Chapter 57: Losing the Girl and the Battle
Five minutes later, three police officers pushed through the crowd, their voices cutting through the chatter. "Make way! Someone called about a theft—what's going on here?"
Mu Xiaoyao waved, her smile too bright. "Officers! This guy says we stole his money, but we didn't!"
A burly officer with a scarred cheek turned to Su Junfeng. "You reported a theft?"
Su puffed out his chest, putting on his best "wronged victim" face. "Yes, officer. I lost my wallet. This girl found it, but when she returned it… four thousand yuan was missing. They're refusing to return it."
The officer raised an eyebrow, taking the wallet from Su. "This is yours?"
"Of course!" Su said.
"Prove it," Mu interjected, her tone innocent.
Su froze. "Prove it? It's *my* wallet!"
"Anyone can say that. Do you have ID inside? A receipt? Something with your name?" Mu tilted her head, feigning curiosity.
Su's face fell. He'd planted the wallet, sure—but he'd forgotten to leave *proof* it was his. No ID, no cards, just cash. A fatal mistake.
The officer cleared his throat. "Sir, can you verify this is your wallet?"
"I—! I know how much was inside! Five thousand—"
Mu snorted. "You counted it when you picked it up. That doesn't count."
The crowd murmured, suddenly skeptical. Su's act was unraveling.
Su's temper flared. "You little brat—!"
"Sir," the officer snapped, cutting him off. "Do you have *evidence*?"
Su's gaze darted to Wu, who was grinning like he knew something. Rage clouded his judgment. "I *saw* her pick it up! I *dropped* it there on purpose to test her! Are you idiots? Can't you see she's lying?"
The crowd gasped.
Su clapped a hand over his mouth, but it was too late.
The officer's jaw tightened. "You *admit* you planted it? That's a false report. You could be charged for wasting police time."
Panic flashed across Su's face. "I—no! I meant… I was upset. It was a mistake!"
"Mistake or not, we need to sort this out at the station," the officer said, reaching for his handcuffs.
Su paled. A trip to the police station? His parents would kill him. He grabbed the officer's arm, desperation seeping into his voice. "It was a *joke*! We're friends! Just a prank! No harm done!"
The officer hesitated.
Wu stepped in, playing the peacemaker. "He's right, officer. Just a stupid joke. We didn't mean to waste your time."
Mu nodded, adding, "Yeah! We're sorry. Let's drop it, okay?"
Su shot them a grateful look—then winced, realizing he was thanking the people who'd humiliated him.
The officer studied them, then sighed. "Fine. But don't call 110 for pranks. It's a crime." He eyed Su, clearly suspicious, but Su was already slipping three packs of premium cigarettes into his pocket. The officer's expression softened.
"Next time, behave," he said, pocketing the cigarettes. "Let's go, boys."
The officers left, muttering about "kids these days."
Su let out a breath, his shoulders slumping. He'd lost—badly. Not just the argument, but any chance with Yi. She was watching him, her eyes filled with disappointment.
"I should go," Yi said quietly, her voice barely audible.
"Xuexian, wait—" Su reached for her, but she pulled away.
"Goodbye, Su." She turned and walked off, her steps steady.
Su watched her go, then rounded on Wu and Mu, his voice venomous. "This isn't over. I'll get you back for this."
Wu laughed. "Sure. Call me when you think of a better plan than 'plant a wallet.' I'll be at Infinity—working, unlike some people."
Mu stuck out her tongue. "Loser."
Su's face turned red, but he said nothing. He turned and stalked away, his pride in tatters.
Wu and Mu watched him go, then high-fived.
"Nice work," Wu said.
"Thanks to you. Though… do you think Miss Yi will be okay?" Mu's voice softened.
Wu glanced toward the exit, where Yi's figure was disappearing into the crowd. "She will. Some people just need a push to walk away from the wrong person."
Mu nodded, then grinned. "C'mon! The Ferris wheel's almost empty. Last ride before sunset!"
They ran off, leaving the chaos behind.
As the Ferris wheel climbed, Wu looked out at the city, the sun dipping below the skyline. He thought of Yi's smile, Su's fury, Mu's laughter—and smiled.
*Not a bad day*, he thought.
Some battles, he realized, were worth fighting. Even if they involved silly pranks and spoiled brats.
For now, though, he was content to enjoy the view—and the company.
The world, for once, felt simple.
And that was a victory in itself.