Chapter 13
1
After Liao Yutang and his younger sister returned home and had just put down their schoolbags, Yutang hurriedly said to his father Qingwen, “Dad, several plainclothes officers came to our school today and arrested Teacher Chen Wuxiong.”
Unexpectedly, Liao Qingwen responded coldly, “That was brought on by your teacher himself; no one else can be blamed.”
Hearing this, Yutang could not help his anger rising: “Dad, how can you be so cold-blooded? Our teacher wrote articles to speak up for injustice in our village and that’s why he got into trouble. How can you say such things?”
Beside them, Wu Zu also reproached her husband, saying, “Husband, saying things like that is really heartless; even I can’t stand listening to it.”
Liao Qingwen said impatiently, “You mother and son only know a bit of trivial nonsense. What kind of times are these now—can people just casually express their opinions? Your teacher isn’t someone new to society; could he not know the stakes involved?”
Wu Zu said, “Is saying all this of any use? Our Yutang told you because he hoped you would help his teacher, but you…”
Liao Qingwen cut in, “But what? Do you think your husband has real influence in the government offices?”
“Isn’t that so? You and the officials of the Bureau of Secrecy have always been—” Before Wu Zu could finish, Liao Qingwen sharply shouted, “Enough!” Qingwen did not want Wu Zu to let anything slip in front of the children.
Wu Zu was frightened by Liao Qingwen’s ferocious expression, and the entire living room fell silent. After a while, Yuhui at the side said, “Mom, we’re hungry.”
Only then did Wu Zu get up and say, “I’ll go cook a few dishes; we can eat very soon.”
Yutang wore a sullen face, shot his father a sidelong glare for a moment, then returned to his room full of anger and slammed the wooden door shut forcefully.
2
Chen Wuxiong, holding a cardboard box, returned to the classroom with two plainclothes officers in Zhongshan suits at his side. Under their watch, Wuxiong said goodbye to the students.
With tears welling at the corners of his eyes, Chen Wuxiong said, “Students, your teacher is about to be transferred to the south. A new teacher will come to teach you in the future. I am leaving; you must study hard and become useful people in the future.”
The students whispered among themselves. Yu Wenyen’s eyes reddened, and he could no longer restrain his suppressed emotions. He suddenly stood up, pointed at the plainclothes officers, and angrily shouted with grief and indignation, “You took my father away and executed him, and now you want to arrest our teacher too. You devils—you’ve gone too far.”
At that moment, the whole class fell silent, and every pair of eyes converged on Wenyen.
Plainclothes Officer A pointed at Wenyen and asked Wuxiong, “What’s with this child? How dare he openly insult us?”
Wuxiong said, “This has nothing to do with my student. If you want to target someone, just come at me.”
Unexpectedly, Mingdao also stood up and cursed, “It’s because of soldiers like you who arbitrarily arrest civilians that Taiwanese people come to hate us mainlanders from the bottom of their hearts.”
Plainclothes Officer B sneered, “Teacher Chen, are these the fine students you’ve taught? Each one sharp-tongued and eloquent.”
The students in the class began to clamor: “Give our teacher back! Give our teacher back!”
Unwilling for the students to lose control, Wuxiong put down the box, waved both hands, and said loudly, “Students, calm down and listen to me. I’ll be fine; I’m just going to teach somewhere else. Once I’ve settled in, I will come back to visit you.”
Plainclothes Officer A also tried to soothe the students, saying, “That’s right! Your teacher has been promoted to another position.”
“Your teacher wants you to study hard and become upright men in the future. Remember your teacher’s words…” Wuxiong waved one hand and strode out of the classroom. The students crowded by the windows to watch, and Wuxiong waved for them to return to their seats…
3
Chen Wuxiong went to his desk and packed up his belongings. The two plainclothes officers then took him away from the office. The teachers began whispering among themselves.
Teacher A said, “Some people have heard that the Bureau of Secrecy will soon conduct a thorough investigation of the teachers in the school.”
Teacher B asked, “An investigation? They’re not going to arrest all of us, are they?”
Teacher A said, “Don’t make it sound so frightening. I heard that everyone may undergo background checks next. The principal has already been called in for questioning and may very likely be replaced.”
Teacher C said, “It’s all because of Chen Wuxiong. Who does he think he is? He’s thrown the whole school into chaos.”
Teacher D said, “I’m not afraid. As long as one is clean and upright, there’s nothing to fear from an investigation.”
Huang Meihong warned everyone, “We’d better not make casual remarks about this matter anymore, lest the walls have ears.”
4
A new homeroom teacher, Huang Meihong, came to Wenyen’s class.
“Students, I am your new homeroom teacher.” Teacher Meihong first tried to calm the students’ emotions. “Although something like this has happened, I still hope it won’t affect your studies. Matters of adults should be handled by adults. Children should just fulfill their duties and study well.”
The students whispered among themselves.
Student A asked, “Teacher, is Teacher Chen Wuxiong a spy? Otherwise why would he be taken away?”
Student B asked, “Was Teacher Chen Wuxiong taken away to be executed?”
“I hope students will not speak carelessly.” Huang Meihong picked up a rattan cane and struck the desk, calling for silence.
Huang Meihong said, “Students, quiet down. As far as I know, Teacher Chen Wuxiong should be fine. From now on, do not discuss this matter again. Take out your Chinese textbooks; we are starting class.”
Yu Wenyen silently gazed out the window, worrying about Wuxiong’s safety: “I wonder how Teacher Chen Wuxiong is now.”
5
On a weekend morning, Xiao Qiao asked the driver to take her by car, bringing gifts to Wenyen’s home. She took out gift boxes and distributed them to Wenyen’s family.
Xiao Qiao said, “This is for Mother Laichun. My uncle brought this high-grade velvet fabric back from abroad. It can be used for Mother Laichun to make a beautiful dress.”
Laichun said, “Oh my! This fabric is so fine. It’s so expensive—how can I accept it?”
Xiao Qiao said, “Mother Laichun, your figure is so good; it will look beautiful on you. Next time I’ll invite a tailor to take your measurements and make you a lovely dress.”
Laichun said, “Oh, no need! This is too generous.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Mother Laichun, please don’t be polite with me.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Grandma, this is something I specially prepared for you. You can listen to it when you’re bored.”
Laichun said, “Mother, Xiao Qiao says she’s worried you’ll be bored. This radio is for you to listen to Taiwanese opera!”
Zhou Tianmei said with a smile, “Oh my, this girl is so polite! So thoughtful! So thoughtful!”
Xiao Qiao said, “Classmate Wenyen, this is yours.”
When Wenyen saw that it was a Platinum-brand fountain pen, he was startled and wanted to politely refuse Xiao Qiao’s kindness: “A Platinum fountain pen—this is too valuable; I can’t accept it.”
Seeing that Wenyen would not accept it, Xiao Qiao pulled him aside: “Classmate Wenyen, come with me for a moment.”
Wenyen said, “Oh!”
Xiao Qiao said, “This is just a small token of my appreciation. Your mother and grandmother are very happy. You must not refuse; that would be very impolite.”
Wenyen glanced at his mother and grandmother and thought for a moment.
Wenyen said, “Alright, thank you.”
“No need to be polite.” After seeing Wenyen accept her gift, Xiao Qiao happily ran to Laichun and Zhou Tianmei.
Xiao Qiao said, “This doll is for the younger sister.”
Laichun said, “The little sister has a gift too! Come here—this doll is from Sister Xiao Qiao. Say thank you.”
After Wenying received the doll, she was overjoyed and hugged it tightly: “Thank you, sister.”
Zhou Tianmei said, “Let’s hurry and cook lunch!”
Laichun said, “Yes, yes, let’s cook quickly. Xiao Qiao, stay and have a simple meal with us at noon.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Sure, I’ll help too.”
Laichun said, “No need, no need! You go play with Wenyen. Go on. Ah Yan, take Xiao Qiao out to play.”
Wenyen said, “But I still have to go stir-fry tea leaves.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Then I’ll go with you to stir-fry tea.”
Yu Wenyen said, “Is that alright? You’re a guest.”
Xiao Qiao pushed him along and said, “Let’s hurry to the tea room.”
6
Wenyen could not refuse Xia Xiao Qiao, so he took her to the tea room to stir-fry tea leaves.
Xiao Qiao said, “This wok is so big!”
Wenyen said, “This is the wok for stir-frying tea.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Wow! Such a big spatula! Do you need such a big spatula for cooking?”
Wenyen said, “Silly, this is a spatula for stir-frying tea. A big wok of course needs a big spatula.”
Xiao Qiao watched Wenyen stir-fry the tea and then clamored to try it herself: “Can I try stir-frying it?”
Wenyen said, “You don’t know how to do this.”
Unconvinced, Xiao Qiao said, “Who says I can’t? Give me the spatula.”
Wenyen said, “Don’t burn it.”
Xiao Qiao said, “I won’t! Don’t worry.”
Wenyen said, “You have to stir evenly in the same direction. You’re moving too slowly—like this it will burn.”
After hearing Wenyen say this, Xiao Qiao sped up, but the tea leaves scattered all over the floor.
Wenyen said, “You’ve stirred all the tea out of the wok. I think you’d better rest; I’ll do it.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Oh, alright.”
Xiao Qiao’s clumsy “help” only made things worse, leaving Wenyen both amused and exasperated. After handing the spatula back to him, she secretly shook her sore hand.
At noon, Laichun prepared a table full of dishes to entertain Xiao Qiao and the driver.
Laichun said, “The meal is ready. Come quickly to eat. Xiao Qiao, call your driver to join us.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Alright, I’ll go call him.”
7
Laichun said, “Xiao Qiao and this driver, in our home we usually just have simple meals, nothing special to serve you. Please don’t mind.”
Without waiting for the driver to speak, Xiao Qiao immediately responded, “Mother Laichun, you don’t need to be so polite. I’ve never eaten any of these dishes before; they look delicious.”
After speaking, Xiao Qiao began picking up food and eating, praising as she ate: “Mother Laichun, what dish is this? It’s so delicious! I’ve never eaten anything this good.”
Laichun said, “This is a kind of wild vegetable called crown daisy.”
At the dining table, Xiao Qiao sweetly praised the cooking skills of Laichun and Zhou Tianmei, delighting both mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.
Laichun said, “Oh my, Xiao Qiao, you really know how to talk.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Mother Laichun, everything I said is true. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Uncle Ashun.”
The driver, Uncle Ashun, followed Xiao Qiao’s lead and said, “Yes, it’s very delicious.”
Zhou Tianmei said happily, “If it tastes good, eat more.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Okay. Classmate Wenyen, last time you mentioned something about setting shrimp traps. Can you take me to see them later?”
Wenyen suddenly remembered and said, “Oh right, I set the shrimp traps yesterday and haven’t gone to collect them yet.”
Laichun said, “Wenyen, then you just take Xiao Qiao to collect them.”
Wenyen said, “Oh!”
8
After the meal, Wenyen took Xiao Qiao to the stream to collect the shrimp traps. He took off his cloth shoes, rolled up his pant legs, and prepared to go into the stream. Seeing the stream water, Xiao Qiao was very excited and wanted to go in and play as well, so she took off her shoes and socks and set them aside.
Xiao Qiao said, “I’ll go with you.”
Wenyen said, “Some stones in the stream have moss and are very slippery. If you’re not careful, you could easily fall. Just sit here.”
Wenyen pointed to a large rock by the stream.
Xiao Qiao said, “Oh!”
Wenyen walked into the stream, while Xiao Qiao, feeling bored, watched him and kicked the water with her feet.
Wenyen quickly retrieved the shrimp traps and returned to the bank. When he poured the shrimp from the traps into a wooden bucket, Xiao Qiao was astonished.
Xiao Qiao asked, “Can you really catch shrimp with this small trap?”
Wenyen casually grabbed a handful of river shrimp and asked, “Don’t these look like shrimp?”
Xiao Qiao said, “That’s not what I meant. I just think it’s amazing that you can catch shrimp with such a small trap, and they don’t escape.”
Wenyen said, “What’s so amazing about that?”
Wenyen stuffed bait into the shrimp traps one by one. Xiao Qiao squatted by the bank, watching curiously, and asked, “Then tell me, why don’t the shrimp escape?”
Wenyen said, “As long as shrimp smell the sweet potato, they will crawl into the trap. When they try to get out, the exit is higher and the opening is small, so it’s not easy to escape. If there are enough shrimp in the stream, we can catch a lot to add to our meals.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Wow! That’s amazing. I’ll help too.”
Xiao Qiao picked up a lump of soft mashed sweet potato and put it into the trap, but Wenyen quickly stopped her.
Wenyen said, “That’s not how you put in the mashed sweet potato.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Why not? Didn’t you do it the same way?”
Wenyen said, “You have to press the mashed sweet potato firmly and squeeze out the moisture. Otherwise, it will easily dissolve in the stream water. Do you understand?”
Xiao Qiao said, “Oh, I didn’t know there was so much to it.”
Wenyen stood up holding the shrimp trap.
Xiao Qiao asked, “Where are you going?”
Wenyen said, “To set the traps. Wait here.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Oh!”
9
Liao Yutang and his younger sister Liao Yuhui came to look for Yu Wenyen.
Yutang said, “Auntie, we’re looking for Wenyen.”
Laichun said, “Wenyen isn’t here. He took Xiao Qiao to the stream to collect shrimp traps.”
Yutang said, “Xiao Qiao? Oh, when did she come?”
Laichun said, “She came this morning. You can go to the stream to find him.”
Yutang said, “Alright, I know. Little sister, let’s go.”
Yuhui said, “Oh.”
Yuhui felt a twinge of jealousy and thought, “Brother, isn’t that Xiao Qiao Bao Feng’s classmate? Why would she come to see Brother Wenyen?”
Yutang said, “How would I know?”
Chen Bao Feng also happened to be looking for Wenyen and ran into Liao Yutang and Liao Yuhui at the door: “Yutang, Yuhui, you’re here to find Wenyen?”
Yutang said, “Yes, but he’s not at home.”
Bao Feng asked, “Not at home? Where would he go?”
Yuhui said, “Auntie Laichun said he took your classmate Xiao Qiao to the stream to collect shrimp traps.”
Bao Feng asked in surprise, “Xiao Qiao? How could that be? She didn’t tell me she was coming.”
Bao Feng thought to herself, “Xia Xiao Qiao came to find Wenyen on her own and didn’t even tell me. That’s really inconsiderate.”
Bao Feng turned to leave, but Liao Yuhui called out to her, “Sister Bao Feng, where are you going?”
Bao Feng said, “I’m going to the stream to find Wenyen.”
Yuhui said, “I’ll go with you.”
Bao Feng said, “Mm.”
Liao Yutang had no time to react. Watching Chen Bao Feng and Liao Yuhui run off together, he stood there stunned and muttered to himself, “You two… what is going on now?”
10
Bao Feng took Yuhui to the stream to find Yu Wenyen and Xia Xiao Qiao.
Bao Feng shouted loudly, “Wenyen!”
Wenyen was just about to walk back to the bank. When he saw Bao Feng and Yuhui, he was very happy, completely unaware that the three girls were secretly competing with one another.
Yuhui said, “So you really are here.”
Bao Feng said, “Xiao Qiao, why didn’t you come find me when you came to Lukou?”
Xiao Qiao said, “I thought you might be busy, so I came to find Wenyen first.”
Bao Feng thought to herself, “You’re trying to get close to Wenyen—I don’t even need to think to know that—and you still try to deceive me. Honestly. And I even treated you as a good sister.”
Wenyen walked over to Bao Feng, Yuhui, and Xiao Qiao. Yuhui squeezed in and held onto Wenyen’s arm.
Yuhui called affectionately, “Brother Wenyen.”
Wenyen said, “I caught a lot of shrimp today.”
Yuhui said, “Wow! That’s great.”
Wenyen asked, “By the way, how did you know I was here?”
Yuhui said, “My brother and I went to your house to look for you. Auntie said you were here.”
Wenyen said, “Oh, then why didn’t your brother come?”
Yuhui said, “Oh right.”
Wenyen said, “The traps have all been reset. I’m going home now; there are other things to do at home.”
Bao Feng said, “Then let’s go back together.”
Yuhui said, “Brother Wenyen, I’ll carry this for you.”
Wenyen said, “Xiao Qiao, let’s go.”
Xiao Qiao was busy putting on her shoes and socks: “Wait for me! I’m almost done.”
11
In the evening, Wenyan brought three young girls home. When Laichun saw that three girls had arrived, she was very surprised and said, “Ah, what kind of situation is this? How did you go out with one and come back with three, and all of them are girls?”
Zhou Tianmei teased Wenyan, “Our Wenyan is very popular with girls. In the future, he can marry a main wife and concubines.”
Wenyan said with an embarrassed expression, “Grandma, don’t talk nonsense!”
At the side, Xiao Qiao felt uncomfortable inside.
Tianmei said, “Our Wenyan even gets shy.”
Laichun said, “Mother, let’s not tease him anymore.”
Baofeng and Yuhui took their leave first.
Baofeng said, “Grandma, Aunt Laichun, it’s getting late. I’m going back.”
Yuhui said, “Me too.”
Tianmei said, “Alright, come again when you have time!”
Baofeng asked, “Xiao Qiao, do you want to go back with me?”
Laichun said, “Xiao Qiao, why don’t you stay for dinner?”
Xiao Qiao said, “Sure! I like eating the Taiwanese dishes cooked by Mother Laichun.”
12
As soon as the car arrived at the house, Xia Xiao Qiao prepared to open the car door and get out, but she suddenly stopped the motion of opening the door, turned back to sit properly, and looked at Uncle Ashun as if she wanted to speak but hesitated.
Uncle Ashun said, “Miss, we’ve arrived home.”
Xiao Qiao said, “I know.”
Uncle Ashun, who had watched Xiao Qiao grow up, understood her personality very well. Seeing that she wanted to say something but hesitated, he spoke first, “Miss, is there something you want to instruct me?”
Xiao Qiao chuckled, then immediately became serious and said, “About going to my male classmate’s house today, I hope…”
Uncle Ashun said, “Miss, don’t worry. I took you to a classmate’s house. As for other matters, I won’t say more.”
Xiao Qiao said, “I knew it. Uncle Ashun treats me the best.”
Xia Xiao Qiao happily opened the door, got out of the car, walked into the house, and after entering, her mother Zhai Jialing asked with concern about Xiao Qiao’s day, “Where did you go today? You disappeared without a trace.”
Xia Xiao Qiao said, “Today I went with classmates to the stream to set shrimp traps, and also went to his house to stir-fry tea.”
Xia Yitiao walked into the living room and happened to hear about setting shrimp traps and stir-frying tea, and became curious about his daughter’s activities today, “Setting shrimp traps? Stir-frying tea?”
Xia Xiao Qiao spoke with great interest, “Today I finally learned how shrimp are caught. The tea we drink is put into a big wok and then stir-fried like this with a large spatula.”
Xia Yitiao said, “It seems my little Xiao Qiao had a very happy day today.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Yes, I think the most fun was setting shrimp traps. I didn’t expect that a small bamboo cage could actually catch so many shrimp. I even ate the shrimp we caught.”
Xia Yitiao said, “Wow! That sounds really enviable.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Next time I will catch shrimp for Daddy and Mommy to eat.”
Xia Yitiao said, “My little Xiao Qiao is truly filial.”
Zhai Jialing said, “A girl should be more proper. Catching fish and shrimp is rough work for men.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Oh, Mommy, don’t be angry!”
Xia Yitiao said, “This is a rare experience. Don’t take it too seriously.”
Zhai Jialing sighed and said, “Sigh! Our daughter has been spoiled by you beyond measure. Alright, you’ve been out all day. Go take a bath.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Okay!”
Xiao Qiao returned to her room but did not immediately take a bath. She opened her diary and wrote in it.
Her mother brought a clean bath towel to Xiao Qiao and saw that she was still at the desk.
Zhai Jialing said, “You’re all dirty from playing today. Go take a bath quickly.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Okay, I’ll go in a moment.”
After putting down the clean towel, Zhai Jialing left Xiao Qiao’s room. While Xiao Qiao was bathing, Zhai Jialing took a stack of clean clothes and came into Xiao Qiao’s room. She saw the diary placed on the table, which recorded today’s trip to Lukou Village to meet Wenyan and go out: “I think classmate Wenyan is a very good boy. His grades are very good, and he writes excellent essays. I thought that when he was at home, he must be very serious about studying, but today when I went to his house, I realized he is really very busy, helping with many household chores, capable of everything, truly amazing.”
Zhai Jialing felt worried about her daughter’s budding feelings: “Time passes so quickly. Before I knew it, my daughter has grown up and her feelings have begun to awaken. What should I do? I must first find out what kind of friends she is associating with…” As Zhai Jialing put all the clothes away into the wardrobe, Xiao Qiao came out after finishing her bath.
Zhai Jialing said, “You always go to classmates’ houses to play and disturb them. How about this—next time you invite your classmates to come to our house. It’s only proper to reciprocate. What do you think?”
“Okay! Okay! I’ll go tell them.” Xiao Qiao was very happy with her mother’s suggestion.
13
Wenyan and his group came to Xiao Qiao’s house to play. After entering the main gate, the group walked along a path filled with flowers and plants. Yuhui was very surprised when she saw Xiao Qiao’s house.
Yuhui said, “Wow! Xiao Qiao’s house is like a castle. If I could live here, that would be wonderful.” Xiao Qiao’s mother was waiting at the entrance to greet them and welcomed Wenyan’s group.
Zhai Jialing said, “Hello, everyone! I am Xiao Qiao’s mother. Welcome to our home.”
Seeing Xiao Qiao’s mother, Yuhui was even more amazed and quietly expressed her admiration to Yutang, “Brother, Xiao Qiao’s mother is so beautiful! She’s like a queen living in a castle.”
Yutang said, “Control yourself a bit.”
Xiao Qiao introduced everyone to Zhai Jialing one by one. When it came to Yu Wenyan, she especially introduced him, “Mommy, let me introduce them to you. This is my classmate Baofeng, and the others are schoolmates. This is Liao Yutang, this is Liao Yuhui, they are siblings. This is Ouyang Mingdao, and this is Yu Wenyan. Not only are his grades good, but he also writes very well.”
Zhai Jialing took the opportunity to observe Wenyan and had a good impression of this gentle and refined boy: “This child looks gentle, simple, and honest. So this is the type of boy Xiao Qiao likes.”
Zhai Jialing said, “You are all very welcome. I have already prepared some snacks for you. Xiao Qiao, quickly bring your classmates inside to sit.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Everyone, please follow me.”
14
Everyone chatted happily and ate snacks in the living room.
Zhai Jialing said, “Seeing everyone chatting happily together reminds me of my student days. I also invited classmates to my home back then.”
Xiao Qiao asked curiously, “Really?”
Zhai Jialing said, “Yes, but among those classmates back then, only Aunt Xiangyun is still in contact now.”
Xia Xiao Qiao said, “What? How could that be? I hope we can always keep in touch forever.”
Mingdao said, “We will. I will definitely keep in touch with Xiao Qiao.”
Baofeng said, “We are the best classmates. We won’t drift apart.”
Xiao Qiao said, “It’s a promise. Wenyan, you too.”
Wenyan smiled foolishly and said, “I will try my best.”
Xia Xiao Qiao felt uncomfortable hearing that and deliberately put on a stern face, asking, “What do you mean ‘try my best’?”
Zhai Jialing took the opportunity to advise everyone, “Xiao Qiao, what Wenyan said is not wrong. Everyone is still young. Even if your feelings are good now, the future is hard to predict. If you have good feelings for each other, I think it is best to wait until after entering university before developing further. That way, it won’t interfere with your studies.”
Wenyan said, “Yes, Mother Xia is right. As students, we should fulfill our duties and focus on studying.”
Mingdao thought to himself, “I didn’t expect Mother Xia to oppose students dating. It’s alright. After I get into university, I’ll pursue Xiao Qiao.”
15
At night, Apao wandered outside and walked near Liao Qingwen’s house. He unexpectedly discovered plainclothes officers in Zhongshan suits entering Liao Qingwen’s home. Apao hid by the window and heard voices talking inside, but he could not clearly hear the content of the conversation.
Liao Qingwen said, “Sir, it’s so late. What brings you to my humble home?”
One of the plainclothes officers said, “According to intelligence reports, suspicious individuals may secretly return to Lukou Village recently. The higher authorities want you to assist in investigating suspicious persons and report at any time.”
Liao Qingwen said, “I will follow all instructions from the higher authorities.”
Another plainclothes officer said, “I warn you—do not conceal these people, otherwise…”
Liao Qingwen said with a forced smile, “How could I? I will do exactly as the higher authorities say and will absolutely not conceal anything or act out of personal favor.”
The plainclothes officer said, “Very good. Let’s go.”
As the plainclothes officers walked to the door, Apao quickly hid in the nearby bushes.
After the plainclothes officers left, Wu Zu let out a sigh of relief, but she could not help feeling worried.
Wu Zu said, “Qingwen, we must not do immoral things again, lest it bring disaster upon our descendants. We still have to live in this village. We must not offend the entire village.”
Liao Qingwen gave a bitter smile and said, “I will act according to the situation. After all, I am now a good village chief in the eyes of the villagers. You can rest assured.”
