Chapter 3 — Justice, Six Years Later

Director Luc, are you going to take action again?

Let go.

Only if you promise not to destroy the evidence.

I shoved her hand away. She stumbled forward, her fingernails raking across my throat. A sharp sting flared along my skin, but I didn't pause. I reconnected the oxygen tube and cranked the valve. My father-in-law took a few desperate gulps of air, his complexion slowly beginning to stabilize. Tao Dao held up her reddened wrist.

Film it clearly.

Director Luc has committed physical violence against me for the second time.

Lam Lam spun around and slapped her. The sound was crisp and sharp. All the cameras nearby simultaneously shuddered. Tao Dao tilted her head to the side, remaining motionless for a long time. Lam Lam’s hand was trembling.

That slap was because you ripped the oxygen mask off a patient.

Tao Dao slowly turned her face back. Five finger marks had risen on her cheek. She did not strike back; she merely held her damaged button camera up to the lens.

Now everyone understands why I insisted on keeping the evidence. This family resorts to violence whenever they encounter someone who does not obey them.

Lam Lam lunged toward her, but I held her back tightly.

Stop hitting her.

She tried to kill my father!

I did no such thing.

Tao Dao wiped a thin trail of blood from the corner of her mouth. The oxygen mask had been away from Mr. Chu for less than two minutes. The emergency room is right next door. According to basic medical knowledge, that amount of time is insufficient to cause a fatality.

My father-in-law heard this and gripped the armrests of his chair, struggling to stand. Was that how you calculated it back then, too? Calculating how many minutes I could hold out, calculating how many people on the bus were against saving you?

Tao Dao looked at him coldly. I was unconscious at the time; I could not make my own decisions.

So, as soon as you regained consciousness, you reported him? Lam Lam asked, tears streaming down her face. My father paid your emergency medical expenses in advance. You left the hospital without so much as a word of thanks. When you received your settlement money, did you know that the money he used to pay your bills was borrowed?

Tao Dao was silent for two seconds. Emergency costs fall under civil debt. If there is documentation, everyone is welcome to demand repayment according to the law.

My father-in-law suddenly burst into laughter. Once he started, he coughed so violently that his body bent in two. I do not need it anymore.

Father, please.

Lam Lam, do not ask for it anymore.

My father-in-law took off his oxygen mask and looked at Tao Dao. I always thought that perhaps you were just young and frightened. I was even worried that you might be burdened by guilt over this incident. Seeing you today, I am finally at ease.

For the first time, Tao Dao furrowed her brow. What do you mean?

You are incapable of feeling guilt.

Hospital security arrived, demanding the filming stop. Tao Dao did not linger. She packed up her equipment and pulled out a legal letter. Director Luc, this is a notice of injury assessment following your assault on me. As for the slap from Ms. Lam, I will be reporting that to the police as well.

Lam Lam stepped in front of her father. Deal with me instead.

I am simply following procedure.

Tao Dao turned to me. Furthermore, the company has initiated the process for your termination. A compliance assembly will be held for all staff at ten o'clock tomorrow morning. You are required to explain your actions at the meeting.

I stared at her. Who told you that?

I am an official employee of the company. She held up her contract, still smelling faintly of fresh ink. Chairman Zhao just informed me that I am to start work early and take on the position of Compliance Culture Specialist.

In just three short hours, she had transformed from a job applicant into my investigator. Tao Dao walked to the door and paused. Mr. Chu, tomorrow’s assembly will be broadcast live. If you are willing to attend, I can grant you five minutes.

My father-in-law gripped his oxygen mask tightly. What do you want me to do with five minutes?

Tao Dao flashed her familiar smile. You can apologize to the passengers you put in danger all those years ago. If you do not apologize, I will revoke your dialysis subsidy.

Before the all-staff meeting began, Zhao Heng pushed an agreement across the table to me. The company charity fund had been paying for my father-in-law’s dialysis for six months. The agreement contained a clause stating that family members of recipients were prohibited from actions damaging the company’s reputation. Zhao Heng pointed to the text. You publicly tore up an applicant’s contract; that is a violation of the agreement.

The treatment funds were a benefit for employees, not hush money.

The rules are written exactly as they are meant to be applied. Isn't that what Tao Dao taught you?

Zhao Heng’s expression darkened. Do not play word games with me. Before nine-fifty, sign the apology letter, and the fund will continue to disburse payment. After ten, the finance department will freeze next month’s costs.

There were only ten minutes left. My father-in-law had just finished his check-up last night. The doctor stated that the next phase of costs must be paid within three days, or the hospital bed would be given to someone else. Lam Lam grabbed my hand.

Sign it.

I know what is written in that statement.

I know, she said, her voice raspy and hollow. But I cannot gamble with my father’s life.

Outside the meeting room, Tao Dao was giving an interview. The handprint on her face had faded, but she intentionally applied a bandage exactly over that spot. A reporter asked if she would accept the apology.

I am willing to give those who have made mistakes the opportunity to reform.