again just now? They always argue, but why?

It made him so sad.

Hugging his knees tightly, he curled up on the couch. Before, Little Milk Tea would have been around to play with him. Now...