"Do You Want This Shrew?" the Policeman Said, Trembling. "She's Been Beaten; I Don't Dare Take Her."

After a "friendly family spat," my husband and I were both taken to the police station. I sat up straight, not even my hair clip askew. He was bruised and battered, his clothes torn in three places. He pointed at the policeman taking his statement and yelled, "Want this shrew? Give her away for free! I'll even give you a dowry!" The policeman slowly raised his head, our eyes meeting. His lips trembled for a long time before he managed to squeeze out, "Well… I know all too well…" Gu Beichen paused for three seconds: "Huh?" I stared at that face, my mind going blank—and then my mom arrived. Not to pick me up. She came with slippers to give me…