Chapter 1840: The Hidden Hand

Zhao Fusheng had always believed that respecting the elderly and caring for the young is a traditional virtue of the Chinese nation.

This point is beyond doubt.

But the problem is that with the continuous development of society, respecting the elderly and caring for the young has gradually become a risky matter.

Care for the aged of others as we care for our own aged, and care for the young of others as we care for our own young.

From childhood to adulthood, we have grown up hearing such reasoning. But when the elderly repeatedly use fake falls to blackmail others and annoy us with square dancing, how can we respect them?

And what about bratty kids—school bullying, urinating and defecating anywhere, even damaging others' property—can the excuse 'they're just a child' cover up everything?

But Zhao Fusheng never expected to encounter such an absurd situation.

Seeing the grandmother and grandson still wailing there, Zhao Fusheng frowned and said to Wu Sijie, "Call the police."

"Okay."

Wu Sijie nodded. At this point, calling the police was the only way to resolve the issue.

Zheng Yao hesitated, wanting to say something, but ultimately kept silent.

At this stage, perhaps calling the police was the best solution.

Having said that, Zhao Fusheng turned and went back to his office.

He thought that with this, the matter was over.

But contrary to his expectations, by the afternoon, the incident had a follow-up.

"Chairman, the police station wants to mediate this matter."

Wu Sijie glanced cautiously at Zhao Fusheng and said in a low voice.

"Mediate?"

Zhao Fusheng was somewhat surprised. "Mediate what?"

"It's like this: although our car was scratched, the other party is a child, and the parents said that the child is too young to have judgment, so it's not their fault..." Wu Sijie said with a bitter smile.

"And then?"

Zhao Fusheng frowned and continued asking.

"They mean we might not have to pay compensation and can just handle it through our insurance..." Wu Sijie said.

Zhao Fusheng burst out laughing.

Seeing Zhao Fusheng laughing, Wu Sijie, though reluctant, added in a low voice, "According to the 'Law on the Protection of Minors,' deliberately scratching a car constitutes intentional damage to public or private property. The punishment depends on the specific circumstances.

If the perpetrator is a minor under fourteen, they are not legally liable, and their guardian bears civil damages. If the minor is between fourteen and sixteen, they bear no criminal liability, but may face administrative penalties for public security violations, and civil damages are borne by themselves or their guardian.

If the minor is between sixteen and eighteen, they bear criminal and administrative liability for public security violations, and civil compensation is borne by themselves or their guardian."

"So, we can only go through insurance and let the insurance company claim from them, right?"

Zhao Fusheng looked at Wu Sijie and asked.

Wu Sijie nodded: "Yes, following legal procedures, that's indeed the case."

"Hah, really..."

Zhao Fusheng was so angry he laughed.

In Zhao Fusheng's mind, if you make a mistake, you should stand up and admit it. Honestly, if the old lady had sincerely apologized, Zhao Fusheng might not have been so angry. After all, repairing a car is nothing, and there's insurance. Even if the insurance doesn't pay, he could cover it himself.

But the problem was the family's attitude, which made Zhao Fusheng very unhappy.

Admitting a mistake and asking for forgiveness is the best way to resolve a problem.

What's the point of putting on a shameless posture?

I'm poor, so I'm right?

I'm weak, so I'm invincible?

"What should we do, Chairman..."

Wu Sijie looked at Zhao Fusheng and asked with a wry smile.

Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment and said to Wu Sijie, "Refuse mediation. Tell them to follow legal procedures. Whatever the compensation, pay it. Isn't my money money? Why should I forgive him?"

Wu Sijie quickly nodded. He wasn't stupid; he could tell his boss was in a bad mood.

Zhao Fusheng waved his hand to dismiss Wu Sijie, too annoyed to say anything more.

He had been in a good mood lately, but this incident left him feeling like he'd swallowed a fly.

...

...

At this point, Zhao Fusheng had nothing more to say.

With a helpless feeling, he took the car home. As for the scratched car, someone else would handle the insurance claim.

Back home, Zhao Fusheng didn't mention the incident to Fan Baobao. There was no need; it would only add to her worries.

In the blink of an eye, it was the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month.

For Chinese people, the Little New Year marks the beginning of the Spring Festival. Every household starts preparing New Year goods and shopping.

This year, the whole family was spending the New Year in the capital for the first time. Zhao's mother and Li Yuan were very busy. They were traditional Chinese people who generally didn't eat New Year's Eve dinner out.

Zhao Fusheng had suggested eating out on New Year's Eve to avoid the hassle of cooking.

But he was scolded by the elders.

The reason was simple: what's the point of eating out during the New Year? The meaning of the New Year lies in the family being together.

Zhao Fusheng looked helpless. He couldn't tell them that years later, Chinese people would be accustomed to eating at restaurants on Spring Festival, with various packages offered.

Times are changing, and some traditional things are slowly disappearing from our lives. Zhao Fusheng didn't know if that was good or bad; after all, he wasn't a god.

"What a pity, we can't set off fireworks this year." Fan Baobao, with her pregnant belly, stood on the balcony looking out the window.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled: "What, do you think you're in any condition to set them off?"

In his arms, he held their precious daughter, coaxing her to watch cartoons.

"None of your business."

Fan Baobao glared at Zhao Fusheng: "I can't set them off, but I can watch Beibei do it, and I can watch you."

"What's the fun in that..."

Zhao Fusheng said helplessly: "It's more fun to do it yourself."

"Hmph, don't think I've forgotten. Didn't you throw a double-bang firecracker at our door back then?" Fan Baobao glared at Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng looked innocent: "How could that be? Am I the kind of person who would do that?"

"You are, it was you."

"It wasn't me, I didn't, don't talk nonsense."

Zhao Fusheng quickly gave a triple denial.

No way!

He wouldn't admit it. This woman now liked to bring up old grudges; she was the epitome of pettiness.

But considering her big belly, Zhao Fusheng decided to forgive her.

After all, women at this stage are sensitive and prone to being unreasonable. A little fussiness was tolerable; she had another one in her belly.

"Ah, I wish I could go back to childhood."

Fan Baobao sighed and suddenly said, "Back then, it seemed like nothing to worry about, carefree."

Zhao Fusheng remained silent. He knew Fan Baobao was referring to the time before Fan Jian got addicted to drugs.

Back then, she must have been very happy.

"Why aren't you saying anything?"

Seeing Zhao Fusheng silent, Fan Baobao asked curiously.

"Nothing."

Zhao Fusheng shook his head, looking innocent: "I'm fine. You're right."

"Sly!"

Glaring at her husband, Fan Baobao naturally knew what he was thinking.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled, about to say something to Fan Baobao when his phone rang.

Glancing at the caller ID, Zhao Fusheng was slightly surprised.

"What's up?"

Pressing the answer button, Zhao Fusheng said to Dong Guoxiang, "Why did you think to call me?"

"Have you offended someone recently?"

Dong Guoxiang's words on the other end made Zhao Fusheng frown immediately.

Clearly, Dong Guoxiang must have received some news; otherwise, he wouldn't have called about this.

"What's going on?"

Zhao Fusheng asked Dong Guoxiang directly.

"Suddenly, a lot of posts have appeared online, all about the Future Group, mainly targeting you, saying you're rich but heartless, bullying the elderly and children."

Dong Guoxiang said, "The company's programmers found this on forums and immediately reported it to me."

MMP!

Zhao Fusheng's face instantly darkened.

If he still didn't understand what was happening, he'd be an idiot.

Someone was smearing him online!

Were these people crazy?

"Delete the posts, and find out who's behind this!"

Zhao Fusheng said in a deep voice.

He wasn't stupid. Under these circumstances, anyone daring to smear him must be organized.

Most importantly, Zhao Fusheng was curious about who was pulling the strings.

Hanging up, before Zhao Fusheng could say anything, his phone rang repeatedly.

Not only Dong Guoxiang, but also Zheng Yao, Dong Chenxi, and even Jiang Wen had heard the news and called to ask what happened.

Zhao Fusheng reassured them one by one, telling them not to worry about him. After all, it wasn't a big deal.

Although this was his first time facing online smearing in both lives, Zhao Fusheng didn't care. To him, it was just a small matter. Whatever trouble came, he would deal with it.

What he was more curious about was who was behind it.