Chapter 127: Shackled

The person who shouted that Li Sichen was a murderer rather than a hero was none other than Cheng Peng, the general manager of the KTV.

Injured as he was, he should have been rushed to the hospital immediately. However, after witnessing Li Sichen charge into the sea of flames, he insisted on staying behind. Those unaware of the situation might have thought he was concerned for Li Sichen’s safety, but in reality, he was wishing for the boy’s death. He had only one motive for remaining: to witness Li Sichen burn to death.

Although as the general manager he would bear significant responsibility for the casualties caused by the fire, he did not care. In Cheng Peng’s eyes, the modestly dressed Li Sichen likely came from a humble background. If such a person perished in the fire, the liability he would face would be minimal—at most, some financial compensation. Furthermore, Li Sichen had deeply offended Young Master Lei and Young Master Liang; hearing the news of his death would surely please these influential figures. Once they were satisfied, he wouldn't need to worry about the compensation himself. They might even help him evade responsibility or pave the way for his future success.

Cheng Peng’s plan was calculated to perfection. He had even taken his phone out of his pocket early, waiting for the firefighters to discover Li Sichen’s body so he could call the young masters and report the "good news" that would surely bring a smile to their faces.

What he never expected was that after plunging into the inferno for nearly twenty minutes, Li Sichen would emerge alive! Not only that, he had carried out a trapped victim, instantly becoming a hero revered and admired by all.

A hero? How could this kid be a hero? Cheng Peng could not accept this outcome under any circumstances. In a fit of impulse, he roared out the words that shocked the entire scene.

After a few seconds of stunned silence, the crowd erupted.

Everyone began to discuss the incident:

"Holy crap, is what this guy said true? The person who risked his life to charge into the fire to save someone is actually an arsonist? This is too dramatic! Even those so-called 'miracle' movies or TV shows wouldn't dare write a script like this."

"It must be fake, right? What arsonist would risk their life to save someone? In my opinion, this guy is just framing him! He doesn't look like a good person; he must be jealous that someone else became a hero, so he said something so shameless!"

"Maybe it is true. Otherwise, how do you explain a student risking his life to save a complete stranger without asking for any reward? He probably started the fire by accident, and when he saw someone trapped, his conscience got the better of him, so he rushed in to save them..."

For a moment, all sorts of wild speculations emerged, and one had to admire the vivid imaginations of the onlookers.

Within the crowd, many believed Cheng Peng was slandering Li Sichen. Among them were his classmates, Lin Siyu and Tan Xiaoxiao, as well as Ouyang Long, Fang Yi, and Yuan Yifei, who had just shared a brush with death alongside him.

"What did you say? You say he's an arsonist? Say that again if you dare! See if I don't beat you to a pulp!" The hot-headed Fang Yi rushed toward Cheng Peng, ready to throw a punch.

"Don't move, don't you dare! There are so many people watching; if you lay a hand on him, you’ll definitely face disciplinary action..." Several firefighters rushed forward, grabbing and restraining him.

Fang Yi roared while struggling, "Let me go! All of you, let me go! So what if there's disciplinary action? I'm not afraid! I have to seek justice for this student! Damn it, is there no justice left in this world?"

Lying on a stretcher, Cheng Peng turned pale with fright. His voice trembling, he stammered, "You... what are you trying to do? I’m warning you, don't do anything reckless!" After two threats, he shrieked at the top of his lungs, "Help! Someone come help! A firefighter is attacking people!"

"The rest of you, drag Fang Yi away!" Ouyang Long arrived with several firefighters. After they held Fang Yi down and dragged him away, he glared at Cheng Peng and said coldly, "You’d better have evidence! Otherwise, I’ll let you see what happens when a real firefighter loses his temper!"

Upon hearing Ouyang Long’s words, the surrounding firefighters were stunned. They didn't know much about Ouyang Long, but they knew he was someone who could always remain calm and composed. Yet now, his expression, his tone, and his words were filled with such fury that he seemed ready to explode.

To defend Li Sichen, even someone as firm-willed as Ouyang Long had changed his demeanor... Just how much charisma did this student named Li Sichen possess?

Cheng Peng opened his mouth, but no words came out. He had been terrified by Ouyang Long. However, things had reached a point where he could no longer retract his statement. To do so would be to confirm his guilt of slander and rumor-mongering. Thus, despite his fear, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and carry on.

"Before the fire started, this kid made threats, saying he would force our KTV to shut down. And as fate would have it, not long after he made those threats, the fire broke out. Not only did our staff see this, but many customers also heard and witnessed it..."

Ouyang Long raised an eyebrow and mocked, "So, just based on a few threats, you’ve concluded that this student set the fire? Heh... if we follow your logic, if I shout 'Death to Obama' now, and Obama actually dies later, will the FBI arrest me as a murderer?"

Cheng Peng felt he was on shaky ground, so he didn't argue with Ouyang Long, instead shouting, "Even if these cannot prove he is the arsonist, they at least prove he is a suspect!"

Ouyang Long wanted to retort, but a middle-aged police officer nearby suddenly said, "Manager Cheng is right; this student is indeed a suspect! Xiao Liu, handcuff him and take him back to the station for questioning!"

Ouyang Long’s expression shifted, as it was clear the officer was deliberately targeting Li Sichen. The officer speaking was Wang Guotao, the chief of the local police station with jurisdiction over the KTV. Since the municipal police had not yet arrived, the local station was responsible for maintaining order, and for the moment, Wang Guotao was in charge.

What no one knew was that just minutes earlier, Wang Guotao had received a call from Young Master Lei and Young Master Liang. After fleeing the fire, they hadn't gone far, staying behind just like Cheng Peng. On the phone, they hadn't said much, only asking him to help deal with Li Sichen. This was the sole reason Wang Guotao was targeting him.