Chapter 1018 - 1015: Life Imprisonment
Tang Yumeng smiled with emotion, her smile so radiant, with glistening tears on her face.
What does a woman seek in this lifetime, if not the care of her beloved man, the promise of her beloved man?
......
Lin Chuan was sentenced to lifetime imprisonment, and with reports from major media outlets, news of this spread swiftly across the world.
At nine in the morning, Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom was leisurely basking in the sun on the garden bench with her husband, Prince Philip, as usual. Engles approached and said to the Queen in a low voice, "Your Majesty, there's a guest from China wanting to see you."
The Queen was slightly surprised and asked, "A guest from China, who is it?"
Engles said, "It's a guest from China's National Security Department, named Li Xiangguo."
"Deputy Minister of China's National Security Department, Li Xiangguo." The Queen furrowed her brow and said to Engles, "It seems they've come regarding Lin Chuan's matter. Alright, accompany me to meet them."
Engles nodded.
The Queen turned and said to Prince Philip, "Dear, please sit for a while, I have some matters to attend to."
The guest was Li Xiangguo, sent by General Chen Zhenguo to see Queen Elizabeth. At this sensitive time, regarding Lin Chuan's issue, General Chen advised Li Xiangguo to secretly come to London and meet the Queen in a private capacity.
The reception room.
The royal demeanor was indeed extraordinary. Although it was just a small reception room, it was extremely exquisite, combining classical European charm with modern design concepts, appearing exceptionally grand.
Seeing the Queen enter, Li Xiangguo quickly stood up, smiled slightly, reached out his hand to greet her, and said, "Honorable Your Majesty, hello."
The Queen smiled and nodded, lightly shook hands with Li Xiangguo, and said, "Mr. Li, it is a pleasure that you honor us with your presence."
As it was a private meeting, many complex formalities were omitted. The Queen, being the host, naturally took the main seat, while Li Xiangguo sat on the sofa to the Queen's right, and Engles to the left.
Li Xiangguo directly got to the point, saying, "Your Majesty, I believe you might already have a sense of the purpose for my visit."
The Queen's expression was indifferent as she did not speak.
Engles, beside them, said, "Minister Li, your unexpected visit might leave our Queen wondering about your purpose, isn't that somewhat humorous?"
Li Xiangguo chuckled and said, "Not humorous at all, Lin Chuan is one of the Queen's best friends, and I believe Her Majesty wouldn't want him to spend his life in prison, right?"
Li Xiangguo directly pointed out the topic, leaving Engles unsure how to respond.
The Queen elegantly smiled and lifted the coffee in front of her, saying to Li Xiangguo, "Minister Li, taste our authentic Blue Mountain coffee, it's very delicious."
Diverging from Li Xiangguo's topic, the Queen guided the conversation to the coffee. Li Xiangguo realized the Queen intentionally avoided his point, and sampled his coffee, saying, "Truly exquisite."
The Queen slightly smiled and nodded, leisurely sipping her coffee.
Li Xiangguo also remained silent, while sipping his coffee and examining the arrangement of the reception room.
Both parties were wise, the mutual silence didn't indicate a lack of words but rather using the silence to gauge each other's intentions.
Li Xiangguo's intent was obvious; he wanted to leverage the Queen's influence to bring Lin Chuan back to China. However, the Queen's intent was somewhat enigmatic. In fact, she wished to save Lin Chuan but had promised the Americans that Lin Chuan wouldn't return to China.
The silent atmosphere persisted for about two minutes before the Queen glanced at Engles.
Engles immediately understood the Queen's suggestion and smiled at Li Xiangguo, saying, "Mr. Li, you're aware of Her Majesty's relationship with Lin Chuan, Her Majesty is indeed unhappy that Lin Chuan remains in prison, but seeking to free him might displease the Americans."
Li Xiangguo also smiled slightly and said, "Of course, I understand that. But Your Majesty, if you were to request Lin Chuan from the Americans, surely the Americans would give you some consideration."
Li Xiangguo's words held deeper meaning that outsiders wouldn't grasp, but the Queen certainly did.
The Queen had once secretly met with the American President, Omama, who had mentioned that if the Queen could grant Lin Chuan British citizenship, he could be released.
Li Xiangguo's words targeted the Queen directly; if she didn't reply, it would be lacking royal etiquette. She set down her cup and said, "Minister Li, one shouldn't put it like that. Although Lin Chuan saved my life, it was my utmost effort that allowed his public trial."
Li Xiangguo said, "I understand this point well, and deeply appreciate Your Majesty's kindness to Lin Chuan. But Your Majesty, you should understand that Lin Chuan is not only your lifesaver but also one of the best friends of the British. His release would be entirely beneficial to you."
The Queen furrowed her brow slightly and said, "Minister Li, if you can agree to one condition, I guarantee Lin Chuan won't remain in prison."
"Please speak," Li Xiangguo said.
The Queen said, "If Lin Chuan comes out and is willing to join our British nationality, there shouldn't be any objection from the Chinese side?"
Li Xiangguo chuckled and said, "Your Majesty, I can answer this question right now. As long as Lin Chuan voluntarily joins you, we on this side will have absolutely no objections. However, if Lin Chuan is unwilling, I kindly ask Your Majesty to let Lin Chuan return to China."
A few days ago, the Queen met Lin Chuan, inviting him to join British nationality, but was refused by Lin Chuan. The Queen understood very well in her heart that even if Lin Chuan came out, he wouldn't join. She said this just to find a reason in front of Li Xiangguo.
Furthermore, Lin Chuan promised the Queen that if the Queen had any tasks in the future, he would give his all, which was already enough for the Queen. She indeed faced a problem, perhaps only someone like Lin Chuan could help her solve it.
"Hmm, I can agree to that," the Queen said without hesitation.
...
The public trial ended, and Lin Chuan was supposed to be escorted to the Swiss International Prison to serve his sentence. Due to interference from the Americans, Lin Chuan had to temporarily stay in the Washington Prison to serve time, waiting for the Americans to complete the handover procedures so that Lin Chuan could leave the United States.
Actually, this was instructed by Omama to Everson, asking Everson to delay the procedures as much as possible, hoping to indefinitely confine Lin Chuan in the United States.
Lin Chuan's matter didn't cool down with the trial's conclusion; instead, it stirred greater discussion in major media outlets and online.
The world split into two factions: One particularly supported Lin Chuan, believing he was fighting for justice and should not be imprisoned. While the other faction held a opposition stance, arguing that killing should be punished by law; otherwise, what order would there be in this world?
Initially, it was only a large number of ordinary people discussing; later, major media outlets saw profit in it and joined in, inviting renowned figures from various countries to participate. At one point, Lin Chuan took the spotlight globally, surpassing Omama.
Of course, Tang Yumeng also received a lot of attention. On the day of the public trial, Lin Chuan openly expressed his love for her, and moreover announced to the world his marriage to Tang Yumeng.
Tang Yumeng's inherent charm and appearance were top-notch, with countless homebody males regarding her as a goddess. Curious individuals dug into Tang Yumeng's background, revealing her as a main leader in government departments, causing quite a stir.
Regarding Lin Chuan's announcement to marry Tang Yumeng in front of the world, women who had been involved with Lin Chuan were heartbroken, among which Yang Zi had the biggest reaction.
As a chairman of a corporation, Yang Zi's career was quite successful, but her romantic life was not so favorable. Upon meeting Lin Chuan, she was completely captivated. In her heart, she saw Lin Chuan as hers, now stolen by another woman. She vowed to win him back.
At this moment, Yang Zi had already returned to Jiangbei City from Tiansheng.
Sitting behind a huge desk, Yang Zi supported her chin with one hand while holding Tang Yumeng's photo with the other.
In the photo, Tang Yumeng wore a formal suit, appearing graceful and elegant, smiling and talking with two elderly farmers.
"Tang Yumeng," Yang Zi stared at the photo, with intense hatred in her eyes, and said in a resentful tone, "I will definitely not let you marry Lin Chuan. Lin Chuan belongs to me."
Ring, ring...
The phone on the desk rang. Startled, she picked up the phone.
"Chairman," a sweet voice came through the phone: "The reporter from Jiangbei Daily you scheduled to meet has arrived."
"Let him in," Yang Zi said, then put down the phone and sat upright.
A few minutes later, a man in his thirties entered, wearing glasses and looking quite refined.
"Chairman Yang, hello, I am Li Bingyang from Jiangbei Daily." As soon as he entered the office, the man proactively gave his name, smiling, and reached out to shake hands with Yang Zi.
Yang Zi completely ignored him, only glanced at him indifferently and said, "Take a seat."
Li Bingyang's expression froze, his face quite awkward as he sat down.
Yang Zi said, "I won't beat around the bush. You must know about Tang Yumeng's matter, right?"
Li Bingyang, as a media person, naturally couldn't ignore the recent major events and naturally knew about them.
Yang Zi continued, "I want you to find a way to ruin Tang Yumeng's reputation, no matter the method."
Li Bingyang said with difficulty, "Chairman Yang, this is a bit difficult, after all, Tang Yumeng is a leader in our Jiangbei City..."
Before Li Bingyang could finish his sentence, Yang Zi took out a check from the drawer and handed it to him, saying, "Is this money enough for you?"
Li Bingyang paused, his eyes glancing at the numbers on the check, which had five zeros, instantly causing his heartbeat to skip.