Chapter 21: Seeking Refuge with Cao Kun

The three police officers did not allow the brawl to continue. They stepped in simultaneously, each grabbing one of the participants, and forcefully pulled Wang Shanshan, Bai Jing, and Wang Yifu apart.

Wang Yifu remained volatile; even after being separated, he glared at Bai Jing with bloodshot eyes and unleashed a torrent of abuse. "You slut, you bitch! For years, I’ve worked like a dog to support this family, and this is how you repay me? I’ll screw your whole family!"

Although Bai Jing was no match for him physically, the violence of the encounter had ignited a fierce rage within her. Moreover, after such a confrontation, the thought of continuing a life with him had vanished entirely. With nothing left to lose, she retorted, "You useless piece of trash, you have the nerve to talk? You earn so little every month—even a beggar makes more than you. You’re useless in bed and useless at making money. I’ve never seen a man as pathetic as you. Why even bother being a man? Go be a dog!"

Nearby, Wang Shanshan watched her parents screaming at each other even while held back by the police, and her sobs grew louder. How did it come to this? They had been such a loving couple, such a harmonious family—how did everything fall apart so suddenly?

Seeing the situation, the officers realized it could not be resolved on the spot and took all three to the police station. Because Wang Yifu and Bai Jing could not stop hurling insults at one another, the police had no choice but to separate them for questioning—Wang Yifu in one room, and Bai Jing with Wang Shanshan in another.

A brief inquiry quickly revealed the source of the conflict: Wang Yifu. According to the mother and daughter, they had been on the sofa watching a movie when Wang Yifu suddenly lunged at them like a rabid dog, completely unprovoked. To this moment, they claimed they had no idea why he had snapped.

The police, aiming to resolve the issue at its root, turned their attention to Wang Yifu. However, he was completely uncooperative. No matter what they asked, he refused to explain why he had attacked them, only continuing to curse Bai Jing with vile slurs.

Sensing that something Bai Jing had done must have triggered his rage, the officers questioned her about whether she had done anything to wrong her husband. For a fleeting second, the memory of being gang-raped by three thugs recently crossed her mind, but she dismissed it instantly. It couldn't possibly be related. There were only four people there that night, no surveillance, and the men had left immediately after. They hadn't taken photos or videos, so Wang Yifu couldn't possibly know. Besides, even if he did know, he wouldn't beat her like this—he should have been comforting her, shouldn't he? What kind of husband would blame his wife for being forced into such a situation?

She was certain it had nothing to do with that. She insisted to the police that she had done nothing wrong and that Wang Yifu had simply lost his mind.

The mediation reached a deadlock and dragged on until late into the night. Eventually, the police allowed Wang Shanshan and Bai Jing to leave, but Wang Yifu had to remain; given his state, releasing him would only lead to further violence.

At 1:00 AM, Wang Shanshan and Bai Jing emerged from the Xia County Public Security Bureau, supporting each other. A cold night breeze hit them, and Shanshan burst into tears again. Looking around, she felt lost. Where could they go? Back home? Could they even call that a home anymore? If Wang Yifu were released, wouldn't they be walking straight into a trap?

Bai Jing was equally bewildered. Though she hadn't backed down during the fight, the reality was she couldn't win a physical struggle against him. She was terrified that if they went home and he returned, he would beat her again. He was vicious—far more aggressive than he had ever been in bed. She didn't think she could survive another beating.

"Mom," Shanshan said, suddenly struck by an idea. "Let's go stay at my classmate's house for a while. I'm scared to go home."

"Your classmate's?" Bai Jing hesitated. "That’s not appropriate. You alone might be fine, but if I tag along... their parents won't like it."

"Mom, let’s go to Cao Kun’s place!" Shanshan wiped her swollen lip. "Don't you remember? He lives alone."

"Oh, that 'simp' of yours?" A glimmer of interest appeared in Bai Jing's eyes.

"Exactly," Shanshan said, a hint of triumph in her voice. "He’s been fawning over me for three years, buying me breakfast, clothes, and makeup every single day. If I ask to stay at his place for a while, he’ll be thrilled."

Bai Jing considered this and nodded. "Fine. Call him and see. And, if the time is right, give him a little sweetness—it’ll make him even more devoted to you."

Shanshan grinned. "Don't worry, Mom. I know what I'm doing."

She pulled out her phone and dialed Cao Kun.

Meanwhile, in his old apartment, Cao Kun had just finished his final workout session. As he wiped the sweat from his body and prepared to shower, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen: "Goddess."

It was Wang Shanshan. He had almost forgotten he was still her number-one "simp." He hadn't expected her to call so late, but he immediately smiled. He knew something major must have happened at her home; otherwise, she wouldn't be reaching out to him at this hour. It seemed Wang Yifu was even more volatile than he had anticipated.

He answered the phone with a gentle tone. "Hello, Shanshan? Why aren't you asleep yet?"

Shanshan’s voice was choked with sobs. "Cao Kun, can you come pick me up? My mom and I have nowhere else to go."

Cao Kun suppressed a grin. Had it really reached this point? She wanted to bring Bai Jing to his house for shelter? Talk about walking straight into the lion's den.

He feigned anxiety. "What? You have nowhere to go? What happened? Where are you?"

"Don't ask, just come to the police station. Please."

"Alright, wait for me. I'm on my way."