Not only did you instigate him to steal from Li Jianye's house, but this afternoon you also took him to the riverbank, where they stole fish from Comrade Wang Rui.

"What fish? I don't know! Besides, Bang Geng didn't take anything from Li Jianye's house!"

Jia Zhangshi panicked.

"That's right, Banggeng did not take Comrade Li Jianye's belongings, and Comrade Li Jianye has also confirmed this."

The female police officer said coldly, "But Banggeng's behavior constitutes attempted theft, which is also a crime."

You are an instigator, and therefore equally guilty.

Moreover, you instigated a minor, which makes the situation even more serious.

As for the fish theft—Wang Rui just happened to report it to the police station. Isn't that a coincidence?

"What?!"

Everyone in the room was stunned.

They never imagined that taking nothing would be considered a crime.

After a moment of stunned silence, Jia Zhangshi suddenly started throwing a tantrum: "My grandson didn't take anything, so why are you saying he committed a crime? What instigation? I'm innocent! Old Jia, come quick—"

"Shut up!"

Yi Zhonghai, being a seasoned veteran, saw that the situation had completely reversed and was beyond saving, so he immediately shouted to stop it.

The commotion in the courtyard gradually subsided, and Jia Zhangshi was being supported by others, her legs too weak to stand straight.

Qin Huairu took a deep breath, forced a smile, and walked up to the two police officers.

"Comrades, you two have worked hard."

She spoke softly, as if afraid of disturbing something, "The Jia family and the Li family had some past conflicts."

The old lady was confused this time, but to say that she instructed the child to steal would be a complete injustice.

The child is only five years old, what does he know? He just heard a few angry words from his grandmother, ran into someone's house and made a mess, stomping all over the floor with the soles of his dirty shoes—he ruined things, but he really didn't steal anything.

"Do you think there might be a misunderstanding here?"

The tall policeman didn't take the tea she offered; he only glanced up at her.

"Misunderstanding? We've checked. The footprints in the house led all the way to the cabinet. The child was clearly heading towards something."

Furthermore,

He gestured with his chin towards the house. "That fish basket on the table, is it Wang Rui's? That's the stolen goods; we need to take it with us."

He paused, then his tone hardened: "Jia Geng is young and not criminally liable. You can take him back today."

But he made a mess of the house, soiling all the bedding, so you are responsible for cleaning it up and washing the bedding.

We'll come back to check tomorrow. If they didn't do it, his parents will be detained for a few days.

As for Jia Zhangshi—she has to come with us and be handed over to the court for trial.

The results are in; the neighborhood committee will notify you.

Qin Huairu's face paled, and she was about to say something more when the policewoman next to her suddenly wrinkled her nose.

She looked down and saw a puddle of water spreading under Jia Zhangshi's trouser leg, emanating a foul odor.

"Let's change her into some clean clothes first."

The policewoman gestured to Qin Huairu with her chin and then signaled to her colleague to invite Jia Dongxu and Yi Zhonghai outside.

Jia Dongxu struggled to say something, but Yi Zhonghai grabbed him, took out a cigarette from his pocket, and handed it to him with a forced smile.

The police officer raised his hand to block it.

"Comrade, just say what you want to say, there's no need for this."

Yi Zhonghai awkwardly withdrew his hand and lowered his voice: "As you know, the Jia family is struggling financially. The old lady was just confused for a moment... Is there any way to get her a reduced sentence?"

"Good behavior during the reform period can lead to a reduced sentence."

The police officer answered decisively, "As for anything else—even if Li Jianye is willing to forgive, the case has already been filed."

This is an act that undermines public unity and must be prosecuted.

"So... how long will the sentence be?"

"Jia Geng can get it back today."

Jia Zhangshi must wait for the court's decision.

The police officer turned away, saying no more, "The outcome is not something we can say."

The room fell silent, with only Jia Zhangshi's heavy breathing remaining.

As Qin Huairu watched the police officers lead the person out of the courtyard, her fingers slowly clenched the hem of her clothes.

"Thank you for your help."

Yi Zhonghai sighed again and thanked him once more.

As the two were talking, Jia Zhangshi had already changed her clothes and came out with the policewoman.

"Parents of Banggeng, go to the police station with one of them. You can pick up your child later."

"Wow!"

Jia Dongxu eagerly responded.

"Me too."

Yi Zhonghai shook his head. This was an important matter for his apprentice, and he had to go along with it.

If the apprentice can't handle it, I can help him out.

"Okay, let's go together then."

Comrade, please remember to keep Li Jianye's room clean.

"it is good."

Qin Huairu nodded quickly.

At that moment, she felt a sense of relief—Bang Geng could finally leave, and she now had a legitimate reason to see Jianye.

In Qin Huairu's heart, the most important person is naturally her son, Banggeng.

As for Jia Zhangshi... that old woman always beats and scolds her, keeps her busy with chores, and doesn't even let her eat her fill. Qin Huairu couldn't be more happy for her to stay there a few more days.

The police led Jia and Zhang away amidst the watchful eyes of the neighbors in the courtyard.

As soon as the person left, a buzz of discussion arose in the courtyard. Many people even gathered at the Jia family's gate, pulling Qin Huairu aside to ask:

"Huai Ru, what did your mother-in-law do wrong? Look, she's in handcuffs!"

"I……"

Qin Huairu's eyes reddened, and tears streamed down her face. "It's so embarrassing... I really can't say it. Please don't ask anymore... Waaah..."

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry!"

Seeing her crying so sadly, the crowd didn't press her any further and gradually dispersed, whispering about Jia Zhangshi as they walked away.

After seeing that the person had gone far away, Qin Huairu hurriedly told Qin Jingru not to run around, and then picked up a broom, mop and rag and headed to Li Jianye's house.

"Knock knock knock—"

"Who?"

Li Jianye's voice came from inside the door.

"I'm Bang Geng's mom, here to help you clean the house."

Qin Huairu responded loudly, deliberately making sure everyone around could hear.

These days, reputation is important. If a married woman stays alone in a single man's house for too long, it's bound to attract gossip.

"Come in."

Qin Huairu pushed open the door and immediately saw the food on the table: Mapo tofu with its red oil glistening, twice-cooked pork slices thin and translucent, stir-fried lettuce tender and green, and stir-fried eggplant, potatoes, and green peppers with a rich and fragrant aroma. Next to it was a plate of white steamed buns—judging by their delicate texture, they must have been made with high-gluten flour.

She has never tasted a steamed bun made with enriched flour in her life.

"Gurgle—"

Qin Huairu couldn't help but swallow hard.

"This is...this is truly abundant."

The regret welled up in her heart again: How could she have been so blind to marry such a scoundrel as Jia Dongxu? If she had followed Li Jianye, she could have endured hardship for a few years and then enjoyed an income of four hundred yuan a month, and even eat such good food in these times...

"What's up?"

Li Jianye didn't even look up, continuing to eat by himself.

Qin Huairu was the original owner's former lover, and had no connection with him.

He felt no particular emotion towards this woman, treating her merely as a character he had seen in a play, with a touch of detached curiosity.

"Jianye!"

Qin Huairu closed the door behind her.

Qin Huairu adjusted her breathing and adopted the soft tone she used when she was in love with Li Jianye.

I know you're blaming me.

She paused.

"Yes, I'm sorry for what happened back then."

"But I also... have my own unavoidable difficulties."

As soon as she finished speaking, tears began to fall.

This scene, observed by Li Jianye, secretly amazed him.

"That's absolutely amazing."

he thinks.

"This ability to control one's tears so well would probably win several awards in later generations."

Those so-called celebrities who force tears and whose crying and laughing are awkward, how can they compare to her even a fraction?

He remained silent, simply eating his meal as if the person before him was not a living, breathing person, but rather a pre-arranged play.

Looking at it this way, the food seems to taste even better.

Qin Huairu on the other end gradually panicked.

She sobbed for a long time, waiting for the other person to say something so she could continue the performance.

To her surprise, Li Jianye remained silent, leaving her unsure how to continue the conversation.

She quietly lifted her eyelids and glanced quickly, only to see that the person was looking at her casually, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Qin Huairu felt a lump in her throat, and that feeling instantly dissipated.

"Li Jianye!"

She bit her lip, frowned, and lightly stomped her foot—her appearance was indeed charming.

But in Li Jianye's heart, not even a ripple was stirred.

That's enough.

He picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks, speaking in a tone as indifferent as if he were discussing the weather.

"Qin Huairu, how many years have we known each other? Do you think I don't know you well enough?"

"Stop acting."

"Quickly clean this place up and go back to your own home."

"Jianye—"

She dragged out the melody, her voice tinged with a bittersweet resentment.

"You hate me, I admit it."

But aren't you being a bit too cruel to my family? My father and all those relatives have now been exiled to the far northwest.

"A perfectly good home, and now Jingru is all alone inside... You went too far with that."

"Am I ruthless?"

Li Jianye gave a short laugh.

"You really don't know how your father treated me back then? Was his trip to the Northwest really related to me? Qin Huairu, have you never considered these things in your heart?"

I know... I'm the one who owes you.

Qin Huairu's tears welled up again.

"I'll do anything you ask."

I only beg you, can you let my family come back? I know you know Mr. H.

He only needs to say one word, and this will definitely work out…

"dream."

Li Jianye didn't even bother to lift his eyelids.

"Hurry up and clean up."

"I'll leave when I'm done."

"Jianye—"

"Snapped!"

Li Jianye suddenly slammed his hand on the table, making the bowls and plates rattle softly.

Qin Huairu shrank back in fright and fell silent.

"If you're going to do it, do it quickly! If not, get out of here!"

These words struck Qin Huairu, and she finally shed real tears.

As she wiped her eyes, she slowly moved the broom, all the scheming in her mind turning into resentment.

She had originally intended to test the waters and see if she could reconcile with Li Jianye.

If he has a soft heart, he can be persuaded to bring his family back, so that they will have someone to rely on in the future.

But all their plans fell through.

She couldn't understand why Li Jianye, who used to be so obedient to her, had suddenly become a different person.

"well……"

She sighed silently.

"It must be because I left too cruelly back then and hurt him too deeply."

But doesn't the more you hate him, the more you loved him before? I'll always find a way to win him back.

For now, I'll just work diligently and show him how hard I work and what good I am.

It's so hot outside, it's only natural to wear light clothing while working, right? I just don't believe he could be completely indifferent.

With that thought, she indeed gained some strength in her hands.

But Li Jianye didn't watch any further.

"I'm going out to run some errands."

He put down his chopsticks and stood up.

"I washed the dishes while I was at it."

He thought he should ask Director Wang and the officers from the police station to come over.

Yi Zhonghai will inevitably convene a general meeting of the entire academy to save face for the Jia family.

The usual tactic is simply to throw all the blame on him.

Li Jianye was too lazy to get entangled with these people.

Time is of the essence and the task is arduous.

He had something even more important to do—a mission concerning the future of his country!

therefore.

He decided to directly strip Yi Zhonghai, the "old man," of his power.

The title.

Let's see how this person stirs up trouble in the future!

"where did you go?

stop!"

Qin Huairu saw that Li Jianye didn't even turn his head.

He stomped his foot in anger.

"Huh?"

Could it be that they saw I was having a hard time at the Jia family's house and specially left me some food?

I was too embarrassed to say it outright, so I left first.

So you want me to eat alone?

Looking at the remaining soup and vegetables on the table,

And the only remaining white flour steamed bun,

Qin Huairu suddenly understood.

She smiled, pursing her lips.

He sat down at the table, picked up a steamed bun, dipped it in the few bits of soup left at the bottom of the bowl, and ate it quietly.

……

Inside the police station.

After a series of interrogations,

Jia Zhangshi's crimes have been confirmed without a doubt.

Simultaneously.

Because he was still young, Banggeng was released.

"Are you Jia Geng's father, Jia Dongxu?"

A police officer asked with a serious expression.

"Yes, yes..."

Jia Dongxu quickly bowed in response.

"Take Jia Geng back with you."

We will discipline them more strictly from now on.

This is a first offense.

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