As the evening sun began to dip, Mother Zhou returned to find we had already wrapped up the dumplings. The house hadn't felt this alive in ages. Thrilled, Mother Zhou dashed to the small sundry shop at the edge of the village and bought two bottles of beer. Despite the recent misfortune that had befallen us, today we had thoroughly beaten our enemy, Zhang Tiancheng; no matter how you looked at it, it was cause for celebration.

Zhou Ni chirped excitedly to her mother, “Mom, I genuinely didn't expect Brother Zhou to know how to knead dough! Look, he folded some of these dumplings too. Even if they look a bit clumsy, save them for me when you boil them; I want to taste his specifically.”

Mother Zhou lowered her voice, “Ni Ni, you weren't this enthusiastic about Zhao Qian this morning; you were in such a hurry to push him out the door. What changed after you got back from town?”

Zhou Ni flushed, looking terribly embarrassed. “Mom, please stop asking. Hurry up and boil the dumplings; Brother Zhao is hungry.”

With chicken and dumplings—this kind of life was something Zhou Ni never dared to imagine before. Back in high school, she was still nibbling on the dark whole-wheat steamed buns she brought from home every day. Now, the hope for a better life had been reignited, and her appetite bloomed wide open.

The sun sank low as we were heartily enjoying our meal in the courtyard. I was happily downing beer, thinking how much I’d like to experience this simple, rural life for a few more days if the chance arose. Gazing out, the world felt vast and open, and my spirits naturally soared. This place lacked the clamor and crush of the city, offering instead a sense of peace and tranquility.

Alas, good times rarely last. Just as I finished draining my first bottle of beer, the door was shoved open with a bang, and a stern-faced policeman strode into the yard.

“Well, well, still got the leisure to eat chicken and drink beer? Looks like you’re living quite the carefree life. Best not cause us any more trouble in the future.”

Setting aside the purpose of their visit, the opening words from these three officers were exceptionally coarse. Mother Zhou, having dealt with these officers before, set down her chopsticks. “What business do you have here? We never saw you this diligent when we begged you to investigate the case.”

The officer pointed at me. “What’s your name? Someone has reported you for a serious assault during a fight. Come down to the station with us.”

Since I was the one who fought him, there was no point in lying. “I did hit him, yes, but you don't need to be afraid. Write up your report, and I’ll sign it—I guarantee it’ll hold weight, even if it goes up to the province or the ministry. Also, you three had better re-file the case concerning Zhou Shan tonight, so you aren't caught clueless when questioned later. I will temporarily overlook your previous dereliction of duty, but if it continues, I will have no choice but to handle it by the book. None of you, from top to bottom, will escape.”

The three officers paused, taken aback by my words. Finally, the oldest one spoke, “Who are you, speaking to us in that tone?”

I popped open another bottle of beer. “A busybody, one who concerns himself with matters that aren’t his. Sit down and have a couple of drinks. I prepared this chicken myself; it tastes excellent, something you don't get to eat often.”

The three officers conferred quietly to one side before returning to the dining table. “Come on, stop messing around with us. We don't fall for that act.”

Zhou Ni couldn't help herself. “You ignore a matter of life and death but come running for a simple fight? Is this another directive from the County Magistrate? I need to know—do the police station and bureau serve the common people, or people like the County Magistrate!”

The officer snapped back, “That’s none of your concern. Go when told, or we won’t be polite.”

“Arrest me!” Mother Zhou stood up. “I instructed him to beat Zhang Tiancheng. Arresting him is useless.”

The officer sneered, “If that’s truly the case, then we will indeed handle it fairly. We’ll take both of you in.”

Zhou Ni cried out, “Are you even human? You refuse to arrest the bad guys but go after the good ones. Have the dogs eaten your consciences?”

“You!” The officer became enraged. “We’ll take you in too! You love chicken and dumplings, right? We’ll feed you steamed buns in the detention center for a few days and see how brave you are then.”

I asked the officers earnestly, “Tell us the truth—was the County Magistrate, Zhang Tiancheng’s relative, the one who ordered you? Don’t hide it from me; I’ve come from the Capital, and this matter is settled. If you don’t want to harm yourselves, cooperate actively, or I genuinely will see this through by the rules.”

The three officers were bewildered and could only ask again, “Who exactly are you? You look too young to be an official. If you don’t level with us now, we won’t be so courteous.”

They were beneath the notice required to know my identity. “A busybody, one who handles injustice. Do as I said; there are only benefits and no drawbacks. Otherwise, you bear the consequences yourself.”

My demeanor apparently wasn't enough to intimidate them, so the three officers decided to stop wasting time arguing and reached out to grab me. I sidestepped their clumsy attempts with ease, and in a swift, measured motion, I sent them flying back toward the door.

The officers exploded in anger. “Oh, resisting arrest and assaulting the police! You look like a student with your youth. Believe it or not, we’ll rough you up.”

I retorted, “Look at you all—old, weak, and trembling. Believe it or not, I could punch you all the way back to your hometowns.”

The three officers exchanged a look and suddenly retreated out of the yard. Mother Zhou leaned out over the courtyard wall for a look; the trio were retrieving batons from a battered jeep. Alarmed, she rushed into the kitchen and grabbed a cleaver.

The officers charged back in. Mother Zhou waved the cleaver, shouting, “Don’t come any closer! I’ll fight you to the death. I’m old and don’t care, but if you want to die, just try it!”

Zhou Ni looked at me anxiously; of course, she didn't want anything to happen to me, nor to her mother. I said to the three officers, “Just leave now, don’t push me. Do as I said, prepare the report, and bring it for me to see. If you don’t go now, I truly won’t hold back.”

The officer yelled, “Old lady, put the knife down. Obstructing us from carrying out our duty is against the law.”

I despise it when people try to lecture me, especially when their motives are so dirty. With a smooth, practiced motion, I lunged forward, seizing the cleaver from her hand with barely a sound, and with a gentle push, I sent her back toward the table. Then, I turned my attention back to the officers, who were frozen stiff.

“Auntie, please put the knife down. Let’s finish eating. These thoughtless people aren’t worth getting angry over.”

Zhou Ni quietly tugged at my sleeve. “Brother Zhao, where did those three go? They vanished so suddenly.”

It seemed my movements were too fast; neither mother nor daughter caught a clear view. I said, “They probably had an urgent matter and left. Let’s eat quickly; the dumplings will get cold.”

The three officers must have fallen hard, as they didn't return to cause trouble. After the meal, I prepared to carry Zhou Ni back to her room. Mother Zhou intervened, “Let Ni Ni sleep in my room tonight, so Xiao Zhao can sleep soundly.”

Zhou Ni was slightly reluctant, so I addressed Mother Zhou. “Auntie, Zhou Ni’s leg isn't great; let her sleep in her own bed tonight. I’ll sleep on the table. Zhou Ni slept on the table for me last night; I have to repay that favor tonight.”

Mother Zhou looked flustered. “How can that be? You are our guest.”

Zhou Ni said, “Mom, let him. I suffered enough last night; tonight, he can see how it feels.”

I stopped arguing with Mother Zhou and carried Zhou Ni into the room. Once on the bed, Zhou Ni told me, “I’m not sleeping yet; I’ll read. You sleep on the [bed], and I’ll fan the mosquitoes away for you.”

Our strong push to stay close certainly had underlying motives for both of us. How could I refuse Zhou Ni after she said that? “Let’s each take a shift; you sleep first, and I’ll stay up for the first half of the night.”

Zhou Ni replied, “It’s still early, and it’s hot anyway. Let’s talk for a while first.”

Zhou Ni cleared a space for me near the edge of the bed. I sat down close to the edge while she gently fanned me from behind with a palm-leaf fan. “Brother Zhao, you really are incredible, hehe. I thought what you told me this afternoon about earth-shattering events was just meant to comfort me, but it was all true. You are truly a divine being.”

I turned to face Zhou Ni. “Ni Ni, Brother Zhao has the ability to protect you, right? I’ll go to town tomorrow to make a call, and we’ll leave for the Capital the day after tomorrow morning at the latest, okay? I’ll arrange everything for you; you just go to university. Jingjing’s mom and dad both work at the tofu factory. I’ll have Auntie come over there too; the work is easy, and it includes food and lodging. I’ll have Jingjing clear out a few vacant workshops; you and your brother can stay there on weekends.”

Zhou Ni was thoroughly won over. She nodded shyly. “Brother Zhao, I’ll listen to you, but what do I tell Mom about the change? And how do I explain this to Sister Jingjing? They’ll blame you.”

“They won’t. You’ll know when you get there. Let me tell you, I actually learned the braised chicken technique by secretly watching Jingjing’s dad. They are very good people, very easy to get along with.”

Zhou Ni stopped fanning. She timidly closed her eyes. I understood what that gesture meant. I gently reached out and pulled her into my arms, then kissed her trembling red lips.

After a short, deep kiss, Zhou Ni gently pushed me away. “Brother Zhao, this is my first kiss. You’ve given me a new life. From now on, I’ll do whatever you ask.”

I whispered into Zhou Ni’s ear, “Be my girlfriend too. We won’t take turns; I’ll treat you all equally well. I can see that you are a kind, sincere, honest, and simple girl. Everyone will like you.”

Zhou Ni dared not open her eyes, and her hands seemed to tremble. “What about you, Brother Zhao?”

“I like you too. In fact, I liked you since last night. And this morning, I secretly touched your backside, which made me like you even more.”

Zhou Ni blushed furiously and suddenly shoved me, breaking free from my embrace. “I’m not talking to you anymore! You were too rough last night, pressing my head down and not letting go. My neck still hurts.”

I sat up and pulled Zhou Ni’s upper body onto my lap, then began massaging her neck with my hands. “Let me rub it for you as compensation. Close your eyes and enjoy.”

Just as Zhou Ni was about to close her eyes, she shrieked, “A mouse!”

I looked down beneath the bed and, sure enough, a large group of mice was lined up neatly, awaiting inspection. I said to Zhou Ni, “Don’t be afraid. They came for me. Things at home must be urgent; it looks like the plan needs to be moved up.”

Zhou Ni clung tightly to my thigh. “You know them? What is going on?”

“I’ll tell you later. These mice don’t understand my words; it’s frustrating. Do you have paper and a pen? I need to send a note home.”

Zhou Ni retrieved paper and a pen from her schoolbag by the bedside. I wrote a short note that said: “Come pick me up first thing tomorrow morning.” I rolled it up and handed it to one of the mice on the floor. A rather large one took the note, squeaked twice, and led the group away.

I was afraid they wouldn’t wait and might come tonight, but, hehe, I couldn't bear to waste this precious evening alone with Zhou Ni.