Others don't need to know the bitter past and the irreversible hardships; they only need the results.
"I don't know, Wu Yu never told me what he was going to do."
"Then where did you learn about his plan?"
"...I guessed."
Officer Huang chuckled, seemingly dismissing a clumsy lie. "You guessed? You guessed he was going to rob someone, and you guessed who the victim was, where the robbery would take place, and then you accurately guessed that Lin Henggui was bleeding profusely and near death behind the door, and that Wu Yu was hiding in the martyrs' cemetery?"
She knew she couldn't convince anyone. Yet that was the truth, the only understanding she shared with Wu Yu. Without him, who in the world would believe in this absurd telepathy?
“I know him. He has a long-standing grudge against Lin Henggui, and he needs money. Lin Henggui is no good person; he used despicable means to swindle Wu Yu out of her money,” Ju Nian said softly.
Officer Huang scrutinized Ju Nian again. At first, he thought she was a frail and timid girl, easily frightened by the slightest disturbance. However, from his first question, she remained soft-spoken and quiet, but every word was clear and coherent. There was no panic, no anger, no turmoil, no tears. Faced with a series of tragedies, she even appeared somewhat indifferent. Except for the brief moment when he referred to the "deceased" as Wu Yu, she mostly recounted someone else's mundane experiences.
"Okay, even if I assume you 'guessed' what happened, after you knew Wu Yu's intentions, especially after you witnessed Lin Henggui's injury, why didn't you call the police? Not only that, you even met him at his hiding place. If Han Shu hadn't shown up, would he have escaped? And would you have helped him because you're friends? You're a student; you should have the most basic legal knowledge. Knowing something but not reporting it, harboring and concealing a criminal suspect is also a crime."
Ju Nian remained silent; she had nothing more to say. If she could, if she could do it all over again, she would still help Wu Yu escape, even knowing it was a sin.
From that point on, no matter what questions Officer Huang asked, she mostly remained silent, and the conversation reached a stalemate.
Ju Nian felt a burning pain in her throat, a reminder that she was still alive.
The policewoman who had poured her water earlier knocked on the door and came in. She whispered a few words in Officer Huang's ear, startling him. He left Ju Nian alone again. This time, they closed the door from the outside, and Ju Nian heard the sound of it being locked from the inside.
Time passed by, and it was already noon. Several other police officers came in at the same time as Officer Huang.
"Xie Junian, I need you to answer me clearly: where were you around 5 a.m. this morning?"
He observed, as he had hoped, that cracks had appeared in Ju Nian's indifference.
“I contacted your parents using the phone number you provided earlier. They are anxiously looking for you, which means you didn’t come home all night. Tell me, where were you and what were you doing?”
At five in the morning... Ju Nian saw a strange body emerge from the sand before her eyes. She could clearly smell the sweat on his body, feel every inch of his skin, the musty-smelling sheets beneath him, his sweaty yet powerful legs, and even her own curled-up posture. She gasped and closed her eyes with difficulty.
"Answer me!" Officer Huang shouted, his expression no longer that of someone who knew the truth, but rather the fierce look he gave to a real criminal.
"I got drunk last night..."
"Are you still lying? Lin Henggui has already woken up in the hospital. He clearly told the police that besides Wu Yu, there was another girl who robbed and injured him. It was still dark at the time, and he only saw Wu Yu clearly, but he said with absolute certainty that the other person was her. Only you are often with Wu Yu, and you had a dispute with him a few years ago. Back then, you personally smashed his head with a soda bottle, didn't you!"
"Impossible. I wasn't even there at the time. If Lin Henggui didn't even see that person's face clearly, what evidence do you have to conclude that it was me? If it were me, why would I have gone to save him?"
Ju Nian stood up from her seat, but was quickly pushed back down by the policewoman next to her.
"I hate Lin Henggui, he... he once... but if I had known Wu Yu would do something foolish last night, if I had been there in time, I would have stopped him!"
"The bloody handprint on your right sock is Lin Henggui's, isn't it? Of course, it doesn't matter if you don't admit it. You're very smart. Maybe you knew that your fingerprints and footprints were left at the crime scene, so you deliberately went back two hours later to make a phone call as a rescuer. You didn't expect Lin Henggui to actually survive. Or maybe you regretted what you did and had a change of heart, wanting to make amends..."
"These are all your guesses; I didn't do that!" One unexpected event after another, a nightmare unfolding. Ju Nian couldn't accept Wu Yu's death, only to be shocked to learn she was a suspect in his murder. Even with her heart filled with despair, how could a girl barely eighteen not be terrified in this situation?
"What goes around comes around. You think your act is flawless, but it's full of holes. Before five o'clock, some early-rising vegetable farmers saw Wu Yu leading a girl on a path near Lin Henggui's house. This proves that Lin Henggui wasn't lying, and Wu Yu wasn't the only one who committed the crime. Just recently, our people found that vegetable farmer. He remembers you, although we can't be sure, but he said that the girl's hair reached her waist, and her back view was very similar to yours."
Ju Nian was shocked upon hearing this. "She..." How could she not know who that person was? She couldn't believe that Wu Yu had taken her with him at that time. He kept saying that he didn't want Ju Nian to take risks with him, but could she really?
"Her? Who is she?!"
No one knew about Wu Yu and Chen Jiejie's affair; only Ju Nian knew about their clandestine relationship, and of course, Han Shu, who only had a vague understanding. It was Ju Nian who helped them hide it and spread the rumors.
"Officer Huang, as you said, including Lin Henggui, no one can definitively prove that the girl at the time was me. Lin Henggui and I had a dispute, so he would naturally assume that I was the one without seeing her clearly. As for long hair, there are many girls with long hair, and quite a few with similar figures to me..."
Officer Huang exchanged a knowing look with the person next to him, as if to say, "See? I told you she was cunning." He then said calmly, "Could it be that there's another person with waist-length hair, a similar figure to you from behind, who's close to Wu Yu, and who's plotting to kill Lin Henggui?"
Ju Nian opened her mouth as if to speak, but no sound came out.
“You need to understand that even if these are circumstantial evidence, the fingerprints and footprints you left in Lin Henggui’s shop will be the most direct evidence. With the chain of evidence formed by these things, it won’t be difficult to convict you. So, you’d better tell me where you were last night?”
Ju Nian's fingernails dug into the flesh of her palm—what an absurd novel's blueprint this is.
“Sweet Honey, the hotel I stayed at last night was called Sweet Honey, it’s near the south gate of G University. I came out of there around seven o’clock this morning. If you don’t believe me, you can check.” Her head drooped down, almost touching her chest, which was her shame, a memory she didn’t want to reopen.
Han Shu waited outside for hours, feeling like a cat on a hot tin roof. Finally, the prosecutor Cai, whom he had been pestering to inquire about, returned. He eagerly rushed over and asked, "How did it go, godmother? Why was she inside for so long? Didn't you say there was nothing wrong and she could just say hello and leave?"
Prosecutor Cai frowned and said, "Why are you making such a fuss, kid?" She then lowered her voice, "That girl you're close to? She can't leave. I just asked the deputy captain of the criminal investigation team, and she's very likely connected to a robbery and murder case near the Martyrs' Cemetery early this morning. You'd better stay away from her from now on. The older you get, the more immature you become, always associating with shady people..."
"What?" Han Shu laughed in disbelief. "Godmother, you must have misheard."
"Are you kidding me? The person who was robbed almost died. She was involved in the same crime as the suspect you bumped into this morning. Do you know how dangerous that was for you? Thank God nothing happened."
Han Shu began to realize the seriousness of the situation. "Impossible, absolutely impossible. She was with me last night, she stayed by my side the whole night..."
"What did you say?" Prosecutor Cai was taken aback, quickly looked around, and then dragged Han Shu to a relatively quiet corner in the corridor, scolding him in a low voice, "What nonsense are you talking about? How could you be with her last night? You can't just say things like that!"
“Really, godmother, I’m not lying to you. She really is with me.” Han Shu’s eyes were red. “Go tell those police officers that they’ve suspected the wrong person. It can’t be her. If they don’t believe me, I can testify for her.”
"Why are you not going home at night and spending time with a girl... You, you..." Prosecutor Cai's face changed color, still in disbelief.
Han Shu turned her face away, not denying it, but her flushed ears proved her guess.
"Just the two of you... Han Shu, oh you, how old are you, already messing around with those shady girls, you..."
"She is not a disreputable girl."
"If she were chaste and self-respecting, would she be with you at such a young age... Oh my god, what am I supposed to say..."
"She drank too much, it was me who insisted... I insisted... but she wouldn't..." Han Shu's voice grew softer and softer, his thin face almost bleeding, and he repeatedly bit his lower lip.
Prosecutor Cai paused for three seconds, then, understanding the implication, she became trembling with rage. Grabbing her small purse, she began hitting her beloved godson without warning, yelling, "You brat...you're going to drive me crazy...I don't have any children, so I treated you like my own. Looks like I was wrong. The three adults spoiled you rotten...how could you do something like this..."
Han Shu hid in a sorry state, not daring to make too much noise.
"I can't control you anymore. What if your dad finds out about this..."
"No, godmother!" Han Shu panicked and grabbed Prosecutor Cai's small purse. "Godmother, you've always been the best to me. You can't just abandon me!"
It took Prosecutor Cai a long time to catch her breath. After all, she was no ordinary woman. After a brief moment of shock and loss of composure, her professional ethics forced her to remain calm.
"Han Shu, I'll ask you one more time, is everything you said true?"
Han Shu knew the importance of this matter. Although he cared about his reputation, he had to stammer and omit some "details" of what happened last night before recounting it to his godmother. "She really was by my side all night. I was holding her the whole time. I didn't wake up until almost seven o'clock this morning. She couldn't possibly be a suspect in the police investigation."
Prosecutor Cai spat, "Han Shu, who are you? You're Han Shewen's son. It's one thing for other kids to be ignorant of the law, but how could you be so foolish? Let's not even talk about whether the girl inside can escape responsibility or not. If we're serious, you're... breaking the law."
No matter how ruthless and cold-blooded she is in her daily work, and how much she hates evil, she just can't bring herself to say "rape" to her godson whom she treats like her own son.
Han Shu said, "I know I made a mistake, but I really like her. Godmother, I'm going to marry her in the future, and nothing can happen to her. Tell me, how can I testify for her? I'll do anything."
"If you're willing, before you even utter a single word, your dad will skin you alive! He can lose everything in his life, but he can't let anyone tarnish his face. Have you forgotten how he taught you? Tell me first, does that girl have feelings for you... Don't play dumb with me... I don't know... If she sues you, whether she succeeds or not, just wait for your dad to beat you to death before he dies of anger, leaving your mom to hang herself."
"I can't worry about that right now; I need to get her out of that dirty water first."
"You cannot testify!"
"Why? You want me to stand idly by for the sake of my and my dad's pride? Would I even be human?"
"What do you know? You don't care about your reputation, but does that girl care? She didn't even want to spend the night with you. Once this gets out, what dignity will she have left? She's an eighteen-year-old girl, Han Shu, have you thought about that? You just said she's Xie Maohua's eldest daughter, the one who was sent away when she was little? I remember Xie Maohua, what kind of person is he...? Could he tolerate a daughter like that...? Could your father tolerate...? This is all a mess. In short, Han Shu, proving she wasn't there doesn't necessarily require her testimony. Even if you don't consider yourself, you have to consider her. I'll talk to her and think of another way..."
"Godmother, you have to help us."
"You guys?" Prosecutor Cai smiled helplessly. "You really have forgotten your mothers now that you have a wife. How did I get involved in your affairs?"
Chapter Forty-Two: The Past Is Like Yesterday's Death
The lamplight shone directly on Ju Nian's face, the intense brightness blinding her. After she gave him the address of the sweet place and the appearance of the hotel owner she had only met once, several officers, including Officer Huang, began a hushed discussion in another corner. She couldn't hear them, nor was she able to; she was on the verge of collapse. She thought that either she should die now, or she should break down and go insane—both would be good ways to escape. At worst, she should just faint. But no, no matter how much she felt she couldn't hold on any longer, the next second, she was still holding on, her mind, body, and memories—every tiny, eroding pain was so clear.
She felt someone walk up to her, slightly adjust the angle of the lamp's light, and then there was a murmur of conversation. Some people left, while others stayed.
It took her a long time for her aching eyes to adjust to the light. The police officers in uniform were no longer in the room; instead, a woman sat quietly beside her.
That's Prosecutor Cai.
"You must be tired. Eat something or drink some water first."
Ju Nian then noticed a cake and a bottle of milk beside her. She almost drank the last drop of milk in one gulp, and when she chewed the sweet cake, she almost vomited. However, as the food went down her throat, the feeling of being alive slowly returned.
She felt desolate because even the deepest despair and the most intense sorrow could not stop the feeling of hunger.
She's alive; who made her live?
"Ju Nian, may I call you Ju Nian?" Prosecutor Cai's voice was so gentle. Was this the same decisive and efficient woman known throughout the compound?
Ju Nian didn't answer; it didn't matter what she was called anymore.
“They’ve all gone out. I want to talk to you alone, not in my official capacity, but as an elder. Are you willing?”
Ju Nian swallowed the last bite of food, her face turned red, and she began to cough violently. Prosecutor Cai gently patted her back.
"Ju Nian, Han Shu told me everything about you and him. That brat Han Shu has never suffered hardship; we spoiled him. I'm a woman too, and I was furious when I heard what he did to you. But, ultimately, Han Shu's feelings for you are genuine. I watched him grow up; he's always been a good kid. Even when he acts recklessly, it's just youthful inexperience; he's definitely not the type to play with emotions. He's used to having his way; I've never seen him care so much for anyone..."
“Chief Prosecutor Cai, just say what you have to say. There’s no need to say those things just now.”
"You know me? You were just a little kid when you left the compound, and you've grown up to be so beautiful, I almost didn't recognize you. Your dad and I used to be colleagues, you can call me Aunt Cai. What I want to say is, what's done is done, and although it's not what we wanted, there has to be a solution, especially now that you're facing this... Han Shu insisted on being your witness, and I looked at your statement just now. You didn't say you were with him last night, and I'm really grateful for that. I also know that for a self-respecting girl like you, revealing those things is a very painful thing. Besides, your parents are upright people, what would they think if they knew?"
Prosecutor Cai mentioned Ju Nian's parents, leaving Ju Nian with mixed feelings. Prosecutor Cai sat opposite her, her face kind and her voice gentle, so much like a mother. Unfortunately, her mother wasn't like that; she dreaded being talked about behind her back. Ju Nian had unfortunately caused this trouble, destined to never be a good daughter to them. However, the police had contacted her family several hours earlier, and they still hadn't shown up.
Even if someone rushed over and slapped her, it wouldn't be a bad thing, but no one did.
“Ju Nian, I think you feel the same way, hoping to get out of this predicament at the lowest possible cost. Han Shu testifying is not a good idea, neither for you nor for him. As for the innkeeper you mentioned, I will find someone to contact him as soon as possible. I know quite a few people in this field, so you can rest assured. I know you are innocent and will try my best to find a way to exonerate you.”
Seeing that Ju Nian remained silent, Prosecutor Cai took out a set of girls' clothes from the nearest department store, complete with underwear, shoes, and socks.
“You look terrible. How can you be comfortable wearing these clothes? This can’t be resolved in a short time. I’ve told them to let you change your clothes and rest. After all, you’re a girl, not made of iron. They need to take some of your clothes as evidence for testing… Go ahead, Ju Nian. Don’t be so hard on yourself. The place to change is the female police officer’s temporary bathroom. You can wash up while you’re at it…” Prosecutor Cai said softly, gently placing the items in Ju Nian’s arms.
Ju Nian subtly curled the corners of her lips. "Are you afraid I'll sue him?"
Her voice was so low that Prosecutor Tsai didn't hear her carefully at first.
"What?"
"You said so much, asking me to change my clothes, just because you're afraid I'll accuse Han Shu of rape, right?"
Han Shu was fortunate; there were always people working tirelessly for him. Some things, some people have, some people don't. Some people yearn for them but cannot obtain them, while others discard them like worn-out shoes. If there has to be an explanation, it's fate.
"Are you going to sue him?" Having seen it all before, Prosecutor Cai remained calm despite his surprise, asking the question with composure.
Ju Nian said, word by word, "Shouldn't I have sued him?"
Prosecutor Cai paused for a moment, then smiled. "You're a smart girl; it's no wonder Han Shu is interested in you. Since that's the case, Ju Nian, I'm not afraid to be blunt with you. Our country's sex crime laws have many awkward and blind spots. Even if you intend to sue, how will you provide evidence? You say you had sex with Han Shu against your will, but besides you, who knows if you have any injuries? As for being drunk and disoriented, did you drink that alcohol willingly? Did you struggle when you got into the car and went to the hotel with Han Shu? Were you conscious or resisting during the act? Can Han Shu interpret that as consent? If not, how will you prove it?"
“Prosecutor Cai, you have to tell me, the law can’t help me, right?” Ju Nian smiled slightly.
“Child, the law is a standard, but it is not God. You can’t win the case. You know Han Shu’s family situation. The result will only ruin your reputation, make your parents suffer more, and make you reopen old wounds again and again. For the sake of his remorse and his sincerity towards you, Ju Nian, let him go, and let yourself go too.”
Ju Nian's gaze towards Prosecutor Cai was vacant. They looked at each other, but Prosecutor Cai felt that those eyes passed right through her, looking into another world.