Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

When Shi An saw the police arrive, his emotions calmed down a little, but his tone was still filled with anger and grievance. He pointed at Chen Yu's father and said, "Officer, he is an alcoholic and abusive. He just tried to hit my sister with a stool. Chen Yu was injured while trying to protect her."

Chen Yu's father was still trying to argue, his tongue tied in knots: "I...I was just disciplining my own child. These two little brats were meddling in other people's business. I...I didn't really mean to smash anyone."

His voice trailed off, his confidence fading under the stern gaze of the police. The officer frowned, giving him a disgusted look: "Domestic violence and assault are illegal. Come with us to the station."

As he spoke, he took out handcuffs, preparing to take Chen Yu's father away.

Upon hearing that he was going to the police station, Chen Yu's father sobered up completely. His face showed a look of terror, his legs went weak, and he almost collapsed to the ground: "Officer, I was wrong, I really know I was wrong. Can we not go to the police station? I will never dare to do it again."

He pleaded desperately, his eyes filled with fear.

But the police remained unmoved and resolutely handcuffed him. Another officer began questioning Shi An, Shi Ning, and Chen Yu about what had happened and took notes. Shi Ning, sobbing, recounted the entire incident to the police in detail.

Although Chen Yu was seriously injured, he still managed to add some details. His voice was weak, but his eyes revealed a sense of relief.

Under the arrangement of the police, Shi An and Shi Ning accompanied Chen Yu to the hospital for a check-up.

Throughout the journey, Chen Yu's face was pale, and his forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, clearly indicating that he was in unbearable pain. However, he gritted his teeth and did not utter a single painful groan.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the doctor immediately conducted a comprehensive examination on Chen Yu.

The results showed that Chen Yu had multiple soft tissue contusions on his back and a mild concussion, requiring him to remain in the hospital for observation.

Shi Ning sat by Chen Yu's hospital bed, looking at the wounds on his body, and tears streamed down her face again: "Chen Yu, it's all my fault. If you hadn't been protecting me, you wouldn't have been injured."

Chen Yu smiled weakly and comforted her, "Don't be silly, Shi Ning, how can this be your fault? It's good that you're alright."

Shi An stood aside, looking at Chen Yu and Shi Ning, his heart filled with emotion.

He patted Chen Yu on the shoulder: "Chen Yu, you're great. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, we'll face them together."

Chen Yu nodded, tears of emotion glistening in his eyes.

At the police station, after being interrogated, Chen Yu's father finally admitted to his long-term alcoholism and domestic violence against Chen Yu.

He lowered his head, his face full of remorse: "I'm sorry to my son. My business has failed these past few years, and I've been in a bad mood, so I drowned my sorrows in alcohol. I never thought I would take it out on my child."

Jiang Man and Qin Yishen rushed to the police station with great anxiety. On the way, their minds were filled with worry about Chen Yu.

Jiang Man frowned, beads of sweat forming on her forehead, and kept muttering, "I wonder how Chen Yu and the others are doing. I hope nothing bad has happened to them."

Qin Yishen's expression was solemn, and he took large, hurried steps. He clenched his fists tightly, trying to suppress his inner unease.

Upon entering the police station, they saw Chen Yu, Shi An, and Shi Ning sitting on a bench in the corridor. Chen Yu was pale, with dried bloodstains at the corners of his mouth, and his clothes were torn in several places.

Jiang Man's eyes instantly reddened, and she rushed over, her voice trembling with tears: "Chen Yu, what happened to you?"

Qin Yishen quickly caught up, looking Chen Yu up and down with concern, and said with heartache, "What happened? How did you get beaten up like this!"

Shi An stood up and told them the whole story.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Man's face turned red with anger, and her fists clenched so tightly they cracked: "How could he treat you like this? He's your father!"

Qin Yishen looked on in disbelief, shaking his head and sighing, "How could there be such a father? This is too much!" At this moment, a policeman walked over and asked them about their relationship with Chen Yu.

Upon learning that they were friends, the police said the statement taking was still in progress and asked them to be patient. Jiang Man and Qin Yishen then sat down next to Chen Yu, keeping him company while he waited.

During the wait, Chen Yu remained silent, staring blankly ahead, recalling everything that had just happened. Those painful memories flooded his mind like a tide, and he felt a mix of emotions: anger at his father's actions, warmth from his friends' concern, and uncertainty about the future.

After a long time, the statement was finally taken.

Chen Yu stood up, his steps a little unsteady. Qin Yishen quickly reached out to support him: "Chen Yu, how are you? Why don't you go to the hospital to get checked out?"

Chen Yu shook his head, his voice hoarse: "I'm fine, just a little tired."

As I stepped out of the police station, it was already dark outside, and the streetlights were casting a dim yellow glow.

Jiang Man and Qin Yishen insisted on taking Chen Yu home. Along the way, no one spoke much, and the atmosphere was somewhat oppressive.

Back at Chen Yu's house, the place was a mess, with things scattered everywhere, as if telling the story of the fierce conflict that had just taken place. Looking at the scene before him, Chen Yu felt a lump in his throat and almost burst into tears.

Jiang Man and Qin Yishen started tidying up the house, while Shi An and Shi Ning also helped out.

After tidying up, Jiang Man pulled Chen Yu to sit down and said earnestly, "Chen Yu, if you ever have any difficulties in the future, just tell us. Shi An and Shi Ning are your friends and will always be there for you."

Qin Yishen nodded in agreement: "Yes, let's not carry this burden alone, let's all think of a solution together."

Looking at his friends who cared about him, Chen Yu felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He nodded vigorously and said, "Thank you all. It's so good to have you all."

The next morning, before the sun had completely dispelled the morning mist, Jiang Man got up early.

She was worried about Chen Yu; seeing his disheveled and sad state yesterday filled her with heartache.

Stepping into the kitchen, Jiang Man skillfully got to work, rinsing rice, cooking porridge, and frying eggs. Soon, the kitchen was filled with an enticing aroma.

She usually only makes enough for three people, but today she specially made an extra breakfast, carefully packed it in an insulated container, and thoughtfully included a pair of chopsticks.

Jiang Man called Shi An and Shi Ning over, handed them the insulated food container, and said with concern in her eyes, "Take this breakfast to Chen Yu and see how he is. He must have been terrified yesterday, so spend some time with him."

Shi An and Shi Ning took the insulated box and nodded vigorously.

The two walked briskly along the familiar street toward Chen Yu's house.

Throughout the journey, Shi Ning held the insulated food container tightly, afraid of spilling the warm breakfast.

When they arrived at Chen Yu's house, Shi An raised his hand and knocked on the door.

After a while, Chen Yu opened the door. He still looked a little haggard. When he saw Shi An and Shi Ning, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

Shi Ning smiled and held up the insulated box: "Chen Yu, this is breakfast my mom made, come and have a taste."

(End of Chapter)