Chapter 50: PAST-TEN.
Hua Rong stormed out of the police station, her fists clenched and her jaw tight. Disappointment, frustration, and helpless anger all churned in her chest like a storm. Her steps were heavy, her mind replaying the same scene over and over—the officer behind the desk flipping through files, barely sparing her a glance as he muttered, "We need audits, we can't file anything without evidence."
Audits? Reports? She was there to talk about harassment, not taxes.
She felt like screaming. Instead, her eyes caught an empty soda can on the pavement and without thinking, she kicked it hard. It clattered against the concrete and bounced near the feet of a girl standing close by.
A gasp.
Hua Rong turned, guilt flashing across her face. The girl was about her age, in casual clothes, holding a drink in both hands like she'd just come from the corner store.
"I'm sorry!" Hua Rong said quickly, trying to walk past.
"Hey, wait!" the girl called out, stepping slightly forward. "Are you angry?"
Hua Rong paused, blinking. The question was oddly straightforward. She turned and let out a tired huff.
"I'm super angry," she admitted.
The girl's lips curled into a gentle smile. "I'm waiting for someone. Want to wait with me?"
It was an unexpected offer, but one Hua Rong didn't feel like refusing. The thought of returning home with her mood still boiling was unbearable. She nodded, and the two walked over to a nearby bench just outside the police station.