453 Clear Conscience
Shen Ruojing’s gaze sank for a moment.
“My father, Jing Zhen?”
Her tone was heavy as she asked, “What secret does he have?”
The electronic voice replied quickly, “This is a secret of our Doom Organization. If you want to know, you can join us. I promise to tell you everything I know.”
Shen Ruojing didn’t hesitate and said, “Okay, I’ll join you. Now tell me.”
“…”
The response seemed to choke the other person for a moment. They took a deep breath and continued, “Prof. Z, we’re not joking with you. Our organization has standards, and if you want to join us, you must demonstrate your sincerity first. For example, you could create a toxin that can kill 100 people invisibly. Only then would I recognize that you have joined us. Otherwise, you would be wasting my time if you’re not fully committed to our cause.”
Shen Ruojing’s previous words were just a ploy to test the other person. She knew that such a condition was impossible to fulfill.
Shen Ruojing calmly said, “Thank you.”
The electronic voice was surprised and asked, “Thank us for what?”
Shen Ruojing did not reply but just looked into the distance.
Chu Cichen had been listening the whole time, and at this moment, he understood her thoughts.
For thirteen years, she had been plagued with guilt, but this phone call, despite the threats and taunts, helped her resolve her inner turmoil.
So, Shen Ruojing now had a clear conscience!
The No. 5 Neurotoxin was not invented by her! She had never leaked the formula!
At this moment, Chu Cichen wanted to hold her and tell her that she had always been on the side of good, always in the light! She was never a devil, and she didn’t have to feel guilty about it anymore.
Neither of them spoke, and the electronic voice broke the silence. “Don’t you want to join us?”
Shen Ruojing said, “No.”
The electronic voice was surprised. “But you can’t overturn the situation now. All the evidence indicates that the incident was a conspiracy, even if Captain Cui comes back and retrieves the case file, there were flaws in his investigation! He didn’t question the locals, and it could be said that you staged it yourself!”
Shen Ruojing calmly replied, “Does he have any evidence? It’s been 13 years, and this matter is no longer clear. Chinese law requires evidence to convict a person of a crime, not for me to prove my innocence. So, I am still innocent.”
The electronic voice asked in confusion, “But your reputation in China is already ruined! Those online criticisms are so heart-wrenching, and how many people have committed suicide because of depression?”
Hearing this, Shen Ruojing laughed candidly. “When I was in Sea City, I was criticized for being useless and akin to a decorative vase. Do you really think that online criticism can shake me? You are underestimating me.”
She had been criticized since she was young, so she might feel upset if she saw those online attacks. But she was already used to such things and no longer paid attention to them. The only thing that could shake her heart was herself!
At this moment, Chu Cichen spoke up, “There is someone who can prove your innocence.”
Before he could finish, the electronic voice sneered. “Are you talking about the girl who was abducted with you back then? The Chinese people’s thoughts are quite conservative. Even if a woman is sexually harassed or assaulted in the workplace, only a few people might say anything. Moreover, that girl was imprisoned for two months and even went to jail! With such a past, I think anyone would want to keep it tightly hidden. Do you think she dares to speak up?”
Chu Cichen remained silent, while Shen Ruojing lowered her gaze and said to him, “I am just criticized by a few people, and the matter has passed. Don’t involve others.”
Rong Rong’s life was going well. Moreover, she now had a boyfriend and had finally found the right rhythm of life.
No one would inquire about her past. As long as she didn’t speak up, she could live this happy life forever. So how could Shen Ruojing possibly make her speak for the sake of appeasing the anger of netizens?
After she said this, the electronic voice laughed and said, “You are still the same as you were back then. Since that’s the case, I’ll wait until you are unable to bear the criticism. Just know that the door to Doom will always be open for you.”
After saying this, the electronic voice hung up.
Chu Cichen said, “I have arranged for people to suppress the trending searches, but they won’t stop. They even hired troll armies to spread rumors privately, and some people are now criticizing us severely because our attempt of suppression has been discovered.”
He had to let Shen Ruojing know what was happening on Weibo.
He fell silent for a moment before saying, “Your grandpa’s arch-enemy in the Science Association is also making trouble. He’s now demanding Grandpa Shen to be expelled so that he can become the next president.”
Shen Ruojing rubbed her forehead and said, “I’ll call Grandpa.”
She took out her phone and quickly dialed the number.
After that, Shen Yuansong’s steady and imposing voice came through the phone. “Jingjing, don’t be afraid. I’m already tired of being the president, and I want to step down anyway. You also have a character that doesn’t like such responsibility, so we don’t need this! Who cares?”
Upon hearing this, Shen Ruojing’s lips slightly curled up and her voice deepened as she said, “Grandfather, the No. 5 Neurotoxin was not created by me. Someone framed me.”
She knew that this was what Shen Yuansong cared about the most.
Scientists should have a spotless reputation throughout their lifetime. Even if everyone knew she was innocent, Shen Yuansong would still feel guilty if his granddaughter had developed a harmful toxin to society.
As expected, when she said this, Shen Yuansong’s voice choked. He then exclaimed in surprise, “What? Really?!”
“Yeah, it’s the Doom Organization. They set me up, trying to recruit me, but I refused.”
“Good for you for refusing! The members of that organization don’t deserve to be called humans! They’re all psychotic and twisted, going against humanity!”
Shen Yuansong’s voice was trembling, but then he burst out laughing. “Jingjing, as long as we have a clear conscience, we don’t need to be the scientific association president!”
Shen Ruojing fell silent and smiled. “Thank you, grandfather.”
She didn’t want to disturb Rong Rong, so this rumor would not be debunked in the short term.
As a result, she could not be elected in the imminent scientific association’s presidential election.
She lowered her gaze.
Chu Cichen walked over and held her hand. “518, no matter what happens, I’m here for you.”
Shen Ruojing was slightly taken aback.
Suddenly, she reached out and hugged his waist.
For the past thirteen years, no one knew that she was the creator of the No. 5 Neurotoxin, and she had to carry the weight of the responsibility on her own.
Now, despite the storms outside, she had finally found her own peace within. “Chu Cichen, I’m very happy.”
“Congratulations.”
Chu Cichen held her tightly.
At the same time, his gaze sank and he lowered his phoenix eyes.
518 was the best woman in the world and should not be misunderstood or criticized by others. Chu Cichen would never allow others to sully her!