Chapter 4

The morning in America seemed no different from back home.

If there was anything to point out, it was that the air was indeed a bit better than back home, and there were these enthusiastic neighbors. However, regarding the incident that Thomas mentioned about the neighbor on the right beating his wife, Zhen Fan did not hear anything all morning.

Beating one’s wife seemed to be a universal phenomenon, not just in China, but probably all over the world. Men might have the heart to beat their wives, but some only think about it, while others actually carry it out.

After breakfast, Zhen Fan had nothing to do. According to the will left by Uncle San, he needed to fulfill his wish by obtaining a medical license in America and then opening a traditional Chinese medicine clinic or a health center. Zhen Fan had done some research before leaving China and knew he met the conditions to take the medical licensing exam.

Fortunately, the exam in New York could be postponed until October, so there was still plenty of time to prepare, about two to three months. Moreover, he had studied for five years at a traditional Chinese medicine college in China, which met the requirements.

Uncle San had thought of everything for Zhen Fan, even preparing the relevant books and materials for the exam. All Zhen Fan needed to do was to review diligently over the next few months.

After reading for a while, Zhen Fan went outdoors, walked around the lawn in front of the house, and then picked up a bag to go shopping, taking the opportunity to familiarize himself with the streets of Wine Valley.

The main purpose was to prepare a gift for Thomas. In China, it was considered impolite not to reciprocate when receiving a gift, and Zhen Fan adhered to this principle.

Zhen Fan’s ability to remember streets was not very good. After walking a few circles, he felt he was lost again.

Fortunately, there was a supermarket ahead.

He selected a few ingredients for making a cake, bought some vegetables, and then looked at the wine section, picking up two bottles of red wine.

"Sir, if you want a better-tasting wine, I suggest you go to a specialized wine store!" A tall, middle-aged, overweight white man smiled at Zhen Fan.

He was holding a bottle of fruit wine.

"Oh, I just drink casually!"

A typical Chinese way of being polite.

The big man shrugged, indifferent, and put the fruit wine back, turning to the bread section. He just turned around.

The supermarket was small, much smaller than the large supermarkets back home, and there were not many people, just a few scattered around.

"Sir, are you paying in cash?"

The cashier looked up and saw Zhen Fan’s face.

"How did you know I wouldn’t use a card?"

Zhen Fan was a bit unhappy, looking at the girl with freckles, finding her somewhat familiar.

"I know, you paid in cash last time!"

The freckled girl smiled at Zhen Fan, showing her metal braces, which left him speechless. He remembered that he had come to this supermarket yesterday, which explained the familiar feeling.

"Cash!"

Since they were familiar, there was no need for small talk. He paid in cash. He had intended to adapt to the local custom of using cards, but the habit of using cash, formed in China, was hard to change.

The freckled girl, with an expression that seemed to say she had known this would happen, quickly gave Zhen Fan his change, a handful of shiny coins that felt heavy in his hand.

Zhen Fan paid and was about to let the person behind him go, but when he turned around, it was the big man who had spoken to him in the supermarket. His shopping cart contained three or four bottles of wine.

"Isn’t the wine better at the specialized store?"

Zhen Fan smiled at him.

"Maybe, but it’s cheaper here. I might go to the specialized store tomorrow to buy a few bottles. I’m telling the truth; the wine there is indeed better. I used to buy from there!"

The big man seemed eager to argue, wanting to show that he was a regular high-end customer at the specialized store.

"Take me with you one day; I want to try it too!"

Zhen Fan picked up his bag and was about to leave.

"Bang!" The supermarket door was roughly pushed open, and three young men burst in. The leader was a young white man, and the two behind him were young black men, one as strong as a bull and the other as thin as a rail, with dyed yellow hair, just like the thugs in the neighborhood where he had once lived.

Except these three thugs were clearly better equipped, holding guns.

The young white man with a nose ring came over, took the gum out of the mouth of the strong black man, and stuck it on the camera at the cash register before shouting:

"Robbery! Hand over the money!"

All the customers, including the big man, immediately fell to the ground, hands on their heads, bellies pressed against the floor, heads not touching the ground, like gyroscopes supported by their bellies.

Zhen Fan quickly crouched down, but unfortunately, he was near the door.

The freckled girl quickly took the cash from the register, piled it on the counter like a small mountain, and nervously pushed it aside, chewing gum.

It was unclear when she had put the gum in her mouth, perhaps when the robbers entered.

In a friendly attitude towards the American people, Zhen Fan moved to the side of the door, trying to make a path for the three robbers.

"Get lost, yellow skin!"

As the three robbers filed out, one of them kicked Zhen Fan, then hurriedly disappeared down the street.

When the three robbers were out of sight, the freckled girl quickly called 911, and the customers in the supermarket stayed to wait for the police.

"Hey, are you okay, the Asian who pays in cash?"

The freckled girl asked Zhen Fan with concern as he stood up.

"I’m fine! Thank you. Can I go now?"

When the black man kicked, Zhen Fan had already turned, so the kick missed, and the black man almost fell, stumbling as he ran out.

"Who are they?"

"They are Jim’s people, that damn thug, the leader of this neighborhood. It’s best to avoid them and not provoke them. It’s for your own good, newcomer!"

The freckled girl said seriously.

"Also, before the police arrive, you should stay here. Otherwise, it might cause some trouble. If you want the police to visit your home frequently, I don’t mind if you leave now!"

"It seems there will be some trouble!" Zhen Fan smiled at the freckled girl. "How did you know I’m a newcomer?"

"It’s obvious. You’ve been wandering around the neighborhood for the past two days, mostly turning around, as if you can’t find your way. Only newcomers do that, but at least you know my supermarket!"

The freckled girl smiled, showing her braces.

Zhen Fan was about to speak when he heard the sound of police sirens, getting closer, and two police cars pulled up to the supermarket, with five officers getting out, two in plain clothes and three in uniform. One of the plain-clothed officers was a young woman with chestnut hair and a slim figure.

"I called the police!"

The freckled girl stepped forward, waving to the police, then came out and complained.

"This is the third time in four months. Who knows if there will be a fourth. The group that robbed us today is the same as the first time, and I recognize them!"

"I understand. We need to follow the procedure, right? I need the video footage from the time of the robbery, witnesses, the amount of cash stolen, and a detailed description of the three robbers, including their physical characteristics, more detailed than the 10 million pixel camera footage."

The young male plain-clothed officer smiled and showed his badge to the freckled girl.

"This case was previously handled by Chief Hunter, but now it’s mine. Sarah, go find some witnesses, ask them about the situation, and then let them go. No need to waste each other’s time!" The male officer nodded at the freckled girl. "You can call me Raine Hart, and that’s my superior, Sarah Vogel."

"Hey, Sarah Vogel, want to come over and say hi!" Raine Hart called into the supermarket.

"I’m working!"

"Alright!" Raine shrugged. "She’s a workaholic or just very persistent. Where were we? Right, this case is mine now!"

"Alright, it’s yours, officer!" The freckled girl gritted her teeth, muttering to herself, "What a lousy officer, at least your superior is reliable!"

"My name is Kelly!"

"I guess Kelly isn’t your last name, is it? Nod if I’m right!"

"Yes, you’re smart, Kelly Willi!"

"Here’s my card. My phone number is on it. If you have time, give me a call. We can find a quiet place to have a coffee and discuss the case."

"Raine, if you’re still trying to chat up girls, I’ll kick you back to your uncle. There are a few more witnesses you need to ask!"

"Alright, I always get the tough jobs!" Raine raised his hand, turned to Zhen Fan, who was still standing at the door, with a stern face.

"Name, occupation, age, address!"

"Do I have to tell you everything? I don’t want to leave a criminal record. I have potatoes simmering at home. If I don’t go back, there might be a fire. Damn, what should I do? I’ve been out for so long!"

Zhen Fan looked anxious, holding up his shopping bag.

"Damn, you have to at least tell me your name and address. We might need to contact you for further investigation!"

"Fan Zhen, 1250 12th Street, goodbye, officer!"

Raine waved his hand impatiently.

"Goodbye, officer!" Zhen Fan quickly left with his shopping bag and waved.

"Screech!" A taxi stopped in front of him, as if it had appeared out of nowhere, scaring Zhen Fan.

"Hey, buddy, I knew I’d run into you!"

After getting in the car, the driver turned around and excitedly shouted at Zhen Fan.

"It’s you again!"

Zhen Fan slapped his forehead, indicating his frustration.

"Where’s your red belt?"

Eddie excitedly said, "I threw it away long ago. I watched a Bruce Lee movie on TV yesterday, and I think his fighting style is very suitable for fierce battles. Maybe next time I can show Jim’s thugs what I’m made of. Those bastards extorted a hundred dollars from me yesterday!"

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