Chapter 54: A Brazen Robbery on the Main Street

Lin Junsheng entered the post office with a heart full of carefully crafted essays and fine verses composed just days before. His spirits were high as he stepped through the doors, hopeful that his writings would be published in various newspapers and magazines, earning him some much-needed income.

The post office buzzed with a steady stream of people, busy yet orderly. After waiting patiently in line, it was finally his turn. Lin Junsheng handed over a remittance slip for one thousand yuan to the clerk behind the counter. The clerk’s eyes flickered with surprise; in her months on the job, she had never seen someone send off such a large payment for manuscript submissions.

She meticulously verified the details before swiftly processing the transaction, returning ten one-hundred-yuan notes to Lin Junsheng. “Sir, please keep your money safe,” she said, handing him the receipt for the remittance. Curiously, she added, “Have you considered making a deposit? Our post office offers quite attractive interest rates these days.”

Lin Junsheng smiled politely and shook his head. “No, thank you.” This thousand yuan was not hers to keep; it was meant to repay debts he had accumulated. Even so, the sum was not enough to cover everything, and he still awaited the bonus from Harvest Magazine.

Seeing his resolve, the clerk refrained from pressing further but eagerly informed him, “Sir, our one-year fixed deposit interest rate is 4.32%, two years at 6.84%, three years up to 7.92%, and five years an impressive 8.28%. If you have any spare funds, a fixed deposit could yield a good return.”

Lin Junsheng stood quietly at the counter, gently shaking his head once more to decline her kind offer. Then he picked up the unopened letter, its envelope inscribed with neat handwriting. He had planned everything meticulously, but a small oversight marred his final step: he had forgotten to bring glue to seal the envelope.

The post office did not provide such items, leaving him momentarily at a loss. Stepping outside, the sunlight bathed him warmly as he surveyed his surroundings, seeking a solution. Not far off, a small restaurant sign swayed gently in the breeze, almost beckoning him.

An idea struck him, and he decided to try his luck there. Entering the eatery, Lin Junsheng politely explained his predicament to the owner. The owner laughed heartily before retrieving a clump of rice from the kitchen and handing it to him. “Young man, this rice is sticky; it should help you.”

“Thank you,” Lin Junsheng replied gratefully. Finding a quiet corner, he carefully molded the rice into a compact ball, then pressed it until it became a fine paste. At last, the rice paste was ready. He evenly spread it along the envelope’s flap, pressing gently to ensure a secure seal.

Satisfied with his handiwork, he returned to the post office and solemnly dropped the letter into the mailbox. Exiting the building, he took a deep breath of fresh air, feeling a great weight lift from his shoulders. After all, he had accomplished what he set out to do.

Still basking in the joy of having received his manuscript fee—one thousand yuan earned through countless tireless nights—he suddenly sensed several unusual gazes tracking him from behind, like hunters silently stalking their prey in the dark.

Before he could turn to confirm, a sudden force yanked him into a shadowed alley nearby. His heart tightened as he instinctively struggled, but three large hands gripped him like iron clamps. Even more terrifying was the gleaming knife one of them brandished, flashing coldly in the sunlight.

“Hand over the money!” one thug barked fiercely, his voice commanding and ruthless.

Lin Junsheng froze, utterly unprepared for such misfortune in broad daylight. Before he could react, the robbers began frisking him, mercilessly seizing the precious thousand yuan—his hard-earned manuscript fee, soaked in sweat and toil.

He tried to break free, but their strength was overwhelming. Helplessly, he watched the money being stolen, his heart aching as if cut by a blade.

The thieves, triumphant, counted their spoils and exchanged smug grins filled with arrogance and satisfaction. “Kid looks crippled, but he’s got money!” one sneered, slapping Lin Junsheng’s shoulder mockingly, as if ridiculing his powerless resistance.

With that, the three turned and started to leave. Panic surged within Lin Junsheng; he could not let these criminals escape unpunished. He shouted loudly, “Robbery! Someone is robbing me!”

His voice echoed through the narrow alley, but sounded so lonely and weak.

At that moment, several passersby heard his cries and without hesitation gave chase. A warm wave of gratitude swelled in Lin Junsheng’s chest as he looked at these brave strangers, a glimmer of hope dawning.

However, the robbers were seasoned and swift, darting like black lightning through the alley’s twists and turns, quickly leaving their pursuers behind.

Defeated, Lin Junsheng watched them vanish from sight, his heart heavy with frustration and helplessness. The men who came to his aid were employees from a nearby brewery. They apologized apologetically as they returned.

“Sorry about that, brother,” they said.

“Thank you all,” Lin Junsheng replied gloomily.

“One thing left: report it to the police,” one advised.

Lin Junsheng nodded in agreement, bidding farewell to his helpers. Limping, he exited the alley and made his way to the nearby police station.

“I was just robbed on the street,” he told the officers.

“Ah? This place is less than a hundred meters from the street. Tell us everything quickly,” they urged, seating him as they began taking his statement.

Lin Junsheng recounted the incident in detail, his voice heavy with anger.

The officers furrowed their brows, realizing how brazen the robbers were to commit such a crime in broad daylight.

They comforted Lin Junsheng, assuring him they would do their utmost to solve the case and bring the culprits to justice.

Inside the station, Lin Junsheng sat heavily on a bench, anxiously awaiting the investigation’s progress. Doubt gnawed at him—would he ever recover that money?

Just then, a familiar voice broke through the gloom.

“Xiao Sheng, what are you doing here?”