When the thief heard he was going to be taken to the police station, he tried to jump out of the window, but Ling Tianze grabbed him back: "Stay put."
The thief, seeing that escape was impossible, quickly begged for mercy: "I have elderly and young dependents at home, please give me a chance."
The speed at which the thiefâs attitude changed was astonishing.
The woman who was almost robbed wasnât about to let it go: "You think having dependents lets you steal? Besides, who here would believe you?"
The thief looked around and saw all the scornful gazes, realizing there was no way out.
Just then, someone exclaimed: "My money, my money, you wretched thief."
After shouting, the person tried to squeeze towards where the thief was.
Then two others announced they had lost things, causing the thiefâs face to look visibly anxious.
At that moment, as the bus was approaching the stop, Xinyan saw the thiefâs other hand reaching into his pocket and shouted: "Thereâs a knife in his pocket."
In truth, she wasnât sure if there was a knife, but better safe than sorry, she couldnât let him get away with it.
If he did have something in his pocket, the person next to him could be in real danger.
Ling Tianze immediately seized him, and said to the woman who was nearly robbed: "Search his pockets."
The woman was too afraid, fearing there might be a knife that could hurt her.
It was a middle-aged man nearby who pinched the pocket: "There is indeed something there."
Saying so, he reached in and pulled out a small knife. It was obviously homemade, resembling the style of an old-fashioned razor.
This unsettled the passengers nearby, who stepped back in unison.
Among those who lost money, one suggested: "Check his hand, does he have our money?"
The middle-aged man clearly didnât want to get involved: "Weâll be at the police station soon, let the officers handle it."
Someone echoed: "Yes, the police station is just ahead."
The bus drove directly to the gate of the police station, the driver got off and shouted to those inside: "Officers, thereâs a thief on the bus."
There happened to be officers at the station entrance: "Where is he?"
Someone shouted from the bus: "Here, here, officers, this thief tried to escape."
After understanding the situation and making a brief record, the bus resumed its route.
At this point, Xinyan finally had time to talk to Ling Tianze: "Where did you go?"
Ling Tianze heard the question and frowned imperceptibly: "Visited some relatives."
Xinyan guessed from that reference it might involve Ling Wenhao, Jiang Peiqinâs partner, but seeing Ling Tianzeâs expression, she sensed something unpleasant had happened, so she didnât press further.
However, Ling Tianze soon collected himself: "What about you, no classes today?"
Xinyan didnât go into specifics, just smiled: "Just finished a part-time job, howâs your grandmother?"
Hearing Xinyan ask about his grandmother, Ling Tianzeâs expression softened noticeably: "Sheâs recovering well, handling some things at home by herself."
Xinyan was happy for Ling Tianze: "Thatâs good, things will get better bit by bit."
Ling Tianze hearing Xinyanâs words, seemed to think of something and nodded firmly: "Youâre right, things will improve."
Originally, Xinyan had one more stop to go, but recalled something on her mind and got off with Ling Tianze.
Seeing her alight, Ling Tianze was puzzled: "Youâre getting off here too?"
Watching the bus depart and noticing there were few people around, Xinyan smiled: "Actually, I have something to discuss, it wasnât convenient on the bus."
Ling Tianze didnât expect that: "You have something to discuss with me?"
Xinyan nodded: "Yes, donât doubt it."
Ling Tianze bluntly asked: "What is it? Just say it, if itâs within my capacity, I wonât refuse."
After all, he owed her a favor.
Xinyan didnât hem and haw, instead gestured him aside, then shared her idea: "So, what do you think?"
Ling Tianze was a bit unsure: "Are you serious?"
Xinyan didnât say much else, just mentioned sheâd heard some insider news that policies might change after the New Year, asking if he had any plans to start something on his own, or perhaps they could collaborate.
Ling Tianze wasnât sure, unsure if what Xinyan said was true.
Seeing his conflicted expression, Xinyan laughed: "Thereâs still time, think about it. If the news turns out to be true and youâre willing to cooperate, come find me at the Western Language Department at Jing University, and weâll discuss it further."
Xinyan wasnât expecting an answer right away, just giving him a heads-up so he could think it over in his spare time, and be ready to make a quick decision when the news arrives.