Five thousand yuan, Su Shu didn't give it to the woman but walked over to the boy, knelt on one knee, took the little boy's hand, and placed the money in his palm.
"Keep this money, Auntie was wrong, and she shouldn't have hit someone," she said.
The little boy was stunned and fearfully pushed the money back to Su Shu.
"No... I don't want it, it's... it's my mom who's wrong."
Su Shu sighed inwardly, thinking the child was so much stronger than his mother, placed the money back in the boy's hand, smiled, turned around, and picked up Xiao'ai.
Behind her, the boy still tried to return the money to her, but the five thousand yuan in his hand was snatched away by his mother, who snorted arrogantly through her nostrils, "Pretending to be the good guy, huh? It was your fault to begin with, giving compensation is getting off cheap!" After that, she poked her son hard with her finger and scolded, "This is mine, what are you returning for!"
The boy shrank back, following the woman out of the police station with his head lowered.
Before leaving, he glanced back at Su Shu, with the woman berating him harshly as he hurried to catch up with her.
Five thousand yuan for a slap, sympathy for Su Shu filled the room, while others shook their heads and sighed, questioning what kind of a mother would behave like that.
Officer Yang still held his teacup, pensively watching Su Shu leave with Xiao'ai in her arms.
"Uncle Yang, what are you looking at so intently?" A tall, young man entered, pushing the door open.
"Watching a girl get swindled out of five thousand yuan."
Upon seeing the newcomer, Yang Shusheng frowned involuntarily and turned to pour water, "Finally taking a break, and you don't go home to see your old man, always running to me — what's that about?"
Zelin's disregard was met with amusement as he followed Yang Shusheng into the office, smiling.
Yang Shusheng put down his teacup and said, "Alright, out with it. Whenever you show up, I know there's no good news!"
"How can that be, Uncle Yang, you're joking. Oh, does it have to mean I have an issue to come to see you? Can't I just miss you and want to check in?" Zelin replied, laughing.
"Cut the crap!" Did he not know this rascal was sly from head to toe?
In front of an old fox, there's no point in showing off, so Zelin took a big stride over and sat down on the chair opposite Yang Shusheng's desk, ready to reveal his purpose.
"Uncle Yang, the team is going to go through intensive training soon, and I might need to lead them into the mountains," he stated.
Yang Shusheng heard this and furrowed his brows, "What's up, border troubles?"
"Not really, there's a bit of unrest, but it's nothing serious. Mainly, the tri-service exercise isn't too far off, and the higher-ups want to train this batch of soldiers. It's a good opportunity to prepare for combat readiness well in advance," Zelin said earnestly.
"So you've come to me because..." Yang Shusheng looked at him with a smile.
"Could you put in a good word for me with my dad? You know how stubborn he can be, and only you can manage him. You're his former commandant; he wouldn't dare refute you, right?"
"Enough with buttering me up, I know my own weight, no need for your flattery."
"So... does that mean you agree?"
"Agree my foot!" Yang Shusheng glared at him, "Speak the truth!"
Zelin sighed, revealing a broad grin, "Alright, no beating around the bush with someone who can see through me — I really need your help, Uncle. Without you, I'd be without options, completely stuck."
"Let's hear it," Yang Shusheng said, picking up his teacup, ready to listen clearly.
"My dad wants me to go home for a blind date so I can give him a grandson."
Pfft—
Yang Shusheng spat out his tea!
Zelin sat upright in his chair, his handsome and spirited face shining with sincerity: "I'm telling the truth!"