Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Tang Qingqing's face was wrinkled with worry, looking like a bun, as she pondered what to do.

"You don't need to worry too much. I have a solution. Would you like to hear it?"

Tang Qingqing's eyes immediately lit up. "Brother, I knew you would have a way! Tell me quickly!"

"We can find another educated youth to teach classes, letting Sun Qin handle subjects like music."

Tang Qingqing's face fell again, changing rapidly:

"I've already brought this up with the principal. The principal said our brigade has too few students to justify having more teachers. If we add more teachers, it will be hard to calculate work points unless they don't take any."

"The educated youth I'm suggesting doesn't have that problem."

Tang Qingqing perked up again. "Brother, are you going to be the teacher?"

Among the educated youths, only Zhai Hongyi could afford not to care about work points.

Not only did he receive subsidies from home, but he also received packages, food coupons, and money. Zhai Hongyi himself could earn money.

Although Tang Qingqing had never asked specifically, she could guess that he made quite a bit through buying and selling.

He now sold not just eggs but also sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Just by seeing Wang Heizi walk with a spring in his step, a smile always on his face, and eagerly following Zhai Hongyi every day, even though he didn't love studying, one could tell how much they were earning.

Wang Heizi was easy to understand; if he thought someone was capable, he would respect them immensely. Otherwise, he would cause trouble.

Before following Zhai Hongyi, he was known as a troublemaker in the brigade, which is why he fought with the much younger Tang Xingqiang and formed gangs.

"It's not me; there's someone else."

"Who?"

Zhai Hongyi didn't keep her in suspense: "The old educated youth, Zhang Yabin."

Tang Qingqing still had some impression of Zhang Yabin. He had come to Rongshan Brigade early and was the first person the children who had never left the brigade saw wearing glasses.

Everyone liked calling him "Glasses," even when other educated youths with glasses arrived later.

Zhang Yabin was an introverted person, not particularly outstanding. If not for being the first person in Rongshan Brigade to wear glasses, many people wouldn't remember him.

Tang Qingqing's impression of him was limited to the fact that he wore glasses, and she wasn't clear about anything else.

"Can he survive without work points?"

"He hasn't been in good health. He's fainted from heatstroke several times since summer began. Now he can only do light work and earns very few work points. If he applies to the brigade leader, he should be allowed to substitute teach."

Since he can't do much work anyway, teaching might give him a purpose.

Educated youths are here to be trained, not to risk their lives. Ensuring their safety is important. Since he can't handle the sun, the brigade leader wouldn't dare push him too hard.

"But he can't go without any work points, right? What will he eat and drink?"

"Don't worry about that. His current situation is no different from being idle, and he isn't losing any work points. So being assigned as a teacher won't make much difference."

In the brigade, every position is filled, and there aren't many light jobs available. Many elderly people and children are waiting for assignments.

So assigning Zhang Yabin to a position where he does nothing and then making him a teacher makes no real difference.

"This position is tailor-made for him!" Tang Qingqing was delighted. "But will he be as bad at teaching as Sun Qin?"

"He doesn't have a permanent position, so he needs to prove himself to continue. Although he's not good at manual labor, he studies very seriously. Such a person wouldn't be careless in teaching."

Zhang Yabin hasn't given up on learning since coming here. He brought many books and often reads and studies during his free time.

He was also a candidate for the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers University quota.

Someone who respects knowledge wouldn't allow themselves to spread it carelessly.

Even if he initially struggles due to lack of experience, he won't be as bad as Sun Qin.

Tang Qingqing trusted Zhai Hongyi's judgment and went to see the brigade leader that day with her siblings and Wang Heizi.

"Brigade Leader, let me be frank. Teacher Sun's teaching method is ruining the children. If she continues as the main subject teacher, our children will be doomed, unable to even read!"

Wang Heizi chimed in: "Granduncle, I used to hate studying because Teacher Sun taught so poorly. Now, studying with Zhai Hongyi is fun. I plan to finish third grade next year and move on to fourth grade."

The brigade leader was aware of the situation. The old principal had previously mentioned adding another teacher.

He hadn't expected Tang Qingqing to come forward with complaints and bring a group of children along.

The old Tang Qingqing would never have been so bold or confident, always speaking softly and avoiding eye contact.

Now, she was completely different, exuding confidence and authority without being overly aggressive.

"But I don't have the authority to replace her. She has a permanent position and isn't under my jurisdiction."

Tang Qingqing: "We can have Zhang Yabin, the educated youth, substitute teach while assigning Sun Qin to teach subjects like music."

"That's a good idea."

Wang Heizi: "Granduncle, please agree. If you change the teacher, I'll start school right away!"

The brigade leader glanced at him sharply: "For whose sake are you studying!"

The brigade leader didn't agree immediately. Decisions couldn't be made unilaterally; he needed to discuss with other leaders before making a decision.

Coming out of the squad leader's house, Tang Xingqiang said:

"Big Sis, I'll go find the children of the squad officials later and have them make a fuss too."

Unlike ordinary villagers, most squad officials place great importance on their children's education, sending them to school so they won't be illiterate.

They know that if their children can read and write, they will be better prepared to take over their positions in the future, and there's even a chance they could be transferred to the town if they do well.

The town occasionally transfers personnel from the grassroots level, but only those who can read and write are considered, as they need to understand and write reports.

Tang Qingqing praised him: "You've thought this through. This tough task is yours then."

Tang Xingqiang stood at attention: "I guarantee to complete the mission!"

Before long, the squad's discussion concluded, agreeing to let Zhang Yabin teach at the primary school.

He would teach the main subjects for the first, second, and third grades, while Sun Qin would handle the supplementary subjects for all grades.

The reason given was that Zhang Yabin was not in good health, and handling all supplementary subjects would be too stressful, so teaching a group of young children would be less demanding.

Having an additional teacher means that when classes are held for other grades, Sun Qin can take the students not in class to other places for supplementary subjects.

Supplementary subjects don't necessarily need to be taught in the classroom; they can be conducted elsewhere.

Initially, Sun Qin was dissatisfied with this arrangement, despite it being more relaxed.

She could simply take a group of children outside and let them play freely.

If it rained, she wouldn't have to teach at all.

But as a tenured teacher, being assigned to teach supplementary subjects left a bitter taste in her mouth.

After a long period of persuasion by the old principal, she finally accepted the arrangement, though she came to school every day looking even more sullen.

Zhang Yabin, on the other hand, was delighted. His health wasn't so poor that he couldn't move, but he couldn't withstand the sun.

Not being able to work made him feel deeply frustrated.

Now that he could become a teacher, it was perfect.

He wouldn't feel useless and could do what he loved.

On his first day of teaching, Zhang Yabin's voice trembled.

Tang Xingqiang told Tang Qingqing, laughing so hard he couldn't stand straight:

"Teacher Zhang's legs were shaking during his first class."

Tang Qingqing was more concerned about something else: "How did he teach?"

"He taught very well, just a little bit worse than you."

"Really?"

Tang Qiaoqiao also affirmed: "Teacher Zhang's lessons are interesting. He tells us stories about each character, and I get so engrossed that I want to learn more characters to hear more stories."

Tang Xingsheng added: "Those stories helped me remember the characters better, and I won't mix them up anymore."

When teaching arithmetic, he used examples from everyday life to make things more intuitive.

Hearing such positive feedback, Tang Qingqing felt relieved. Although she didn't know how long Zhang Yabin would stay, at least for now, she didn't have to worry about new students being scared away by dull teaching methods.

Tang Qiaoqiao sighed: "It would be great if Teacher Zhang taught us all the time."

Everyone agreed, unaware that this wish would come true, as Sun Qin would never return to teach again.

One morning, she was found murdered in her home.

That day, Tang Qingqing and Tang Qiaoqiao woke up early as usual, ate the steamed buns and pickles prepared by their aunt, and each took an egg before leaving.

Since the family split, Tang Qingqing no longer needed to worry about it and directly gave the eggs to her aunt.

Now, both she and Tang Qiaoqiao had a boiled egg every morning, either steamed whole or made into scrambled eggs.

Her uncle and aunt were reluctant to eat them, especially since these eggs were brought back by Tang Qingqing.

Tang Qingqing didn't insist, as her current financial situation wasn't particularly good, and ensuring her and Tang Qiaoqiao's nutrition was enough.

Just as the sisters started peeling their eggs, Wang Heizi rushed over anxiously.

"Qing Sis, hurry and check! Something happened! Teacher Sun was killed!"

Tang Qingqing was putting the egg in her mouth when she heard this news, almost choking on it. It took her a while to recover.

"Who died?"

"Sun Qin, Teacher Sun. Hurry, go see for yourself!"

Wang Heizi pulled Tang Qingqing along, giving her no time to react.

When Tang Qingqing arrived at Sun Qin's house, many people had already gathered in front of the courtyard upon hearing the news.

Wang Heizi pushed through the crowd, shouting: "Make way, please make way."

Seeing Tang Qingqing, everyone instinctively cleared a path.

"Qingqing, you must find out who did this!"

No one doubted Tang Qingqing's abilities anymore. Everyone believed she was capable and could catch the criminal.

Aunt Gui Hua was worried and said, "I heard it's all bloody inside. Qing'er, why don't you wait for the police to come and clean up the scene before going in?"

Tang Qingqing thanked Aunt Gui Hua for her concern but still went inside.

To prevent the scene from being tampered with, the team leader had the courtyard gates closed early on, not allowing anyone to enter or leave.

No one was quite sure what the situation was inside.

According to the neighbors, they were about to go to work when they heard screams coming from the Miao family, shouting, "Murder! Someone has been killed!"

"We ran over as soon as we heard the commotion. Oh my God, the scene was terrible! It was covered in blood; I was so scared my legs turned to jelly."

"I came a little later. Knowing it was a murder, I didn't dare rush in. Don't think I'm cowardly; I just didn't want to mess up the crime scene for Qingqing's investigation."

Tang Qingqing's reputation soared, becoming the pride of Rongshan Brigade.

When people outside mentioned Tang Qingqing, no one failed to praise her, which also brought them honor.

To better brag, everyone had some understanding of Tang Qingqing's investigative habits.

Thus, many learned that if anything happened, they must protect the scene.

If they trampled around, they might destroy the criminal's footprints, affecting Tang Qingqing's investigation.

Upon learning that Tang Qingqing had arrived, the team leader quickly let her into the courtyard.

The team leader looked grim, never expecting such a heinous crime in his brigade, especially since the victim was a registered educated youth and a military wife.

If the murderer wasn't found, the consequences would be severe.

More importantly, the entire brigade would live in fear.

"Team Leader, what happened? Is Teacher Sun really gone?"

Tang Qingqing found it hard to believe. Although she did not like Sun Qin and thought she was irresponsible,

she certainly did not wish for her to disappear this way. The loss of a vibrant life had a profound impact on her, leaving her shaken.

The only other murder case Tang Qingqing had encountered was Wang Xianghong's murder.

She did not know Wang Xianghong personally, so while she felt sorry for the young life lost, it did not affect her as directly.

Yesterday, Sun Qin was fine, leading a group of students during an outdoor PE class—essentially playing around. When Tang Xingqiang returned, he complained that despite having many music classes, he hadn't learned a single song.

PE classes were even more nonsensical; each session involved a lap around the field followed by free time.

Unexpectedly, today, Sun Qin was gone, murdered.

The team leader took a puff of his pipe:

"Gone, beaten to death. The room is covered in blood; you can smell it even from a distance."

"How... how could this happen? How could someone just disappear like that?"

Seeing Tang Qingqing's pale face, the team leader said, "Qing'er, the scene is gruesome. Why don't you stay out of this case?"

Even he, a grown man, felt uncomfortable at the sight and needed a smoke to calm down.

Tang Qingqing, still just a young girl, might have nightmares if she saw the scene.

Tang Qingqing was terrified but couldn't stand doing nothing.

She gritted her teeth, "Team Leader, I can handle it."

"Still, take your time. Wait for the police to arrive first."

Tang Qingqing nodded. Though eager to examine the scene, she needed to prepare herself mentally.

The local police station arrived swiftly. Chief Zhang, without exchanging pleasantries, called for the investigators to prepare for the investigation.

Seeing Tang Qingqing, he said, "Don't rush in yet. Let me check the situation first."

Chief Zhang, after taking protective measures, led the investigators into the room where Sun Qin lived.

The Miao family had three rooms: the main house and two side rooms. Sun Qin lived in the west side room, while the main house was occupied by Old Man Miao and Old Lady Zhang. The east side room was where the accountant, Miao [X], and his family resided.

Since Sun Qin's husband, Miao Xiaohui, was away serving in the military, she lived alone in the west side room.

Old Man Miao and Old Lady Zhang had five sons and two daughters. The other three sons had their own households, and both daughters were married, with the elder daughter living in Rongshan Brigade and the younger daughter nearby, often visiting.

Miao Xiaohui's absence made it inconvenient and unsafe for Sun Qin to live separately, so the family remained together.

The person who discovered Sun Qin's body was Miao the Accountant's eldest daughter, Miao Shuixiu, who was about the same age as Tang Qingqing. Seeing that Sun Qin, usually up early, showed no signs of movement, she called out from outside.

Initially, she assumed Sun Qin was sulking and ignored her, not thinking much of it.

Later, noticing that everyone had finished breakfast and gone to work, and school was about to start, she grew concerned when there was still no sign of Sun Qin. This time, she knocked on the door, finding it unlocked.

Miao Shuixiu wondered if Sun Qin had gone to work early. Curious, she pushed open the door and was horrified by the gruesome scene, screaming in terror.

Miao Shuixiu was still trembling, held by her mother, Aunt Luhua, eyes vacant.

Wang Heizi was also allowed in but under strict supervision to avoid tampering with the scene, curiously peering inside.

"Sis Qing, do you think anyone would kill Teacher Sun? She didn't have any enemies."

Although Sun Qin's teaching attitude was poor, she didn't offend anyone in her daily life.

After getting married, she always kept to herself, neither interacting with the local villagers nor acknowledging the educated youths.

She had been the subject of much gossip among the educated youths before, especially since they believed she had taken Jiang Pei'e's boyfriend to become a primary school teacher, which made them unwilling to associate with her.

It wasn't until the truth about Jiang Pei'e's case came to light that everyone realized how terrifying Jiang Pei'e was and thought they might have misunderstood Sun Qin all these years. However, by then, their relationship was beyond repair.

Tang Qingqing shook her head. "There hasn't been an official investigation yet. I don't know either."

"Ah, although I don't like her, knowing she's gone still makes me feel strange."

"If you were completely unmoved, that would be scary."

After all, it's someone you knew who suddenly disappeared, and worse, was murdered. If you felt nothing, how cold-hearted must you be?

After a while, Chief Zhang emerged.

"Chief Zhang, how is the situation?"

"The victim had blunt force trauma to the head, which seems to be the cause of death. No weapon was found at the scene."

Chief Zhang looked at Tang Qingqing. "You should stay out of this case."

Sun Qin's head was smashed in, and even Chief Zhang, a seasoned man, found it nauseating and horrifying. If Tang Qingqing saw it, she might have nightmares for a long time.

Tang Qingqing struggled but didn't want to back down.

Chief Zhang added, "We'll investigate first. If we find no leads, you can step in. The scene is too gruesome. You're too young, and if I bring you there and you get traumatized, I can't bear that responsibility."

Wang Heizi, though very curious, also advised after seeing Miao Shuixiu's frightened state:

"Sister Qing, let's not tempt fate. If we can't solve it, you can step in later."

Tang Qingqing ultimately heeded the advice and did not get involved right away.

With a murder case involving a special victim, the Public Security Bureau would send a dedicated team to investigate and take Sun Qin's body for an autopsy, making it easier to uncover the truth.

Leaving the Miao residence, the crowd outside also heard Chief Zhang's words and became even more curious.

How terrible could the scene be if they wouldn't even let Tang Qingqing investigate?

Who had Sun Qin offended to deserve such a brutal fate?

What about the Miao family? Living in the same courtyard, how could they not have heard anything when Sun Qin was killed?

Tang Qingqing was deeply worried, wanting to know what had happened.

The captain soon dispersed the crowd near the Miao residence to go to work.

While working, everyone discussed Sun Qin's murder, speculating wildly.

"Going to a young woman's house late at night, someone must have wanted to take advantage."

"If someone wanted to take advantage, why be so brutal?"

"Perhaps Sun Teacher resisted, and the murderer feared being caught, so they killed her?"

"Wouldn't it be better to strangle or smother her? No noise, no risk of discovery."

"Yes, how deep must the grudge be!"

Some speculated about the murderer, while others lamented Sun Qin's misfortune.

Many envied Sun Qin despite her husband's absence, childlessness, and strained relationship with her in-laws. She had a respectable job with a stable salary, which many coveted.

Unlike substitute teachers, full-time teachers had higher and more secure salaries.

Salaries for substitute teachers often fluctuated due to local finances, while full-time teachers received consistent monthly pay.

Miao Xiaohui, though rarely home, respected his wife and sent half his allowance to her.

Each time he sent money, he used two separate remittance slips: one for her and one for the family.

This wasn't a lack of trust but to give Sun Qin more freedom with her finances.

After four years without children, Miao Xiaohui blamed himself, citing his infrequent returns and random schedules as reasons. They agreed not to rush having children until he was more settled.

"Alas, Teacher Sun's fate is truly unfortunate, dying without leaving any children behind."

"Without children, it's better; no one to miss her. Though Miao Xiaohui is kind, who knows what will happen in the future."

"I always thought she wasn't blessed, and you called me harsh. Now look, I was right."

"What good does discussing this do? Shouldn't we be concerned about who committed such a horrific act? Is the murderer in our brigade, or just passing through? If passing through, will they strike again?"

Hearing this, all the women shuddered.

Those with large families felt safer, but those with small families feared becoming the next target.

When Tang Qingqing arrived at the school, the first class had already ended. Tang Qiaoqiao came out of the classroom and rushed over.

Tang Qiaoqiao's eyes were red. "Sis, is Teacher Sun really gone?"

"Tsk." Tang Qingqing patted her head.

"Do you think it's because of my curse?" Tang Qiaoqiao was on the verge of tears. "I didn't wish for her to die; I just didn't want her to teach anymore."

"What nonsense! What does this have to do with you?"

Tang Xingqiang also caught up, rolling his eyes heavenward.

"I don't know why she insists on taking responsibility for everything. What does it have to do with us? If we were that powerful, cursing someone would mean they'd die instantly, and there would be no more bad people in the world. Don't take yourself too seriously."

Tang Qingqing added, "Qiaoqiao, don't overthink it. This case has nothing to do with you."

"Sis, I understand."

Tang Xingqiang was speechless. He had been trying to persuade her for so long, but one word from Tang Qingqing made Tang Qiaoqiao believe.

Tang Xingsheng was curious. "Sis, what exactly happened? Why did Teacher Sun suddenly pass away?"

"I still don't know the details, but I heard the condition was gruesome. Chief Zhang asked me not to get involved yet. If they can't find any leads, he'll call me in."

The children all sighed.

This morning's class was particularly dull. Not only were the students distracted, but Zhang Yabin was also frequently lost in thought during his teaching.

No one could remain calm after learning that someone they knew had been murdered. It felt surreal.

With Zhang Yabin joining the team, Sun Qin was assigned to teach auxiliary subjects. She found Zhang Yabin very disagreeable.

Though they never had intense arguments, Sun Qin made no effort to hide her disdain for Zhang Yabin, even insinuating that he pretended to be sick to avoid labor and merely pass the time here.

Zhang Yabin wasn't fond of talking, which was quite different from his usual demeanor in class.

Hearing these remarks hurt him deeply, but he wouldn't argue. Instead, he worked harder to prepare his lessons. When the children's academic performance improved and they grew passionate about learning, all the doubts would become insignificant.

However, he was annoyed by Sun Qin, especially when he learned from the children how she taught and saw the lackluster results of her classes. He felt furious.

Many educated youths aspired to this job, yet Sun Qin, having obtained it, failed to cherish it and was misleading the students, which was truly disgraceful.

But despite the animosity, no one expected Sun Qin to be murdered. The sudden loss of a vibrant person yesterday was hard to accept.

After finishing her morning classes, Tang Qingqing circled around to Sun Qin's house.

The crowd had thinned out. Though everyone was concerned, they couldn't neglect their work.

The elderly watched from afar, wary of getting too close due to superstitions about evil spirits.

The Miao family members were under control, still confined within their courtyard.

"Tang Qingqing: Chief Zhang, any leads?"

Chief Zhang shook his head and sighed. "The murderer was very cautious. There's no trace left at the scene, not even a footprint or fingerprint. We're waiting for the investigators from the commune to see if they can find anything."

Tang Qingqing gestured towards the main house where the Miao family was.

"Could it be related to them?"

Chief Zhang whispered, "We're not sure yet. Yesterday, Accountant Miao went to his wife's family for a wedding and slept soundly, hearing nothing. His wife stayed overnight at her family's place and returned early this morning.

The elderly couple is hard of hearing and didn't notice anything unusual. As for the four younger ones, they also claimed to hear nothing."

Tang Qingqing glanced at the surrounding walls. The Miao family's courtyard was built with stone, though not very high, about 1.7 meters tall.

"The murderer must have climbed over the wall, right?"

"Yes, I found some scraping marks at the corner of the wall, but no footprints nearby."

Tang Qingqing became excited. "Where? Let me see."

Chief Zhang led her to the corner. "Here. This criminal was clearly prepared. The ground was cleaned, and if I hadn't been vigilant, I wouldn't have noticed the entry point."

Upon inspection, Tang Qingqing confirmed the ground had indeed been cleaned.

The recent sunny weather had dried the ground, making it easy to erase footprints by simply brushing off the dust.

"This seems like a seasoned criminal. Have they committed crimes before?"

Chief Zhang nodded. "It's highly likely. During our investigation, we'll focus on this possibility. The murderer is skilled at evading detection and extremely ruthless."

First-time offenders usually panic and wouldn't act with such meticulousness and brutality.

"From the scene, it appears Sun Qin was assaulted before her death. The force of the injuries indicates an adult male killed her."

Her skull was crushed, which requires significant strength and viciousness.

The attacker's aim was precise, targeting her head deliberately.

Though Chief Zhang didn't let Tang Qingqing see the scene, he didn't shy away from describing it, hoping to help her adjust gradually.

"This is too cruel. Did Teacher Sun know the murderer? They must have had a deep grudge."

"If only it were that simple."

"Why?"

"If it's a serial killer on the loose, not only your Rongshan Brigade but the entire commune will live in fear until the murderer is caught."

Her methods were swift, accurate, and ruthless, and she possessed anti-detection capabilities, making it hard not to suspect that this wasn't her first time.

This person had some understanding of the Miao family, which is why she immediately entered Sun Qin's room instead of any other.

Not only that, but Sun Qin's room was also ransacked, and the money hidden at the bottom of the chest was stolen.

The Miao family didn't know exactly how much money Sun Qin had, but it was certainly not little.

After all, Sun Qin not only had her own salary but also her husband's allowance, and since they usually stayed in the brigade, there weren't many expenses.

At the very least, Sun Qin must have saved several hundred dollars over the years, and having over a thousand wouldn't be surprising.

Currently, it can be deduced that the murderer came not only for rape and murder but also for robbery.

As for which was the main objective or whether this was planned from the start, remains unknown.

"Such a murderer is very difficult to track down; once they run, they vanish without a trace, and they will likely continue committing crimes."

Anyone who encounters such a criminal would feel a thorn in their heart until the case is solved and the perpetrator caught.

"There haven't been any strangers entering our brigade recently."

"If these are experienced criminals, they don't need to conduct investigations to pinpoint their targets."

The Miao family's house stands out in the entire brigade. For ordinary families, who could afford stone walls? The eldest uncle's house still has a fence.

If this is a series of crimes committed by roaming criminals, the likelihood of them being targeted is high.

Why they specifically chose the west wing instead of the main house, where more items are usually stored, is currently unclear.

"Chief Zhang, I'll look around nearby to see if I can find any clues."

"You should eat something first, then come back later."

Tang Qingqing also felt hungry. This year, she ate significantly more than last year, and her stomach seemed to empty quickly.

A fist-sized white steamed bun used to be enough, but now she could easily eat two.

Tang Qingqing now drinks goat's milk like water because Zhai Hongyi said it helps with calcium intake.

She is growing faster this year, and her legs often ache at night.

She heard this is a sign of growth and takes it very seriously.

Tang Qingqing is not satisfied with her current height; another ten centimeters would be great.

"Chief Zhang, you've worked hard all morning. Why don't you join me for lunch at Master's place?"

Chief Zhang waved his hand: "I have plans, and I need to wait here for the commune representatives."

Tang Qingqing didn't insist further. Old Liu's place is far, and Chief Zhang wouldn't want to waste time traveling back and forth.

Arriving at Master's place, Zhai Hongyi had already started steaming the buns and prepared the vegetables, waiting for Tang Qingqing to cook.

Tang Qingqing's cooking skills are excellent, and everyone enjoys her meals.

If Zhai Hongyi returns early, he prepares the ingredients ahead of time so she can just start cooking when she gets home.

This way, they can eat quickly without waiting too long.

Cooking is an easy and enjoyable task for Tang Qingqing, but preparing the ingredients is tiring.

For ordinary home-cooked dishes, preparation time is often longer than cooking time.

Zhai Hongyi often takes on this task, which makes Tang Qingqing particularly happy and increases her enthusiasm for cooking.

"How is Sun Qin's case progressing?"

Tang Qingqing sighed: "No leads yet. According to Chief Zhang, it seems likely to be a series of crimes committed by roaming criminals. The murderer could be hiding anywhere, causing everyone to be on edge."

The militia has been organized to patrol at night.

Zhai Hongyi frowned slightly: "Next time you come here, wait for me no matter what happens. If you can't find me, go straight home."

The journey from the village to here is long, and if the murderer is hiding along the way, Tang Qingqing would be in great danger.

Although Wang Heizi was with her today, and he is tall and has been learning military boxing from Zhai Hongyi, he is still young and lacks strength. Against an adult male, especially a criminal, he wouldn't stand much of a chance.

He would struggle to save himself, let alone Tang Qingqing.

This time, it was his oversight. With such a serious crime, he should have picked up Tang Qingqing.

"Okay." Tang Qingqing listened to advice and was used to working as a team, so she didn't find anything wrong with it.

"You should also be careful. You've earned a lot of money, and people might guess. Since you live far away, you're an easy target."

The more Tang Qingqing thought about it, the more worried she became. Zhai Hongyi is quite capable, and although he isn't growing as fast anymore, he has started to bulk up, unlike before when he was skinny.

But facing such a violent criminal would still be dangerous, especially during a surprise attack at night when reactions are slower.

"I'll move in tonight and sleep with the old man."

Old Liu, who was weaving a wicker basket, looked disgusted: "Remember to wash your feet well tonight, don't stink up my bed."

Zhai Hongyi blushed: "Old man, I don't have smelly feet, and I wash them every day! I take a shower every day!"

Zhai Hongyi is someone who pays attention to cleanliness. In the summer, he bathes every day, and even in winter, he bathes frequently.

Due to his excessive cleanliness and meticulousness, some people have criticized him for having a bourgeois attitude.

Of course, this is just the talkative ones who can't stand it. In communal living, who wouldn't want a clean roommate?

The female educated youths also have a good impression of Zhai Hongyi, who often appears indifferent. Who doesn't like a clean, good-looking man with a decent family background?

His cold demeanor towards others is because he doesn't consider them his own. If you win him over, he won't be like that anymore.

"If it weren't for the smell, why would he bathe every day?"

Zhai Hongyi glared, "Old man, what kind of twisted logic is that!"

"Master, you should learn from him. Don't always slack off. Don't think I don't know why you say that; it must be because my brother often forces you to take a bath, and you're resentful, so you're deliberately framing him."

Old Liu isn't perfect either. Every time he's asked to take a bath, it's like dragging him to the gallows.

Tang Qingqing used to be accustomed to it and didn't think much of it. The old man, due to his weak health, especially in winter, rarely bathes, at most giving himself a quick wipe, or else he could easily catch a cold.

Not just Old Liu, many elderly people in the village are like this.

But with another set of memories and seeing how much more spirited Old Liu became after Zhai Hongyi cleaned him up, her attitude changed a bit.

Caught in his scheme, Old Liu huffed coldly.

With Old Liu's interruption, Tang Qingqing's nervousness dissipated considerably.