Chapter 165 - The News
“Let's break it up, folks. Mr. Su is worn out.”
Boss Fong rose to his feet, and with a nod from Su Ming, he and President Chen made their exit, the police-escorted crowd unable to get anywhere near them. Once they were in the car, Su Ming and President Chen sped away, quickly returning to the heart of the city.
“Here's the key. Select a few diamonds that meet Old Master Fong's criteria, roughly worth 900 million.”
Su Ming tossed the villa keys into President Chen's hands.
President Chen caught on instantly.
He knew diamond valuations could fluctuate, and Su Ming didn't want anyone to be shortchanged.
If someone paid Su Ming 800 million but the diamonds were later valued at 750 million, they might accuse Su Ming of being unethical.
They probably wouldn't, knowing Su Ming wasn't well-versed in the industry.
But that wasn't Su Ming's style. He'd rather take a hit himself than let someone else lose out, as long as they were fair with him.
Unbeknownst to Su Ming, the day's events at the appraisal had already gone viral.
Industry insiders, particularly those in the jewelry sector, were abuzz with the news.
Eager journalists had converged on the scene, snapping up photos and videos on the sly.
By the time Su Ming got home, he was already making headlines:
“Several diamonds fetch 20.8 billion? Genuine transaction or blatant money laundering?!”
The headline was a magnet for attention.
The news spread like wildfire.
Journalists often have a penchant for sensationalism.
In this information age, smartphones are indispensable.
TV, media, platforms—all vying for eyes and clicks, and many were stirring the pot over this story.
“Did those few diamonds really sell for over 20 billion?”
“Laundering money!”
“I'm telling you, it's laundering. Saw it with my own eyes on TV.”
“How dare they launder money so brazenly? What about the law?”
“I work in the jewelry business, and 20.8 billion is totally justified!”
“You think we haven't seen these tricks before? Trying to fool us?”
“Someone call the cops!”
“Diamonds are a luxury. Who stores them in a shabby box? They could be glass for all we know!”
“This is a disgrace to us Eastsea folks!”
When faced with such events, people often jump to the most skewed conclusions.
Particularly when it comes to the wealthy, there's often a sense of resentment that surfaces.
At that moment, Su Ming was lounging in a chair, soaking up the sun.
Unbeknownst to him, their downtown service center had been reported, and calls were flooding in from across the nation to lodge complaints!
He was the captain of the city's criminal investigation division.
A man in his forties, he had apprehended numerous criminals throughout his career and was known for his fairness.
Upon hearing the reports, he slammed his fist on the desk.
“This is outrageous! Openly laundering money and causing such a negative social impact—I have to arrest him!”
Captain Wu grabbed his phone: “Get Team 6 on this. We're going to apprehend this lawbreaker!”
In Eastsea City, Captain Wu's reputation was stellar.
Where he was, safety was assured.
Soon, three police cruisers were speeding down the road.
They moved swiftly, pinpointing Su Ming's location through surveillance footage in no time.
But Captain Wu wasn't focused on the positioning.
That was the driver's job; he was preoccupied with refining the arrest strategy.
Yet, upon reaching the location, Captain Wu was taken aback.
This was Mr. Su's residence.
Mr. Su involved in illegal earnings?
That had to be a joke.
“Captain Wu?”
President Chen blinked in surprise: “Captain Wu, what brings you here with such a large entourage?”
A mix of amusement and frustration crossed Captain Wu's face. “You wouldn't believe it. Do you have any idea how many reports we've received about you having illegal income?”
Su Ming was equally shocked.
Illegal income? How could that be possible?
“There must be some mistake, Captain Wu.”
President Chen's eyes narrowed thoughtfully: “The police have already responded, right? They should be able to discern the truth of the matter.”
No sooner had President Chen spoken than Captain Wu's phone rang. After the call, Captain Wu was at a loss.
The local precinct had already dispatched officers to secure the scene.
The events were clear for all to see.
The body cameras had captured everything.
And those diamonds? They were genuine.
The diamonds were worth every penny, and Su Ming's earnings were entirely legitimate.
Captain Wu had heard of Su Ming before.
Su Ming owned six plots of land in the heart of the city.
With land that valuable, he had no need for illicit income.
Moreover, the police had already called him earlier.
Old Master Fong, a venerable figure in the jewelry world, was ready to vouch for Su Ming.
The entire jewelry community could collectively guarantee for Su Ming—that's how genuine the diamond was.
Su Ming was somewhat at a loss for words.
“Mr. Su, I apologize for the misunderstanding. But, I'm curious. What's the reason for withdrawing such a large sum of money all of a sudden?”
Captain Wu was genuinely intrigued.
“It's simple. Mr. Su intends to purchase all the buildings in the vicinity. He plans to demolish them and convert the land into farmland.”
Captain Wu, along with his officers, was taken aback.
Yet, Su Ming was engaging in a legitimate transaction; there was no illegal activity whatsoever.
Provided he didn't construct any unauthorized buildings on the land.
Furthermore, agriculture is a time-honored virtue of our imperial heritage.
Recently, when the imperial court's satellite returned from the moon, the whole world was analyzing the soil composition.
But our people from the imperial court? They were more interested in whether the moon could be farmed.
It's in their DNA; it's something they can't change!
“Mr. Su, President Chen, I sincerely apologize for my hasty actions and any inconvenience I've caused. But I was just doing my job.”
“Captain Wu, you're too kind. Our city is safe because of you, which allows me to even consider farming in the city center. Without you, my property would have been long gone.”
Su Ming approached with a beaming smile.
Had Captain Wu known it was Mr. Su who had been reported, he would have refrained from coming.
20.8 billion is certainly a hefty amount.
But Mr. Su is not one to engage in illegal activities.
“Alright, I'll be heading back now.”
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