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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 107: Do You Hate Me?
The rain outside continued to fall, gloomy and relentless, with raindrops pattering against the window. Water dripped from the eaves, forming several thin streams that blurred the view outside. Zhang Qiu was lost in thought while Jiang Xue quietly nestled in his arms, asleep. He didn’t dare to disturb her and decided to let Jiang Xue sleep for a while longer.
Zhang Qiu could imagine how she felt after such a significant event; Jiang Xue was exhausted. During the time he held her, he contemplated many things. He wanted to take Jiang Xue far away to a remote place where they could live under assumed identities for the rest of their lives. Alternatively, they could flee together to escape the turmoil and carve out a new life elsewhere.
However, He Jun's call shook Zhang Qiu's resolve.
Fearing he might wake Jiang Xue, he gently laid her down and tiptoed out of the bedroom. Once in the hallway, Zhang Qiu asked, "Uncle, what's wrong?"
"Well, what good things have you all been up to today?"
He Jun's voice was serious with an undertone of anger. From his tone, Zhang Qiu knew that He Jun had already learned about the fight. Looking at the closed bedroom door, he asked, "Uncle, did Liu Xiaolong call the police?"
"Don't worry about him; it's you I'm concerned about! Things have escalated today—someone was stabbed and taken to the hospital for emergency treatment, and there are multiple injuries. Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
Zhang Qiu felt warmth in his heart and replied, "Uncle, I'm fine." Despite his stern demeanor, his uncle still cared for him.
"That's good to hear. Listen, no one can help you with this situation. Why are you wasting your time on clubs instead of studying? Are you part of a gang? Do you know how dangerous gangs can be? At your age, shouldn't you be learning something worthwhile for your parents' sake?" He Jun launched into a harsh reprimand before continuing, "The person who stabbed someone is one of yours, right? You need to get her to turn herself in quickly; otherwise, things will get even worse!"
"Uncle, how do you know all this? Did Liu Xiaolong report it?"
"I need to know what happens in my jurisdiction; otherwise, how can I do my job as Police Chief Wang Guodong? The entire county's population relies on me! I’m telling you, Zhang Qiu, you must bring the assailant to me! This is a serious case of intentional injury; you need to get her to turn herself in for leniency. Remember, it’s better to confess than to hide!"
Zhang Qiu found himself in a dilemma; how could he convince Jiang Xue to turn herself in? It was foolish of him to dream of running away and living incognito—perhaps that worked in ancient times but not in today's interconnected world where there was nowhere to hide. He Jun's words were like a bucket of cold water splashed over Zhang Qiu's head, forcing him to think clearly.
Zhang Qiu thought that if Liu Xiaofei died, then under no circumstances could he let Jiang Xue turn herself in; they had to run away—westward into the interior as far as possible. Even if life on the run would be incredibly difficult and fraught with danger at every turn, Zhang Qiu was willing to take that risk.
"Uncle, give me a straight answer, is Liu Xiaofei dead or not? Has the police been notified?"
"He's not dead, but the police have already been informed."
Liu Xiaofei is not dead! Zhang Qiu let out a sigh of relief, repeatedly expressing that it was good he was alive. But then the problems followed; if Liu Xiaofei was alive, then Jiang Xue hadn't committed murder. However, if she were to turn herself in like her uncle suggested, wouldn't that mean Jiang Xue would end up in prison? She was about to take her college entrance exams; if she went to prison, wouldn't her future be ruined?
"Listen, what are you thinking? Don't dwell on it. In front of the law, what else can you do? Turning yourself in is the best way out. And as for you, you're probably just a clay Buddha crossing a river—unable to protect yourself. Wang Guodong may no longer be the director, but he's still a formidable opponent; he will definitely seize this opportunity to cause trouble." He Jun paused for a moment before continuing, "Of course, don't think too much about that; just take her in to turn herself in as soon as possible."
"Uncle." Zhang Qiu decided to lay everything bare. "She is my girlfriend; she injured Liu Xiaofei to save me."
There was silence on the other end of the line. After waiting for a long time without any response from his uncle, Zhang Qiu pressed on, "Uncle, is there any way? I can't send her to prison; I just can't do it."
He Jun replied, "Turning herself in is the best and only way out."
"Let me think about it." Zhang Qiu took a deep breath and gently bit his lip.
"Think it through. I believe my nephew won't be clueless about this. Tomorrow at the police station, I'll wait for you." He Jun hung up the phone and picked up the landline on the table to dial another number.
Zhang Qiu returned to his room and saw that Jiang Xue had woken up and was leaning against the headboard playing with her cards. She had slept very soundly this time. Ever since her father passed away, Jiang Xue hadn't felt such peace in a long time.
Jiang Xue rubbed her eyes and looked at Zhang Qiu's handsome and chiseled face. Stretching lazily, she asked, "Where did you go? Why do you look so worried?"
"You’re awake?" Zhang Qiu deliberately avoided answering and walked closer to Jiang Xue, gently kissing her forehead. "Did you sleep well?"
Jiang Xue smiled and nodded. "I haven't slept this comfortably in a long time. By the way, what were you thinking about just now?"
Zhang Qiu smiled helplessly; he couldn't avoid it any longer and said, "I was thinking about you. I have good news: Liu Xiaofei is not dead; you didn't commit murder."
"Really?" Jiang Xue stood up from the bed, grabbing Zhang Qiu's arm excitedly and asking, "He’s not dead? Is this true? If so, then I’m not a murderer, right?"
Zhang Qiu gently brushed Jiang Xue's nose with his finger and smiled, "Silly girl, he’s not dead, so of course you’re not a murderer."
"That's great!" Jiang Xue exclaimed, hugging Zhang Qiu tightly and suddenly bursting into tears. "I’m not a murderer! I didn’t kill anyone! Boohoo, this is wonderful! Boohoo..."
Zhang Qiu wrapped his arms around Jiang Xue, letting her lean against his chest while gently stroking her soft hair.
"What’s wrong? Aren't you happy?" Jiang Xue noticed that Zhang Qiu's brows were still furrowed.
Zhang Qiu moved his lips, unsure of how to express himself.
Jiang Xue said, "For me, the best news is that I didn’t kill anyone. Nothing can bring me down now."
"I'm happy that you didn't kill anyone, of course. I'm just thinking about what to do next. You didn’t kill anyone, but you still hurt someone. Liu Xiaolong called the police; no matter what, it seems like you won't be able to take the college entrance exam," Qiu Wan said, looking at Jiang Xue with guilt. Yet Jiang Xue always looked so happy in front of him. Even though he had hurt her, she still smiled at him.
Zhang Qiu held her even tighter, wishing they could become one. He leaned his head close to Jiang Xue's ear and whispered, "Xue'er, do you hate me?"
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