CHAPTER 578: CHAPTER 560: SNEAKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

Xiao Gu is in relatively good spirits, but the anesthesia wore off at midnight, and the pain has started.

Seeing his discomfort, Liang Hongmei went to the nurse’s station to get him some painkillers. Lin Yinghui quickly went to fetch some water.

When Liang Hongmei came back, she saw someone sneaking into Xiao Gu’s ward.

"What are you sneaking around for in the middle of the night?"

Liang Hongmei shouted. The person was startled and turned to run away. Lin Yinghui, who had returned with the water, hurried over. "Mom, what’s wrong?" he asked.

"I just saw someone from the Industrial and Commercial Bureau. He was the one who was most ruthless when they came to shut down the store this afternoon. Xiao Gu’s injury was caused by him."

Lin Yinghui looked at the figure that had already run far down the corridor, frowned, and pulled his mom back into the ward.

Inside, Xiao Gu was too pained to fall asleep and had heard the conversation outside.

"Ah Hui, that guy coming secretly so late, could he be trying to kill and silence us?" Liang Hongmei was suddenly frightened.

Xiao Gu on the bed couldn’t care less about the pain and chuckled, "Aunt Liang, he doesn’t have the guts. I guess he came to take this back." As he spoke, Xiao Gu took out a badge from his hand.

Liang Hongmei quickly took it and understood, "He’s afraid we’ll call the police later and use his work badge to report it."

"Mom, did you call the police?" Lin Yinghui helped Xiao Gu pour a cup of hot water, put it aside, and asked.

"Your Uncle Hu said to report, but I don’t know if he did. Maybe just to scare them."

"We must report this. Tomorrow I’ll go to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau. We can’t let this go. If they resolve it properly, that’s best. If not, I’ll head straight to the police station."

"Okay."

The officer’s nephew had injured someone just two days after starting work, and lost his badge in the process. What if they use his badge to report him?

He thought about sneaking in late at night to steal it back.

Unexpectedly, they discovered him.

Early in the morning, the officer’s nephew went to his uncle’s house and explained the situation.

The officer smashed his water cup on the ground and cursed him for being an idiot.

He had called Mei Langchi yesterday, and Mei Langchi said if it could be solved, great, if not, don’t get yourself caught in it. Better to leave some room for maneuver.

The officer instantly realized, nurturing one of his own wasn’t easy, and if he got caught up in this small matter, it’d be a loss.

He didn’t want to get himself involved over this small matter.

With no choice, as a minor officer in the district’s Industrial and Commercial Bureau, he decided early in the morning to bring five hundred yuan, along with a bag of fruit, to the hospital.

"Comrade, hello. I’m Mr. Xu from our district’s Industrial and Commercial Bureau."

Liang Hongmei and Lin Yinghui were surprised, not expecting someone to come so early.

"Hello Mr. Xu. Is there something you need so early?" Liang Hongmei’s tone wasn’t warm.

"Miss, we made you suffer yesterday. We’ll certainly handle this matter seriously."

"It’s not me suffering, it’s my son who’s still lying in bed."

Mr. Xu smiled apologetically and nodded, "I know your son suffered. Those executing the task yesterday were impulsive. Here, this five hundred yuan is for you to take first. If not enough, just let us know. I’ve already reprimanded the few responsible and made them write reflection reports. Your store has always been a model in our district and won’t be closed. You can continue your business. This is my negligence that caused such an incident, and I’ve reported to my superiors requesting punishment."

The mother and son realized Mr. Xu meant for the matter to be settled.

"We will fully take care of your son’s condition, covering any middle expenses. There’s also three months of body-nourishing supplements we’ll have them reimburse, so your son can recover. That’s the priority."

Mr. Xu smiled on the surface, considering how this might play out. If they agreed, it would be easy. Regarding the unit, he’d submitted the report that day, hoping his proactive admission might preserve his current position. If investigated by superiors, he’d have to endure it, becoming a regular employee.

Though it didn’t matter, after a year or two, he could get transferred elsewhere, still making progress.

Lin Yinghui smiled lightly, "I was thinking of visiting the Industrial and Commercial Bureau today. Your arrival is timely; we can go together since it’s on the way."

Mr. Xu thought they were difficult to deal with, knowing Lin intended to pursue the matter.

He awkwardly smiled, "Brother, spare people when possible. Everyone makes mistakes, but knowing and amending them warrants a chance, right? Life’s tough for everyone, especially in urgent situations, so I’m straightforward with you: let this incident pass, and I’ll take care of your store’s business with the bureau. We’ll cover the medical and compensation costs for your son, including the repercussions on my nephew, whose badge you have. He recently started working, acted impulsively, and it wasn’t his intention. Such incidents affect his future promotions. Hence, I plead your indulgence this time. If there’s a next time, failing to pursue, I won’t agree either."

Lin Yinghui wasn’t rushed, speaking slowly, "Mr. Xu, as someone serving the country and the people, I must comment. As a cadre, you must lead by example, not letting personal interest muddle the situation, aspiring to climb higher someday. Such thoughts are unfitting; as public servants, we should admit mistakes and resolve them, not merely suppress them. If so, I must say Mr. Xu won’t ascend far, unable to bear personal errors, let alone significant responsibilities."

Lin’s words made Mr. Xu blush. He realized he should’ve checked the calendar before coming out, and being educated by a young guy was embarrassing.

Rendered speechless, he agreed, "Brother is right. I made no concealment; what’s needed has been addressed. However, I hope you won’t press further."

Lin didn’t elaborate, briefing Liang Hongmei before heading to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau with Mr. Xu. Along the way, Mr. Xu’s face remained stiff, thoughts racing.

Trying to ponder his next steps.

Unexpectedly, just as they neared the store, several bicycle-riding police approached.

Mr. Xu’s legs trembled, breaking into a cold sweat, thinking the family slyly called the police silently.

Would they take him to the police station for questioning? If word reached the superintendent, his days as an officer were over.

While Mr. Xu worried, the approaching police spoke to them, "Who’s comrade Lin Yinghui?"

Lin was dazed, thinking he hadn’t visited the station yet. Did Uncle Hu report it?

"I am. Officers, I..."

"Hello, this is our arrest warrant. Please come with us; someone accused you of abducting women."

"What?" Lin was startled, initially believing it a mistake. "Comrades, is there some misunderstanding?"

"Are you Lin Yinghui from that hotpot shop?" The police pointed at their store.

"Yes," Lin realized they hadn’t caught the wrong person. "Can I ask who’s reported me?"

"Sorry, that’s confidential."

"Can I notify my family? If I leave without a word, they’ll worry. They’re in the shop ahead," Lin calmly asked.

"No, once resolved, we’ll inform them. Let’s go." The officer said, handcuffing Lin. With police present, there was a crowd.

In moments, people had gathered and pointed at Lin.

Feeling worried, Lin knew if his family wasn’t informed, he might struggle returning from inside.

"Mr. Xu, could you please inform my family? Thanks."

"...Oh, sure," the abrupt turn mollified Mr. Xu, coming to his senses, realizing Lin was addressing him.