Chapter 131
Chapter 131 - Not Following the Rules
As time passed, the bailiffs presented the results of the two video analyses.
The presiding judge, upon reviewing the findings, showed no sign of surprise. He was certain the upper echelons were already aware of the situation.
The Faang family's chances of suppressing the matter were nonexistent. They had rivals in Eylas, after all.
”I declare both of Ye Hao's videos to be authentic and credible,” the presiding judge announced, locking eyes with Ye Hao. “Consequently, I find Ye Hao not guilty.”
He then turned his attention to Zhang Pei and the young man. “In your attempt to frame Ye Hao, you've caused significant social disruption. Therefore, you are each sentenced to one year and six months and one year and eight months in prison, respectively.”
Panic washed over Zhang Pei's face.
“Please, have mercy. A prison sentence would ruin my life,” Zhang Pei pleaded with the judge.
“Did you consider how you might have ruined Ye Hao's life with your false accusations?” the judge retorted coldly. “As for Faang Wen, since he is not present, his sentencing will be deferred.”
“Now, Ye Hao, is there anything you wish to say?” the judge inquired, looking at Ye Hao.
“Actually, there's something I've been meaning to tell you,” Ye Hao began, pulling out his certificate of officers. “This local court lacks the jurisdiction to try me.”
The courtroom erupted into murmurs of disbelief.
The presiding judge was taken aback.
“If you had this certificate, why not present it from the start?”
“Because that's how I could uncover the real instigator behind this,” Ye Hao replied, a smile playing on his lips.
At a loss for words, the presiding judge watched as Ye Hao tucked the certificate back into his pocket and departed amidst the audience's mixed reactions.
As Ye Hao stepped out of the courthouse, Tang Pianpian hurried to his side.
“Do you realize your influence now surpasses that of a national idol?” Tang Pianpian remarked, having been confident all along in Ye Hao's exoneration.
“Am I able to take on advertisements now?”
“You'll start at a minimum of 100,000 yuan.”
“That's too little, I'm not interested.” Ye Hao chuckled, got into Tang Pianpian's sedan, and drove away.
Unbeknownst to Ye Hao, two figures were silently observing him from a distance.
Zhang Lan's eyes brimmed with sorrow, while Bai Hehua's gaze was icy.
“If I want to win over Ye Hao, Tang Pianpian is the biggest hurdle,” Bai Hehua mused.
The incident involving Ye Hao had caused quite a sensation.
The following day, the Weekly Times released an unusual article.
Titled ‘Putting Authority into a Cage,' it was clear who was being alluded to.
The Faang family then took action. Faang Wen surrendered at the police station, confessing to all his crimes without reservation.
Ultimately, Faang Wen received a two-year sentence. Still, nobody believed he would actually serve the full term.
But one thing was certain: Faang Wen's reputation was ruined.
He went from a figure of pride to one universally despised.
This scandal ensured that Faang Wen could never again show his face in public.
“What a waste,” Shao Hua murmured after Faang Wen's sentencing.
“He brought it upon himself,” Ye Hao remarked coolly.
“Faang Wen hadn't tapped into the Faang family's core power, so he hadn't uncovered your identity,” Shao Hua continued. At this, Ye Hao's eyes narrowed slightly. “Has the Faang family been pressuring the Martial Arts Bureau?”
“Yes,” Shao Hua confirmed with a nod. “But the director dismissed the Faang family's demands.”
“The Faang family won't just let this lie, will they?”
“It's likely they'll attempt to assassinate you covertly.”
“They wouldn't target my parents, would they?”
“I doubt it,” Shao Hua spoke gently. “If the Faang family did that, they would be breaking the rules.”
As Shao Hua finished speaking, Ye Hao's phone began to ring.
He saw it was an unknown number.
“Who's this?”
“Hao.” The moment Ye Hao recognized the voice, a glint of coldness flashed in his eyes.
“Ye Hao, if you want your parents unharmed, come to Weyphia.” The call was abruptly ended.
“What's the matter?”
“The Faang family has targeted my parents,” Ye Hao stated gravely.
A hint of lethal intent crossed Shao Hua's face. “The Faang family has really crossed the line.”
“I'll make sure the Faang family learns the consequences of crossing me,” Ye Hao declared before turning to leave.
“Ye Hao, let me come with you,” Shao Hua offered quickly.
“There's no need,” Ye Hao declined.
“If the Faang family has given you the location, it's a clear sign they've prepared a trap,” Shao Hua warned, blocking Ye Hao's path.
“Do you really think the Faang family hasn't factored you into their plans?” Ye Hao asked with a smirk.
Shao Hua fell silent.
“I'm confident I can make it out unharmed.”
Shao Hua watched Ye Hao's retreating figure, remaining silent for a long while.
Ye Hao immediately took a taxi back to his villa.
Upon his arrival, Tang Pianpian was already there, waiting in her car.
“What's happened?” Qingqing asked, her face showing clear annoyance. She had been in the middle of getting her hair done.
“My parents have been kidnapped by the Faang family,” Ye Hao revealed, unable to hide his urgency.
“We need to go rescue them,” Tang Pianpian said without hesitation.
“I'm afraid I'll need your help this time,” Ye Hao said, turning to Qingqing.
“It's no big deal,” Qingqing replied nonchalantly.
“I can help too,” Momo chimed in eagerly, brandishing her tiny fists. “I'm pretty tough, you know.”
“Alright,” Ye Hao acknowledged with a nod.
Then, Tang Pianpian drove off toward Weyphia.
Just as her car exited the highway, Ye Hao's phone rang at the perfect moment.
“Eastern Reservoir.”
Upon hearing these words, Tang Pianpian steered the car directly toward the Eastern Reservoir.
As they neared their destination, Qingqing opened the car door and vanished into thin air.
“I'll check for any ambushes,” Sugar said, stepping out of the car and disappearing into the night.
Ye Hao was taken aback.
He could understand Qingqing's ability to levitate; after all, her martial arts prowess was the highest among the Vixens.
But what truly surprised him was that Sugar, usually so quiet, also possessed the formidable strength of the Soul Refining Realm.
“Momo, do you know Sugar's level of cultivation?”
“Soul Refining, first level!” Momo set aside her potato chips and responded.
“And you?” Ye Hao suddenly realized he had underestimated the three Vixens.
“Blood Refining, second level,” Momo said adorably.
Ye Hao felt like he was about to cough up blood upon hearing this.
But then he remembered that he hadn't been practicing for even a year, and he let go of his frustration.
Given enough time, he was confident he could outpace Qingqing.
As the car pulled up to the Eastern Reservoir, Ye Hao took note of the people surrounding them.