Chapter 19: Sun Qing

Han Ling did not return to the dormitory to sleep; instead, he went to find the owner of the scrap recycling station and called him aside for a private conversation.

The main topic was about Sun Qing.

Judging by the situation, Zhao Kai was very likely to avoid criminal charges by applying for a non-prosecution agreement. Even if there were administrative penalties, a few days in the detention center would suffice.

During the day, Han Ling noticed that Sun Qing was a young girl leading a hard life. With Zhao Kai targeting her so intensely, for whatever reason, it would be better for her not to continue working at the recycling station to prevent unnecessary conflicts—Sun Qing would be the one to suffer.

He wanted to explain the pros and cons and persuade Sun Qing to find work elsewhere.

Han Ling’s troublesome habit of meddling in others’ affairs was hard to break, especially now that he was a policeman.

“Sun Qing’s home isn’t far—just about a kilometer from the recycling station on Zhu Min Street. It’s still an old residential area. The address is… oh right, 30 Huai Xiang Alley on Zhu Min Street… either number 35 or 36, you should go check it out.”

The owner was fairly polite, answering all questions without hesitation; he certainly didn’t want to offend a police officer.

Han Ling said, “Alright, thanks.”

He wasn’t surprised that the scrap station owner knew Sun Qing’s address so clearly since he had seen her ID earlier that day. It was normal to remember familiar places.

“You’re welcome,” the owner said quickly as he left, clearly overwhelmed by troubles with his nephew.

If he had known the thief was his nephew, he definitely wouldn’t have reported it.

Five or six thousand yuan was a lot—equivalent to several months’ salary for an average person—but it didn’t matter much to him.

Han Ling rode off on his bike and headed to Huai Xiang Alley on Zhu Min Street, based on the address given.

He knocked on number 35—no answer.

He tried number 36, and the door opened to reveal an elderly woman.

“Who’s there so late?!” The old lady’s tone was unfriendly, probably annoyed at being disturbed while preparing for bed or being woken up.

The high-walled single-story house prevented Han Ling from seeing if the lights were off inside.

“Sorry, ma’am,” Han Ling apologized first, then asked, “Is this Sun Qing’s home?”

“Yes,” the old lady replied.

“Why is no one home?”

“Someone in the family passed away; they’ve all gone to the funeral home. You should call instead,” she said, closing the door.

Someone passed away?

Han Ling sighed. What a coincidence. Earlier, Zhao Kai had mentioned that Sun Qing’s father was ill. Unless something unexpected happened, the deceased was likely Sun Qing’s father.

With her father gone, Sun Qing definitely wouldn’t be at the recycling station for a few days. He could discuss things later.

Han Ling rode away. As he was leaving Huai Xiang Alley and about to enter the main city road, he faintly heard a girl’s cry for help from afar.

The voice was soft and intermittent, as if someone was covering her mouth.

Without hesitation, Han Ling turned his bike around and pedaled hard toward the sound.

The area was remote, with no houses nearby. If he recalled correctly, this was the road leading to the funeral home.

Han Ling braked sharply at a corner and saw a bicycle lying on the ground by the roadside. Not far off, three young men were pressing a girl against the wall.

It could be a dispute among acquaintances, a robbery or assault by strangers, or simply harassment—depending on their courage.

“Hey!”

Han Ling shouted and hurried forward.

The three youths turned, and upon seeing someone approaching, released the girl. Under the moonlight, Han Ling recognized her immediately as Sun Qing.

“Damn! Busybody, what bad luck. Let’s get out of here!” one of the youths cursed but had no intention of causing trouble with Han Ling. They just glared at him as they passed.

“What were you doing just now?” Han Ling called after them.

“Huh?”

The three youths hadn’t expected Han Ling to question them directly and stopped in their tracks.

“Playing the hero saving the beauty? Mind your own business, huh? Stirring up trouble?”

“Heh.”

Han Ling smiled, pulled out a cigarette, and shielded the flame with his left hand. The yellow glow lit half his face.

One of the youths stepped forward, saying as he approached, “We’re talking to you! Fuck your cigarette! Show-off!”

Han Ling put away his lighter and said, “Let’s make a deal. I won’t call the police, and you won’t either. Fair?”

“What?” the youth didn’t understand.

Just as he was about to curse, he suddenly felt a strong blow to his abdomen. His whole body flew up like a sack, crashing hard onto the ground.

“I…” Stars flashed before his eyes, his head dizzy. Then he turned and vomited a large amount of stomach contents.

That kick was no light one.

“You bastard! Get him! What are you standing there for… ugh~”

The remaining two youths were frightened. They could accept kicking someone down, but kicking him flying was impressive.

What use was fighting now?

It was just like on TV: the passerby who seemed weak was actually a master in disguise.

“Forget it, forget it, no need to cause trouble.”

The two youths pulled their companion and left. The angry youth struggled and cursed, “You two are such cowards! We three can handle one guy! Let me go! I’ll handle him myself!”

His words were useless; both his arms were twisted behind him, and his pace slowed until his feet lagged. Eventually, he gave up struggling, dragging his shoe heels on the ground as they disappeared from Han Ling’s sight.

Han Ling was surprised; he hadn’t expected the other two to be so cowardly.

A wise man knows when to quit.

He approached Sun Qing, who was visibly shaken, her face pale and trembling. Luckily, her clothes were intact, so it wasn’t too serious.

“Are you okay?” Han Ling asked.

Sun Qing shook her head instinctively, recognizing the voice as the police officer who had come to the recycling station earlier that day.

“It’s you… thank you, Officer! Thank you, Officer!”

Her speech still bore the innocence of youth—she was only sixteen and should have been in high school.

Perhaps her family’s situation forced her to drop out.

“You’re welcome,” Han Ling comforted her for a moment and then asked, “Did someone in your family pass away?”

At the mention of this, Sun Qing pursed her lips, holding back tears. In a low voice, she said, “Yes, my father died.”

Han Ling asked, “Then why were you here?”

Sun Qing replied, “We’re keeping vigil tonight. My mother told me to come back and get some daily necessities, and… I ran into those three.”

Han Ling didn’t press for more; it wasn’t important.

He then accompanied Sun Qing back home.

The house was sparse—only a bed in the bedroom, a table and two chairs in the living room, and cooking utensils in the kitchen for basic meals.

There was no dining table; the wooden table in the living room served both as a tea table and dining table.

This was not a life, but mere survival.

Through their conversation, Han Ling learned about Sun Qing’s family. Her father had been seriously ill, her mother long unemployed and doing odd jobs.

To pay for her father’s treatment, they had sold everything they could and borrowed all the money possible. Only this small bungalow remained.

The bungalow was their last refuge. If sold, the family would be homeless. All relatives had distanced themselves; no one was willing to help anymore.

It wasn’t that the relatives were cold-hearted—they had already lent as much as they could, after all, everyone had their own families.

Sun Qing had graduated from ninth grade and should have continued to high school, but her family’s situation no longer allowed it.

“Did your father commit suicide?” Han Ling was somewhat surprised; he had thought the death was due to illness.

But upon reflection, it made sense.