Ruining a child's future—that would sound terrible if word got out.
People might assume the Si family had a hand in it behind the scenes.
They had raised Si Nian for over a decade, so they certainly had the authority to make decisions for her. They couldn’t let her do this.
Si Nian said, "Uncle, Aunt, I won’t go. If you want to, go yourselves. The police have already stated that Lin Wei isn’t just a petty thief—he has violent tendencies. He’s a dangerous individual, a menace to society, the kind of person with a high likelihood of reoffending. He must be sent to labor reform. I refuse to associate with someone so reckless that he’d harm even his own family. If you pity him so much, go ahead and help him. After all, you’re from the military compound. Even if you bail him out and he commits another crime, tarnishing your reputation, no one would dare call you out or report you!"
Si's Father and Mother froze, their expressions shifting to horror.
Precisely because they were from the military compound, their status was sensitive. Even the slightest misstep could cost them dearly.
They had to be extra cautious.
Hearing Si Nian’s words sent a chill down their spines, cold sweat dripping down their backs.
"Nonsense! Who said anything about helping him? This is your family matter—we’re outsiders and shouldn’t interfere!" Si's Father snapped.
Si Nian smiled. "Auntie Wang Cui called you here precisely to ask for your help. If you refuse, she’ll be terribly disappointed."
Wang Cui gritted her teeth so hard they might shatter.
The Si family had been about to step in, but this wretched girl had scared them off.
She hissed, "Si Nian, you’re exaggerating. This could be resolved with just a word from you, but you’re making it so complicated. Seems like you just don’t want to listen to your parents."
Si's Father and Mother narrowed their eyes at Si Nian, suspicion creeping in.
But Si Nian sighed sadly. "Auntie, you make it sound so simple. The police have already investigated this. If we suddenly drop the charges, they’ll suspect you pulled strings. Who knows? They might even trace it back to my adoptive parents. I don’t care for myself, but I can’t risk their reputation and future. You may not care about them, but I do. They raised me for over a decade—how could I harm them?"
"My adoptive father is up for a promotion. If someone catches wind of this now..."
She trailed off meaningfully.
Sure enough, Si's Father’s face went deathly pale.
His promotion had been delayed for ages. He’d complained about it at home more than once and even asked Si Nian to speak to Fu Chief on his behalf.
With competitors breathing down his neck, the position had remained out of reach.
Now that he was about to become in-laws with the Fu family, his rival wouldn’t dare challenge him.
But if something went wrong at this critical moment—if someone found dirt on him—it would all be over.
He sucked in a sharp breath, his gaze shifting to one of gratitude and relief.
A twinge of guilt flickered in his chest.
After all, this was the child they’d raised for years. Even though he’d doubted her, she was still thinking of his well-being.
He felt like a complete scoundrel.
Si Nian added, "Of course, if my adoptive parents are willing to compensate my parents for medical expenses and emotional damages, this could be resolved amicably. We’re family, after all. We don’t want to make a scene. The police said if you pay up, the matter will be closed."
The moment money was mentioned, Zhang Cuimei’s face twisted.
She wasn’t some fool who’d pay for Uncle Lin’s family!
They weren’t even related!
She’d only spoken up out of pity for their son’s predicament.
She immediately distanced herself. "If he won’t go to jail, that’s good enough. Handle the rest yourselves—we won’t interfere."
So it all came down to money.
Wang Cui’s insides burned with fury.
But Si Nian sighed mournfully. "I’m not asking for much—just 300 yuan. The doctor said my mother needs to stay in the hospital. Her bones were injured, and you know what they say—‘a broken bone takes a hundred days to heal.’ If Auntie refuses to pay, then we’ll have no choice but to let my adoptive parents cover it."
Si's Father and Mother stumbled back as if struck.
"What nonsense! Didn’t we agree they’d pay? We can’t help with this. They should pay themselves!"
Si Nian nodded. "How wise of you, Uncle and Aunt. I completely agree."
They exhaled in relief.
Wang Cui: "..."
In the end, Wang Cui stormed off, her face livid.
……
Si's Father and Mother were deeply embarrassed. They’d just been pressuring Si Nian to release Lin Wei, and now they were shaken by the close call. Too ashamed to linger, they hastily said, "Si Nian, Si Si and Fu Yang’s wedding is the day after tomorrow. If you’re free, come with your... husband."
Si Nian feigned distress. "Such a grand wedding... But I’ve spent all my money on my mother’s treatment. I can’t afford nice clothes. I’d embarrass you if I showed up looking shabby. Maybe I shouldn’t go."
The Si couple, obsessed with appearances, immediately protested. "That won’t do! It’s just a dress—here, take this. Buy something decent. And get that Zhou... I mean, your husband, a proper suit too, understand?"
Si's Father pulled out a ten-yuan bill, but Si Nian sighed again. "I heard a nice dress costs at least ten yuan these days. It’s too expensive. And then there’s shoes, hairstyling... If I show up looking frumpy, people will laugh..."
His hand paused. Gritting his teeth, he added two more bills.
Si Nian continued muttering, "Men’s suits are pricey too. Maybe we just shouldn’t—"
"Enough! Fifty yuan should cover it!"
He shoved five bills into her hand, his heart aching.
Why did every visit to this adopted daughter leave him financially drained?
Half a month’s wages—gone.
Just as he was mourning his loss, Si Nian added, "But we’ll need to bring a gift, won’t we? We can’t afford anything fancy. If we show up empty-handed, the Fu family might think..."
By the time he’d forked over 100 yuan, Si's Father stormed out of the hospital, his face ashen...
