So, how to put this? Let me quickly recap what just happened.

After my smooth talk, Ms. Hemimi—my teacher—was no longer furious about my rude wake-up call. I even subtly led her astray, convincing her to take the girls to her place. Logically, I should be at her house now. She gave me the address and keys; everything seemed perfectly resolved. I could slip away quietly, without a trace.

But that was just theory. Reality and ideals always have a gap. Whatever you dread, you’ll face it.

Sure enough, I didn’t want traffic cops, yet they blocked the only road to Ms. Hemimi’s place. To reach her home, I had to pass that stretch. Total bad luck!

I had no license. I was just a student. And worst of all—I’d been drinking!

All three? A triple crime!

So, I made a brilliant decision: I quietly turned the car around and headed home. Not my fault—it was fate’s doing. What could I do when cops sealed the road?

Ms. Hemimi’s place was near school. My home was near school too. The distance between us? Just a thirty-minute drive. Walking might be faster—the area was bustling, packed with cars.

Though I thought it smart, the moment I left home, it felt wrong. I shouldn’t have taken the girls to Ms. Hemimi’s. I should’ve kept them at my place!

So what if they didn’t know me? So what if they misunderstood? It was temporary. I should’ve been lazy! Why drive? I was already safe at home—why risk it? You idiot, Xia Chuan Yuan!

On my way back, my luck ran out. Five minutes from home, I was stopped. A police motorcycle pulled up ahead—a clear warning to halt.

Ms. Hemimi had woken briefly when I roused her, but alcohol still held her. I woke her twice; she’d just doze off again. Now, in the passenger seat, she slept peacefully like a beautiful Sleeping Beauty.

The traffic cop approached my window and tapped lightly.

*Tap tap!*

Crisp and pleasant—but to me, it sounded like the devil’s melody.

Every step the cop took felt like the devil’s footsteps. Step by step. Like claws scraping closer. Truly the devil’s march.

Why me? Had I done something wrong to deserve heaven’s punishment? I’d never committed a crime! I didn’t steal. I didn’t harass women. Nothing bad. This was my first time driving without a license—and I got caught! Was I asking for trouble?

How nice to just stay home and show off quietly! I want peace now—where are you, Sister Jingjing?

*Knock knock knock knock!*

The cop grew impatient, knocking harder this time. Annoyance showed clearly.

My brain raced. What now? Ram through and knock her flying? It wasn’t my car. Or speed off, ignoring her? Or confess and hope for leniency?

Countless ideas flashed—but none worked. Panic set in.

My conscience stopped me from running her over. I wasn’t that heartless. I was a good kid raised under the red flag! Taught as a Young Pioneer to hand street pennies to cops. I aimed to be a model youth, an outstanding Party member. How could I do that?

Wait—improvise. Use quick wit. Maybe talk my way out!

Reluctantly, I rolled down the window, first stowing my sunglasses. If she saw them, I’d definitely be hauled to the station.

I saw the cop was a woman—a female officer.

She must be the station’s beauty queen. Stunning, with a mature, curvy figure. Not too stern—at first glance, gentle and cheerful. Her uniform accentuated her curves, seeming a bit tight.

As gorgeous as Ms. Hemimi. Like plum blossoms and chrysanthemums—each unique, both top-tier beauties.

Compared to the principal, she fell slightly short. Lacking that timeless charm—the years gave the principal a unique aura, lifting her beauty higher.

She seemed easygoing, but I wasn’t fooled. No cop was a pushover. Don’t judge by appearances!

“Hello, I’m Captain Leng Jing of Ganglong District Traffic Police. Here’s my badge. Please cooperate with an alcohol test.”

Her face smiled warmly, but I felt a chill.

I just wanted peace—and heaven sent me a “Jingjing”! Not this kind of peace!

Stay calm—no, that’s her name! Calm down. Remember: confess and rot in jail; resist and go home for New Year. Nothing happened. It’s fine. Calm down—ugh, why keep saying her name? Forget it. Stay cool!

“Uh, hello, Officer. In this thick night, you look exceptionally beautiful.”

“Well, thank you—I’ll take your compliment. But please step out for an alcohol test.”

“No need! Look at my honest face—I couldn’t possibly be drunk driving. Why test me?”

“That’s well said, but useless. Words don’t beat evidence. It’s our duty—cooperate. Are you hiding guilt with all that explaining?”

What now? This “Jingjing” lady—named Calm, but I couldn’t stay calm. My heart pounded faster! What to do!

No choice—I got out. Even an old hand like me could crash.

The sun never sets! I shall return! For the Empire! For the Führer!