Crime and Punishment Page #4

It says here

you're supposed to come in

for annual inspections,

but you didn't.

We farmers have it rough.

When we're not on the land,

we have to find other work.

Look at me, I'll be 65 this year.

I'm getting too old for this job,

but what else am I going to do?

My kids are poor too,

so I can't rely on them.

But what can you do?

At my age,

no one would do this kind of work

if they didn't have to.

But I got no skills.

I'm just trying to earn

some spare change.

You need money for New Year,

weddings, gifts and all that.

Those things really start to add up.

When you think about it,

people like us have it pretty rough.

So what's the deal with your son?

Does he have a problem

with the police or something?

He wasn't home.

I meant just now, on the phone.

That was your son, wasn't it?

I didn't even hear what he said...

Maybe you didn't hear, but we did.

Want me to repeat it for you?

It's just that with my grandson

howling so loud,

I couldn't hear a thing...

Well, we heard him loud and clear.

We heard every word he said.

Does your son have a problem

with our police force?

Like I said, he wasn't home.

I'm talking about just now,

on the phone.

Does he have a problem with us?

How could he?

He's never even met you.

Maybe he's got a problem

with the cops over there in Gulou,

I don't know,

but definitely not

with this station.

Then why would he insult us?

Why would he insult us like that?

- I couldn't even hear...

- Maybe so, but I heard.

Everyone in the room heard him!

All I said was you needed to see

my paperwork, and he said...

If you won't admit it, fine!

I just want to know what problem

your son has

with me and my officers.

How could he have a problem

with you? It's just that he...

Why was he cursing us?

Why would he insult us like that?

If he was upset,

it was probably

because you took my cart,

that's all.

And that's a reason to curse us?

It was nothing.

I heard him cursing!

There's no serious conflict.

He's got nothing against you.

Then why did he insult us? Why?

He'd never do that.

Oh no? You want witnesses?

I'll give you a whole room

full of witnesses.

He's got no problem with police...

Then why did he curse us?

That's what I want to know. Why?

Why would he insult us?

I couldn't even hear.

Everything was garbled,

and you know

how young people talk...

That's how young people talk?

Why was he cursing us?

That's all I want to know.

I didn't hear him say anything...

I expect your son

to make a formal apology!

We shouldn't have

to take that kind of abuse!

Well, of course.

You're public servants,

enforcing the law.

He's got no call to insult you.

I couldn't hear clearly,

but if something was said,

he was probably just upset

that you wouldn't give me

an extra day, is all.

I expect a formal apology from him.

He had no right to insult us.

We did nothing wrong.

Are you going to apologize

for your son or not?

If that's what it takes,

fine, I'll apologize!

I haven't heard an apology yet.

I'll tell him to watch his mouth,

and give him a good talking to.

You call that an apology?

If he really was out of line...

This is how you apologize

to someone?

Would you rather call your son

and have him

come down to the station?

I'd like to hear

what he has to say for himself.

- Did you hear me?

- Hm?

Let's call your son up right now.

He and I can have a little chat.

I told you, he's not even home.

What makes him think

he can get away

with insulting officers of the law?

He was out of line...

he shouldn't have said that.

I'll cuss him out when I get home,

tell him to mind his manners.

If you won't apologize,

your son can do it himself.

I'd like to hear what he has to say.

What do you mean?

I want your son

to apologize in person.

This time of day, he's working.

We'll wait until he's off work.

What time is it, anyway?

He's probably out in the fields.

If that's all you have to say,

you can go home.

Why are you still here?

What?

My son was out of line...

Yes he was, and I expect

an explanation from him!

And a formal apology!

Don't give him a hard time.

This is all my fault.

If anyone should apologize

or take responsibility, it's me.

I'll give the boy a talking-to.

All right, I'll let you handle it.

Just make sure he understands.

If he's got a problem with that,

we can meet face to face.

Oh, I'll definitely lecture him...

In that case,

you can take your cart and go home.

And no more work today, you hear?

Once you've got your permits

and registration in order,

you can get back to work,

but not until then, understand?

You understand?

- Do you understand me?

- I understand.

Because if I catch you again

collecting scrap without a permit,

I'll fine you

and confiscate your cart,

understand?

But what about the other

scrap collectors without permits?

The same applies to them.

The same rules apply to everyone.

If we catch them,

they'll be punished.

So there's no favoritism?

If those other guys

don't have permits,

they can't work here either.

- That's what you're saying, right?

- Yes.

All right, then.

If you plan to keep working here,

go get your permits in order,

then come register with us.

Don't let me catch you again,

or I'll fine you

and confiscate your cart.

- You understand?

- Yes.

Then you can go.

What am I supposed to do

in the meantime,

hang out at home?

Of course. You don't have

a permit to work here!

What did you think?

But speaking in my own defense,

and I don't mean to offend,

I'm not blaming you...

I don't care who you blame.

It's just that we pay taxes

to support the government...

If you keep talking like that,

you can forget about leaving.

We'll go over

to the commerce office together.

No, I'll go myself...

Then what are you hanging

around here for? Go!

Haven't I made myself clear?

But getting a permit takes time.

There's a whole long process...

Then you'll just have to wait.

Until then, no collecting scrap.

That's the law.

No point in arguing.

And don't let me

catch you at it again,

or there'll be trouble.

You understand me?

I understand,

but I can't just stop working.

I need the money...

Then don't let me catch you again.

I can't do anything

if I don't catch you.

I just don't want to be sneaky.

What if I tell you first, then...

No, no, that's unacceptable!

Same rules for everyone, right?

If you get caught,

you're in trouble.

If we catch you again,

we have to punish you.

You can go now.

Have I made myself clear?

It's just a few days...

I said no.

Get out of here.

See you later.

Disregarding police warnings,

Old Wang drove his cart

around the corner

and promptly resumed

collecting scrap.

Who are they looking for?

"Wanted in a gun-related homicide."

A murderer.

Hi, we're from the border police.

Just a routine checkpoint.

Open the car door, please.

Stop!

- Why didn't you stop?

- Why should I?

- Step out of the car!

- Get out of the car.

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