Chapter 38: Lily of the Valley

"Hello, thank you so much for today. If it weren't for you, I truly wouldn't have known what to do," the elegant lady kept expressing her gratitude to Xiao Weiguo as they made their way to the police station.

"It's nothing. Anyone would feel compelled to help in such a situation. There's no need to thank me," Xiao Weiguo reassured her.

"I haven't introduced myself—my name is Zhao Shuxian. I'm at least ten years older than you, so don't call me 'sister,' just 'aunt.' Once all is settled, come to my home tonight; I'll cook for you as a token of my thanks," the sophisticated lady, Zhao Shuxian, said.

"I'm Xiao Weiguo, a purchasing clerk at the textile factory. As for tonight, let's see how things go; if the situation can't be resolved quickly..." Xiao Weiguo introduced himself, his mind troubled by the thought that he might have gone too far injuring the thief. He worried about being accused of excessive self-defense and ending up in trouble himself.

He silently vowed never to be so ruthless again; few ordinary people could withstand his full strength.

Throughout the rest of the journey, Xiao Weiguo wore a troubled expression.

"Comrade, we've caught a thief and brought him to the station. Who will take him?" Xiao Weiguo said to the station's gatekeeper.

The gatekeeper hurried out to inspect.

"Hey, it's that rascal Xiao Jiu again. He took quite a beating this time," the gatekeeper remarked.

"Lao Lü, come here, we've got work!" he shouted into the station, then turned to Xiao Weiguo and Zhao Shuxian. "Thank you, comrades. The police will handle this soon. The one you've brought is a habitual thief around here—he's in and out every few days, never learns his lesson. Scum like this should be shot. Keeping him alive just wastes food!"

It was clear the gatekeeper was a man of strong character.

"Come, let's talk inside," Lao Lü, the policeman, walked over, listened to the details, and led Xiao Weiguo and Zhao Shuxian into the station.

Xiao Weiguo took note of the police station of this era. The uniforms were different, all white, and the facilities rather basic, yet the spirit and professionalism of the officers were just as impressive as those in later times.

"You say you took him down with a single kick? Comrade, you'll need to file a report. If anything comes up later, contact us immediately—don't take matters into your own hands. I'm afraid you might end up seriously hurting someone," Lao Lü said after hearing the story.

"Officer, once the report is filed, can I leave? What about the thief's injuries..." Xiao Weiguo was still anxious that the thief's condition might worsen, causing legal trouble for himself.

"It's fine—three broken ribs, nothing serious. It's good for them to feel some pain; they never learn, these rascals are tough to deal with," Lao Lü replied.

"This is the station's phone number. If there's any trouble, don't act on your own—call us. Your hand is too heavy; if you must act, be gentle," Lao Lü said, handing Xiao Weiguo a slip of paper with the number.

After bidding farewell to Lao Lü at the station door, Xiao Weiguo and Zhao Shuxian left together. The whole process took about half an hour, most of it spent on Xiao Weiguo's report.

Fortunately, in this era the management was rougher; in later years, this might have been considered excessive defense.

"Weiguo, come home with Auntie. I'll cook dinner myself to thank you. Without you today, I truly wouldn't have known what to do," Zhao Shuxian said earnestly.

"Aunt Zhao, I gladly accept your invitation. I'll be imposing on you tonight," Xiao Weiguo quickly corrected himself, addressing her as 'Aunt,' having previously called her 'sister' out of ignorance.

He had been wondering where to have dinner, so he might as well visit Zhao Shuxian's home.

Besides, if he didn't let her show her gratitude, she would always have this on her heart.

Helping others brings peace to oneself.

When Xiao Weiguo saw the small Western-style mansion before him, he was stunned.

What luck today—first a courtyard house, now a three-story Western mansion.

"Auntie, is this your home? A detached three-story mansion—my goodness, I've never been inside one. It's so grand," Xiao Weiguo said, staring in awe.

"Our family had some property, and my daughter's father was capable. But the house feels quite empty—it's just me and my daughter at home. Come in, Weiguo," Zhao Shuxian replied.

Upon entering, Xiao Weiguo was struck by the lavish decor, rivaling modern standards; the mansion was truly opulent. If he had to choose between a courtyard house and this mansion, he would pick the mansion.

He surmised in his heart that Auntie's family must have been capitalists in the past. These years were still safe, but in a few years, things might turn grim.

The vast house, though impressive, felt cold and empty.

"I'll go make dinner. Weiguo, you chat with my daughter. It won't take long." With that, she called upstairs, "Linglan, come down and greet our guest, and help pour some coffee."

"I'm coming," came a crisp, clear voice from upstairs. Footsteps sounded, and a young girl appeared at the staircase.

She wore a black-and-white dress, knee-high stockings, and slippers, walking gracefully downstairs.

She held a book in her hand, her hair softly curled, draping over her shoulders. Her features were pure and delicate, her large, lively eyes seemed almost to speak, radiating joy.

Her cherry lips and delicate nose, her fair skin like fine silk, combined to make her look like a princess from a Western painting.

Xiao Weiguo was mesmerized.

He had been in this era for some time, but had never seen such a beautiful girl—even in later years, she would be a celebrity, or only achieved with heavy photo editing.

The girl looked at Xiao Weiguo with curiosity, her bright eyes blinking, astonishingly beautiful.

"Hello, I'm Quan Linglan, but you can call me Linglan. Who are you, and why did my mother bring you home?" Her voice was as clear as mountain spring water trickling through a gorge.

Zhao Shuxian stepped in, "This is Xiao Weiguo. Today I encountered a thief, and things turned dangerous. Thanks to Weiguo's help, I was safe. Tonight, I’ll make dinner to thank him. Please help entertain our guest while I prepare the meal."

"Alright, Mom. Thank you, Weiguo," Quan Linglan said to both her mother and Xiao Weiguo.

"No need to thank me; it's what anyone should do," Xiao Weiguo replied to the girl.