Chapter 95: Abduction

Zeng Xiaofan’s voice turned cold: “I won’t ask a second time!”

Seeing the sharp glare in Zeng Xiaofan’s eyes, Zhou Xiaohu shuddered in fear. His eyes darted nervously, but in the end, he found the courage to speak.

“Th-then, Brother Fan, can I have a word with you privately?”

Zhou Xiaohu glanced around at the others, hesitating to speak openly.

Zeng Xiaofan led the way outside, away from prying eyes. Only then did Zhou Xiaohu lower his voice and admit, “I... I was sent by the county magistrate’s wife…”

“They say the current official outranks the former, and right now, she’s both the official and the current authority!”

“So, Brother Fan, I advise you not to meddle in this matter.”

His tone was laced with veiled threats, as if invoking the county magistrate’s wife gave him unshakable confidence.

“Here’s the deal: Brother Fan, let’s end this here. Just pretend you haven’t seen us for the past few days.”

“Take whatever you want from inside, as much as you like.”

“Just keep quiet after you leave.”

“I’ll handle any further communication with the county magistrate’s wife.”

“How about that?”

Zeng Xiaofan smirked faintly and asked, “The county magistrate’s wife?”

“Are you sure she sent you?”

Zhou Xiaohu’s eyes spun once again. “I’m absolutely certain!”

“But I suggest you stop asking questions.”

“If you stir up the county magistrate’s wife, things will get complicated.”

“So, what do you say? Shall we go with what I just proposed?”

Zeng Xiaofan smiled wryly. “Alright then. Looks like you’re not planning to be honest.”

He pulled out his phone and dialed the county magistrate directly.

“County Magistrate Chen, someone just told me that your wife sent him here to rob tombs…”

Zeng Xiaofan explained the entire situation to County Magistrate Chen Jianghe.

Zhou Xiaohu stood dumbfounded beside him.

“W-what! Brother Fan… you… you know the county magistrate and his wife?”

“No way… how could you possibly know them?”

“Wait, Brother Fan, listen to me…”

Zhou Xiaohu tried to argue, but Zeng Xiaofan waved him off coolly.

“You can explain to the county magistrate’s wife later.”

Zhou Xiaohu was utterly stunned.

Not long after, County Magistrate Chen Jianghe arrived at the scene in a grand procession, accompanied by the police, his wife Wang Yanfan, and their daughter Chen Lini.

From a distance, Wang Yanfan immediately recognized Zhou Xiaohu and started scolding him before even approaching.

“Zhou Xiaohu! You despicable bastard!”

“What kind of worthless antiques did you send me?”

“You almost got me killed, and now you dare to say I arranged for you to rob tombs?”

“Absolutely outrageous!”

She stormed over and slapped Zhou Xiaohu hard across the face.

Zhou Xiaohu’s tears dried up instantly.

“Madam… I…”

“I only wanted to use your status to intimidate him…”

“Who knew this kid actually knew you…”

“I was wrong…”

His legs buckled, and he fell to his knees.

The police immediately swarmed and handcuffed Zhou Xiaohu along with all the other tomb raiders.

County Magistrate Chen Jianghe personally approached Zeng Xiaofan and gave him a thumbs-up.

“Divine Doctor Zeng! You truly are remarkable!”

“This time, you’ve saved our country from a great loss!”

“These tomb raiders are utterly lawless!”

“I was suspicious when that Zhou guy randomly sent antiques to my wife—it turns out he was using her identity as a cover!”

“Both professionally and personally, I thank you deeply!”

“If these cultural relics had been lost, as the county magistrate’s husband, I couldn’t have escaped responsibility!”

Chen Jianghe shook Zeng Xiaofan’s hand warmly, expressing sincere gratitude.

In just a few days, Zeng Xiaofan had not only saved his wife and daughter’s lives, but also rescued his career in public office.

At this moment, Chen Jianghe regarded Zeng Xiaofan almost like his own father.

Chen Lini, standing nearby, showed a look of gratitude in her eyes.

Though she had been upset with Zeng Xiaofan before, after hearing his intentions, she no longer held any anger—just a shy hesitation to show it.

Zeng Xiaofan waved his hand lightly and said, “County Magistrate, no need for thanks. I had personal reasons for doing this.”

“I hope the police can find out who truly ordered this.”

“My grandfather’s disappearance may be connected to these tomb raiders. If you, County Magistrate Chen, could exert some pressure, perhaps we’ll have a chance to find him.”

Zeng Xiaofan spoke candidly.

Chen Jianghe nodded repeatedly.

“Rest assured, from now on, your matters are my matters!”

“I will do everything in my power to investigate this. I’ll have the bureau chief come over; you can explain your grandfather’s situation thoroughly.”

“I’ll supervise the formation of a special task force to search for your grandfather.”

“Thank you, County Magistrate,” Zeng Xiaofan said gratefully.

“No need to thank me!” Chen Jianghe replied seriously. “I told you, from now on your matters are mine!”

“There are a lot of people here now, so I won’t keep you. I’ll take them back for a detailed investigation. You’ll be the first to know once there’s news.”

Then, a sly glint flashed in Chen Jianghe’s eyes. He glanced at his daughter, then at Zeng Xiaofan, and smiled.

“By the way, Lini is on summer vacation now.”

“She’s been pampered all her life, barely knows anything about farming. This is a perfect opportunity!”

“Why don’t you let her spend a few days learning in the village with you?”

“Your plan to cultivate the wasteland is exemplary. You can have her help with some farm work.”

Before Zeng Xiaofan could respond, Chen Lini stomped her foot and shouted,

“Dad! What are you talking about?”

“When did I ever say I wanted to study in the countryside?”

“I have zero interest in farming!”

“Shut up!” Chen Jianghe glared angrily.

“This is such a great learning opportunity, and you’re wasting it. Where else will you get a chance like this?”

“It’s settled then! If you dare come back early, don’t blame me for cutting off your allowance and putting you under house arrest!”

Without waiting for Zeng Xiaofan’s consent, Chen Jianghe led the police and escorted Zhou Xiaohu and the others away.

Wang Yanfan glanced back at Chen Lini and Zeng Xiaofan with a meaningful smile.

Soon, the large scene was left with only the remaining investigation personnel and Zeng Xiaofan.

Looking at the fresh-faced, slender young girl who had just matured, Zeng Xiaofan felt a headache coming on.

He wasn’t naive—he knew Chen Jianghe was deliberately trying to match him with his daughter.

But Chen Lini was far too young; Zeng Xiaofan couldn’t quite figure out what Chen Jianghe was thinking.