Chapter Nine: You’re Already Undressed, and You Say It’s Unnecessary?

Daring to dress like that in an all-male military unit—was she afraid her beauty wasn’t stunning enough?

Huo Yixun said coldly, “Wear your own clothes properly. The police should be arriving soon.”

Ten minutes later, several police cars pulled up at the barracks.

A middle-aged man in uniform was the first to step down from the car. Huo Yixun didn’t even give him a chance to exchange pleasantries before ordering that Chen Hongbo be brought out.

Chen Hongbo, who had been nonchalant moments before, suddenly felt a chill run through him at the sight, silently thinking, “This is it.”

The man was familiar to him—Deng Xiangwen, newly appointed police chief of the town station this year.

If a chief himself got involved, there was no turning back this time.

Huo Yixun’s face was stern as he spoke formally, “Chief Wang, this person attempted to harass a female comrade last night.”

He added quickly, “The woman sought my help and has been temporarily taken in by the unit.”

Because of the arriving police cars, many villagers had gathered, so he made the clarification to prevent misunderstandings.

Seeing Huo Yixun’s serious demeanor, Deng Xiangwen immediately shifted into official mode and began interrogating Chen Hongbo.

Chen Hongbo then revealed the details about the matchmaking arrangement and the conditions he had promised Yu Hongmei.

He skillfully deflected the main responsibility onto Yu Hongmei with just a few words.

After clarifying the whole story, Chief Deng promptly sent someone to bring Yu Hongmei over.

Huo Yixun also had Jiang Shiyi brought forward.

Jiang Shiyi looked at Chief Deng with a feigned look of grievance and said softly, “Officer, please help me uphold justice.”

Her delicate, melodious voice made Deng Xiangwen break into a cold sweat.

He thought to himself, no wonder the big boss personally intervened—who wouldn’t feel sorry for such a pitiful little lady?

He wondered what relationship this girl had with the boss—if it was just a chance meeting, he would never believe it.

But these thoughts he kept to himself.

Yu Hongmei was initially stunned, but when she saw Jiang Shiyi and Chen Hongbo, she roughly understood what was going on.

She hurried over and slapped Chen Hongbo twice, scolding, “What are you doing? Your aunt was just trying to find you a match, what’s all this about?”

Earlier, while she was washing clothes at home, a neighbor came running to tell her her nephew had been arrested by the military unit and that even the police had arrived.

Before she could go, the police came looking for her at home.

She had been asking questions all along the way but got no answers; now seeing Jiang Shiyi’s pitiful expression, she immediately grasped the situation.

That morning, her nephew had even called to inquire about Jiang Shiyi and urged her to finalize things quickly, promising that her son’s job was already arranged.

Hearing her son’s future was secured, Yu Hongmei had boasted she would ensure Jiang Shiyi married him, even lying that the Jiang family elders had agreed.

But right after hanging up, she regretted it, especially since Zhou Huailing had come to retrieve Jiang Shiyi’s photos and insisted on not pursuing marriage for now—no matter how she tried to persuade her, it was futile.

Her son’s job was a formal position; she couldn’t bear to lose it and planned to talk to Zhou Huailing again.

Who knew it would blow up into such a mess? Had she known Chen Hongbo was so unreliable, she wouldn’t have dared to take charge so recklessly.

The shame was one thing, but worse was the risk of prison time.

The thought made Yu Hongmei shudder.

Just as she was about to defend herself, Jiang Shiyi sneered, “Auntie, the matchmaking candidate you want to introduce can’t be me, right? How come I didn’t know anything about this?”

Even if she had known, she had refused outright and asked Zhou Huailing to come find her again after returning home.

Seeing Yu Hongmei’s flustered expression, Jiang Shiyi realized there was more to this tangled story.

Yu Hongmei frowned, her face pale with fear, forcing out a smile more painful than tears as she said, “Oh dear, you must be forgetful, little lady. Didn’t I talk to you about this that morning? You promised me then.”

Yu Hongmei was somewhat cunning, thinking Jiang Shiyi had been too busy that day to remember the details.

At that moment, a voice came from the crowd: “That auntie is lying. Sister Shiyi never agreed to anything and even refused her outright.”

The speaker was Wang Chuxin, a young girl who had hurried over to watch the commotion.

Her head was sharp; with a few words, she roughly understood what had happened.

“Oh, maybe I remembered wrong,” Yu Hongmei said stubbornly, refusing to concede.

“How important a girl’s reputation is, auntie, surely you know? If this rumor spreads carelessly, how will I face anyone in the future?” Jiang Shiyi said indignantly, then looked at Deng Xiangwen.

“Officer, I never agreed to marry anyone off…”

With Huo Yixun present to oversee, Deng Xiangwen clearly understood the implications between the lines.

He signaled his subordinates, who immediately understood.

“This could be charged as molestation at the least; at worst, it could be human trafficking of women and children, punishable by at least ten years…”

Hearing this, Yu Hongmei’s vision darkened, and she fainted.

Chen Hongbo, now belatedly sober, realized the gravity of the disaster he had caused. If convicted, his future would be ruined, and the Chen family’s reputation destroyed.

He absolutely could not be sentenced!

“Wait!” Chen Hongbo no longer cared about his pride and knelt, clasping his hands in apology to Jiang Shiyi.

“I was blinded by temptation and offended you, miss. I’m sorry. Name your price—I’ll accept. Can we discuss this privately?”

His shameless display stunned everyone.

“He looks decent, but who would have thought he’s such a scoundrel? What a waste of a nice outfit.”

“This guy’s terrible. Luckily, the young lady was rescued by the officer, or who knows what would have happened to her?”

“Officer, the woman who was assaulted is a doctor aiding our village. She’s a good person—please punish this scoundrel severely!”

Some voiced support for Jiang Shiyi, who immediately expressed her gratitude.

Seeing this scene, the heavy weight on Chen Hongbo’s heart finally dropped.

With Huo Yixun overseeing, Deng Xiangwen acted swiftly, ordering his men to handcuff Chen Hongbo and Yu Hongmei.

Then he glanced at Huo Yixun, and finally at Jiang Shiyi.

Seeing the big boss say nothing further, he breathed a sigh of relief and hurried away with his men.

As the police left, the commotion ended, and everyone went back to their routines.

Soon, only Jiang Shiyi and Huo Yixun remained.

Jiang Shiyi smiled brightly. “Minister Huo, thank you. When you’re free, I’ll treat you to a meal.”

The sun blazed warmly in a clear blue sky, white clouds drifting over the picturesque Green Mountain Star City. A gentle breeze stirred, ruffling her hair.

Huo Yixun looked over and saw a strand of black hair fall beside his hand.

He moved his fingers but ultimately didn’t reach out to catch it.

“No need.”

Looking down at her from above, Huo Yixun’s gaze was cold and unyielding.

If a look could pierce flesh, Jiang Shiyi would be riddled with wounds by now.

Minister Huo!

You really are something!

You took off your clothes last night, and now you say no need—what do you mean by that?

Jiang Shiyi bit her lip, casting her sharp, upturned eyes at the man before her.

“Minister Huo, we will meet again.”

Even in this moment, she maintained her graceful composure.