THE WHITE FILES: THE MANY

LIVES OF LU HERUO, TAIWANS

FIRST LITERARY TALENT

Chapter Nine: Lü Heruo Flees with His Wife and Daughter

39

Moonlight spilled across the winding mountain trail. The lush, verdant slopes of Grass Mountain were shrouded in a thin mist, while the chirping of insects and the night breeze blended into a low, mournful melody. The slick mud occasionally glimmered faintly, and dry leaves rustled beneath their feet, as though telling the heavy tale of their flight.

Xiao Dongping walked at the front, carrying a small lantern. Its flame flickered, appearing especially feeble against the quiet darkness of the night. Every so often, he turned to check what was happening behind him. Lü Heruo carried his sleeping young daughter on his back, beads of sweat already forming on his forehead. Su Yulan, her pregnant belly prominent, staggered along with a pale face, gripping the grass beside her with both hands to steady herself.

“Yulan, we have to get farther up the mountain before daybreak so we dont give away our whereabouts. Can you hold on a little longer?” Lü Heruo asked in a hushed voice, a trace of urgency in his tone.

Su Yulan struggled to sit down on a moss-covered rock. Lowering her head, she rubbed her aching calves and pouted. “I... really cant walk anymore... Just leave me here. Dont worry about me.”

“Why would you say something like that?” Lü Heruo stopped and walked back to her. He crouched beside her and gently massaged her calves. His voice was helpless yet gentle. “This is no time to be stubborn. Just hold on a little longer. Well be there soon.”

Su Yulan bit her lip, a trace of hurt appearing in her eyes. “Im not being stubborn... Its just that my stomach keeps cramping. Im cold and exhausted...”

Xiao Dongping turned around, his expression grave. “Brother Lü, let me carry the little girl. Yulan is pregnant, and the fact that shes managed to make it this far is already remarkable. Lets slow down and find places to rest along the way. Theres no need to climb the whole way in one go.”

“You really are... Brother Dongping, thank you.” Lü Heruo carefully lifted his daughter off his back and handed her to Xiao Dongping. “Shes asleep, but she keeps kicking her legs. Shes actually a bit heavier than youd think.”

Xiao Dongping bent his knees and crouched to lift the little girl onto his back. He spoke softly to her. “Be a good girl, sweetheart. Uncle will carry you up to see the stars...”

Lü Heruo reached out with both hands to help Su Yulan stand. Supporting her as they walked, he used his sleeve to wipe the sweat from her forehead. “Well take it slowly. If you feel uncomfortable, tell me right away.”

“When you put it that way, I dont feel so upset anymore.” Su Yulan smiled faintly and leaned against his shoulder. “Dont push yourself too hard, either. Youve been carrying her for such a long way.”

“As long as you two are safe, I can bear anything.”

The night sky stretched deep above them, its stars shining like nails driven into the darkness. Suddenly, several sharp barks rang out in the distance, echoing through the valley.

All four of them stopped at once and exchanged glances. The atmosphere froze in an instant.

Xiao Dongping lowered his voice. “Brother Lü, there are a few houses in the hollow ahead. Should we stop there for a short rest?”

Lü Heruo furrowed his brow and shook his head. “Its already the middle of the night. A place thats too quiet might actually draw attention. I dont want to take that risk.”

Xiao Dongping nodded and partially shielded the lantern to dim its light. His voice remained steady. “All right. Lets go a little farther and see if we can find somewhere secluded in the woods.”

They continued onward. The lantern flame swayed gently, like three hearts wandering through the darkness, beating amid the stillness of the mountains and forest. The night breeze carried the scent of grass and leaves, almost like fate whispering in their ears: they had not yet found safety, and the struggle was far from over.

The sky began to grow pale. The first light of dawn emerged from behind the mountains like a crumpled sheet of paper, its edges slowly showing. The mist had yet to clear, lying in a thin veil over the desolate mountain path and an old traditional courtyard house.

At last, they reached the compound, which had been uninhabited for many years. Layers of fallen leaves covered the green-tiled roof. The wooden doors were weathered and peeling, weeds had overrun the courtyard, and traces of rain erosion were faintly visible along the stone-paved path. The air carried a mixture of damp earth and aging timber. Everything was extraordinarily still, as though even the wind were waiting for them to break the silence.

Su Yulan leaned weakly against Lü Heruos arm. Her eyes were unfocused, her lips cracked and dry. She was so exhausted that she could barely speak.

Xiao Dongping lowered the little girl from his back and hurried over. He said quietly, “Brother Lü, Yulan really looks as though she cant go on. Let her rest inside for a while.”

Lü Heruo nodded, his eyes filled with guilt and concern. “Shes really been through so much... Shes pregnant, yet she still had to cross mountains and valleys with me and endure all this hardship...”

He gently helped Yulan sit down, then opened the small bundle he had brought with him. He took out a water flask and a damp cloth, wiped the sweat and dust from her face, carefully helped her take a sip of warm water, and then fed her a few mouthfuls of thin rice porridge he had carried in a bamboo container.

Su Yulan smiled faintly and opened her eyes. She whispered, “At least the porridge didnt spill... You even thought of bringing all this.”

“If I dont look after you, who else would I look after?” Lü Heruo cupped her cheeks and gently rested his forehead against hers. His voice was firm. “Just rest. Ill take care of everything.”

He spread out the bedding and settled her in a corner of the inner room. Only after making sure she had fallen into a sound sleep did he quietly step outside.

Xiao Dongping was crouching near the courtyard entrance, pushing aside weeds to inspect a water jar filled with rainwater. When he saw Lü Heruo come out, he stood up and brushed his hands together. His tone was somewhat more relaxed as he said, “Although no one has lived in this courtyard house for several years, the roof beams are still quite sturdy. With a little cleaning and repair, itll be perfectly livable.”

Lü Heruo gazed at the old house, overcome by a feeling of having survived a disaster. “Just having a place like this where we can temporarily settle down is more than enough for me.”

The two men rolled up their sleeves and began cleaning inside and outside the house. Xiao Dongping picked up a bamboo broom, while Lü Heruo found some rags and a bucket. Dust rose into the shafts of light as they swept and chatted. They were exhausted, but the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed.

By the time they had more or less finished cleaning the house and courtyard, the sky was already bright. Mountain birds chirped, and the mist slowly began to disperse.

Xiao Dongping wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, “I have to go down the mountain. Within two days, Ill bring up some rice, other food supplies, and canned goods. Youll have to make do with what you have for the next few days.”

Lü Heruo clasped Xiaos hand tightly and said gratefully, “Im sorry to put you to so much trouble, Brother Dongping.”

“Dont say that. Were brothers whove been through life and death together. Looking out for each other is only natural.” Xiao Dongping patted him on the shoulder.

Lü Heruo paused, then spoke with renewed earnestness. “Theres one more thing. Could you also bring me some seeds for fruits and vegetables... and a few chicks and ducklings?”

Xiao Dongping was taken aback. “You... Didnt you say you were going to find a way to flee to Japan until things quieted down? Why are you preparing to farm and raise chickens now?”

“Brother Dongping, Im not sure what lies ahead. Whether I can raise enough money for the trip, or whether Ill be able to get through the port inspections safely, is completely uncertain.” Lü Heruo gazed toward the distant mountain peaks, his voice low. “I have to make long-term plans. Even if I ultimately cant leave, I still need to give Yulan something to do, so she wont spend all day worrying and letting her time go to waste.”

Xiao Dongping stared at him for a long moment before finally nodding. “Youre right. Youre thinking of her in every possible way.”

A bitter smile appeared on Lü Heruos face. He said softly, “I have a feeling that within a few days, the Bureau of Investigation will probably issue a wanted notice for me.”

“Then you must be especially careful and keep a low profile. Dont let anyone discover your whereabouts.”

“I will. Dont worry.”

The two men looked around the courtyard house again. The air still carried the smell of freshly turned earth and wood shavings, but the interior was much brighter now, and the place felt more lived-in.

Xiao Dongping glanced at his pocket watch and picked up his bag. “Id better go. If I leave any later, Ill run into the crowds heading down the mountain for the market.”

“Ill walk with you for a while.” Lü Heruo followed him outside.

“Theres no need. I know these paths very well.” Xiao Dongping waved his hand and stepped steadily onto the trail leading down the mountain. “Itll be faster to take a three-wheeled taxi on the way back. Just take good care of Yulan.”

The mist gradually dispersed, and Xiao Dongpings figure grew smaller and smaller along the mountain path. All that remained was the old house standing quietly and a solitary figure enduring the mountain breeze, silently watching his friend disappear into the distance.

40

The sun hung at an angle above the mountain ridge. Sunlight slanted through the broken roof tiles into the old courtyard house. A few sparrows chirped in a corner, fallen leaves blown in by the wind covered the ground, and the air was filled with the mingled scents of earth and cooking smoke.

Su Yulan slept soundly until noon. She finally awoke to the sound of her little daughters light footsteps. She rubbed her heavy eyelids and sat up. The child was sitting quietly on the threshold, her small back outlined against the sunlight outside. She looked rather lonely.

Su Yulan threw an old jacket over her shoulders and walked barefoot out of the room. A breeze stirred the fine dust beneath the eaves. The courtyard had already been swept clean, with the fallen leaves piled in a corner. A wet broom lay beside the water jar. Following the sound of movement, Yulan looked over and saw Lü Heruo crouching beside a patch of open ground next to the house, using bamboo poles and hemp rope to build a simple trellis for climbing vegetables. Sweat glistened on his forehead, and both his hands were covered in soil.

She paused, feeling a slight ache in her heart. She realized that he had started working early that morning and had not even had time to drink a cup of hot tea. So she went into the kitchen, boiled a kettle of water, filled a basin with water for washing his face, and took a towel from the clothesline. It still carried the warmth of the sun.

She walked over to him, her voice a mixture of reproach and concern. “Why dont you wash your face? Look at you, covered in dust from all that work. The water is warm. I added a few slices of ginger... You should take a break in a little while, too.”

When Lü Heruo accepted the towel, his expression softened, and a tired but gentle smile appeared at the corners of his mouth. He stood up, pressed the towel against his face, and rubbed it vigorously. After exhaling, he said, “It would be such a waste to leave this patch of land uncultivated. I want to plant some loofah gourds, cucumbers, scallions, and eggplants. Theres just enough room under that trellis to raise a few hens. Once they start laying eggs, the children can have some extra nourishment, too.”

Su Yulan walked closer and looked at the freshly turned yellow soil. She asked quietly, “But arent we only staying here temporarily? Didnt we agree that we would be going to Japan soon?”

Lü Heruo gazed at the patch of land, resting one hand against his waist as he murmured, “Im not sure whether well be able to make the trip, either. Every step feels like walking through fog. If we cant leave Taiwan anytime soon, at least well still have this piece of land, and well still be alive. If we grow our own vegetables and raise chickens, we wont have to keep troubling Dongping. That way, we can have something resembling a proper life, and I can at least do right by you and the children.”

Su Yulan lowered her eyes and gently bit her lower lip. After remaining silent for a while, she said, “I understand what you mean. Its just... Im always afraid that this kind of life wont last very long. The people from the Bureau of Investigation are no fools. Even if we hide away here at the foot of the mountain, sooner or later theyll set their sights on us...”

Lü Heruo turned toward her and reached out to hold her cold fingers. His voice was low but firm. “Ill be careful. I wont show myself in public without good reason. Most of the time, well just tend the vegetables in the little garden behind the house. We wont socialize with the neighbors, and we wont let anyone see you or the children. As long as we keep a low profile, we should be able to stay hidden for a while.”

Just then, their little daughter came running over, holding a large leaf in her hand. She asked innocently, “Mommy, can we use this to make an umbrella?”

Su Yulan crouched down and gathered her daughter into her arms with a smile. “Yes. When it rains, Mommy will use this leaf as an umbrella and take you out to catch snails. How does that sound?”

Watching the mother and daughter nestled together, Lü Heruos expression softened for a moment. He took a deep breath and said, “If we could really live such a peaceful life, I would be completely content.”

Su Yulan raised her face to look at him. Sunlight touched her eyelashes, making them glimmer with tiny golden highlights. “I hope things can be just as you say. As long as were safe and can live in peace, that would be enough.”

The morning mist had not yet completely lifted. A mountain breeze swept through the osmanthus tree at the edge of the courtyard, casting mottled shadows across the earth. A few chickens clucked behind the house, and a nearby stream babbled, its surface sparkling silver in the sunlight.

41

Two days later, in the morning, Xiao Dongping came panting up the mountain path with two porters. The porters carried heavy loads suspended from shoulder poles, their steps steady and slow. As soon as they reached the entrance to the courtyard house, they set down their loads. The wooden rice containers hit the ground with a dull thud, and a few grains of white rice spilled from one of the openings, rolling across the blue-gray stone slabs.

The loads also included bamboo cages containing chicks and ducklings. The chicks clucked, while the ducklings quacked and hopped about, flapping their wings restlessly. Several neatly arranged packets of fruit and vegetable seeds were wrapped in oiled paper.

Xiao Dongping wiped the sweat from his forehead and instructed the porters, “Take a rest here. Dont move anything around, and make sure the chickens and ducks dont get loose.”

He brushed the dust from the hem of his clothes and carried the books into the house. At the other end of the courtyard, Su Yulan was crouching beside the well, washing clothes. She strained to wring out the heavy, wet garments, and droplets of water fell onto the stone slabs, splashing into tiny sprays.

“Shidui!” Xiao Dongping called as he walked into the inner room.

Lü Heruo was writing at his desk. Hearing the call, he turned around and immediately stood up to greet him. “Dongping? Youre here already?”

Xiao Dongping smiled and handed him the books, then clapped his hands together. “Ive brought the food supplies, seeds, chicks, and ducklings. Ive left everything over there in the courtyard by the entrance.”

Lü Heruo looked at the supplies piled outside. Surprise and gratitude appeared in his eyes. “Youve come to my rescue when I needed it most. Thank you, Dongping.” He reached out, grasped Xiaos arm, and gave it a grateful pat.

Xiao Dongpings expression changed, and his voice grew more serious. “But theres something I need to warn you about. Before I came here, I noticed some plainclothes agents from the Bureau of Investigation keeping watch at a street corner near the printing shop. Youd better not go back there again. Be careful. Dont walk straight into their trap.”

Lü Heruo frowned and nodded. “I understand. Ill be especially careful... By the way, theres something I need to discuss with you.”

He turned and took out a sheet of paper covered with detailed figures showing the allocation and valuation of shares. “Im considering transferring my shares in the printing shop, or using them as collateral with someone I can trust, to raise money for the trip to Japan. I hope youll understand that I have no choice but to make this decision.”

Xiao Dongping took the paper and studied it silently for a while. Then he looked up, his expression open and sincere. “Shidui, youre in trouble now, and as a matter of principle, I should certainly help you. Its just that I have limited cash on hand, so I cant take over all the shares right away. If you really decide to transfer them to someone else, I wont object. The bond between brothers isnt measured by shares.”

Lü Heruo looked grateful. He brought over an old chair and placed it by the doorway. “Dongping, thank you for understanding. Youve come all this way. Sit down and have a cup of tea. Ill make some.”

Xiao Dongping waved his hand. “Dont trouble yourself. I just had some water on the way here. Theres still work waiting for me at the printing shop, so I can only make a quick visit this time.”

The two men walked together to the courtyard entrance. The porters were already sitting against the wall to enjoy the shade. Several chicks were hopping and clucking inside their cage, and one had poked its head out to peck at a blade of grass beside the cage.

“Once things have settled down,” Xiao Dongping said, stopping and speaking firmly, “I hope well have another chance to work together, make a fresh start, and build our business again.”

Lü Heruo nodded and gazed at the distant mountains. “As long as Im still alive, that day will surely come.”

Xiao Dongping patted him on the shoulder, then turned and headed down the mountain with the two porters. The chicken cages swayed, and the sound of the porters footsteps and the bamboo shoulder poles gradually faded into the distance.

Not long afterward, Su Yulan came over from the well carrying a basket of freshly washed clothes. The breeze gently lifted the hem of her skirt. When she saw the several loads of food supplies and the chickens and ducks on the ground, a look of pleasant surprise crossed her face.

“Did Brother Dongping just come by?” she asked as she hung the clothes on the line to dry.

“Yes. He left only a little while ago. We had a brief talk.” Lü Heruo crouched down and moved the chicken cages into the shade.

“He carried all those things up the mountain from so far away. Why didnt you ask him to sit down and have a cup of tea?”

“I did ask him,” Lü Heruo replied as he continued arranging the cages. “He said he had other things to take care of and needed to hurry back, so he didnt stay.”

Su Yulan sighed, smoothed out a shirt, and hung it on the line. “Hes truly a loyal and honorable man...”

Lü Heruo looked at her, his expression shifting slightly. He said softly, “Thats why we must never let his kindness go to waste.”

Night fell heavily. Thick mountain mist drifted from the bamboo grove into the courtyard, bringing a chill with it. The moonlight was clear and bright, casting faint patches of light through the window lattice. A mosquito net hung over the bed in the bedroom, and the wooden frame creaked softly. Su Yulan sat on the edge of the bed, gently patting the little girls back. The child was half asleep, her breathing steady, her face faintly illuminated by the oil lamp.

Lü Heruo leaned against the doorway, watching this peaceful scene. His face showed both worry and reluctance. He spoke softly, taking care not to disturb the sleeping child. “Yulan, once shes sound asleep, I need to go down the mountain for a while. I have to go to Xuerongs place and bring her and her child back to Fengyuan.”

After hearing this, Su Yulan lowered the little girls blanket and adjusted the mosquito net around her. Then she turned around and said quietly, “You must be careful. The situation is unpredictable, and things are unsettled down the mountain. For the sake of your wife and child, and for our sake, too... you must take good care of yourself.”

Lü Heruo stepped closer and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. His expression was resolute as he said, “I know. Dont worry.”

Su Yulan looked up at him, her gaze trembling slightly. Her voice carried both worry and sorrow. “The little girl is only three years old, and theres another child in my belly who hasnt even been born yet. If something happens to you, we still have so many years ahead of us... How are the two children and I supposed to survive?”

Her voice was hoarse, and both hands clutched his arm tightly, as though she were trying to hold on to the only lifeline she had. Lü Heruo fell silent for a moment. Then he gently took her hands and drew her into his arms.

“Dont let your thoughts run away with you. I swear Ill come back. Ill stay strong and keep living—for you, for the children, and for all the years I owe you.”

Su Yulan leaned against his chest, breathing rapidly and quietly, as though struggling to hold back her tears. After a long while, she finally let him go and murmured, “Go and come back quickly. Please dont leave the two of us here in the mountains, worrying and waiting for you... waiting too long.”

Lü Heruo nodded and gently stroked her cheek. He turned to look once more at his sleeping daughter. Then he quietly lifted the door curtain and stepped into the night, his shadow stretched long behind him by the light of the oil lamp.