Chapter 11: Enduring for a moment is better than seeking perfection

  The blue and white yard, the unchanged reinforced concrete structure, the second floor, the top east room, the iron gate steel bar window's detention room, the police put down two bags of food and drinks, and locked the door again.

  Just back from the police station, Shi Genwa and Shi Dabiao were a bit sleepy after being questioned by the police all night. Lei Dapeng pushed them to eat something, but as soon as he moved, his waist hurt badly. He touched his lower back and found a big bruise. The damn police said it was just a minor injury and didn't care at all. Turning around, he shouted "Egg Brother" and saw Shan Yong leaning against the chair back, staring blankly at the ceiling with his head tilted back. His wound from last night's hospital visit had only been stitched up at dawn before being taken back to the police station. His clothes were already torn beyond recognition, and he didn't know which policeman had found a tattered shirt to put on him. The blue shirt was too small, and wearing it made him look like a fake security guard - it was ridiculously funny. Lei Dapeng couldn't help but burst out laughing at the sight of Shan Yong.

  "What's so funny?! Am I that amusing?" Dan Yong said weakly, his body motionless.

  "It's not funny." Lei Dapeng stopped smiling and leaned in to ask Dan Yong, "Egg brother, you're so seriously injured, why don't you just stay in the hospital? Why come back and join us again?"

  "You're all here, can I rest assured?" Dan Yong said, finally moving, and felt a bit of pain in his upper body.

  At the time of the fight, I didn't feel anything, but afterwards, it hurt to the bone. Shi Genwa quickly handed over a bottle of drink, twisted off the cap and took a sip, but had no appetite. Shi Genwa also had a bandage on his head, but this small injury seemed to be nothing to him. As he ate, he asked: "Shan Yong, didn't you hurt your bones?"

  "No, just a flesh wound." Dan Yong said, but Lei Da Peng was laughing somewhat heartlessly and said: "I avenged you, Egg Brother. That son of a bitch, I sodomized him with a chrysanthemum, now he's not having a good time."

  As soon as this was mentioned, several people burst out laughing. Last night, the police had verified the weapons each person was holding, and it turned out that not only were some people's heads injured, but also a few buttocks were stabbed, which left the police baffled. When they got to Lei Dapeng, the police scolded him severely, saying "You can't even stab properly, you're stabbing all over the place!" It was so ridiculous that it sent chills down people's spines. Just then, Lei Dapeng had just started telling this as a joke.

  Several brothers laughed, and Danyong couldn't help but laugh too. Looking at these guys still being so relaxed till now, he felt a bit apologetic and said: "Brothers, I'm sorry, I've dragged you all down."

  "What's the point of saying this?" Lei Dapeng sneered.

  "Right, we came out together, can't let others bully you, let's watch each other's backs?" Shi Genwa said with a simple and pure motive. Shi Dabiao smiled and comforted Shan Yong, saying: "Don't worry, anyway, when one of us eats well, the whole family won't go hungry, we haven't even eaten at public expense yet."

  "Hehe... I'm afraid the food at the public expense isn't that great." Danyong said weakly, having already felt it when he was transferred from the command center to the branch office. Now that he's back at the police station, the trend is almost clear. He explained with a sentence: "It looks like this, we not only can't eat at public expense, but for a while, we might even have to work for the public for free."

  "What's going on?" asked Lei Dapeng, but as soon as he asked, he immediately understood: "Right, this guy has been sent to the police station again, and will probably be detained and fined again."

  "This... what's going on? They come looking for us to fight and we're the ones who get penalized?" Shi Genwa was indignant.

  "We're not going to beat him up, are we? It'd be better if a fine could solve the problem. Anyway, he can still earn it back when he gets out." said Shi Da Biao.

  Upon hearing this, Dan Yong shook his head in dismay. Seeing his expression, the three brothers were perplexed again. Dan Yong sighed and put down his drink bottle, shaking his head and saying: "I'm afraid there won't be another chance to make that money."

  "What's the big deal? Come one, beat one; come ten, beat five pairs." Shi Genwa said disdainfully, those thin-armed and weak-legged little things were really not in his eyes.

  "Haha, this rascal from Luzhou, even if he doesn't have 10,000, he has at least 8,000. He comes to our doorstep every now and then, not just us, but also the whole Shijia village, my friends and brothers, we can't take it anymore! How can a business survive with such harassment? Not to mention getting beaten up, even being taken away by the police station for detention and fines is unbearable."

  Shi Dabiao suddenly remembered and exclaimed, "Right! It seems that when San Hu's uncle was selling in the city before, there were always people causing trouble, even the police were on their side. In the end, he couldn't take it anymore."

  "Wait till we get out of here and dig up those few pieces of bile, damn it." Shi Genwa cursed.

  "It's useless, those thugs are endless, anyone can use this trick. And there are even more ruthless ones, they won't target you, but instead scare the food stalls, and still make it impossible for you to sell a single catty." Lei Dapeng explained, the knowledge from books didn't help much, but these ways were crystal clear.

  This remark brought a sense of despair to the two people in Shijia Village, who had just come out and were pointing at San Yong's wife. Who would have thought that their good days had only lasted for a few days, and now they were like this? The two ate a bread in silence, Shi Genwa said with a huff: "Are we going to wait for death?"

  "Right, Shan Yong, you're clever, can't we just end it like this? A good business, just thrown away?" Shi Da Biao said.

  "It's just that the village is full of loafers, yesterday I patted my chest and said that in a couple of days business will be even better, and we can also bring them along." Shi Genwa said, looking at Shan Yong with expectation.

  "Hmm... the method is there, it's just a matter of whether you dare to do it or not." Shanyong said lightly, without even raising an eyebrow. This remark sparked interest in those two fearless and reckless men, who asked Shanyong for guidance. Seeing Shanyong's expression, Leida Peng knew that trouble was brewing and quickly intervened, saying: "Hey, hey, let's calm down, we're still at the police station, whether we can leave or not is another matter, let's discuss it outside if necessary."

  "It's definitely going to be settled, I don't know who it is, but the meat and cold storage suppliers won't be able to escape, no matter who it is. They must not want things to get out of hand, so they're not afraid of us, but also afraid that if a case is filed, the police will catch them and not let go. So at most, it's just an administrative penalty, which is what all parties hope to see..."

  Dan Yong shifted his body and added a more straightforward sentence: "There's an even simpler way, if things get big, we won't be at the police station, we should be in detention then. So, we'll be out soon."

  He said so much in a low voice, and the three brothers were both suspicious and convinced, but they felt that Shan Yong's words were too calm, as if everything that happened was not sudden, but all within expectation.

  At this time, the sound of hustle and bustle came from the courtyard, mixed with a few familiar voices. Shigenwa and Shidabiao laughed, it was people from Shijia Village who had arrived. The voice also reached Shan Yong, it was Shiboying.

  "Why can't we go in? We want to see the principal."

  Shi Baoying and the two police officers were arguing, when she finally spoke up. The two police officers only then realized that it was a woman, who looked quite rough around the edges, which shocked them so much they didn't know how to react. After asking twice, as people were about to rush in, one of the police officers stretched out his hand to block her: "Hey, what's going on? Do you want to attack the public security agency?"

  "Who rushed, we see what's going on, the door is written with 'serve the people', and when the people come, you block them at the door." Shi Baoying shouted, the villagers who came with her echoed in agreement. The police officer was choked for a moment, knowing that it was futile to reason with this group of ignorant people, and again softened his tone: "There must be some rules, right? Come on, let's all go to the reception room and wait a while, the director is busy now. I said your village?"

  "Let's go to Donkey Garden, Shi Village." Shi Bao shouted.

  "Doesn't Shijia Village belong to our jurisdiction?" the police officer said.

  "But you've arrested people from our village of Shi Family, don't think we don't know. Selling donkey meat in the city is also against the law, and if someone beats us up, then we'll be arrested by you again, right?" Another large villager shouted.

  "Oh, you're talking about last night's thing, isn't it being handled already?"

  "Dealing with what, not catching the one who beats people, but instead catching the one who gets beaten."

  "They also beat people up, and those who were beaten are still in hospital."

  "They came to beat people up, couldn't win so they ended up in hospital, and still think they're right?"

  "This is just too much."

  "This won't do, let them go, if not we'll all go to petition together."

  "Right, go petition..."

  It's all over, the police officer's explanation was drowned out by the crowd. Originally, they were supposed to be received in the reception room, but unexpectedly, the police officer was squeezed into the reception room instead. Before they could even finish receiving them, another group arrived, and before they could even block them, the reception room was packed to the brim. The police officer, drenched in sweat, was questioned left and right by the villagers, and soon became covered in spittle and bad breath, crying out in distress: "Director, come quickly, something's going to happen!"

  "What's all the commotion about? Who pulled your chain?"

  Suddenly, a loud voice rang out, silencing the entire scene. It was then that the police officer noticed everyone staring at an old man with a big beard. The old man stood up, raised his head, and said with a sniff: "Let's see what you're capable of."

  As he spoke, he seemed like a local, leading the two police officers to the door. The two police officers mechanically followed him for a few steps before realizing something was off. Looking back at the quiet villagers who were standing still like well-behaved children, he couldn't help but bite his lip and seethe with anger: "Damn it, this is purely intentional."

  But you can't be cured even if you know it's intentional, scaring one or two ordinary people is okay, but scaring a group of people together, the police don't have that guts.

  Both parties have arrived, and the director and Leidobao also came out of the courtyard. After introducing himself as the village chief of Shijia Village, he entered the director's office. The director handed over a draft agreement to the two men, and after Leidobao took a look, he turned back to look at the calm and collected Village Chief Shi, then slapped his hand on the table in dissatisfaction: "You're cutting off my godson's arm, not only fining him but also making us pay for medical expenses? This doesn't make sense, Director Wu."

  "Oh, Captain Lei, I don't care if you're a good son or a bad son. The other family's four people were beaten like that, and it's almost a homicide case. This is not even the worst of it. If we really get into it, we'll sentence them to several years in prison, and then sentence your family members to several years too. Isn't that interesting?"

  The director glared at him, had just come over to slam his hand on the table and shout, lit a cigarette with a sullen expression, and then remembered something, scolding Lei Duobao: "And what about your own son? He's always poking around in other people's business, what kind of thing is that to do?... And you, Shi Village Chief, those two from your village are also quite something. They're carrying stools and hitting people. When you get back, you'd better educate them properly."

  "Oh, I see... " Shi Baoquan also took a look at the agreement. Although he didn't recognize many of the words, he could understand that it basically meant paying money to release someone. He turned his head and asked Lei Duobao: "Brother, how much does this cost?"

  "Each of you will be fined 5,000 yuan and bear the other's medical expenses. You say he lies in hospital and won't come out, do I have to support him for a lifetime?" Lei Duo Bao said displeasedly.

  "This can't be said like that, right? The other party's injury is indeed serious, and it's already good that they agreed to mediation. After we mediate, we can follow the Public Security Administration Punishment Regulations and talk to them one by one, but now they're all lying in the hospital, can't just arrest them and detain them...". Director Wu said with a heavy heart.

  Lei Duobao pulled out his fingers to calculate: "Oh, this is an external calculation, it's creating revenue for the police station. We don't have any objections to creating revenue, but we can't lose too much, right?"

  "This is what I'm saying, and it's making Wu Suo Chang feel uncomfortable. He explained directly: "Captain Lei, you're also on the government payroll, so don't talk nonsense. If you beat someone up or kill them while trying to be a hero, you'll still have to take legal responsibility, right? If a thief breaks into your house and steals something, and you beat him up or kill him, you'll still have to take legal responsibility, won't you? This logic is very clear. Although the other person was seeking revenge and causing trouble, didn't you guys end up beating them up? Even if it's self-defense, isn't that excessive? Compensation is not unreasonable... As for fines, there's no need to even mention it. This is called 'the law is an ass' (a Chinese idiom meaning the law can be unfair or absurd)."

  Wu Suozhang spoke while spitting out smoke and saliva, making the law class lively and engaging. Lei Duobao was so angry that he couldn't speak, but Shi Jiacun just smiled and said: "It's just a matter of money, no big deal, I'll pay for it and take our villagers back... those two young men are friends from our village, let them go too."

  "Look, Captain Lei, look, even the peasants are more aware than you." Lieutenant Wu was delighted, this matter is now settled.

  Shi Baoquan smiled and waved his hand, saying: "I'm not enlightened, I'm uncultured. In the end, it's all about money, isn't it? It's no different from the old society."

  This sentence, however, really choked off Director Wu, and Lei Duobao heard that Shi Baquan was going to take on a big package, and directly blocked the way: "Wait... Brother Shi, wait a minute, we don't lack that bit of money, but Director Wu, this agreement has some problems, even if you agree, it needs to be revised."

  Lei Duo Bao isn't stupid, he directly pointed out a few points: the medical expenses have to be calculated at one time, and what if it's endless and who can afford it; besides, our side also has injuries, they should compensate us for some amount, even if not compensating, they should give us some discount, right? And this fine, can't just follow the highest standard to punish, after all, we are also the victim.

  It's all about the price, Shi Baoquan saw that the case had become a haggle. Captain Lei was a clever person and even took Director Wu out for a while, presumably to discuss something in private. When they came back, Director Wu's stance changed again, and on the phone, he argued with the other party, using righteous words and reasoning.

  "...You guys should also think twice, opening your big mouth wanting something, but someone has to provide it, right? Coming to someone's home to fight and getting hurt, is that reasonable? After leaving the hospital, you'll still have to come to the police station for processing... The compensation will first be deducted from the fine... Whether or not to detain is another matter, this amount can't be decided by what you say..."

  The two sides went back and forth, each trying to reason with the other, and it seemed that the other side was in the wrong. They made considerable concessions, and then Wu Zong laughed and called the police officer to change the mediation agreement. He took Lei Duo Bao and Shi Bao Quan to pay the fine and compensation. However, what surprised Lei Duo Bao was that Shi Bao Quan, who looked down on him, didn't hesitate at all, and loudly called his daughter to hand over several bundles of money to pay the fine and compensation. It turned out that he wasn't a peasant, but a wealthy man. Even when Lei Duo Bao offered to give them money, this father-daughter pair firmly refused.

  On the other hand, the police officer opened the door of the detention room and beckoned with his finger: "You few, come out."

  Shi Genwa and Shi Da Biao looked fierce, with a bad temper to match. Whenever they saw the police, they would put on a sullen face. However, when they saw Shi Baquan, they quickly hung their heads and rushed into the village team. The police at the bottom easily sent this group away, finally letting out a sigh of relief. Shan Yong and Lei Dapeng came out the door, but Wu Suo Chang was walking in the middle, with one arm around each of them. Another lesson on law and order had begun:

  "Ah, you two must correct your attitude, this matter ends here. If it weren't for the fact that you were also injured and are the victims, I would have detained you for half a month... Alas, these young people don't know what's at stake, do they? Do they know how many bright futures are ruined by impulsive crimes? I can tell you, many! Do they know how many ambitious youths have their lives ruined by a moment of recklessness? I can solemnly tell you, many!"

  Shan Yong and Lei Dapeng stood on either side, staring blankly at the police officer's lengthy speech. Suddenly, Lei Dapeng's anger flared up, interrupting the officer's words as he shouted: "Uncle, don't we count as young people with aspirations?"

  "Alright, let's start fresh. From now on, you'll learn from this experience and take it as a lesson. First, you must prioritize it in your mind and put it into action. You should have the ambition to serve the country and the people... Do you understand? It's not about revenge, or you'll sink deeper into the quagmire of crime and won't be able to escape... Captain Lei, I'm entrusting him to you, take him home and educate him properly." The director stopped, and Lei Duobao smiled and gave a good impression. As he turned around, he raised his palm to slap his son a few times, but Lei Dapeng dodged it. The director chased after him with another sentence: "Hey, don't hit your son! Education is not punishment, you need to reason with him..."

  This poor mouth was so long that Lai Duo Bao was suffocated, chattering all morning, and couldn't bear it anymore. However, the thought of being beaten by his son had disappeared. He pulled his son and godson and rushed out of the police station. Da Bao Er Bao, Song Siying, Lao Bao, and others surrounded them, chirping and asking questions. Seeing that someone had come out, they were all very happy. Song Siying, however, was holding onto Shan Yong, looking him up and down, then seeing the bandage on his chest, couldn't help but stretch out her hand to touch it, and asked with some anger who had hurt him so badly.

  Dan Yong's mind was elsewhere, gazing far away at his parents standing off to the side, separated from the crowd. He quickly ran up to them, one arm around his father and the other around his mother, his nose stinging with tears that almost flowed out.

  "Go, son, let's go home... we won't work anymore, mom will support you."

  Hongyu looked at her son, who was injured so badly, and tears flowed uncontrollably from her eyes. Changqing supported his son, sighing, blaming himself for not being capable enough. Yong comforted his parents, then turned around to wave goodbye to his classmates. Leidobao waved his hand, indicating that they should leave, with an expression of indescribable helplessness.

  Hailed a taxi, sat with his mother, looking from afar at the classmates, once full of vigor and aspirations like a dream. In an instant, Shan Yu's eyes felt sour, he turned his face to the side, quietly wiped away a tear, silently eliminating the moisture in his eyes...