Summary
I was spending the May Day holiday by West Lake in Hangcheng when a police officer from my hometown called.
“A clothing store has reported you for suspected theft. We need your cooperation.”
I was stunned.
Eight days earlier, I’d bought three pieces of clothing for the trip. I’d paid 999 yuan.
After I sent the police a screenshot of the payment and proved my innocence, the store manager didn’t offer so much as an apology. Instead, she sent me security footage.
“You came into the store twice, stayed a long time, and even touched your bag!”
“When things go missing, we employees have to pay for them. I had no choice but to call the police.”
“Tell you what. I’ll send you fifty yuan out of my own pocket, and we’ll call it settled.”
Fifty yuan?
Did she think I was begging for spare change?
And since when was taking my time to buy three things a crime? Or touching my own bag?
I laughed in disbelief.
Then I called the mall’s complaints department and the Administration for Industry and Commerce.
I changed my flight and headed straight back to her store, armed with banner stands displaying her messages.