"I need to make a phone call."

With unwavering authority, Qin Ning dropped this line inside the police station, phone in hand, and strode out the door. I stood dumbfounded—and so were the officers.

"M-Make a call? For what?" stammered the shorter officer, a flicker of anxiety in his voice. "Who could she even call? Director Chen himself?"

Ignoring him, the tall, lean officer sat across from me. "Your boss seems... unusually influential."

I shook my head slightly. "I don’t know. We only… just met the day before yesterday."

Now that I thought about it calmly: Qin Ning and I had known each other barely three days. We’d exchanged few words, spent little time together—yet she’d actually come to help me.

Back then, I’d faced countless struggles: switching shifts while sick, part-time jobs clashing with exams, days when I couldn’t even afford a meal. No one helped—not longtime coworkers, not classmates who’d copied my cheat sheets. At best, someone lent me lunch money. Nothing more.

And now? Someone I’d known three days had moved heaven and earth for me. My eyes grew slightly moist.

Soon, Qin Ning returned. The gravity on her face had nearly vanished. Just then, the landline in the reception area rang.

Without a word, the short officer rushed out. He came back moments later with a strange look, whispering to his partner.

Confused, I blinked. "What happened?"

"Orders from above," the tall officer said with a smile. "Evidence of indecent assault is conclusive. Your actions were self-defense. Zero liability."

So that was it. I glanced at Qin Ning—she stood idly by the window, gazing outside. No doubt her call made it happen. Whoever she reached… wasn’t ordinary.

No wonder the short officer had looked so grim earlier. Served him right.

"But… won’t those thugs hold a grudge?" I recalled his earlier warning. "You said thieves strike anytime—you can’t guard forever. What if they come after us after release?"

Even with solid evidence, it was only attempted assault. And given Xu Wei’s and my ages, sentencing wouldn’t be harsh. They’d be out soon.

"Don’t worry about that," Qin Ning said, stepping over and grabbing the back of my collar. "Someone inside will handle them. If they walk out alive, it’ll be a miracle. Let’s go—it’s getting dark."

Outside the room, Ye Xiaoshuang and Xu Wei hurried over, eyes wide. "How’d it go?!"

"All clear," I smiled. "Thugs locked up. We’re free—self-defense, no fines."

"Amazing!" Ye Xiaoshuang cheered. Xu Wei threw herself at me, burying her face in my chest.

*Don’t rub—tickles… and you’ll just highlight the flatness.*

I stole a glance at Qin Ning. Her expression was icy. Not pleased at all.

I gently eased Xu Wei away. "This is our boss—the one who saved us."

"Hello, Boss," Xu Wei chirped obediently.

"Thank you for your hard work, Boss!" Ye Xiaoshuang added brightly.

Qin Ning’s frown softened a fraction, but her tone stayed sharp. "Dawdling wastes time. Still want dinner?"

Her chill startled the girls—but I was immune. I knew her: sharp tongue, soft heart.

What she *really* meant:

*"Boss is treating us. Say thanks."*

"Thank you, Boss!" they chimed in unison.

...

"That’s called winning hearts," Xu Qianqian declared later that night in our dorm. "To someone like her? A trivial gesture. A snap of the fingers—and you’re utterly won over!"

I’d finally caved and told her why I was late.

I pursed my lips. "Fifty thousand yuan isn’t trivial. And why would anyone help me for free? Even the richest don’t hand out cash randomly."

"Fifty thousand? *Not* trivial?" Xu Qianqian scoffed. "How do you know she has no hidden motive?"

*Ah, the ‘rich feast while the poor starve’ mindset. Let them eat cake!*

"What motive?" I asked.

"She’s into your looks," she whispered mysteriously. "Maybe wants to keep you."

I laughed. "Seriously? Who’d spend that much? And we’re both girls."

"Why not?" Xu Qianqian turned dead serious. "I would."

...Huh?!