Using the machine to polish it again, Cheng Ying held it, smooth and round. It felt good in her hand.

Cheng Ying mused that perhaps she could carve out a new path for herself, selling toys wouldn't be bad either. Kids' money is very easy to earn.

Now, time to head to the police station to check on Fatty.

As Cheng Ying left, the old master said, "It's rare for you to come by. I made quite a few of these for the New Year, all given away."

Cheng Ying’s heart swelled with warmth. Turning back to the master, she said, "Your craftsmanship is truly excellent. Next time you make something, please remember to save one for me."

She didn't care at all that the old master used his own wood to make toys for his grandson.

When Cheng Ying arrived at the police station, the look in the police officer’s eyes was quite different from last night.

Their eyes were filled with uncertainty. Cheng Ying paid it no mind; worrying about others' opinions wouldn't let her live comfortably.

As long as she conformed to the mainstream of society, that was enough. Cheng Ying never set high standards for herself.

After all, the police felt sympathy for a frightened young girl, but not for a terrified thief. The interrogation was conducted through the night, and the case made significant progress.

According to the suspect's confession, this young girl was remarkably calm. Her capability surpassed even that of the police officers.

Cheng Ying cleared her throat, "Comrade, may I give my statement now?"

The officer replied, "Of course, young lady. Tell us exactly what happened last night."

Cheng Ying recounted everything truthfully, holding nothing back—except for the fact that she had swapped her crossbow for a child's toy.

Deceiving the police was wrong, but Cheng Ying feared that if the crossbow were revealed, it would surely be confiscated. Then she wouldn't even have something for self-defense. What if she encountered wolves in the mountains?

Besides, she was a beauty; wasn't encountering a sexual predator also dangerous?

In the end, the police reached two conclusions: the thief's courage was too small; he was terrified by a mere toy.

The other conclusion was that the young lady’s dog was quite good. Perhaps the suspect had poor eyesight, and it was the two dogs that scared him so badly.

Cheng Ying spoke of her own Zhao Cai Jin Bao (Bring in Wealth and Treasure) with such flair.

"Your dogs, young lady, are truly formidable!"

Cheng Ying agreed, "Yes, they were raised by Grandma. They’ve been sensible since they were small. Grandma spares no expense feeding them, so they’ve grown up mighty."

The officer looked troubled. "Classmate Cheng Ying, can one of your adults come down?"

Although the thief was caught, the outcome still depended on the victim's stance.

If the offense was deemed serious and the victim refused to drop the matter, the thief could face a few more years.

But if the victim chose not to pursue the charges, avoiding a severe crackdown, perhaps he would only be fined and released.

The officers generally believed that a child couldn't decide such matters.

Cheng Ying deliberated before saying, "I have a grandmother nearing seventy at home. It probably wouldn't be good for her to know about this."

The officer thought the old lady must be in poor health and couldn't handle the shock.

Cheng Ying, however, feared her grandmother would become enraged and come to the police station brandishing a feather duster—that wouldn't be good.

The old lady was rather fierce. This was something only family members should know.

Several officers stared at the young lady in stunned silence. No wonder she could face a thief alone; perhaps it was out of sheer necessity. "Ahem, the thing is, do you see any room for leniency regarding last night's incident?"

This question was prompted by an outside request, so they had to ask.

They all felt it was inappropriate to question a young girl about this. Although the suspect hadn't intended serious harm—just a bored layabout looking for trouble.

Cheng Ying replied, "What happened last night frightened me."

The officer stared blankly. "Yes, don't be afraid. The People's Police are here for you."

Cheng Ying felt those words were empty. Looking back at the scene, it seemed the People's Police were protecting the villain.

The officer continued, "Here's the situation: we conducted a surprise interrogation of the suspect last night, and he confessed. We've verified at his residence; the suspect indeed went to steal fish. Do you have anything specific to declare, young lady?"

Cheng Ying stated, "Police Comrades, although my family is not wealthy and we don't have many valuables that a thief would covet, we still have some lumber and furniture. If he were merely stealing fish, that's one thing. But if he were a truly malicious person, intending murder or arson, with an elderly person and young ones at home, we would have absolutely no defense. I trust the police comrades will severely punish the thief. We trust the People's Police and will never tolerate a criminal."

Cheng Ying reasoned that no matter who it was, anyone who dared to break in was no good. If they didn't make an example of him, what message would that send?

There was no room for negotiation.

The officers, feeling flattered by her praise, thought that discussing further might even feel like bullying her. "Rest assured, speaking of your street, it has indeed prospered these past two years, but consequently, the flow of people has become more complex. We will pay closer attention from now on, special attention. Young lady, this is a society ruled by law; you shouldn't fear bad people, but also be brave. Your spirit when facing the suspect was commendable and deserves praise. We will write to your school to commend you."

Cheng Ying touched her hair. Did it need to be so high-profile? "Actually, I’m quite a gentle girl; you don't need to exaggerate my abilities so much."

The officer felt his mind slightly overloaded; the girl’s train of thought was quite off-track. "Well, Classmate Cheng Ying, do you have anything else to say?"

Cheng Ying found the question awkward, feeling as if she were the suspect.

Also, regardless of the thief’s nature, she should demand firm action and not let him off easily. "Officer, may I ask, was that Fatty, the thief from yesterday, an acquaintance of any of your comrades? Are you all familiar with each other?"

This question was serious. The officer straightened up and addressed Cheng Ying seriously, "Classmate Cheng Ying, you must believe that the People's Police safeguard the people, are impartial, and do not bend the law for personal gain. Moreover, no one here knows that suspect."

That last point was crucial.

Cheng Ying said, "I believe you, Officer. The thing is, Fatty's reaction yesterday was too strange. Although I haven't seen many real thieves, I've never heard of a thief seeing a police officer as if seeing a relative."

Cheng Ying’s murmuring was almost self-directed; she was barely refraining from implying the People's Police protected thieves.

The officer's mind was sluggish. If they didn't understand, they were also perplexed. However, based on the suspect's confession, the methods this young lady used to catch the thief were indeed quite daunting.

Observing the girl's demeanor, the police felt it necessary to conduct some legal education for her.

The officer finally uttered a single sentence: "Classmate Cheng Ying, justifiable self-defense is permissible, but excessive self-defense is also subject to legal punishment."

He wasn't sure how to proceed from there.

Cheng Ying smiled and smoothly accepted his words, interpreting them as she wished, and thanked him, "Thank you, Officer. I will pay attention to strengthening my defenses."

This officer must be newly assigned, so naive.

The officer stared blankly as the young lady thanked him and left. That wasn't what he meant at all.

Cheng Ying didn't look back at the thief who coveted their fish and strolled home leisurely.

Upon returning, the neighbors all came over to check on Cheng Ying. The commotion last night was quite loud.

This neighborhood was usually so peaceful, so harmonious; how could such an incident occur?

Such disharmony was too challenging to their nerves. A crowd of people basically cursed the thief.

Cheng Ying replied, "I'm fine. Fortunately, Zhao Cai Jin Bao was on guard; I wasn't too frightened. Thank you all for your concern."

For about half the day, Cheng Ying repeated this same phrase.

The neighbors insisted, "He must be sentenced heavily!"

Cheng Ying looked troubled, speaking with earnest gravity, "I'm afraid it won't be lenient. After all, my place isn't just a regular residence; there's the furniture shop in front, which is practically commercial property. And the courtyard next door isn't a place one can just wander into. Alas, I just hope that thief can explain himself clearly."

Cheng Ying was deliberately warning those who might eye the adjacent courtyard: keep your designs to yourself in the future, or you'll be treated as a spy and arrested.

After everyone left, Cheng Ying circled the courtyard once.

Hiring a security guard was unrealistic; security cameras didn't exist in this era.

Cheng Ying sighed, wishing she could dig traps under the courtyard walls and lay down boards studded with nails. Let's see you cause trouble then! I'll torture you to death.

But it was just a thought.

Cheng Ying fussed around all morning. After lunch, she slept soundly at home.

When she woke up, the sun was setting, and her nostrils were filled with the scent of medicinal herbs.

Cheng Ying stared at the ceiling, looked out the window, and felt a bit disoriented.

Chi Wu was sitting beside her. "You're awake."

Cheng Ying rubbed her head. "You're back."

Chi Wu looked at Cheng Ying with some tenderness. He hadn't been by her side when she needed him most. "Yes, I got home over an hour ago. Are you alright? Mom brewed some herbs for you to calm your nerves; drink some first."

Cheng Ying recalled the dark herbal soup her own mother made and instinctively furrowed her brow. "No need, I'm fine."

Chi Wu said, "Still fine? Look, you slept until midday."

Cheng Ying pursed her lips. She had been tossing and turning half the night, then slept for most of the day, of course, she was tired.

Yang Zhi heard the movement inside and came in with the medicine. "Yingzi, don't be scared, it's over now. Your uncle handled it. Come, drink your medicine first. It’s all my fault; I should have found you a companion to stay over."

Cheng Ying replied, "There are over a dozen people in the courtyard next door; why would I need a companion? I'm truly fine, don't worry."

Yang Zhi said, "But you said it wasn't the neighbors; your grandma will worry herself sick if she finds out. Why did a thief have to show up?"

Cheng Ying said, "Mom, it's nothing, just a thief stealing fish."

Yang Zhi insisted, "A thief is a thief; don't be careless. From now on, let Wuzi stay here with you and your mother. If that doesn't work, your uncle and I will move over too."

Cheng Ying felt there were certain things she couldn't say. Chi Wu had never left this place. As for Yang Zhi, moving over was impossible. Whether she said it or not, the result was the same.

The elder Mrs. Chi might tolerate her son living separately in a household of three, but she certainly couldn't accept her son moving in next door with his mother-in-law.

That was obvious; her own mother was too naive and spoke without thinking.

She took the dark herbal soup. "Mom, don't even think about it. Grandma is already grumpy enough; she gets annoyed when there are too many people around. Wuzi staying here is perfectly fine."

Chi Wu felt a little better; Yingzi was acknowledging him.

He turned to Yang Zhi and said, "Mom, I’m here, don't worry. I'm with Grandma and Yingzi; it's fine. With this incident, things should settle down from now on."

However, Chi Wu also thought: this was just one thief. What if it was a whole gang? Yingzi would be in grave danger. Defense against thieves was indeed necessary.