A hundred flavors of life

Chapter 1356 What a shrewd face! (Please subscribe!)

The reason Qu Xiaoxiao's actions were considered outrageous is not because of her demand for compensation, but because she produced an artist contract from a certain American agency and several commercial endorsement contracts worth millions of US dollars.

According to her lawyer, Qu Xiaoxiao has signed a contract with a talent agency in the Ugly Kingdom and is preparing to officially debut next month. She has also secured a cosmetics endorsement, which will be launched on the market as soon as she debuts.

Now, Qu Xiaoxiao's face is disfigured, leaving scars that are difficult to remove. Her agency and commercial endorsements have all chosen to terminate their contracts with her, resulting in direct economic losses of up to millions of dollars.

This thing looks suspicious, but someone in the U.S. is backing her up, so she's not afraid of being investigated by the law.

Qu Xiaoxiao took these contracts and sued Sister Rong in court, demanding that she pay her a total of 50 million RMB in compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, mental distress damages, and commercial losses.

Hua Shier heard about Qu Xiaoxiao's scheme when he was having dinner with Andy. He couldn't help but marvel at her cunning. She was trying to take advantage of the situation to ruin Rong Jie and then make up for her mother's taxes and fines.

Sister Rong was taken away by relevant departments for investigation because of Zhao Qiping's irregular promotion, and the results came out quickly.

Whether it was true or Rong Jie had a change of heart and took the initiative to take responsibility, she confessed during the investigation that after she and Zhao Qiping became lovers, in order to please her lover, she secretly hinted to her husband's subordinates to promote Zhao Qiping in violation of regulations.

In this situation, although Sister Rong is not a member of the government, according to the law, she still constitutes an abuse of power and will face a sentence of up to three years in prison.

As for her husband, since Rongjie didn't bite him, he only received a warning and took responsibility for his oversight. In terms of his official career, he still has opportunities at his age, and his career wasn't seriously damaged.

Qu Xiaoxiao knows how to choose her timing; she filed a lawsuit against Sister Rong right at this critical juncture.

Because she knew that although Sister Rong nominally left with nothing after the divorce, she still owned a large apartment in downtown Shanghai. If she sold it and gave the money to Sister Rong, it would be enough for her to solve many of her current problems.

Soon after, news broke that the two parties had reached an out-of-court settlement, but the specific amount of compensation was still unclear.

However, within two days, Qu Xiaoxiao paid back the six million yuan she owed Yao Bin, and also paid off the taxes, late fees and fines owed by her mother.

Because of the 'first-time offense clause,' Qu's mother was exempt from criminal liability after paying these taxes and fines.

Because Qu's mother showed a good attitude in admitting her mistake and the social impact was not significant, the fine was not the maximum penalty like that imposed on Fan Bayi. For the tax evasion of 25 million, only 50% of the evaded tax amount was fined. Otherwise, even if Qu Xiaoxiao extorted money from Sister Rong, it wouldn't be enough to fill this huge hole.

After paying off her debts, Qu Xiaoxiao resumed her usual flamboyant personality. To celebrate, she invited the girls from the 22nd floor to her house for a dinner party, but did not invite Hua Shier.

When the three girls from room 2202 learned from Qu Xiaoxiao that she had managed to sue for a large sum of money based on the three scars on her face, they all gasped in shock.

Since then, whenever they encounter Qu Xiaoxiao in the hallway or elevator, they avoid her. Even if they can't avoid her, they keep a distance, afraid that if they bump into her, they'll lose their underwear and have to run naked.

Hua12 is currently paying close attention to the international financial market. In the second half of 2015, there were reports that the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates. If this comes true, it will be the first rate hike in ten years, and its impact will cause turmoil in the global financial market.

As Brother Qiang once said, "The bigger the storm, the more valuable the fish." With the international market in turmoil, it was a good time for Hua Shier to make money. He was making a fortune in the international market every day and did not deliberately target Qu Xiaoxiao.

But even if he doesn't cause trouble, Qu Xiaoxiao is just asking for it.

That evening, Hua Shier, Andy, and three girls from room 2202 took Xiaoming downstairs for a walk. On their way back, they happened to run into Qu Xiaoxiao, who had just returned home, when they took the elevator.

Qu Xiaoxiao naturally couldn't give Hua Shier a friendly look; she hated him too much to even think about it. However, she treated Andy quite well, smiling as she told Andy that she had already booked an appointment at the best plastic surgery hospital in the Ugly Country and would be going there in a few days to get rid of the three scars on her face.

Hua Shier believes this, after all, the plastic surgery technology of the Ugly Country is beyond the imagination of normal people. In reality, there is a Ugly Country socialite who had her head made into the shape of a donkey. If this technology can make someone into an animal, then removing scars would be a piece of cake.

But when Qu Xiaoxiao was talking to Andy, she noticed that Fan Shengmei, Guan Juer, and Qiu Yingying were all huddled in a corner of the elevator, far away from her. Confused, she asked:

"Are any of you guys feeling unwell lately? Do I have something on me?"

Fan Shengmei shook her head, Guan Guan remained silent, only Qiu Yingying spoke quickly:

"No, we're just afraid we might accidentally bump into you and then have to pay for it!"

Qu Xiaoxiao's attitude was one of utter disdain and disgust:
"You bunch of poor bastards, you even rent your own place, why would I try to scam you?"

"I can let Qiu Yingying and Guan Juer go, but Fan Shengmei, what are you pretending for? Don't think I don't know. Last month, after you sent money to your mom, you couldn't even afford sanitary napkins by the end of the month and had to use Qiu Yingying's. What's the point of me swindling you out of your living expenses!"

The elevator fell silent instantly. Qu Xiaoxiao's words were not only not very hurtful, but extremely insulting. They really stung. Didn't you see that Fan Shengmei's eyes were red and her face was as purple as an eggplant?

Hua Shier couldn't help but burst out laughing, and then he explained to the girls:

"Um, I just remembered a joke!"

His explanation was worse than no explanation at all. As soon as the elevator reached the 22nd floor, Fan Shengmei ran out crying.

Fan Shengmei wanted to maintain her dignity, nobility, and goddess-like demeanor in front of Wang Baichuan, but she was exposed every time. Last time, the rental incident was exposed, and this time, the side of her that she least wanted people to know was exposed.

She felt ashamed to face people.

Andy looked at Hua Shier, who innocently shrugged and said, "I really couldn't help it!"

Qu Xiaoxiao spat as she stepped out of the elevator:
"You're not a good person either!"

Although she didn't look at Hua Shier when she said this, everyone knew that she was targeting Hua Shier.

Hua Shier helped Qu Lianjie drive Qu Xiaoxiao out of the Qu family, and then went to the hospital to turn her love affair with Tang San into a love triangle.

How could Qu Xiaoxiao not hate him?

Hua Shier didn't say anything on the spot; the other person hadn't spat at him, and he wasn't about to invite further insults. However, back in Andy's 2201, he told Xiaoming to go draw by himself, and sat on the sofa, looking rather helpless (excited), and said:

"The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. Why does Qu Xiaoxiao keep provoking me? Why bother? What's the point?"

Andy looked him over suspiciously:
"I have a feeling you're up to no good and planning something again."

Hua Shier grinned: "My back has been a bit sore lately, so I'll do it in a couple of days instead of now!"

Andy, now a seasoned teacher who has weathered many storms, could easily understand the ambiguity in his words. Her face flushed, she spat lightly, and turned to accompany her younger brother to draw.

Hua Twelve chuckled from behind:
"Why are you blushing? Tell me, did you just have some kind of 'maniac thought' about me? I'm warning you, comrade, this kind of corrupt thinking brought back from the West is unacceptable!"

He quickly dodged Andy's thrown slipper halfway through his sentence. Hmm, he's still as agile as ever. Backache? Not a problem for him.

The next day, Hua Shier skipped work, took a bunch of materials faxed back from the U.S. side, and went to see Sister Rong's lawyer.

These are all pieces of evidence that Lao De obtained from Qu Xiaoxiao's forgery of commercial contracts with just one sentence.

When Qu Xiaoxiao was in the Ugly Country, she was a playboy and a rich second-generation who was willing to spend money. The circles she associated with were mostly people of her caliber.

While it's a well-known fact that best friends can't be trusted, some male friends are quite reliable, especially Qu Xiaoxiao's numerous male friends, the "Black and White Duo." I don't know what their relationships are, but several of them lent a helping hand this time.

Some of them have families that own entertainment companies, while others have families that own cosmetics companies. The contracts they write are just written casually. As long as they sign an invalid agreement in private, it's no problem for her to use these contracts to swindle money in China.

Sister Rong's lawyer was shocked when she received the contract:

How did you manage to get your hands on something like this?

Hua Shier chuckled and said, "Just tell me, with all this, can we call the police and accuse Qu Xiaoxiao of fraud?"

The other party answered affirmatively and immediately called the police. The police promptly opened a case for investigation and actively contacted the U.S. side to confirm whether the evidence provided was true.

A day later, Qu Xiaoxiao was going abroad for plastic surgery, but before she could even leave the house after packing her luggage, she was greeted by Uncle Hat.

Uncle Hat was very friendly to her and even gave her a silver bracelet in front of the other neighbors.

Hua Shier even squeezed into the elevator with them, laughing at Qu Xiaoxiao in handcuffs, making the latter grit her teeth in hatred. Even Uncle Hat couldn't stand it anymore and asked him what he was looking at. Hua Shier simply said:

"To be honest, I'm the one who got the evidence of her fraud. I'm laughing because justice has been served!"

Qu Xiaoxiao went crazy and, disregarding Uncle Hat's presence, attempted to attack Hua Shier in the elevator. Suddenly, she rushed forward and tried to grab his face with both hands.

Hua Shier kicked her in the suckling pig, then spread his hands to the hat-wearing uncle who was subduing Qu Xiaoxiao and said, "You are my witnesses, I acted in self-defense!"

Uncle Hat glanced at Qu Xiaoxiao, who was practically vomiting blood, and was speechless. "Your defense is a bit too strong."

Turning back, Hua Shier sent more than 500 anonymous letters, accusing Sister Rong and her ex-husband of having an unexplained source of their huge wealth.

What kind of job is it? I don't know. How can someone afford a large apartment in downtown Shanghai? You can report something like this and it'll be reported immediately.

This time, Sister Rong's ex-husband finally fell from grace because of more than 500 anonymous letters. Even the city library and various primary and secondary schools received them. That just goes to show how ruthless the crackdown was.

It can't be suppressed, it's simply impossible to suppress it.

After the incident, the three girls from 2202 came to visit Andy, and Hua Shier was also there. During dinner, they talked about the incident and were all curious about what Qu Xiaoxiao would do.

Hua Shier gave them a brief explanation:
"Qu Xiaoxiao's case is a typical example of fraud. If convicted, she could face more than 10 years in prison, up to life imprisonment, and a fine!"

"However, she's spent almost all the money she swindled, so ten years is out of the question. If she confesses well, she might get life imprisonment, but maybe ten to twelve years in the end. Congratulations, Qu Xiaoxiao will be old and faded when she comes out. Tang Sanzang won't be able to have her anymore, but Zhu Bajie might be able to!"

The girls were all curious about how he knew so much, and Hua Twelve didn't mince words:
"Someone like me who enjoys hitting people and beating them up, if I didn't understand the law, I'd end up in jail sooner or later. Even though I have a license, I still have to be careful. I try to beat others in a reasonable and legal way!"

The women were speechless after hearing this.

Hua Shier laughed and added:

"That apartment in 2203 will probably be auctioned off too. Her mother will be in trouble; she'll have to rent from now on!"

Sure enough, a few days later, Qu's mother left Ode to Joy, and room 2203 was sealed off.

Andy privately asked Hua Shier, "Is that right?"

"Yes!"

Before she could finish speaking, Hua Shier admitted it, saying confidently, "Reporting illegal activities is the duty of every citizen. From now on, please call me Citizen Wang!"

Andy was speechless. You can't say that Hua Shier was wrong. He was wielding the big stick of the law. Standing on the side of the law means standing on the side of justice.

But if you were to say he's right, no matter how you look at it, he handled this matter very unethically.

In fact, it was because Qu Xiaoxiao displeased him that he managed to get her transferred from a pampered young lady to prison.

Andy felt awkward about this whole thing and didn't know how to comment on it.

Fortunately, the smooth and warm family and romantic relationships made Andy quickly forget about Qu Xiaoxiao, a friend with whom she was not particularly close.

Xiao Ming's autism is miraculously improving every day. Even when he goes for a check-up, the doctor exclaims in amazement, saying that Xiao Ming has hope of recovery.

Actually, Hua Shier is slowly helping Xiaoming with his treatment. Of course, it would be fine if he could cure Xiaoming immediately, otherwise, if someone who has had autism for more than ten years were to recover overnight, it would definitely cause unnecessary trouble.

If it takes two or three years for him to gradually recover his health, he won't attract so much attention.

During the days that Qu Xiaoxiao disappeared from everyone's sight, apart from Andy, the other three girls on the 22nd floor also developed in a positive direction.

Qiu Yingying's work wasn't tiring, and she even got a raise, so she was happy every day.

Guan Juer also gained the recognition of her immediate supervisor through her own efforts, and she is very likely to be promoted to a permanent position at the end of the year.

Fan Shengmei, with her sweet talk, persuaded the company to reinstate the year-end bonus. She was all smiles every day and often calculated how much bonus she would receive at the end of the year.

However, given Fan Shengmei's family background, her good mood could only be temporary. Before long, she was always looking worried. She used to come to Hua Shier to try and get close to him, but recently she has rarely come over.

Those who have known her for a long time know that when Fan Shengmei encounters this situation, it means that something has happened in her family and they are asking her for money.

That day, Fan Shengmei's parents, along with her little nephew, arrived in Shanghai without a word.

Late at night, Fan Shengmei went to the train station to pick someone up, and several other women went to help. Andy even called Hua Shier to ask him for help.

Hua Twelve laughed and said:

"Please, why are you calling me? I have absolutely no connection with Fan Shengmei. And in this freezing weather, her parents with the child are either in the waiting room or in the underpass. Do I even need to look for them?!"

Sure enough, Andy called shortly afterward to say that the person had been found in the underground passage.

Twenty minutes later, Hua Shier and Xiaoming were playing games in room 2103 when several women, along with an elderly man and woman and a child, came to their door.

Before he could even speak, the unfortunate kid saw the game facilities in room 2103, cheered, and ran to a game machine. Without caring whether he knew how to play, he started pressing buttons. After pressing the buttons twice, he ran to the racing game next to him and started pulling hard on the steering wheel.

Hua Shier's face darkened, and Fan Shengmei quickly stepped forward to pull the child away:
"Lei Lei, stop fooling around!"

The child struggled desperately and cried loudly. If Xiaoming's condition hadn't improved, he would have been terrified.

Hua Twelve remembered Fan Shengmei's father, and the old man scolded Fan Shengmei at this moment:
"Why are you interfering with the child? Let him play if he wants to. Aren't these things meant to be played with?"

Fan Shengmei's mother also said:

"Exactly, didn't you say this place all belongs to Wang Baichuan? I remember he's your classmate, so isn't he family? What's wrong with letting Lei Lei play for a while?"

While speaking, he glanced at Hua Shier and Xiao Ming, as if trying to guess which of the two was Wang Baichuan.

Hua Shier was amused. You don't even remember who Wang Baichuan is, yet you bring up someone from your own family? How shameless of you!

He asked, "Fan Shengmei, what do you mean by this?"

Fan Shengmei was a little embarrassed, so Andy spoke up:

"Baichuan, Fan Xiaomei's parents are here. You know the room in 2202. They don't have anywhere to stay, so they wanted to see if it's convenient for you!"

He finished speaking with a helpless expression, clearly indicating that Andy was also unwilling to let outsiders live here.

Before Hua Twelve could speak, Mother Fan pointed at him and said:
"Oh, I remember now, Baichuan, look at my memory! You've forgotten that you once delivered watermelons to my house!"

Hua Shier remembered this and nodded with a smile, "Yes, you didn't even let me have a glass of water!"

Fan's mother's smile froze on her face: "Yes, is that so? There's such a thing. Maybe Auntie was too busy to remember!"

Actually, his family just looked down on Wang Baichuan, so when this simp went to Fan Shengmei's house during her summer vacation at university and even brought her watermelons, she still wouldn't pay him any attention.

Fan Shengmei's father waved his hand:

"Let's not dwell on the past. We're all family, so it's easy to talk. Xiao Wang, I think this room is pretty good. You can even use those sofas as beds. Your aunt and I will stay here. Lei Lei likes it here too, and he can play games here!"

Hua Shier stood up: "Hey you, last time someone called me 'Little Wang,' I slapped their face so hard it was bruised. Are you here to cause trouble? How about we have a match?"

Thanks to 08a and Little Tiger of the Demon Realm for their donations, and thanks to the brothers who voted with monthly tickets and recommendation tickets. Thank you very much.