Chapter 148

Chapter 148

When Xu Yuqing woke up and went back to work, the entrance was already empty, with no one in sight.

Looking at the empty entrance, she was somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected them to be so willing; she thought Xu Guoying and Xu Guoqiang would still come over.

But this was also a good thing. Holding Liu Ruan's hand, she walked in with large strides, her mood gradually improving.

At that moment, the security guard behind her hesitated, wanting to say something. Finally, remembering Director Xu's instructions, he closed his mouth.

Every family has its own troubles. The young girl is also hardworking. Forget it.

He withdrew what he had wanted to say and watched Xu Yuqing go inside.

On the other side, Lin Chun was still struggling, but suddenly she felt a burning sensation all over her body, feeling uncomfortable, with her vision alternating between black and white, unable to see clearly.

Supporting herself against the wall, she felt anxious, wanting to catch up with Xu Zhilei quickly. However, the more she walked, the less familiar the path became. Eventually, feeling weak, she couldn't hold on any longer and fainted.

The biting cold wind and snow fell together. Unaware of a life quietly slipping away nearby, Xu Yuqing put on her protective gear and started working seriously.

The workload was as heavy as ever. They needed to rush a batch of new tripe canned goods in the next few days, or the canning factory's phone would be flooded with calls.

Once the demand for tripe canned goods was initially met, they could start introducing canned luncheon meat.

Everyone worked busily, each person focused on their task. When the factory bell rang, everyone realized it was time to leave.

It was already six o'clock now.

An afternoon had passed so quickly. Everyone packed up their things, rubbing their shoulders and backs. Though tired, everyone's spirits were high.

"Let's go."

Xu Yuqing called out to Liu Ruan, who had been yawning continuously. Liu Ruan nodded, looking at Xu Yuqing with some concern.

Liu Ruan: "Sister Yuqing, what shall we eat?"

Huh? Xu Yuqing looked at Liu Ruan in confusion. "We'll eat whatever the canteen serves. Are you confused from being tired?"

Liu Ruan smiled awkwardly, shook her head, and closed her mouth, following Xu Yuqing.

Xu Yuqing noticed her small movements and smiled, reassuring her, "Don't worry, I'm fine. You didn't sleep well at noon, did you? Go home early and get some rest."

"Yes! Okay!"

Liu Ruan responded happily.

A large group of people headed towards the canteen. Due to recent events, the canteen's food had improved significantly, no longer serving only fatty meat dishes but also preparing some delicious meals.

Today's meal was braised pork with potatoes and sauerkraut with boiled pork. Although the meat portions weren't large, the potatoes and sauerkraut, soaked in the meat flavor, were very tasty.

Moreover, Xu Yuqing's bowl contained only lean meat.

This was a special arrangement by the canteen.

Everyone was hungry and ate heartily. Liu Ruan, still growing, ate even faster. After finishing her meal, Xu Yuqing watched her eat.

Her enjoyment reminded Xu Yuqing of Xie Junli.

Cooking for such people made her happy.

Thinking of Xie Junli, Xu Yuqing pursed her lips. She hadn't greeted him properly in the morning and wondered if he was still sulking. Honestly, she now wanted someone to lean on.

Perhaps it was because she had been thinking about it too much.

Or perhaps it was fate. Suddenly, the main door was pushed open. Their table was close to the entrance, and the cold wind blew in. Xu Yuqing looked towards the opened door, her heart pounding like thunder, seeing the familiar military uniform and familiar figure walking towards her, almost unbelievably.

She stood up in shock, "How... how did you come here?"

Everyone in the canteen's attention was drawn to them, looking in their direction.

Xie Junli nervously put his bicycle keys in his pocket. Being so perceptive, he regretted coming in as soon as he entered, feeling the intense gaze.

If these were his soldiers, he could have given them a scolding.

His face stern, he looked at Xu Yuqing for help, standing motionless.

Xu Yuqing noticed and smiled, "I'm done eating. Let's go back. Ruan Ruan, go home early. I'm leaving first!"

She waved at Liu Ruan, who quickly swallowed a piece of meat, waved goodbye happily, and enviously watched Xu Yuqing and Xie Junli's retreating figures.

How nice, Sister Yuqing is so happy when Brother-in-law comes.

Watching the two walk away, Liu Ruan couldn't help but smile, lowering her head to continue eating.

Meanwhile, Xu Yuqing and Xie Junli walked briskly towards the door. The moment it closed, he felt relieved, letting out a deep breath.

"How did you come here?" Outside, it was dark, and Xu Yuqing hugged Xie Junli's arm happily, chiding him.

Xie Junli looked worriedly at Xu Yuqing, "Did they come to find you today?"

Her steps faltered, and Xu Yuqing looked at Xie Junli strangely, "How did you know?"

Xie Junli: "As expected."

He had asked Xu Yuqing yesterday, but she had evaded the question, saying she had handled it. Today, he encountered the soldier on duty yesterday and got the details.

In that instant, he couldn't tell whether he felt heartache or anger. He pursed his lips, not speaking.

Taking large strides forward, he held her hand tightly around his waist, unwilling to let go.

He suddenly walked so fast, refusing to let go. Xu Yuqing had to quicken her pace, stumbling as she tried to keep up with him.

Xu Yuqing: "What are you doing!"

Xie Junli still did not reply, continuing to walk without a word. Seeing him like this, Xu Yuqing felt a bit angry but also considered that they were at the canning factory. She held back her anger and took small steps forward, wrapping her arms around his arm.

"Can we talk about it when we get home?"

Xie Junli paused for a moment. Hearing her submissive tone, he couldn't help but soften, reluctantly stopping. "Let's go back first."

However, the journey back was destined not to be smooth.

Perhaps it was fate. Xu Yuqing shone her flashlight on the path while Xie Junli rode carefully, with the most precious person in his life behind him. He was being as cautious as possible.

Suddenly, the bright white light illuminated the road, and in the flickering, it inadvertently revealed a person lying by the side of the road.

Recognizing the familiar clothing, Xu Yuqing widened her eyes. Without time to speak or explain, she jumped off the bicycle and stumbled over.

Her face was turned to the side. Xu Yuqing mustered the courage to look, seeing the blue-purple face—it was Lin Chun. She recoiled two steps, and Xie Junli dropped the bicycle, rushing forward to hold her, covering her eyes.

"Wife! It's okay, it's just someone sleeping. I'll take care of it."

As he spoke, he wanted to send Xu Yuqing home first, but a hand stopped him. Xu Yuqing sobbed in his arms, "That's my mother!"

No matter how much she hated her, Xu Yuqing never imagined that someone who was lively in the morning would end up dead by the roadside at night.

Where was Xu Zhilei?

Could he have abandoned a woman who had been good to him for so many years, leaving her body unattended?

Xu Yuqing could not contain her sorrow; tears streamed down her face, both for herself and for these foolish women.

She wondered what kind of emotions she had experienced before dying. Would she regret it?

Tears fell continuously as Xie Junli looked at the figure on the ground, holding the person in his arms tenderly.

This place was not suitable for lingering. Xie Junli decisively pulled Xu Yuqing from his embrace. "Yuqing, you can cry, but let me take you home first. I'll handle this. No matter what, we'll give her a proper farewell."

Looking at Xu Yuqing with tenderness, he spoke each word clearly, ensuring she understood.

Fortunately, Xu Yuqing was not a fragile person. She wiped away her tears, knowing she could not add more chaos. It would be harder to find help later.

She nodded, "Okay."

Sitting on the bicycle, she took one last look at Lin Chun.

Would you regret it? You devoted your entire life to your husband and son, only to die alone by the roadside, with only me mourning for you.

On the way, she remained silent, resting her forehead against Xie Junli's back until a light appeared before her. She lifted her head abruptly, "Go ahead. I'll go back myself. Come back soon. I'll wait for you."

Xie Junli: "Okay."

Just as he was about to leave, Xu Yuqing tugged at his sleeve, "Don't bother others. Bury her nearby where you can. Don't write our names. I don't want to be associated with her. If you must write something, just put 'Lin Chun,' the spring Chun."

Xie Junli nodded silently, his voice hoarse, "Okay."

The man strode away hurriedly, and Xu Yuqing stood there, bewildered, still unable to believe that such a cruel person could die.

A living person's life had vanished right before her eyes.

It was an unbearable feeling.

She covered her ears, refusing to recall her childhood, and walked back, burying herself under the blankets.

All sounds were blocked out, and Xu Yuqing shed numb tears. How many people had someone like Xu Zhilei harmed?

Thinking of her past life's ending, she clenched her teeth and wiped away her tears.

She could not cry anymore. The events of her past life were over. The current Xu Yuqing was strong and confident. At least she had given birth to her. Giving her a final farewell, from then on, she and Xie Junli would truly rely on each other.

The next day, Xu Yuqing did not go to work. She borrowed a phone from the supply store and took a day off, following Xie Junli to the back mountain.

Last night, he had called Old Yu and some reliable comrades. Few knew about this matter.

They buried her in the desolate mountains, where the soil was hard and nothing grew well. Few people came here, and it was the first time Xu Yuqing had taken this path.

Walking awkwardly uphill, she looked at Xie Junli, "Thank you for all your hard work."

Xie Junli paused, said nothing, and held her hand tighter.

Halfway up the mountain, there was a barely noticeable mound. Xie Junli led Xu Yuqing closer, "Here it is."

Xu Yuqing: "Mm."

She set down the basket, which contained little—just a box of matches and a small stack of bamboo strips.

Kneeling down, she looked at the faintly carved name "Lin Chun" on the wooden board. She lit the bamboo strips carefully and placed them on the fire.

As the bamboo strips burned, the small flames grew larger. Xie Junli stood behind her, watching silently.

After the bamboo strips finished burning, Xu Yuqing looked at the now blackened and gray earth and spoke, "In this life, our connection has truly ended. Thank you for giving birth to me, but next time, may you be reborn and love yourself."

She poured a capful of alcohol onto the mound.

"Here's a final drink for you. I probably won't come back here again. Goodbye."