Xiang Ri could only resign himself to misfortune. Why did the police have to appear at the worst possible moment—just when they witnessed him "committing violence"?
Thankfully, the Paris police, considering him a foreign "guest," were not overly harsh. Despite witnesses testifying on his behalf, everyone involved in the restaurant altercation was taken to the station to give statements. Initially, it seemed a straightforward explanation would suffice to resolve the issue, but a hospital report turned his hopes of freedom into a mere fantasy.
According to the officers, three individuals had sustained such severe injuries that they nearly didn't survive. Though their conditions had since stabilized, the police deemed the assailant to have a dangerously violent disposition. In simpler terms, they suspected Xiang Ri of being mentally unstable, prone to uncontrollable outbursts that could endanger others. With such an assessment, he was classified as a "dangerous individual" and detained.
"Hey, officer, I can vouch for this young man! He has absolutely no violent tendencies. Do you think a kindhearted old man would lie?" The rotund chef swore vehemently to a policeman, his voice growing more animated. "You know, this young man is the finest lad I've ever met! My God, I can hardly believe it—he even knows the origins of French cuisine and can articulate it so eloquently. Tell me, would someone with such deep knowledge of our culture be the kind of lunatic who goes around assaulting people? Oh, heavens…"
"I'm so sorry," Fang Yingying whispered apologetically to the man beside her, casting a glance at the fervently pleading Chef Rud across the room.
"It's fine. We're friends—no need to stand on ceremony," Xiang Ri replied nonchalantly.
"But—"
"No buts. If I had encountered those thugs, I wouldn't have let them off lightly either. But if I have to spend the night in the police station, you must move to the Queen's estate for your safety."
Fang Yingying bit her lip. "Then I'll stay here with you tonight!"
"Hmm?" Xiang Ri was momentarily stunned, looking at her with an odd expression.
"Don't misunderstand," Fang Yingying blushed. "This whole thing happened because of me, so it's only right that I stay with you. Besides, didn't you just say we're like brothers?"
"Are you serious?" Xiang Ri's expression grew even stranger. "Actually, there's something I've been meaning to ask. You're not a lesbian, right? Because I doubt most lesbians would watch… well, *those* kinds of videos."
Fang Yingying nodded, her face flushing an even deeper shade of red as she recalled last night's awkward incident.
"In that case, I have another question. Why do you seem to hate me so much? I don't recall ever offending you. If I have, please tell me—I'd rather not be loathed by a woman without knowing why. It's quite disheartening!" Xiang Ri laughed bitterly, rubbing his nose.
Fang Yingying hesitated for a long time before finally stammering out her thoughts, revealing her initial impressions of him. Xiang Ri listened, nearly choking on his frustration. According to her, he was nothing short of a despicable, lecherous scoundrel—a detestable playboy.
"Why would you think that? Is my image really so awful?" Xiang Ri finally understood why she had tried to expose him in front of the policewoman—she had genuinely believed she was saving other women from falling into his clutches. Good heavens…
Fang Yingying, now thoroughly embarrassed, felt even more uncomfortable under Xiang Ri's complicated gaze.
"Honestly, one of your suspicions wasn't entirely wrong," Xiang Ri admitted with a self-deprecating smile, no longer in the mood to blame her.
"Which one?" Fang Yingying blinked, confused. Could it be something even worse?
"The part where you thought I came from a wealthy and privileged family. It's not entirely false… In fact, I'm distantly related to that Mr. Yi who once tried to acquire our company."
"Hmm?" Fang Yingying's eyes turned icy. Distantly related? That raised some unpleasant possibilities. Could it be that he had orchestrated the whole affair, using his relative as a pawn to feign heroics and gain favor with his superiors—or worse, compel gratitude or marriage?
"Hey, what's that look for?" Xiang Ri immediately guessed her train of thought from her expression. "Could you let me finish before jumping to conclusions?"
He then recounted the tangled grudges between their families from over two decades ago, embellishing his parents' tragic experiences for dramatic effect. He also disclosed the origins of his financial success, attributing it to his near-genius IQ of 180 and his precocious mastery of university-level economics before the age of 12. He framed his achievements as the product of exceptional intellect and determination, downplaying any external aid.
After hearing his explanation, Fang Yingying realized she had completely misjudged him. Sympathy replaced her resentment, especially upon learning how Xiang Ri's mother had once threatened her husband with her life. Overcome with emotion, she teared up. "Poor Xiang's mother!"
"You're calling my mom *Mom* now? What should I call you then?" Xiang Ri teased, having successfully turned the tide in his favor.
"You…" Fang Yingying's face turned scarlet. She was still struggling to reconcile the image of a cunning playboy with that of an industrious prodigy. "Even so, you're still a philanderer!"
"I admit that I am somewhat flirtatious, but surely not to the exaggerated extent you suggest. By my count, it's only three." Xiang Ri raised his fingers and began counting: Chuchu was one, the policewoman another, and then there was his apprentice.
"What? You actually have the audacity to say 'only three'?" Fang Yingying was utterly infuriated. What kind of person could describe three as "only"? How many did he want?
"Listen, I'm only telling you this because we're like brothers. Don't go ruining my reputation." Xiang Ri spoke with feigned seriousness.
"And what if I do?" Fang Yingying smirked mischievously.
"Then I'll have no choice but to end my life." Xiang Ri shrugged, pretending to be helpless.
"Oh, then go ahead and die. But before you do, kindly share your bank account number and password. Surely, as a 'brother,' you wouldn't want to take all that money to the grave and leave me empty-handed?"
Xiang Ri's eyes widened in astonishment. He was not only amazed at how quickly this girl could shift roles but also at how easily she embraced the 'brother' dynamic. But he wasn't one to back down. "Don't worry. Before I go, I'll make sure to take you with me!"
"What kind of brother are you? You're cursing me to die early?"
"And aren't you doing the same to me?"
The two continued their banter in Mandarin, entirely at ease, when a sharp female voice unexpectedly interrupted. "Sir, haven't we met before?"
Xiang Ri looked up and saw a middle-aged woman he didn't recognize. Polite as ever, he responded, "Madam? Have we met?"
The moment he lifted his gaze, the woman's face lit up with excitement. "Yes, yes, it's you! I remember you! Don't you recall? We were on the same flight. If not for you, those villains would have stolen what my mother left me." She touched the green jade bracelet on her wrist with a sorrowful expression.
"I'm terribly sorry, madam. There must have been too many people at the time, and I didn't notice."
"Young man, your honesty is admirable!" The middle-aged lady's words carried genuine praise. A more cunning individual might have feigned recognition, exclaiming, "Ah, I remember now!" But not this young man, and his courageous actions on the plane had already won her over. Seeing him now at the police station, she was determined to help.
"Young man, what's brought you here? Do you need my assistance?"
Before Xiang Ri could reply, Fang Yingying, ever the perceptive secretary, noticed the lady's authority. Judging by the salutes she received as others passed by, she clearly held a significant position. Fang Yingying quickly recounted the incident, naturally framing it favorably for Xiang Ri.
She described how a gang of thugs had been bullying an elderly restaurant owner, how Xiang Ri happened upon the scene, and how he had righteously intervened. Though his actions might have been a bit heavy-handed, they were wholly justified. She carefully emphasized the elderly man's plight and Xiang Ri's indignation at the injustice, painting a compelling picture.
As expected, the lady was incensed upon hearing this account. She vowed to ensure those bullies were severely punished and reassured them that she would see to it that Xiang Ri was released immediately.
"Thank you, madam!" Fang Yingying expressed her gratitude.
"There's no need to thank me. It's my duty." The lady's expression softened as she regarded Fang Yingying with a hint of amusement. "With such a capable and beautiful wife, I'm sure he must be very happy."
"..." Fang Yingying's face flushed crimson in an instant. She had lost count of how many times her cheeks had burned today, but she was certain it surpassed all her prior experiences combined.
After the lady finished speaking, she walked away—not out of the station but directly into the office marked "Chief." Xiang Ri's spirits soared at the sight. Tonight, it seemed, he wouldn't have to endure the hospitality of a "free apartment."
Before long, a young officer, having taken a phone call, hurried into the chief's office. When he emerged, he headed straight for Xiang Ri.
"Sir, our sincerest apologies. There seems to have been a mistake. The charges against you have been dropped, and you are free to go." Though the officer spoke with a serious expression, he couldn't entirely mask the astonishment in his eyes.
"Thank you very much." Xiang Ri hadn't expected such swift action but immediately connected it to the middle-aged lady's influence. There was no time to probe further, so he called Fang Yingying to his side and approached the jovial chef still chattering away.
"Hey, Mr. Rudd, it's time for us to go."
"Go? What do you mean?" The old chef froze for a moment, then broke into a wide grin. "You mean we can leave now, and you're coming with us?"
"Yes." To be honest, Xiang Ri felt genuinely grateful to this warm-hearted Frenchman he had only just met.
"Oh, oh, this is wonderful!" The chef was so ecstatic that he could hardly contain himself.
Xiang Ri exchanged a glance with Fang Yingying, and they both smiled faintly.