Chapter 28: For the first time, someone stood firmly on her side

An oppressive feeling swept through the crowd. 

Everyone instinctively turned to see a man in a military officer’s uniform.

“Whoa! A deputy regimental commander!”

“Such a young deputy regimental officer!”

The onlookers stared in shock.  A path opened in the crowd, as if soldiers awaiting inspection, as the tall figure walked calmly towards Lin Yiwan.

Seeing it was Xie Lin, Song Huaiqing blurted out, “Un…Uncle?”

Tan Qiuyue and Lin Yirou were shocked.  “Huaiqing, what did you say? He’s your uncle?” “Brother Song, why is your uncle Lin Yiwan’s boyfriend?”

Lin Yirou, having known Song Huaiqing since childhood, knew Xie Lin.  He was handsome and had achieved great military merit at a young age.

Though not a blood relative, his status was extraordinary.

Even Song Huaiqing’s father and uncle treated him with respect. 

This man was Lin Yiwan’s boyfriend?  She didn’t believe it.

Song Huaiqing didn’t want to admit it either, but it was true.  He clenched his fists unwillingly.  “Mm.”

Hearing his confirmation, Tan Qiuyue and Lin Yirou felt faint.

Lin Yiwan looked at Xie Lin in surprise.  Why was he here?

The police officer, seeing Xie Lin’s stern expression, broke out in a cold sweat.  “Co…comrade, we received a report and came to investigate.” 

In those chaotic times, warrants didn’t exist.  Anyone could report, and the neighborhood committee could investigate. 

But this was different with a military officer involved. 

Military personnel held the highest status; their spouses had to be of impeccable character.  Investigating a military officer’s spouse wasn’t easy.

Xie Lin nodded, not intending to make things difficult. “When did the loss occur? Where?” His calm voice held undeniable authority, making them instinctively obey, spilling the details.

“The owner said the money was in the cabinet yesterday morning, but gone this afternoon.”

Seeing Xie Lin interfering, Tan Qiuyue couldn’t restrain herself.  Her dislike for Lin Yiwan overcame her fear of Xie Lin. “Comrade, even if Lin Yiwan is your girlfriend, you can’t condone her. She has a record; our suspicion is reasonable!”

Lin Yirou gazed at Xie Lin, her eyes full of admiration.  How could he be so powerful?  He made the police obey with a single sentence.  She approached, posing beautifully, looking at him expectantly.  “Military officers are just, I believe he won’t protect a thief.”

Seeing Lin Yirou’s act, Lin Yiwan felt wary, looking at Xie Lin.  Whenever Lin Yirou acted like this, everyone would blame her.  Would he do the same?

Xie Lin’s eyebrows furrowed, his annoyance clear.  “The matter is unresolved. You call my girlfriend a thief. What’s your intention?”

Silence fell.  Those who had accused Lin Yiwan felt guilty.  Lin Yirou felt an immense pressure. Even Lin Weimin, previously furious, was pale and silent.

Xie Lin looked at the sweating police officer. “Yesterday, I was with my girlfriend getting clothes altered; the tailor can testify.

This morning, she was at the Grain Bureau, her colleagues can testify.”

With each sentence, the police officer’s shirt grew wetter.  He inwardly cursed the family.  Bringing her in wouldn’t prove anything. 

But a girl being accused of theft, even if cleared, would still be tarnished. The police felt embarrassed realizing she was likely framed. Who would want to offend a military officer?

Those who had accused Lin Yiwan started to back away.  “It’s Tan Qiuyue’s fault! She misled me!”  “Exactly! She’s always gossiping!”  “I knew Wanwan wasn’t like that.”

Public opinion reversed.  Lin Yiwan felt a mix of emotions.  Used to being wronged, this was the first time someone stood up for her.  Her sweaty palms relaxed.

Xie Lin looked coldly at the Lins.  “We’ll cooperate with the investigation, but provide a warrant. If my girlfriend’s innocence is proven, I will pursue legal action for false accusations.”

The Lins’ legs went weak.  Tan Qiuyue, having lost her money and facing charges, was distraught.

Lin Yirou’s eyes were red, looking pitifully at Xie Lin.  “But…but our money was stolen!”

Song Huaiqing felt sympathy for her, wanting to say there was a misunderstanding, but he dared not speak with Xie Lin present.  He looked at Lin Yirou, then Lin Yiwan, hesitating.

Xie Lin’s eyes flickered.  “Evidence?”

Lin Yirou felt choked.  “I…I…”

Lin Weimin, realizing his daughter’s boyfriend’s power, smiled. 

“It’s a misunderstanding! Such a good girl wouldn’t steal money!” 

His fawning behavior angered Tan Qiuyue.