"Over ten years, I never thought I would get this money back!"

The early winter sunlight slants into the office of the Executive Bureau of the People’s Court of Lixian County, Hunan Province, where executive officer Qian Yuwen is organizing case files. At this moment, the phone rings, and Qian Yuwen answers it. On the other end is a slightly anxious yet determined voice—it’s Jian, the party responsible for a long-silent enforcement case: “Judge, I am willing to fulfill my repayment obligation!”

The matter dates back to 2014. At that time, amidst the bustling street traffic, Zhang and Jian were involved in a minor car accident. What started as a routine traffic incident escalated into a conflict due to uncontrolled emotions.

During the altercation, Jian even headbutted Zhang, causing injury to Zhang’s head. Subsequently, Jian was prosecuted for intentional injury, while Zhang filed a civil lawsuit. The Lixian County Court ruled that Jian should compensate Zhang for personal injury damages totaling 81,646.8 yuan. After deducting the 41,000 yuan Jian had previously paid, he still owed 40,646.8 yuan, but Jian delayed compensation and disappeared.

The picture shows Qian Yuwen, an executive officer of the People’s Court of Lixian County, communicating with the parties involved. Photo by Xia Nini.

In 2015, the case entered the enforcement stage. Executive officers from the Lixian County Court repeatedly tracked down assets through the control system and conducted field investigations, yet they could not find any enforceable asset clues for Jian. In 2023, after exhausting all investigative means and confirming that Jian had no ability to fulfill his obligations, the Lixian County Court legally applied for 10,000 yuan in judicial assistance for the financially struggling Zhang and closed the case twice by “concluding the current enforcement procedure.”

In May 2025, Zhang called the court again, his voice hoarse but hopeful: “Judge Qian, I really can’t let this go, but I truly can’t find any leads on Jian. Can you help me look for Jian again?” Even without any effective leads, Qian Yuwen solemnly promised, “Once the case is in my hands, I will take full responsibility.”

After hanging up the phone, Qian Yuwen immediately retrieved the long-stored case files and began a “carpet-style” review based on the previous work of executive officers. As night fell, his office remained brightly lit—under the desk lamp, he meticulously sorted through the records and control logs from that year; in front of the computer, he launched a new round of exhaustive checks on Jian’s assets: bank accounts, online payments… a vast amount of data collided in front of him.

“I found it!” Qian Yuwen suddenly straightened up. On the screen, a long-dormant bank account belonging to Jian had shown sporadic but regular small transactions over the past three months. Although each transaction was small and quickly transferred out, Qian Yuwen knew that this long-sleeping bank account was awakening.

He then promptly initiated the freezing process according to the law. After the account was restricted, Jian contacted the court through the bank and proactively called: “I didn’t expect that after so many years, the court is still keeping an eye on this case.”

Upon receiving the call, Qian Yuwen did not rush to question him, but calmly said, “Hello, Jian, I am Qian Yuwen, an executive officer of the People’s Court of Lixian County, Hunan Province. The account freeze is a normal continuation of your case enforcement procedure. Please clearly inform me of your current residence and work situation.”

“If you conceal the true situation and refuse to fulfill the effective judgment, the court can take measures such as restricting high consumption and including you on the list of dishonesty. In severe cases, judicial detention will be enforced until criminal responsibility is pursued. Is it worth gambling your personal credibility and freedom for a few tens of thousands of yuan?”

Qian Yuwen spoke slowly, but every word struck Jian’s heart like a heavy hammer. Then, Qian Yuwen appropriately slowed his tone and analyzed the pros and cons for Jian: “The law is not a joke. Have you thought about Zhang’s difficulties? Avoidance won’t solve the problem; it will only increase the cost. It’s a good thing that you are contacting us proactively now; I hope you don’t miss this opportunity again.”

After a round of persuasion based on reason, emotion, and law, Jian stopped arguing and sincerely said, “I understand now, thank you. I will raise the money and definitely repay the debt!”

Half a month later, Zhang, having received the compensation, arrived early at the court and solemnly handed a bright red banner to Qian Yuwen. With deep emotion, he said, “After more than ten years, I really didn’t expect to get this money back!”

Source: People’s Court Daily, Page 2

Reporter: Tao Chen | Correspondent: Xia Nini

Editor: Yan Yu | Contact number: (010) 67550827 | Email: pinglun@rmfyb.cn

New Media Editor: Yang Shupei

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