Li Tianming immediately frowned and was about to refute, but Qin Siyang stopped him.
He looked at Qin Siyang in confusion.
Based on his understanding of Qin Siyang, this kind of person would never put up with nonsense. Why wasn't he letting him speak this time?
Qin Siyang patted his chest, "Old Li, you still have to mix in this system in the future. Offending idiots. Leave that to me."
After saying that, Qin Siyang pointed at the official who had just stood up, "What did you say? We're here to be tried?"
The official nodded, "That's right. If you did something wrong, shouldn't you admit it?"
Qin Siyang sneered, "Since when does a reported post mean I have to stand trial? I'm here to cooperate with the investigation!"
"Did the United Government update its laws and regulations, or are you just talking nonsense?"
The official continued, "But your Round Plate Armor is already proven to be a forg—"
"Oh? So you've already reached a verdict? You've already determined that I committed fraud, huh? Then show me the conviction document from the Bureau of Administration."
The official did not respond, his expression turning hostile as he stared at Qin Siyang.
Qin Siyang walked up to him and glanced at the man sitting in the center. "Judging by the seating arrangement, the brown-haired gentleman with glasses in the middle should be from the Sequence Ability Management Department, right? You can ask him for the document. There's still time to get it right here and now."
"I'd like to see whether you can actually obtain this document without following any investigative procedures."
The official's eyes flickered twice, but he remained silent.
He tried to sit down, but Qin Siyang grabbed his shoulder, his fingers exerting such strength that the low-ranking sequence official couldn't move.
"Let go! Are you trying to commit murder in public?"
Qin Siyang stared at him coldly and said, "You just tried to convict me with your words. I demand an explanation. You can't just run from this."
Governor Jonathan spoke, "Qin Siyang, we did call you here for an investigation. You don't have to take this so seriously."
"No, I do have to take this seriously. Governor Jonathan, the moment I walked in, this official labeled me as someone standing trial. Doesn't that imply I'm guilty by default?"
"So tell me, are my words being treated as testimony or as a confession? I highly suspect he's trying to rope me into a guilty verdict first and then gather evidence after the fact!"
Li Tianming's eyes lit up when he saw Qin Siyang had grasped the crux of the issue.
He hadn't expected this little rascal to actually understand the law.
While browsing [Godslayer Camp], Qin Siyang had read up on many common laws of the United Government, precisely because he was wary of being framed.
He never thought he'd actually get to put that knowledge to use today.
Jonathan shot the official a barely noticeable glance before saying, "Qin Siyang, you're overthinking this. He didn't mean it that way."
The official snorted, "I just misspoke, that's all. I wasn't trying to convict you. Now let go!"
"Misspoke? Just now, when you slammed the table and stood up, you sure didn't look hesitant at al. You're an official. This is the state government's investigation chamber. Every action and every word spoken here is recorded. There's no way you can muddle through this."
As he reprimanded the official, Chen Zhongming was furiously typing away beside him.
Thanks to his sequence ability enhancing his speed, his typing was so fast that afterimages formed. He seemed to be documenting every single detail without missing a word.
Chen Zhongming gave Jonathan and the others a goofy grin, "Rest assured, leaders. I will faithfully record everything from this investigation meeting and submit it to the United Government."
Jonathan's expression changed instantly.
He regretted assigning Chen Zhongming to this task.
Everything had happened so suddenly. He hadn't thought it through.
If Qin Siyang's sequence points were jeopardized, then Chen Zhongming. Who had just publicly commended him, would also face scrutiny.
On top of that, Chen Zhongming and Jonathan weren't even on the same side politically. There was no question about whose interests he would protect.
"I'll set everything else aside for now. First, let's clarify why you tried to convict me without due process. Either you show me the document, or you wait for me to report you to the Bureau of Administration."
"If the Bureau doesn't work, I'll go to the Administrative Hall. If that fails, I'll go to the Management Department. And if even that doesn't work, I'll take it up with the Central United Government. I have all the time and energy in the world. I refuse to believe I won't get justice," Hearing Qin Siyang's firm declaration of escalation, the official finally started to panic.
He hadn't expected this high school graduate to be such a tough nut to crack.
Not only did Qin Siyang avoid falling into the trap, but he also turned the situation against them.
This was bad.
If Qin Siyang really stirred up a storm, no matter the outcome, his own government position would be at risk.
With no other choice, he looked to Jonathan for help.
But Jonathan seemed oblivious, keeping his head down as he scribbled on paper, refusing to say a word.
Qin Siyang glanced between the two of them and suddenly chuckled.
He released his grip on the official's shoulder and patted his sweat-drenched face, "Regretting being so reckless now?"
The official turned his head away without responding, his eyes filled with rage.
It was unclear whether he was more furious at Qin Siyang or at Jonathan.
Li Tianming stroked his chin as he watched Qin Siyang flex his dominance, mumbling, "This kid is arrogant."
The moment Qin Siyang opened his mouth, he was like a machine gun, firing without restraint.
Because he knew—everyone involved in this tribunal was against him, except for Chen Zhongming.
And Chen Zhongming's position was insignificant.
If he let them lead him by the nose, they'd definitely brand him guilty.
Qin Siyang turned his gaze to the three people seated in the center, "Who organized this investigation meeting?"
A blond young man on the right spoke, "I did. Got a problem with that?"
"Of course I do. You should be a professor or lecturer from some university, which means you're the one who reported me, right?"
"I'm Florence, a lecturer at Nanrong University. I'll be promoted to associate professor at the end of the month. And I wasn't the only one who reported you. Several students from Nanrong University sitting here also—"
"I don't care about them. I only need to know that you are the one who reported me," Qin Siyang chuckled, "According to United Government regulations, both the accuser and the accused must undergo the same investigative process. I'm the accused, and I'm standing here. So tell me—why is the accuser allowed to sit comfortably and preside over my trial?"
"A judge and a competitor being the same person. What a novel concept."
"Governor Jonathan, don't you think your handling of this matter has been a bit sloppy?"
Jonathan set down his pen and adjusted his glasses, "I only arranged the venue and personnel at Director Crawford's request. The meeting proceedings have nothing to do with me."
Qin Siyang smirked, "Then I must have wrongly accused the Governor."
Jonathan's words made Crawford and Florence look surprised.
By distancing himself, Jonathan was making it clear he was staying out of what came next.
The Second Hall Trial—Jonathan had chosen to withdraw.
And he felt no guilt about it.
He had already done Florence a favor.
He had been incredibly efficient. Not only bringing Qin Siyang in but also setting up a scapegoat.
After all, Qin Siyang was currently the highest-ranked sequence ability user in the 14th State's Hunter Points. He could very well become a badge of honor for Jonathan in the future.
He had already offended Qin Siyang. What more could they ask of him?
But unexpectedly, Qin Siyang wasn't a pushover—he was a spiked iron ball.
Trying to crush him might end up causing tetanus instead.
It wasn't worth it.
Jonathan calmly took a sip of water, adopting a serene, detached posture.
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