Reborn in the 80s: My Whole Family Secretly Hears My Thoughts and Goes Wild with Success! - Chapter 87

“A reporter? What do you want with us?”

Upon learning that Cao Yuejin was a journalist, Wang Fengqin’s attitude turned hostile. She immediately threw his press pass to the ground and scolded him angrily: “Haven’t you people done enough harm to our family? Who knows what nonsense that wretched girl told you, and you just went ahead and printed whatever you wanted!”

“Auntie, take a closer look—this article wasn’t written by me.”

Cao Yuejin pulled out a newspaper from his bag, pointing to Tian Man’s byline, then picked up his press pass and tapped his own name.

“I’m Tian Man’s supervisor. I didn’t approve this piece of hers, but she went behind my back and convinced the editor-in-chief to publish it—who knows what tricks she used.”

“Auntie, I believe you and your husband must have been wronged. That’s why I came personally to hear your side of the story.”

Wang Fengqin’s demeanor instantly did a complete turnaround. She hastily poured tea for Cao Yuejin and offered him a cigarette: “Comrade, I’m so sorry for the misunderstanding. This old woman owes you an apology.”

“No need for formalities, Auntie. Just tell me what really happened.”

Seeing that Cao Yuejin was on their side, Wang Fengqin poured on the theatrics, crying pitifully: “Comrade, you must help us! My husband and I are honest people—nothing like what that newspaper said.”

“That article was ordered by our eldest daughter, Shen Zhiqiu. She married into a powerful family and is ashamed of us, so she refuses to acknowledge us!”

“Just a few days ago, she outright said she wanted to change her surname and cut ties with us!”

Hearing exactly what he wanted, Cao Yuejin slammed the table in righteous fury: “That kind of person is worse than an animal! Don’t worry, Auntie, I’ll make sure justice is served for you and your husband.”

“Comrade, I don’t know how to thank you enough.”

Wang Fengqin even pretended to kneel, but Cao Yuejin quickly stopped her, spouting lofty words: “Auntie, this is my duty. Just wait for the good news.”

As he prepared to leave, an idea struck him. He goaded Wang Fengqin: “Auntie, after thinking it over, you and your husband shouldn’t suffer this injustice in silence. You should write a formal complaint against Tian Man!”

“Someone like her, who resorts to underhanded tactics to climb the ladder, deserves to be kicked out of journalism. Otherwise, she’ll drag the rest of us down with her!”

Wang Fengqin immediately saw through Cao Yuejin’s ploy—he clearly had a grudge against Tian Man and wanted to use her as a weapon. She quickly played the part of a timid, uneducated old woman, waving her hands nervously: “Comrade, I’m just an ignorant old lady who can barely read. How could I write a complaint?”

Cao Yuejin frowned. Not wanting to let the opportunity slip, he proposed: “Auntie, how about I write it for you? You’d just need to put your fingerprint on it.”

Wang Fengqin nodded: “That’ll do.”

Cao Yuejin swiftly drafted the letter and pointed to the signature line: “Auntie, just press your fingerprint here.”

“Alright.”

Once Wang Fengqin complied, Cao Yuejin tucked the letter into his bag and hurried off, eager to rush back and write his counterattack against Tian Man.

Not long after he left, Shen Xiang came running home in a panic: “Ma, it’s bad! Several police officers are heading this way!”

“Shut your mouth!” Wang Fengqin snapped. “What’s all the yelling for? So what if the police are coming? We haven’t done anything wrong—what’s there to fear?”

No sooner had she spoken than officers pushed through the door, handcuffs in hand: “Wang Fengqin, you’re coming with us.”

“Comrades, what have I done? Why are you arresting me?” Wang Fengqin forced a calm expression, though her heart pounded.

“Don’t play dumb—you know exactly what you’ve done.” The officer cuffed her. “You and Shen Liya are suspected of kidnapping Ye Jiawen.”

Wang Fengqin struggled: “Comrades, I’m innocent! What kidnapping? I don’t know anything about it!”

“Then why would we be here?” The officers dragged her out, where a crowd had already gathered outside the courtyard.

Tian Man was among them. She’d gotten a tip from Shen Zhiqiu beforehand and had come early to stake out the scene. As soon as Wang Fengqin emerged, she snapped several photos.

“What’s the Shen family up to now? Why’s she being arrested?”

“Didn’t you hear? The police said she kidnapped someone.”

“So she’s a child trafficker?!”

An old woman clutched her grandson tighter: “I’ll have to keep a closer eye on my boy from now on—can’t let her snatch him!”

Listening to the chatter, Tian Man recalled Shen Zhiqiu’s words.

Most ordinary people really knew very little about the law.

It only strengthened her resolve.

After dinner that evening, Tian Man told Tan Jianping about Shen Liya’s arrest.

Tan Jianping set down his book, frowning in disbelief: “Shen Liya was arrested for kidnapping? Chen Can’s wife?”

Tian Man nodded. “Yes.”

“I never imagined she’d dare do something like that. How terrifying. Thank goodness she and Xiao Chen moved out of the compound. Even though we didn’t interact much, having someone like that around was unsettling.”

“By the way, I heard Xiao Chen is up for a promotion soon. Won’t this affect him?”

Lowering his voice, Tan Jianping added: “Hard to say. I’ve heard Chen Can’s been getting close to General Xu’s granddaughter lately.”

Tian Man smirked, seeing right through Chen Can’s intentions: “He’s already lining up his next option. After that incident at the baby’s full-moon banquet, he still hasn’t divorced Shen Liya—but it’s clear he’s just waiting for the right moment.”

“Xiao Chen’s a lot more calculating than he lets on, huh?”

Tan Jianping summed it up in four words: “Not worth befriending.”

“Lao Tan, there’s something I want to discuss with you.” Tian Man looked at him seriously.

“What is it?”

“I’m thinking of launching a dedicated column. If I do, I won’t be able to devote as much time and energy to you, Nan Nan, and Bei Bei as before.”

She spread her hands jokingly: “I’m only one person. If I do this, I can’t do that. It’s not like I can split myself in half, right?”

“Nan Nan and Bei Bei are grown—they can take care of themselves. And me? You don’t need to worry about me.”

“Xiao Man, do whatever you want to do. Nan Nan, Bei Bei, and I will all support you.”

“Lao Tan…”

Just as Tian Man leaned into Tan Jianping’s embrace, moved, their moment was interrupted by shouts from downstairs:

“Mom! Bring us some water—we’re thirsty!”

The two could only laugh helplessly. Tan Jianping took Tian Man’s hand: “Come on, let’s take them water and go for a walk while we’re at it.”