Volume One, Chapter 11: He Leans Close, Asking About His Wound

Ma Cheng quickly rushed to the center, spreading his arms to block Wang Qiulan. "What is all this fuss about?"

Wang Qiulan pointed her finger at the Lin couple. "The good daughter you raised has beaten my son to this state!"

By this time, Lin Fugui had listened to his daughter's account and learned the full story. Even with his usually gentle nature, he stiffened at this moment.

"Wang Qiulan! Your son tried to bully my daughter, and now he's turning the tables on her? Do you still have any sense of justice? I'll report this to the police and have your son thrown in jail!"

Zhang Xiangyu held her daughter close, constantly patting her to comfort her. "It's alright, it's all over now! Mom would never let you marry into such a vicious family. We will surely seek justice for you!"

Su Jinxia watched from the side with envy. Not long ago, she, too, wished her family would stand up for her.

With a mother blinded by greed and a sister who just watched the spectacle, these were her family. Thinking of this, she clenched her fists tightly. She vowed never to repeat the same mistakes in her life.

Ma Cheng stepped forward. "Everyone, listen to me. I'm the head of the local police station. This matter won't be resolved quickly. Lin, you should take your daughter home and calm her down. I will handle the situation here. Continuing this dispute serves no one."

Lin Fugui strode over and slapped Song Jianping across the face. It was the first time in his life he had ever hit anyone. This cornered rabbit was ready to bite back!

Song Jianping fell onto the bed, seeing stars in his head, staring at the fierce Lin Fugui. The future father-in-law was nothing like he had imagined—far from the usual meekness.

"Fine, you hit me! I'll report this—he assaulted me!"

Ma Cheng frowned in disapproval. "What are you making a fuss about? Apologize to Uncle Lin immediately!"

Song Jianping looked incredulous. He felt incredibly unlucky today—first beaten by two women, now this old man dared to hit him. If this got out, how could he survive?

"Why should I apologize? I got hit!"

Ma Cheng said firmly, "Because you were wrong. You're an adult, and you bullied a young girl. That's illegal, understand?"

Only then did Song Jianping realize that since he hadn't married her, he couldn't do whatever he wanted. So he knelt on the bed.

"Uncle, auntie, I was wrong. I was too impatient, but I really like Yuanyuan. I'm willing to marry her! I'll treat her well and increase the bride price!"

"In a few days, I'll start working at the fertilizer plant, earning 13.8 yuan a month, plus grain coupons! This job is really good, and if you miss this chance, you'll regret it!"

He was shameless beyond belief, and Ma Cheng had never seen such brazen impudence. He glanced toward the others, thinking if they softened and agreed, he’d be the only villain.

Lin Fugui said, "Keep dreaming. I absolutely won’t marry my daughter to you. I’ll accuse you of being a scoundrel!"

Hearing Lin’s resolute words, Song Tiezhu panicked. His son’s job was finally settled, and if something went wrong now, they’d lose both the job and their money.

"Brother, don’t be like this. We know each other, and although the kids’ marriage can’t happen, there’s no need to make things hostile. If you ruin my son’s future, I’ll be finished."

Lin Fugui retorted, "Your son’s life is his life, but what about my daughter? Your son nearly ruined her honor. This isn’t over!"

Song Tiezhu replied, "Nothing happened, and your daughter even hit my son. We won’t pursue it. Let's just let it go."

"From now on, we’ll each go our own way. I won’t visit your home, and you don’t have to call me brother anymore."

He hoped to end the conflict on the basis of brotherly bonds.

Zhang Xiangyu worried her husband might relent. "Husband, you can’t soften now!"

"Don’t worry, I won’t! I’ll stand firm to the end. I won’t let our daughter be bullied for nothing!" Lin Fugui said resolutely.

Su Jinxia wiped away tears. The scene was touching, but it wasn’t hers. With things settled, she knew it was time to leave. She turned to the police officer in uniform.

"The facts are clear. Is there anything else you need from me?"

"I’ll take a statement. Just sign it afterward," Ma Cheng said, pulling out pen and paper. He questioned the two girls thoroughly, recording the whole incident, then asked the young man nearby.

He learned that the young man was a naval lieutenant colonel, equivalent to deputy regiment commander. Being so young and in such a position spoke well of his character.

With strong testimony, Ma Cheng finished taking statements from all three, had them sign, and the matter was temporarily settled.

The facts were clear: Song Jianping had committed a crime. If the victim’s family pressed charges, he would undoubtedly be sentenced.

They gathered at the hospital entrance as dusk fell.

Zhang Xiangyu held the young girl’s hand. "Thank you so much today. Otherwise, my child might have been hurt."

"Come home with Auntie. I’ll treat you all to a meal."

Su Jinxia replied, "No need. It’s late already. Maybe next time."

Zhang Xiangyu looked at the young man beside her. "What’s your name?"

"My surname is Zhao. Just call me Xiao Zhao," Zhao Yue replied politely.

Zhang Xiangyu thought the young man was quite good—he’d be a fine son-in-law. She said, "If there’s nothing else, Auntie invites you for a simple meal."

Zhao Yue said, "Sorry, I have things to do too."

Zhang Xiangyu felt disappointed—both declined her invitation.

Lin Yuanyuan said, "Mom, let’s not force them. If they have things to do, it’s their business."

Zhang Xiangyu nodded. "Alright, let’s go home."

Lin Yuanyuan waved goodbye to Su Jinxia before leaving with her mother.

Watching the three of them disappear, Su Jinxia’s heart was full of mixed emotions. Thankfully, this life could be changed.

"What are you thinking about?" Zhao Yue asked.

Su Jinxia noticed he hadn’t left yet. "Didn’t you say you had something to do? Why aren’t you going?"

Zhao Yue smiled, "I said that just so I wouldn’t have to go eat with them."

"Where do you live? I’ll walk you home. It’s late, and I don’t feel comfortable letting you go alone."

Feeling a little awkward under his gaze, Su Jinxia politely said, "No need to see me home. I can manage on my own."

"According to our agreement, I’ll meet you at the bus station tomorrow on time."

Zhao Yue suddenly leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Little fox, what about his injury? Aren’t you going to explain that to me?"