The police arrived soon after, barely managing to separate the brawling individuals.
Li Zhiwei and Feng Pangzi both had bruised faces, but Er Biao didn't escape unscathed either; a section of his clothes was torn, and his lip was bruised.
"What's going on?" one of the officers asked, frowning at the mess in the shop.
Upon seeing the officers, Er Biao's spirits lifted instantly. They were familiar faces. He quickly pulled out a pack of Da Qian Men cigarettes from his pocket and produced matches to light one for the officer. "Brother Liu, this kid started it. We had no choice but to retaliate."
The officer addressed as Brother Liu took a drag from his cigarette before looking at Li Zhiwei and the others. "Gathering to cause trouble?"
Chen Lishu's heart sank as she observed their interaction. She stepped forward to explain, "Officers, I am the owner of this shop. It was operating normally when they suddenly barged in, demanding protection money. When I refused, they started smashing things. My friends couldn't stand by and watch, so they stepped in to reason with them."
"You can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want," Er Biao interjected immediately, denying the accusation. "Brother Liu, we simply saw that their clothing looked nice and wanted to come in to inquire about the prices. Who knew they'd misunderstand and think we were causing trouble? Now they're slandering us. I've never encountered anyone so unreasonable. Don't you agree, brothers?"
"Yes, they started it."
"We just wanted to look at the clothes. We're being framed."
Listening to their shameless claims, Chen Lishu felt both angry and anxious. Li Zhiwei was so enraged that he blurted out, "Bullshit! You don't dare to own up to your actions, you bunch of cowards!"
Er Biao retorted, "Who are you calling a coward?"
"I'm calling you a coward!"
Seeing that the two were about to resume fighting, the officer surnamed Liu, with clear displeasure, stopped them. "Everyone involved in the fight is coming back to the station with me. The rest of you can disperse."
He then glanced back at Chen Lishu. "Since you are the shop owner, you'll have to come with us as well."
Soon, the group arrived at the police station. The officer surnamed Liu left Li Zhiwei, Chen Lishu, and Feng Pangzi aside and went to chat with Er Biao and his group.
"How are you two? Are your injuries serious?" Chen Lishu asked them with concern.
"We're fine. Those guys don't even hit as hard as a girl," Li Zhiwei said, quickly waving his hand to allay her worries. The movement pulled at the wound on his lip, causing him to let out a soft hiss of pain.
Chen Lishu felt even more guilty.
"Hey, how much longer are you two going to talk? What did you call us here for? If there's nothing else, we'll be leaving," Li Zhiwei said impatiently, having waited for a long time without anyone attending to them.
The officer surnamed Liu turned around and replied with a rather unpleasant tone, "Gathering for a fight, and you have the nerve to talk back? Just wait patiently. We haven't asked you anything yet, so stop yapping!"
With that, he turned back and resumed his cheerful conversation with Er Biao and his cronies.
Li Zhiwei was furious and was about to stand up to argue, but Chen Lishu stopped him. "Let's wait a bit longer."
The three of them waited for over an hour. This time, Chen Lishu stood up and walked towards the exit without Li Zhiwei needing to say anything.
"Hey, Miss, you haven't given your statement yet. Where are you going?" another officer called out, stopping her.
Er Biao seized the opportunity to taunt her, "What, trying to call for backup? Didn't you say you knew someone at the Municipal Bureau? Why isn't anyone coming to help you now?"
Chen Lishu retorted, "I'm going to the restroom. Can't I?"
"You can't go anywhere until we've questioned you. Go back and sit down quietly," the officer surnamed Liu commanded sternly.
Chen Lishu let out a cold laugh and replied unceremoniously, "You are indeed police officers, but I am not your prisoner. I am here to cooperate with the statement-taking. I've never heard of personal freedom being restricted like this. What is your full name? I happen to have a friend at the newspaper. Is this how you serve the people? I don't mind helping you get some publicity."
The officer surnamed Liu was momentarily taken aback. Although his expression remained displeased, he did not stop her further.
"Never mind, Brother Liu. There's no need to be so petty with a woman. However, it's fortunate you were on duty this time. I'll treat you to a meal another day," Er Biao said with a smile, trying to smooth things over.
For individual business owners like Chen Lishu without any backing, a bit of intimidation would surely make them compliant. This was a lesson for them to learn their place next time.
Chen Lishu stepped out of the office and met a police officer in the hallway. She smiled and asked, "Comrade, could you please tell me which office our director is in?"
"Third floor, turn left at the second door."
"Thank you," Chen Lishu replied and headed straight for the third floor. Following the office number, she found the director's office and knocked twice.
When she heard a call to enter, she pushed the door open.
Director Zhang looked up and was surprised to see a young woman he didn't recognize. "Who are you?"
"Director, hello. My name is Chen Lishu..." Chen Lishu quickly explained the entire incident.
"...I can see you are a fair and just leader. However, some individuals always exploit their positions to do things that tarnish the image of leaders and the police. I believe you will administer justice for us, won't you?"
Director Zhang saw that her explanation was clear, logical, and well-reasoned. She treated him, the director, with respect, neither obsequious nor arrogant. Others in such a situation would either yield to injustice or make a scene, but she came directly to him. He was rather impressed.
"I understand what you're talking about. However, I have someone coming soon, and your matter isn't a major one. I'll have someone notify them, and you can go back now."
Was he trying to dismiss her?
To be honest, Chen Lishu felt a chill seeing the director's perfunctory attitude.
If you have no connections or influence, you deserve to be bullied and looked down upon. Er Biao and his group were the troublemakers, but because they were acquainted with that officer, she, who was in the right, was treated as if she were in the wrong and even subjected to various difficulties.
"It's alright, you can attend to your business. The rights of a law-abiding citizen like myself are not being protected, which greatly troubles me. Perhaps leaders from the Municipal Bureau or the Provincial Department will have the time to help me resolve this matter, which you consider a 'small issue.'"
Chen Lishu turned to leave. She refused to believe that no one could handle this group.
"Wait a minute," Director Zhang called out as she was leaving. "What's the matter with you, young comrade? I already said I have important matters, not that I won't resolve your issue. You're quite impatient for your age."
"I can wait, but what if others encounter situations more serious than mine? We trust you, which is why we report incidents to you immediately. Do you think it's useful to solve problems after everyone's hope has been extinguished?"
Director Zhang was speechless. "You young girl are truly stubborn. Fine, I'll postpone my other matters and go down with you to take a look."