Chapter 864: Can You Do Me a Favor?
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Zhou Cui’an stood there blankly, her thoughts a jumble.
When she snapped back to reality, she noticed that the police had already arrived at the shop. Instantly, her mood turned frantic.
Though she had anticipated the possibility of the store calling the police, she hadn’t expected them to arrive so promptly. Now, with the sudden appearance of the police, her mind went blank, unsure of what to do next.
The police didn’t take Zhou Cui’an to the station immediately. Instead, they attempted to mediate between the two parties first. After all, it was merely a consumer dispute. If they could come to an agreement, it would simplify matters. If not, they could always take her to the station later.
However, the mediation process proved challenging. Zhou Cui’an simply couldn’t come up with over 300,000 yuan. Even if they continued negotiating, it would lead nowhere.
One of the officers turned to Zhou Cui’an and advised, “Miss, consider if there’s anyone who can lend you the money for compensation. Continuing to resist isn’t a viable solution. Ultimately, you’re at fault here.”
Zhou Cui’an looked troubled. “Officer, I truly have no means. I’m just a poor student from a humble family. Even after a year, let alone ten, we couldn’t amass over 300,000 yuan.”
“Don’t lie.”
Before Officer Wu could interject, a salesperson chimed in, unable to hold back. “With the clothes you’re wearing, you’ve easily spent tens of thousands. If your family is truly impoverished, how can you afford such clothes? You’re clearly trying to avoid compensation.”
The reason she had been so attentive to the girl in front of her was precisely because of her attire. She believed that with the way the girl was dressed, she might be able to afford another dress or clothes if she pushed herself. Hence, her enthusiasm.
Indeed, the salesperson who spoke was the one who had been serving Zhou Cui’an. Since the mishap with the gown occurred under her watch, it was only fitting for her to clarify the situation.
With her statement, all eyes turned to Zhou Cui’an, and expressions of disdain surfaced on everyone’s faces.
Under their scrutiny, Zhou Cui’an felt exceptionally embarrassed. She had only gone out to buy a gown today, hoping to avoid the disdainful gaze of the shop assistants by wearing her best outfit.
Little did she know, her immaculate appearance had become evidence against her.
“Miss, you can’t act like this,” Officer Wu advised sternly. “Since it’s your mistake, you must take responsibility and find a way to make amends instead of making excuses. Furthermore, this matter isn’t trivial. After all, the sum involved is substantial, over 300,000 yuan. Though it’s a consumer dispute, going to court wouldn’t be good for you. I presume you’re just a student now. If your family can afford to buy you a 10,000 yuan outfit, coming up with 300,000 yuan shouldn’t be difficult. So, call home!”
Officer Wu’s words felt like slaps to Zhou Cui’an’s face, leaving her feeling profoundly embarrassed. She opened her mouth to defend herself but found herself at a loss for words.
Even if she spoke the truth now, nobody would believe her. They would only see it as her shirking responsibility, just as before.
Seeing Zhou Cui’an’s silence, the salesperson grew anxious. “Officer, could you check which school this girl attends? Continuing this stalemate won’t solve anything! Why not involve their teachers or even the dean to mediate!”
Her time was valuable, and she had already wasted too much on this matter. If this standoff persisted, she might spend the entire day here. She couldn’t afford to wait any longer.
“No!”
Panic flashed across Zhou Cui’an’s face at the mention of involving her school. “Please don’t notify my school.”
With the police present, discovering which school she attended would be easy.
If her school found out, how could she face anyone in the future? If word got out, she’d have no standing there anymore.
“Miss, if you truly don’t want us to involve your school, then find a way to raise the money quickly!” Officer Wu urged sternly. “The store can’t afford to lose this money for nothing! We need a resolution now that things have reached this point. Whether or not we can resolve this relies on you.”
After hearing Officer Wu’s words, Zhou Cui’an fell silent once more.
She struggled internally, but eventually, she spoke up. “Officer, let me call a friend now! She should be able to lend me the money.”
Hearing Zhou Cui’an’s words, Officer Wu breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as Zhou Cui’an was willing to actively seek a solution, things would be much easier. Continuing this stalemate wouldn’t lead to anything productive.
Meanwhile, the salesperson sitting across from Zhou Cui’an rolled her eyes. She believed Zhou Cui’an’s previous behavior was all an act.
Moments ago, she claimed she couldn’t gather the money. Now, at the mention of involving the school, she suddenly said she could borrow it. Clearly, the girl was quite cunning. Everything earlier was merely an attempt to shift blame.
Unaware of the salesperson’s thoughts, Zhou Cui’an grappled with her emotions. Finally, she took a deep breath, pulled out her phone, and dialed the only number that could help her.
The wait felt endless. When the person on the other end answered, Zhou Cui’an almost faltered. But upon seeing the expression of the salesperson, she spoke up, “Senior Sister Murong, I have a small issue here. Can you do me a favor?”