He paused for a moment, then added, "These days, the police might contact you at any time. You two need to stay in touch."

Bai Xuelan had not engaged in any illegal or criminal activities. The traffic police department had preliminarily determined the accident's liability: the man in the black T-shirt who crossed the road bore primary responsibility, while the at-fault driver, Hua Li, assumed secondary responsibility. The specific division of responsibility still needed further determination. Since Hua Li did not bear major responsibility, he was not suspected of a traffic crime. As they were not suspected of any crimes, the police had no right to detain or hold them.

"Can we... leave now?" Bai Xuelan and Hua Li asked, somewhat in disbelief after listening.

Shen Dao nodded, reminding them, "Remember to keep your communication lines open."

After the two left, he turned around and looked at Qin Mu and Liang Chengbin, his expression somewhat complex.

In this case, the judgment involving these two was the most complex. Logically, if Qin Mu and the other had not pursued him, the man in the black T-shirt indeed would not have crossed the road, and no tragedy would have ensued. If strictly adhering to the letter of the law, this could constitute involuntary manslaughter. But morally, that was indefensible. Acting bravely for a just cause is, by its nature, a commendable act.

The "Civil Code" also contains three supplementary clauses addressing acts of bravery.

First, if someone protects others and suffers harm as a result, the infringer should bear civil responsibility, and the beneficiary of the act may offer appropriate compensation. The term "should" here implies an obligation, while "may" suggests voluntary compensation, not coercion.

Second, if the infringer is absent, flees, or is unable to assume responsibility, and if the person who acted bravely requests compensation, the beneficiary should provide it. Similarly, "should" here implies an obligation to compensate. This clause was added to protect the rights and interests of those who act bravely, ensuring they do not have to worry about negative consequences.

Third, if harm is caused to the aided person during an act of emergency aid, the person who acted bravely shall not bear responsibility. This explicitly stipulates no responsibility, meaning no responsibility at all.

These three supplementary clauses in the Civil Code are specifically designed to commend acts of bravery and to improve the increasingly deteriorating social ethos of recent years.

Decades ago, society was different; seeing a thief or a robber, it was common for people to deal with them harshly, sometimes even beating them on the spot. Now, throughout a three-kilometer chase, only Qin Mu and Liang Chengbin stepped forward. The prevailing attitude seems to be, 'It's not my problem, so I won't get involved.' Bai Xuelan's own cautiousness also illustrates how acts of bravery are becoming rarer. Robbers might sound menacing and vicious, but even when this particular thief appeared relatively weaker, hardly anyone intervened.

Shen Dao looked at Qin Mu and Liang Chengbin, then said slowly, "Your cases are quite complex. The principles of civil law and criminal law are conflicting, so you'll need to stay a bit longer."

Qin Mu nodded, expressing his understanding. He had been pondering for a while and understood the case's complexity. Yet he wasn't overly worried. Aside from criminal law, both civil law and morality were on their side.

But upon hearing this, Liang Chengbin looked even more nervous. Tentatively, he asked, "Officer, I... I won't really have to go to jail, will I?"

Seeing Bai Xuelan and Hua Li leave had made him feel more uneasy than ever.

Shen Dao patiently comforted him, "Don't get ahead of yourself. We're still in the investigation phase, verifying the facts of the incident. The results should be out soon."

He continued, explaining, "According to regulations, criminal detention for suspicion shouldn't exceed three days. After three days, if there's corroborative evidence, it transitions to an arrest. Otherwise, the suspect must be released. Of course, in special circumstances, detention can be extended up to 37 days."

"Then... then can I call my wife?" Liang Chengbin swallowed hard and asked again.

"Of course, you can," Shen Dao nodded. After all, they were currently only cooperating with the investigation and weren't even officially detained.

Granted permission, Liang Chengbin quickly took out his phone. It was very worn, the screen shattered with a web of cracks. He gritted his teeth. After a moment of hesitation, he dialed the all-too-familiar number. In front of Qin Mu and Shen Dao, he began to speak.

"Honey, today... I might be coming home late."

"No, it's just... after I bought meat at the supermarket, I heard someone shouting 'Stop, thief!' Who could have expected..." He sighed softly, then explained what had happened to the person on the other end of the call.

The other side of the phone suddenly fell silent for several minutes. Then, sobbing and choked-up sounds could be heard through the receiver.

"Liang, oh Liang," his wife's voice trembled, "how many times have I told you? Can't you change that meddling nature of yours?

"So many people didn't help. Why did you have to be the one to step forward?

"I sent you out to sell pork so you could come home in the evening to make dumplings! What am I going to do if you end up in jail?

"You were the same when you were slaughtering pigs back in the village, always helping out whenever anyone had a problem. Now you're a plasterer in the city, and you still haven't changed.

"And now look what's happened! You chased someone to their death! If you go to prison…" As she spoke, the voice on the other end became overwhelmed by uncontrollable sobs.

Listening to her, Liang Chengbin's expression also turned somber, and he felt extremely distressed.

Several minutes later, his clenched fist suddenly relaxed. He said into the phone, "If I really have to go to prison, don't wait for me. Find a good man and move on."

After saying this, it seemed as if all his strength had drained away.

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