Chapter Twelve: Filing the Report

She hadn’t intended to make a big deal out of it, but since Huo Shancheng had struck Huo Qingqing and still refused to admit it or return the diamond watch, this matter was far from over.

The on-duty auxiliary police officer saw the anguish on Ruan Tang’s face and felt a pang of sympathy. He hurriedly began to register her report.

“A man from my village, Huo Shancheng, stole my diamond watch and abused my child, who ended up hospitalized. He denies everything and even accuses me of framing him. It’s like my heart is being fried in oil—” Ruan Tang blinked, tears falling quickly. Her expression of pain and sorrow tugged at the officer’s heart.

He quickly comforted her. “Comrade, I understand everything you’ve said. Please don’t worry; have a seat for a moment. I’ll notify the captain right away.”

Ruan Tang nodded shakily and was helped by the auxiliary officer to a wooden bench nearby. Soon after, several serious-faced police officers came out from the office. Their expressions softened when they saw Ruan Tang. One officer took the report form and read it, then the leading officer approached her and saluted. “My name is Chen, just call me Captain Chen.”

He crouched down to be at eye level with Ruan Tang and asked, “When did this happen?”

Captain Chen’s respectful manner made Ruan Tang feel honored. She wiped away her tears and said, “It was just yesterday. I’m the wife of Huo Yanxiu from nearby Huo Family Village. His brother, Huo Shancheng, climbed over the wall into my yard while I was away. He first abused my child, Huo Qingqing, then, driven by greed, stole the diamond watch I had just bought with all my savings. When I confronted him yesterday, he denied everything and slandered me, claiming I was after his watch. Even the village chief sided with him. I had no choice but to come to the police station seeking justice.”

As Ruan Tang spoke through tears, the officers listened with heavy hearts.

She then took out the receipt for the diamond watch and the hospital bills for medication, her eyes brimming with tears. “These are the proofs. My daughter is still in the hospital, barely holding on. Please, officers, help me get justice!”

Captain Chen’s expression remained calm, but a closer look revealed his jaw clenched tightly, clearly sharing her anger.

He took the stamped receipts from her hand and nodded. “Comrade, I understand everything. We will act immediately.”

With that, two men stepped forward carrying equipment, and Captain Chen led the way out.

They wanted to check on Huo Qingqing’s condition. Without hesitation, Ruan Tang got into the police car and guided them to the hospital.

Many at the hospital noticed the police arrival, including nurses and some doctors. Their eyes filled with surprise. One department head politely approached to inquire about the situation. Captain Chen waved him off. “Routine law enforcement. This doesn’t concern the hospital; this woman filed the report.”

Understanding the situation, the head stepped aside and let them proceed to the fourth floor.

On the fourth floor, before opening the door, Ruan Tang motioned for the captain to speak softly and move gently. After entering, she wiped her face and smiled. “Qingqing, Auntie’s back!”

Huo Qingqing was already awake, sitting on the bed eating the canned fruit Ruan Tang had bought yesterday.

Seeing so many people at once, Qingqing’s eyes widened, and she paused mid-bite.

Captain Chen and the others immediately noticed the swelling and redness on Qingqing’s face, their expressions darkening instantly.

To be beaten like that, the assailant must have been ruthless.

Captain Chen bit his jaw, his face stern. After nodding to Ruan Tang, he turned and left without a word.

Ruan Tang hesitated to speak but then softly explained to Qingqing, “That was Captain Chen. Auntie said she’d help you fight back. Don’t worry.”

Qingqing bit her spoon, her eyes shadowed with sorrow. She didn’t answer, only softly acknowledged and continued eating.

Ruan Tang’s heart softened. She stroked Qingqing’s head and then stepped out to catch up with Captain Chen.

Seeing Ruan Tang had calmed the child, Captain Chen’s face relaxed. “Where did you buy the diamond watch?”

“Right at the Jiheng Watch Shop on West Street corner, next to the supermarket,” she replied quickly.

Captain Chen nodded and, with Ruan Tang and three subordinates, went to verify.

Inside the shop, besides the clerk who had served her yesterday, there was a new unfamiliar face.

Ruan Tang understood immediately—the clerk from yesterday must have been fired.

She pushed the door and greeted the clerk who had rung up her purchase. “Do you remember me?”

The clerk was surprised at first, then recognition dawned, and she quickly smiled. “Oh, it’s you! Are you looking for other watch styles today?”

She tried to sell more, but her smile faded quickly when she noticed Captain Chen standing sternly behind Ruan Tang, intimidating her into a rigid posture.

Ruan Tang reassured her. “This is Captain Chen. We’re just verifying evidence.”

Captain Chen nodded and stepped forward, taking the purchase receipt to examine it before looking up. “You were the one who handled her payment yesterday?”

The clerk shrank back briefly, then nodded timidly. “Yes, yes—”

“What’s your name?”

“Yu Meifeng.”

The name matched the one on the receipt. Captain Chen felt reassured.

He then took the completed report from a subordinate, reviewed it, and handed it to Ruan Tang. “Please sign here. Once signed, we can bring the suspect in for questioning.”

Ruan Tang nodded, borrowed a pen from Yu Meifeng, and signed. Then one officer escorted her back to the police station, while Captain Chen and another policeman drove to Huo Family Village to bring in the suspect.

Ruan Tang sat quietly, contemplating her next move.

[Please spend one thousand yuan within three hours. Failure to do so will result in unknown punishment.]

Her mind went blank.

The sudden voice shattered her train of thought.

She felt a headache coming on. How was she supposed to spend money now? She was in the middle of serious business!

[Hint: Investments also count as spending.]

The cryptic hint caught her off guard. She didn’t react immediately, but overhearing two policemen quietly discussing the cafeteria food sparked an idea.

Why not invest the money in the police station cafeteria?

After all, there’s a saying: to win someone’s heart, first win their stomach.

Ruan Tang chuckled and reached out, lightly tapping the shoulders of the two chatting officers.

“Comrades!”

Her sudden cheerful voice startled them.

“Phew! You scared us, ma’am,” one young officer patted his chest, looking visibly shaken.

The young policeman was fresh-faced and likely new, easily influenced.

Ruan Tang’s eyes darted thoughtfully. The older officer beside him, more composed, eyed her suspiciously. “What is it? Do you have something to add?”

He had followed Captain Chen all the way here and genuinely felt sympathy for Ruan Tang.

She smiled faintly. “I heard you two complaining about the cafeteria food. How about I help you with that?”