The woman had not expected him to remain so calm, much less turn the questions back on her. Now he was starting to panic.
So when someone falsely accuses you, never try to prove your innocence. Learn to strike back-the person framing you probably cannot react that quickly, and then you can respond at your leisure. Only by throwing them off balance can you keep your own footing.
The onlookers had now split into two camps. Some believed Li Long and the others, while some remained suspicious.
"Ma'am, why don't we go to the Bureau of Industry and Commerce together?" Li Long knew he had to stand firm now. He said loudly, "I'll pay to have my fish tested. If they're contaminated fish, I'll accept whatever punishment comes. If they aren't, I won't even ask you to compensate me for damaging my reputation. Just pay the testing fee. How about that?"
Li Long's generous offer immediately won support from many of the onlookers.
"Exactly! Go on, let us see for ourselves!"
"The young man's being generous. He's only asking you to pay the testing fee, not compensation. If you think they're contaminated fish, go with him!"
"Now that he's said that, I actually think he knows what he's talking about and has nothing on his conscience. These fish look good to me!"
"Exactly. If they really were contaminated fish, how could they look so nice? Even if you washed them clean, wouldn't they still stink? These only smell fishy..."
The crowd was gradually swinging toward Li Long. The "ma'am," who was at most old enough to be his aunt, grew anxious. How could she possibly pay for testing?
After all, she had only called them contaminated fish to get Li Jianguo to lower the price.
"You're all just twisting things!"