Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Jin Xiuzhu was taken aback. She had seen it when she was eating, but hadn't given it much thought. She wasn’t familiar with the child Wu Xiaojun and assumed he simply preferred using his left hand. Such people existed, though they were rare.

Now hearing Wang Ling’s explanation, there seemed to be more to the story.

She asked, "I really didn't notice. Did something happen?"

Wang Ling sat on Jin Xiuzhu's bed and sighed upon hearing the question. "It was my fault. That day was so busy that I couldn't spare a moment, so I asked him to fetch something from the military base, thinking he knew the place well and it wouldn't be a big deal. I never expected something would go wrong."

Pausing, Wang Ling's face showed a hint of guilt. "The child encountered someone bullying a girl on the way. In a fit of anger, he chased them away. But after leaving the base, the bullies returned with reinforcements and beat him up again. You should have seen how badly injured he was—blood everywhere, a broken rib, and his right hand not only fractured but also damaged in the tendons. Now he can't even grasp things properly and can't join the army."

"I've never done anything to wrong anyone in my life, except for this child. I used to think he was bad-tempered, but now I realize he's not so bad for helping the weak."

There were many good children around, and Wu Xiaojun, being average and somewhat spoiled, seemed disappointing to adults like them.

Jin Xiuzhu frowned. If it were anything else, it might be manageable, but tendon damage was difficult to treat, especially after so much time had passed.

She said, "That's a pity."

"Indeed."

Wang Ling sighed. "I truly regret it. If I hadn't sent him that day or if he had gone with someone else, this wouldn't have happened. A good child is now in such a state."

"Qian Yufeng and her husband are honest people; they didn't blame me. They even said that without Wu Xiaojun, the girl would have been in trouble. They accepted that he can't join the army. But I feel guilty and promised to keep Wu Xiaojun at the factory and promote him to a full-time employee next year."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. "You did the right thing. Even though they don't blame you, you still need to give this child hope, otherwise, they won't feel better."

Wang Ling agreed. "Since then, the child has become increasingly quiet. He used to be lively and always talked about joining the army."

This made Wang Ling feel even more guilty. "His right hand is inconvenient, and he doesn't have a high education level. His work isn't outstanding either. When he becomes a full-time employee next year, others might criticize him. I wonder if he can handle it?"

"The factory's performance is declining too. We don't know how long it will last or if we can provide him with a stable future."

Thinking about these issues made Wang Ling feel overwhelmed. She wasn't seeking advice from Jin Xiuzhu but just needed to vent her worries.

Jin Xiuzhu remained silent, but Fu Yanyan, lying on the lower bunk opposite, suddenly asked, "Auntie, what about the girl who was saved?"

Surprised by the voice, Wang Ling looked up at Fu Yanyan's calm face and assumed she was concerned about the victim.

She replied, "The girl is fine. She's from a nearby production team, a very pretty young lady studying in high school in the county. She was returning home on a holiday when this happened and was terrified. Later, her family brought many gifts to the hospital to thank Wu Xiaojun."

Fu Yanyan acknowledged with a nod.

Inside, she was shocked. The story of Wu Xiaojun mirrored He Yan's experience in her previous life. He Yan had saved Tang Ying from bullies before his college entrance exam, got beaten up, and ironically received his military academy admission letter after being discharged from the hospital.

This time, it happened a year earlier, and the victim was Wu Xiaojun instead.

Feeling a chill, Fu Yanyan wondered if some events were destined to occur, regardless of who was involved.

She asked again, "Do you know who attacked him?"

Wang Ling thought for a moment. "They were called Zhou Guowen or Zhou Wenqiang, two brothers. The older one had a criminal record for fighting and injuring someone."

"When I visited Wu Xiaojun in the hospital, those two were being taken away by the police. They looked menacing and scary."

Fu Yanyan's heart skipped a beat. The attackers were the same Zhou brothers who had hurt He Yan in her previous life.

She thought that without He Yan and Tang Ying, these incidents wouldn't happen, but here they were, replaying with Wu Xiaojun.

What about Uncle Jiang?

Would his fate repeat as well? Fu Yanyan dared not think further.

Wang Ling continued, "You girls are vulnerable. Don't assume everyone is good. Always travel with someone, avoid going out late, and if you encounter someone like those brothers, you'll be in trouble. You might get rescued if lucky, but otherwise, you could lose your lives."

"Recently, a female worker from the county's machinery plant went missing late at night. Her body was found in the river the next morning. It was terrifying."

Liu Liu's eyes widened in fear.

Wang Ling slapped her own mouth, embarrassed. "Sorry, I spoke too fast. Don't be scared. Just remember, girls shouldn't go out alone, especially at night. You never know who might be a bad person."

Fu Yanyan understood Wang Ling's concern and nodded. "Understood, Auntie."

Wang Ling turned to Jin Xiuzhu. "That girl was fortunate to have Wu Xiaojun. Those brothers are habitual bullies. They thought they could escape, but Wu Xiaojun recognized them. Wu Erzhu works at the police station and caught them. They won't get off easy."

Fu Yanyan reminded Jin Xiuzhu, "They bullied Brother before, and Dad confronted them."

Jin Xiuzhu realized, "Ah, it's them. No wonder they sounded familiar."

After a moment, she suggested, "Wu Xiaojun is a good kid. I misjudged him before, thinking he wasn't as responsible as Daya. If you keep him at the factory, just making him a full-time employee won't be enough. He needs confidence and feels like you're pitying him."

Wang Ling's smile faded. "What should I do?"

Jin Xiuzhu: "If possible, take him under your wing. Give him small tasks to build his confidence and knowledge. Even if the factory closes, he'll have learned enough to stand on his own. With good training, he might become a valuable assistant."

Wang Ling had never considered this. She thought merely making Wu Xiaojun a full-time employee would suffice, worrying only about his future if the factory closed. Though she and Jin Xiuzhu had other plans, they were just ideas.

She decided, "I'll bring Wu Xiaojun closer. If others gossip, let them. This is my responsibility to him."

"If he can't overcome others' opinions, he won't have a chance."

Wang Ling agreed.

—

The next day, Jin Xiuzhu took the three children to the military base. True to her word, Wang Ling arranged for Wu Xiaojun to escort them.

Though puzzled, Wu Xiaojun agreed and helped carry Jin Xiuzhu's belongings.

Before leaving, Wang Ling said to Wu Xiaojun, "Come to my office after you return. I have a meeting in the city this afternoon, so arrange the car and bring the red file from my office to pick me up at the garment factory."

Wu Xiaojun responded blankly.

Wang Ling greeted Jin Xiuzhu and hurried off.

Wu Xiaojun and Jin Xiuzhu went to the dock and then took a boat to the military base. Along the way, Wu Xiaojun stared absentmindedly at the water beside him.

Jin Xiuzhu glanced at his right hand and then gently said, "In the future, follow your Aunt Wang's instructions closely. Do whatever she asks, but don't be too rigid; learn how she interacts with different people. Both speaking and acting are arts that require much learning. It depends on how much you can absorb."

"If you can learn even half of your Aunt Wang's skills, even without joining the army, you won't do too badly in life."

Wu Xiaojun turned to look at Jin Xiuzhu in surprise.

Jin Xiuzhu smiled at him and continued, "I had many misunderstandings about you before. I always thought you weren't as sensible or filial as your sister, nor as clever and well-behaved as my son He Yan. I apologize for that. Xiaojun, last night I heard your Aunt Wang talk about what happened. You did very well and were especially brave and kind. I admire you and am proud of you. Since you can't join the army, let's look forward. There are many professions, and each has its champions. Follow your Aunt Wang diligently and try to learn as much as you can, becoming her capable assistant, someone she can't do without."

As he listened to these words, Wu Xiaojun's eyes gradually welled up with tears.

For a long time after the incident, his mother cried, his father said it was something he should have done, his sister felt heartbroken for him, and Aunt Wang apologized with a guilty expression, promising to make him a permanent employee. Everyone consoled him, saying not to worry, that although he couldn't join the army, he would still be a permanent employee at the textile factory, which wasn't too bad.

But no one ever praised him for being brave and kind, or told him they admired him and were proud of him.

Wu Xiaojun felt a lump in his throat as he looked at Jin Xiuzhu.

Jin Xiuzhu said, "Auntie believes you will get better. Everyone needs to go through many setbacks to grow. The greater the setbacks, the higher the position you'll reach later."

Wu Xiaojun deeply imprinted these words in his mind.

After delivering them to the entrance of the military base, he left. Before going, he suddenly said to Jin Xiuzhu, "Auntie, thank you."

Then he nodded at He Yan and the others and turned to leave.

After taking a few steps, he suddenly heard He Yan's voice behind him, "Xiaojun, I'm also super proud of you. You're a great hero, and you'll become even better."

Wu Xiaojun paused but didn't turn around. After He Yan finished speaking, he raised his left hand and waved back.

His eyes were red, but a big smile spread across his face.

The young guard at the gate didn't recognize them, so Jin Xiuzhu said she was a relative of Political Commissar Zhu and was here to visit.

The guard called Political Commissar Zhu, and soon he arrived, surprised to see Jin Xiuzhu and the others, "Why are you here?"

Jin Xiuzhu smiled, "We came to visit Fang Min."

He Yan and Yan Yan Liu Liu greeted him, "Uncle Zhu."

Political Commissar Zhu greeted them one by one, signed in at the pavilion, and led Jin Xiuzhu and the others to his home.

Jin Xiuzhu quickly said, "Go ahead and do your work; we can find our way."

"No problem, I'll take you there. I mentioned it to the commander when I left, and since it's almost noon, we can have lunch together."

"That would be perfect."

As they walked and chatted, Political Commissar Zhu asked about Jiang Mingchuan's plans. Jin Xiuzhu answered truthfully, "We'll see. He said if there's an opportunity, he'll go back, but it's unlikely to happen anytime soon."

Political Commissar Zhu nodded and then asked He Yan, "Are you preparing for college next year? Have you thought about which school to apply to?"

He Yan smiled, "Yes, I plan to apply to the military academy in the neighboring provincial capital, so I can be closer to my parents."

"Good idea. Spend more time with your family now, because once you join the military, it'll be hard to see them often."

He Yan smiled in response.

Political Commissar Zhu's home was still the same as before. Jin Xiuzhu looked at the familiar stairs and house, feeling a bit estranged.

The children felt the same way, and He Yan commented, "It's been a while since we've been back; it feels different."

"It's normal. Once you join the military, you'll change places frequently. You'll get used to it."

He Yan: "..."

There was nothing more to say, as every word seemed to touch a sore spot.

Fu Yanyan noticed and couldn't help but smile, thinking Uncle Zhu was still the same, always teasing people.

On the third floor, Political Commissar Zhu knocked on the door. Zhang Qiulai opened it, surprised to see him back so early. When she saw Jin Xiuzhu and the others behind him, she exclaimed, "Why are you here?"

She then turned to call out, "Cousin, come out and see who's here!"

Fang Min emerged from the study, surprised to see Jin Xiuzhu and the three children already inside. She rushed over, "Why are you here?"

Seeing Fang Min's actions, Political Commissar Zhu and Zhang Qiulai were startled and hurried to support her.

Jin Xiuzhu guessed their reaction meant Fang Min might be pregnant. Indeed, Fang Min looked a bit embarrassed and explained, "Three months along. My stomach hurt a bit the other day, and they got worried."

Jin Xiuzhu quickly approached, "Sit down and rest. Let me check."

Fang Min obediently sat at the dining table and extended her hand to Jin Xiuzhu.

After checking her pulse, Jin Xiuzhu said, "Have you been taking pregnancy medicine recently?"

"Yes, I went to the Chinese Medical Hospital two days ago, and the doctor prescribed it."

"Good, there's no issue. Just continue taking the medicine and rest well."

Fang Min sighed in relief, "That's good."

Zhang Qiulai loved Liu Liu the most, holding her tightly and unwilling to let go. Liu Liu was practically raised by her, eating the food she cooked since childhood and being close to her, making her naturally biased.

Liu Liu also likes Zhang Qiulai, hugging her neck and pressing her little face against Zhang Qiulai's chest, calling her aunt affectionately and demanding food. She makes a fuss about eating this or that, insisting that Zhang Qiulai make something for her.

Zhang Qiulai agrees to everything and then carries her directly to the kitchen, holding the child in one arm while cooking with the other.

After a while, Liu Liu stands beside her with a small bowl. Whenever Zhang Qiulai finishes a dish, she gives Liu Liu a portion first.

Back when they were still here, Liu Liu often ate first like this. Jin Xiuzhu would say something but never changed it, as Zhang Qiulai spoiled her, letting her sneak food in the kitchen.

Once, Fanfan saw her and cried for a long time, saying Zhang Qiulai favored Liu Liu.

Sure enough, when it was time to eat, Liu Liu couldn't finish her meal again.

Jin Xiuzhu glanced at her irritably but didn't bother with her, continuing her conversation with Fang Min.

Fang Min said, "We hadn't planned on having another child, but since it happened unexpectedly, we couldn't just not keep it. After all, it's a little life. The Political Commissar and I discussed it and decided to keep it. Last night, I even dreamed of my grandparents leading a little girl towards me. I have a feeling this one might be a girl."

Jin Xiuzhu laughed, "That must be a prenatal dream; they're usually quite accurate."

"Really?"

Fang Min smiled, touching her belly, "I've always wanted a girl."

Jin Xiuzhu also shared some family news with Fang Min: Bai Jingzhi is getting married and will be sent off from the capital during the New Year. There's also He Yan's plan to attend a military academy and the dinner at Qian Yufeng's place yesterday.

Fang Min was surprised to hear that Wu Xiaojun couldn't join the army due to his injured hand. She hadn't known about this.

Ever since Jin Xiuzhu left, she had no one to talk to. She spent her days alone in the study, writing. At first, it felt strange, sometimes looking up to speak to Jin Xiuzhu only to realize she wasn't there, which made her feel very lonely.

Before, she hadn't minded working alone, but now that she was used to having company, losing it made things harder.

"The neighbors now have a family of four living next door. They're nice, but we don't really connect. We interacted at first, but later they probably realized I only read books and stopped coming over."

Unlike Jin Xiuzhu, who enjoys reading too, they could talk about similar interests. Now, Fang Min realizes how hard it is to find someone with common interests.

Jin Xiuzhu sighed, "It's the same for me. I live in the city now, and the three kids go to school during the day, leaving me alone at home. When I get bored, I go out shopping or buy groceries, but there's no one to talk to."

The two women looked at each other, both feeling a bit sorry for themselves.

The Political Commissar comforted them, "If everything goes well, I'll be going to the capital this year or next. There shouldn't be any more changes after that. Once Jiang Mingchuan returns to the capital, we can live together again."

Hearing this, Fang Min's face brightened, encouraging Jin Xiuzhu, "Tell your Battalion Commander Jiang to work hard."

She still calls him Battalion Commander Jiang out of habit.

Jin Xiuzhu laughed, "We'll try our best. It's better if he can return sooner."

Fang Min then brought up Bai Jingzhi and Ji Ling, asking about their situation on behalf of the Political Commissar. Last time, Zhu Ying mentioned that both families had agreed, but there were concerns about their jobs and whether they could live together. Both are older, and pregnancy might be difficult. Even if Bai Jingzhi gets pregnant, living alone won't be convenient.

It's worrying before marriage, but even more so after.

Jin Xiuzhu replied, "These decisions aren't mine to make. Jingzhi herself proposed it, and she and Ji Ling have discussed it. They'll explain the details when the time comes."

"In that case, let's leave it at that. If they've already discussed it, there's no need to say more."

Fang Min said without hesitation, then continued chatting with Jin Xiuzhu, asking what preparations she had made. She still wasn't sure what to buy for the children.

Jin Xiuzhu said, "You just come over; you don't need to prepare anything. People say uncles are the most important guests, so you'll sit at the main table."

Fang Min covered her mouth and laughed.

They chatted for a while longer. Fanfan didn't come back for lunch; sometimes he eats at a classmate's house.

Fang Min said, "If Fanfan knew we came and didn't see him, he'd definitely cry again."

Jin Xiuzhu laughed, "Don't worry, you'll see him during the New Year."

Fang Min: "That's true."

After lunch, Jin Xiuzhu stayed for a bit before leaving with her children. Fang Min and Zhang Qiulai saw them off at the entrance to the barracks.

Perhaps thinking about seeing each other during the New Year, Fang Min wasn't particularly sad this time. Since they would be a family soon, they would see each other frequently.

The Political Commissar saw them off at the pier, reminding them to be careful on the journey. He handed them local specialties—dried mushrooms, cured meat, and some sauces—all things Zhang Qiulai usually buys for cooking, now given to Jin Xiuzhu.

Jin Xiuzhu has lived here for several years and loves these foods.

On the boat, He Yan stretched and sighed, "Another parting. Who knows when we'll meet again."

Jin Xiuzhu said, "The hardest part isn't for us, but for those sending us away."

He Yan fell silent for a moment, then said, "When I was little, I always wished to grow up quickly. But now that I'm grown, I'm afraid of growing up."

Jin Xiuzhu patted his head, "No matter how old you get, you'll always be my son."

He Yan grunted, not wanting to continue this melancholic conversation, and changed the subject, "I wonder if Dad misses us. Suddenly, I want to go home, though this place used to be our home too, but it feels different now."

Fu Yanyan interjected, "Home isn't a fixed place; it's wherever your family is."

He Yan paused, then smiled in understanding, "That's right."