The salesclerk looked up, confusion filling her eyes.
"Sorry for the trouble, but could you check your pockets?"
"Wh-what do you mean?" The young woman instinctively reached for her pockets.
When she felt her trouser pocket, her expression changed. In full view of everyone, she pulled out a fountain pen-
She immediately panicked.
"Wh-what's going on? How did this get into my pocket? I-I don't even sell stationery! I never went near that counter..."
The young woman was so distressed that she was on the verge of tears.
"Comrade Public Security Officer! I-I really didn't take the pen! I have no idea what's going on!"
When Song Ning looked back at Du Mei, she had already turned her head away.
"Excuse me!" Song Ning asked the young woman, "Did you speak to Du Mei just now?"
The young woman thought for a moment. "That's right! Du Mei came to borrow my ink pad earlier! C-could it be..."
"Du Mei-you actually framed me!"
Song Ning had no desire to listen any further. She gathered up her mesh shopping bag and told the Comrade Public Security Officer:
"The truth is clear now! I hope the Comrade Public Security Officer will handle this impartially! And I won't accept mediation! If detention is warranted, detain her! If a fine is warranted, fine her!"
The case was straightforward, and both the culprit and the stolen goods were right there. There was no need even to go elsewhere to take statements.
Then she made sure to tell the supply cooperative's director:
"Calling the Comrade Public Security Officer doesn't necessarily damage your reputation! They might help you weed out the rot!"
Sweat covered the director's forehead as he apologized and politely escorted Song Ning out.
He repeatedly assured her that the supply cooperative would never keep someone