Street Hustler and His Policewoman Wife-Chapter 71: I’m Going to Find That Unfilial Son Now!
Approaching noon, a middle-aged man with a sack slung over his shoulder emerged from Dongzhou City’s terminal, following the crowd.
He reached the edge of the square, eyed the passing motorbike taxis trying to pick up passengers, and after inquiring several times, ultimately decided to walk.
Yet, just a few steps into his walk, his phone rang.
He answered: "Hey, I just left the terminal, headed for that ungrateful son’s place."
"You’ve already made it to Dongzhou, yet still call him that? Don’t insult Chen Xiao when you see him later."
"A doting mother ruins the child; that good-for-nothing turned out this way mostly because of you!"
"Yes, yes, it’s my fault, alright? You better grab a taxi to deliver the groceries to your daughter-in-law, but remember to leave money for Xiaoxi without Chen Xiao seeing, otherwise he’s sure to swindle it away."
"Got it, the motorbikes are too expensive, not worth it; I’ll just walk over."
"Suit yourself. Just go and come back quickly, otherwise, you and your son will end up in another shouting match."
"Hah, I can’t even be bothered to argue these days. If not for feeling sorry for the daughter-in-law, I wouldn’t even want to lay eyes on him!"
With that, he hung up and continued walking away from the square.
Passing by a newspaper stand, he was surprised to see quite a crowd gathered around to read.
The shopkeeper helplessly urged, "Buy if you’re buying, don’t just read. I’m trying to do business here!"
But the crowd paid no heed, with someone even speaking up: "Who would’ve thought that our Dongzhou produced such a remarkable individual, solving three major cases in just three days!"
"Yeah, if only I had that kind of ability. I heard the company behind the Swallow Lane murder case offered a two-million reward!"
"Two million... how would you even spend it all!"
Upon hearing this, the man too looked surprised, stretching to catch a glimpse of the newspaper in someone’s hand.
Just one look, and the man frowned deeply.
The front-page photo showed the back of a young man, yet the silhouette seemed uncannily like that of his worthless son?
Thinking it over, the man sighed: "What are you dreaming about, Chen Lie? Just having a daughter-in-law that wonderful is luck enough for the Chen Family; are you really hoping for their kid to attain such greatness?"
The man shook his head and continued walking, sack still over his shoulder.
After walking a while, he finally stopped, panting, in front of Chen Xiao’s house. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎
"Knock knock knock..."
The knocking quickly drew a response, with Lin Yao running to open the door.
Seeing Chen Lie at the door, Lin Yao paused in surprise, then exclaimed delightedly: "Wow, Uncle, you came!"
Chen Lie was taken aback: "You’re Yaoyao, right? Xiaoxi’s sister!"
"Yes, yes, Uncle! Why didn’t you call my sister and brother-in-law to pick you up before you came?"
Lin Yao chuckled, reaching to take the sack from Chen Lie’s shoulder, but he waved her off: "This sack is full of home-grown fruits and vegetables, you can’t carry it, young lady."
Lin Yao scratched her head awkwardly and called into the house: "Mom, Dad, come quick, my brother-in-law’s dad is here!"
Finding out both her parents were here, Chen Lie instinctively wanted to hide.
It wasn’t that he feared Lin Shanhu and Han Meixiang, but he’d always felt he couldn’t face them with dignity.
Yet, now facing Lin Shanhu and Han Meixiang, Chen Lie could only muster a nervous smile and ask: "Oh dear, when did you arrive? How many days have you been here?"
"Two or three days now!" Lin Shanhu chuckled, helping to set the sack down on the ground.
Chen Lie tensed up; he seemed to have guessed why they came.
Though he inwardly wished to avoid this day, Chen Lie could only sigh in resignation after considering it from their perspective.
Whose child isn’t the apple of their eye, who wants to see their child suffer?
Blame that ungrateful son for not being reliable!
Chen Lie awkwardly entered the house, as Lin Shanhu called to Han Meixiang: "Our in-law just arrived, must be hungry, get some food ready."
Han Meixiang realized and nodded repeatedly, while Chen Lie hurriedly waved his hands: "Oh no, don’t bother, I had a few melons on the way, I’m not hungry now."
Hearing that, Lin Shanhu noticed his feet and asked with concern: "In-law, did you walk here from the station?"
"What? No, no, I got here by motorbike, see how it messed up my hair."
Chen Lie said, rubbing his hair, seemingly lacking in confidence.
Really, where would he get confidence? Though it’s his son’s house, he felt guilty, making his back slouch.
Lin Shanhu detected Chen Lie’s mindset but said nothing, simply seated him on the sofa, and instructed Lin Yao:
"Yaoyao, didn’t your sister say to catch today’s news broadcast? Turn it on, and then call your sister and brother-in-law home."
"Alright!" Lin Yao tuned the TV and quickly went to make the calls.
Chen Lie glanced around, puzzled: "Why did Xiaoxi want us to watch the news? Did she make some progress at the police station and get on the news?"
Lin Shanhu paused, displeased after understanding: "Those two really haven’t been in touch with you for a while, huh!"
Chen Lie chuckled: "Indeed, it’s been some time, but it’s probably better, I wouldn’t know what to say to them anyway."
Lin Shanhu smiled slyly: "I see what you mean, In-law, but don’t think too much. After the news, it might all make sense!"
Chen Lie looked on, confused, as Lin Yao returned from calling: "Yes, Uncle, after watching the news you’ll know my brother-in-law is doing well now."
"Heh, what’s he accomplished? I’m praying he causes less trouble for Xiaoxi!" Chen Lie muttered reflexively.
Lin Yao chuckled but didn’t elaborate.
Soon, Dongzhou TV’s news anchor announced seriously,
"Latest from Hongshan Branch’s criminal investigation team, the murder in Swallow Lane was successfully solved the night before last, with all three suspects captured! According to Zhang Xian, captain of the criminal investigation team at Hongshan Branch, the case cracked in just over a day thanks entirely to the assistance of a Chen-named civilian!"
"To thank Mr. Chen for his contribution in this case, the branch will hold a commendation in a few days!"
As the anchor reported the news, Chen Xiao’s silhouette appeared onscreen.
Lin Yao smirked: "Uncle Chen, doesn’t that man on TV look like my brother-in-law?"
Already stunned, Chen Lie uttered an "Ah!" when questioned!
Lin Shanhu laughed, too: "In-law, you’re shocked too, aren’t you? It’s no mistake, that young man on TV is none other than your son Chen Xiao!"
"Exactly! My sister called, saying not only will the station commend my brother-in-law, but the company handling Swallow Lane’s demolition will reward him with two million as thanks, two million!"
