Chapter 34: Tendencies Toward Violence

Chapter Thirty-Four: Violent Tendencies

Hearing Chai Xiu’s startled cry, Qin Ruonan immediately sensed that something was wrong and hurried downstairs. At the same time, several others who were exercising also heard Chai Xiu’s voice and rushed down to see what was happening, quickly clogging the narrow staircase and making it difficult to pass. Struggling to push through the crowd, Qin Ruonan finally reached the first floor and, as soon as she appeared, caught sight of Chai Xiu holding a child tightly in her arms—a child who was crying so hard he could barely breathe—and glaring fiercely at Zhang Lei, who stood nearby.

“Are you out of your mind?! Do you have a screw loose?!” she growled through gritted teeth, her voice sharp as she confronted Zhang Lei.

Zhang Lei was tall and burly. Standing there with the child in his arms, he looked down at Chai Xiu with cold, hostile eyes and retorted, “Who are you calling out?! Say that again if you dare! See if I don’t beat you so badly your own mother wouldn’t recognize you! Don’t think just because you’re a woman I won’t lay a hand on you! I’ve disliked you for a long time now!”

His words immediately sparked whispers among the gathered gym members. The women looked at Zhang Lei with disdain, while the men voiced their disapproval, siding with Chai Xiu and expressing their indignation. In an instant, Zhang Lei became the target of collective scorn.

The gym owner, drawn by the commotion, hurried over. Before he could get close to the two involved, he spotted Qin Ruonan watching from the side. He paused briefly in surprise, then quickly pushed through the crowd, grabbed his nephew by the arm, and steered him toward the staff lounge.

“Let’s go, let’s go! Take it inside if you have something to say! Don’t disturb the others exercising out here!” he barked as he pulled Zhang Lei away, gesturing to Chai Xiu to follow.

Chai Xiu gently stroked the child’s head, soothing him quietly before guiding him over to sit with some timid classmates nearby. Then she slowly stood, tugged at her clothes, and frowned towards the lounge, seeming hesitant.

“Do you want me to go with you?” Qin Ruonan stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Chai Xiu’s shoulder.

Chai Xiu glanced back at Qin Ruonan, as if releasing a great sigh of relief, and nodded gratefully. She grasped Qin Ruonan’s hand, her fingertips icy cold, her palm damp and trembling ever so slightly—a stark contrast to the courage and fiery spirit she had shown moments earlier when scolding Zhang Lei. It was as though they were two entirely different people.

Waiting inside the lounge were the gym owner and his nephew. Chai Xiu—an employee, a gentle woman—was now facing a gym owner and a tall, robust, irritable young man in a tense standoff. Anyone would feel the pressure and fear in such a charged atmosphere.

Qin Ruonan squeezed her hand gently and nodded, silently encouraging her. Chai Xiu seemed to find some comfort and strength from Qin Ruonan’s presence, and together they walked side by side toward the employee lounge.

As soon as they entered, the gym owner immediately approached, his face dark with displeasure, his tone sharp and accusatory.

“What was that all about just now? Making such a scene in public—are you trying to sabotage our business?”

He had barely finished speaking when he noticed Qin Ruonan following Chai Xiu inside. He paused, suddenly awkward, as if wanting to ask her to leave but unable to say so. Instead, he gave a reluctant nod and stepped behind them, closing the door.

The lounge, already cramped, became a small, enclosed space. The four of them stood there, eyes locked, each hesitant to speak, the air thick with an uneasy tension.

“What happened just now?” Qin Ruonan was the first to break the silence, taking control of the conversation before the gym owner could speak.

Zhang Lei’s face darkened. He glanced at Qin Ruonan, about to respond, but a sharp look from his uncle stopped him. His mouth opened slightly, then closed again, and he turned his face away in silence.

Qin Ruonan’s gaze shifted to Chai Xiu.

Taking a deep breath, Chai Xiu instinctively moved closer to Qin Ruonan, ensuring she was within a safe distance before she spoke. “I went downstairs during the break to use the restroom. I heard someone crying in the men’s bathroom next door. The sound wasn’t loud and didn’t sound like an adult. If I hadn’t been in the women’s restroom, I might not have even heard it. The more I listened, the more something felt wrong, so I went to check. The staff restrooms are separate from the gym members’ and each side only has two stalls. When I got there, I saw that one stall’s door handle was blocked from the outside with a mop handle. I heard crying inside, so I quickly pulled the mop away and opened the door, only to find a little boy locked inside!”

She shuddered slightly at the memory and shot a look of reproach at Zhang Lei. He remained defiant, cold and unresponsive. The gym owner, however, looked stunned, frowning deeply and glaring fiercely at Zhang Lei.

No further questions were needed. The child who had been trembling and crying in Chai Xiu’s arms was clearly the boy locked in the restroom by Zhang Lei.

Qin Ruonan frowned. She didn’t know Zhang Lei well—her first encounter with him was tense, and it had only improved after a confrontation with An Changpu. Their second meeting was brief, and he had only asked her to send his regards to An Changpu. She couldn’t judge his character but was surprised that a seemingly hot-tempered young man could do something so shocking.

“Is that how it happened?” The gym owner finally spoke, unable to hold back. His tone suggested skepticism, hoping for a denial. Zhang Lei was his nephew, after all, and as his uncle, he worried about him crossing the line—especially now with a police officer involved.

“So what if it is? I didn’t hit or scold him. I just locked him in the bathroom. Is that illegal?!” Zhang Lei’s neck stiffened, his tone defiant, clearly addressing Qin Ruonan and Chai Xiu rather than his uncle. Though physically strong, he was no fool; in this small room, it was clear who was friend and who was foe.

The gym owner, losing patience, slapped Zhang Lei hard on the back of the head. Despite not being very tall, the owner was solidly built, and the slap echoed sharply. Zhang Lei winced but didn’t cry out, more out of pride.

“You little brat! What the hell are you doing?! Can’t you give me a moment’s peace? What sin did I commit in a past life to end up with a nephew like you?!” the owner shouted angrily.

Zhang Lei looked aggrieved but, seeing his uncle’s genuine anger, kept silent, sulking as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Officer Qin, sorry you had to see this,” the owner said, softening his tone as he turned to Qin Ruonan with a forced smile. His nephew was a disappointment. If he had really crossed the line, especially involving a minor, it could be serious. Even if no formal charges were pressed, a bad reputation could follow. “Don’t mind him. He’s tall but immature—like a child playing without understanding. Don’t take him seriously.”

“You don’t need to apologize. He hasn’t offended me,” Qin Ruonan said coolly, not out of sympathy for Chai Xiu but because she couldn’t stand Zhang Lei’s stubborn defiance.

The gym owner, experienced in reading people, sensed the underlying meaning in Qin Ruonan’s words. He nudged Zhang Lei gently and mouthed an apology to Chai Xiu. Reluctantly, Zhang Lei stepped aside, still scowling but silent. The owner turned back to Chai Xiu, smiling warmly.

“Xiao Chai, Zhang Lei was out of line just now. Don’t take it personally. He’s just a young guy, barely out of his teens, immature. I apologize on his behalf. You’re over ten years older—think of yourself as an older sister or mentor. Just don’t stoop to his level. I promise, this won’t happen again.”

“Uncle, you don’t need to say that! I just don’t like her fake sanctimony, acting like everyone else is dirt while she’s a lotus flower! She’s nothing special! I didn’t hurt that kid! What’s there to be afraid of? There’s a cop here—let her investigate and see what she finds!” Zhang Lei snapped, offended by his uncle’s apology to Chai Xiu. He turned on Qin Ruonan, pointing a finger at her challengingly, cracking his knuckles loudly as he glared.

“You have violent tendencies. There’s something wrong with you!” Chai Xiu flinched and edged closer to Qin Ruonan.

“Don’t pretend to be weak! You’re no saint either! If you’re unhappy, let’s fight!” Zhang Lei snarled, ready to explode.

Qin Ruonan stepped in front of Chai Xiu, shielding her. “If you want to fight, find a proper opponent. Don’t just shout about it. First, explain what happened. Then we can talk about fighting. I’m willing to face you.”

“You?!” Zhang Lei sneered, sizing her up disdainfully.

“Don’t doubt it. You’ll get your chance to test that later. Now, tell me what happened. Why did you lock the boy in the bathroom?” Qin Ruonan asked, then turned to the gym owner. “Could you please step outside for a moment?”

Thank you to the readers for your support! Apologies for the irregular schedule due to many recent events. We’ll strive to return to our regular noon updates soon!