A Change of Heart

After dinner, we chatted for a while. By the time we arrived home, it was almost ten o’clock.

With classes looming the next day, Chen Si Yi didn’t linger for conversation once we were home. She swiftly gathered her change of clothes and a bath towel, then hurried into the bathroom to begin her shower.

The night was quiet, save for the gentle patter of water from the bathroom. The sound resonated clearly through the shower curtain and into the hallway.

Knowing Chen Si Yi wouldn’t be finished showering anytime soon, I let out a sigh. I then retreated into the bedroom, locked the door, and dialed Uncle Big Hammer’s number.

—Hello, Uncle Big Hammer, it’s me, Lin Yan.

—Oh, it’s Lin Yan. Uncle Big Hammer’s voice held a knowing tone, as if he had been expecting my call. I knew you’d ring me, kid. What’s the matter? Still feeling like you haven’t gotten your revenge, eh?

—Yes, I affirmed without hesitation. Simply forcing Pan Yao to drop out is far too lenient for him. Couldn’t we press charges for attempted r*pe and ensure he serves a few years in prison?

—We could, theoretically, Uncle Big Hammer replied, a noncommittal chuckle escaping him. While the boy who assaulted your girlfriend is still a minor, if the charge of attempted r*pe is firmly established, he could certainly spend two or three years behind bars.

—But… Uncle Big Hammer’s voice shifted, a new gravity entering his tone. The real issue is whether we can actually make that charge stick.

I reviewed the surveillance footage in my office today, and frankly, that shoddy camera only showed Pan Yao grabbing your girlfriend and pulling her a few times. Then, you delivered a kick.

Based on that alone, it’s utterly impossible to secure a conviction.

—Moreover, you know as well as I do, that ancient camera in your school’s bike shed is practically useless. You could point at Pan Yao and claim he was a baboon that escaped from the zoo, and I’d probably believe it!

Uncle Big Hammer chuckled to himself on the other end of the line, seemingly amused by his own philosophical jest. Yet, his humor brought no joy to me.

—But he’s been harassing Xiao Yu for over half a year! There are even records on QQ…

A wave of anger washed over me, but just as I was about to speak, Uncle Big Hammer cut me off once more.

—Now, now, don’t rush into things, Uncle Big Hammer’s voice remained as calm and unhurried as ever. I’ve reviewed those QQ records you mentioned myself.

They largely consist of idle chatter between young people, nothing more. A few suggestive remarks alone cannot stand as concrete evidence of Pan Yao’s intent to commit a crime against your girlfriend.

I fell silent, a peculiar realization slowly dawning on me. It took a moment for me to pinpoint what felt amiss.

—Uncle Big Hammer, you said you’ve seen… the chat records? I asked, a note of confusion in my voice.

—That’s right, I looked through them a few days ago, Uncle Big Hammer confirmed without hesitation. It’s also why I didn’t completely ruin Pan Yao today.

Do you know, the very night you got into trouble, your little girlfriend called me?

—Xiao Yu called you?

—Indeed. The news of your fight at school spread like wildfire that very day. Your little girlfriend was so distraught that she humbly pleaded with your homeroom teacher for my phone number.

Do you have any idea what she told me that night?

—What did she tell you?

—She told me that a little hardship for her was nothing. She offered to use all the money she earned from her part-time job to cover Pan Yao’s medical expenses, if necessary.

She said she would do anything, as long as it meant you wouldn’t be implicated or sent to prison. Tell me, when she speaks with such earnestness, how can I possibly ignore your safety and seek retribution against Pan Yao?

If we were to pursue charges against Pan Yao, success is far from guaranteed. Furthermore, wouldn’t Pan Yao’s parents immediately retaliate by suing you for intentional assault?

Uncle Big Hammer finished speaking with a sigh. He then clicked his lighter, lit a cigarette, and exhaled slowly, a wistful note entering his voice.

—Don’t be so ungrateful, kid. Sometimes, you need to think more about the people around you. If something were to happen to you, wouldn’t your little girlfriend and your sister be absolutely heartbroken?

I could almost visualize Uncle Big Hammer on the other end of the line, disdainfully exhaling a plume of white smoke in my direction.

—Honestly, if you’re truly set on seeing Pan Yao locked up, your uncle here has his methods. However, if this matter truly escalates, wouldn’t your little girlfriend, Su Xiao Yu, be the one to suffer the most, weighed down by guilt?

If you were to be sued, wouldn’t she carry that burden of self-reproach for the rest of her life?

—……………

Uncle Big Hammer’s words struck me dumb, leaving me at a loss for a response. Indeed, in my initial fervor, I had thought, ‘If Pan Yao can be punished, what does it matter if I spend a few years in prison?’

The crucial oversight, however, was Xiao Yu. I knew her character intimately: always one to shoulder every burden and responsibility.

If I were truly imprisoned for hospitalizing Pan Yao, wouldn’t she be consumed by guilt for an agonizingly long time?

Suddenly, the image of Xiao Yu, endlessly sobbing in my arms that day, flashed through my mind. My resolve began to waver.

That’s right, my true desire wasn’t for Pan Yao to meet a terrible end. All I ever wanted was simply to protect Xiao Yu’s radiant smile—a wish so profoundly simple.

—Alright, I understand, Uncle Big Hammer. I’ll abide by your arrangements.

I drew a deep breath, forcing myself to regain a semblance of calm. Yet, a lingering worry gnawed at me.

—What if that Pan Yao doesn’t give up after he’s discharged from the hospital?

—Don’t worry!

A cold chuckle emanated from Uncle Big Hammer on the other end of the line.

—If that brat dares to harass your little girlfriend again after he’s discharged, then, your uncle here will personally escort him to the Miluo River to offer sacrifices to Qu Yuan.