Chapter 91

Chapter 91

When Tang Qingqing returned home, Su Rong inquired about the progress of the mass murder case.

"How did I hear that the Zhang family massacre is related to the elder sister-in-law of Section Chief Zhang?"

Ever since the massacre occurred, the public has been very concerned about this case, wanting to know what kind of person could be so cruel as to commit such a heinous act.

Therefore, any developments were well known to everyone. The news that Zhao Lixiang had been arrested and not released had already spread far and wide.

Although the identity of the murderer was still uncertain, it was known that this elder sister, who had cried the loudest after her sister's family was killed, demanded justice before burying her sister's family, and was the first to discover the tragedy, was somehow involved in the massacre.

Tang Jianguo and Su Rong knew Zhang Xingli and had met him several times. Su Rong was also on good terms with Zhang Xingli's ex-wife, thus paying particular attention to this case.

Su Rong was very clear about Zhao Lifen’s situation, especially after the murder, making her even more incredulous that Zhao Lixiang was involved in the massacre.

Now that the case had reached this stage, the involvement of Zhao Lixiang was no longer a secret, so Tang Qingqing nodded and said:

"Yes, she is likely the mastermind behind the entire case."

Su Rong gasped, "How, how could this be possible?! The Zhang family helped her a lot. Without them, she and her children would have nowhere to go, let alone live in the city or send their children to school!"

After the reforms, population mobility increased, but it was still difficult for rural people to make a living in the city.

Especially for someone like Zhao Lixiang, an older woman with two children, it was even harder.

Not only was life challenging, but schooling for the children was also a major issue.

But Zhang Xingli took care of everything for his elder sister-in-law, even setting up a small grocery store for her to run, giving them a foothold in the city.

Though they couldn’t change their rural status, it was a significant leap forward.

Her sister's family treated her so well; she should be grateful, yet how could anyone do something so terrible!

Tang Qingqing took a sip of water and said, "A little kindness breeds gratitude, but too much can breed resentment."

According to Zhao Lixiang’s daughter, Zhao Lixiang was initially very grateful to her younger sister, but gradually became dissatisfied.

It all started with the small grocery store.

The store wasn't large, but its prime location opposite a school meant high foot traffic, earning several hundred yuan per month!

Zhao Lixiang worked hard to manage the store but earned only fifty yuan a month.

This salary was already quite good for many workers, and Zhao Lixiang was initially very grateful, having never earned more than thirty yuan before.

Now, earning fifty yuan a month was something she had never dared dream of, which made her incredibly excited.

She was particularly grateful to her younger sister, often helping Zhao Lifen with cleaning and cooking.

However, over time, she began to feel dissatisfied.

She felt exhausted working every day for just fifty yuan, while Zhao Lifen did nothing and received hundreds of yuan a month, causing her to feel psychologically imbalanced.

Hearing this, Su Rong frowned, restraining herself from cursing, "How could someone be like this!"

On hearing this, Zhao Lifen indeed seemed like a capitalist.

The hardworking worker got a small share, while the idle 'capitalist' took the lion's share, exploiting the laborer's surplus value.

However, the grocery store was funded by the Zhang family, and the storefront was obtained through their connections. Without the Zhang family’s help, Zhao Lixiang, a rural outsider, would have struggled to secure supplies.

Without the Zhang family’s support, Zhao Lixiang wouldn’t have earned those fifty yuan.

Though they were sisters and relatives, why should others bear so much risk?

Now, policies were different, but sometimes unclear.

Moreover, doing business always carries risks.

Currently, the store was profitable, but if it lost money, would Zhao Lifen share the losses? No, because Zhao Lifen was just an employee, not bearing any risks.

While it seemed Zhao Lifen didn’t contribute effort, the capital and networks invested were the fruits of past struggles, just paid upfront, making the later returns invisible.

Their conflicts went beyond these issues. The bullying of Zhao Lixiang’s younger son by Zhao Lifen’s eldest son was another significant trigger.

Zhao Lixiang’s daughter mentioned that her mother felt looked down upon by Zhao Lifen. She wanted to remarry but was introduced to unsuitable matches.

Despite her husband’s capabilities, her aunt didn’t find a good job for her niece.

If she could get a government job, finding a partner would be easier.

If not for this, her own daughter wouldn’t have married someone so poor and foolish.

Zhao Lixiang had previously asked Zhao Lifen to help find a match for her daughter, but the introductions were not good, some even being temporary workers!

This made Zhao Lixiang very uncomfortable, feeling that Zhao Lifen looked down on them and didn’t put effort into the introductions.

Su Rong scoffed, "They only survive thanks to their sister’s family, with rural household registration, yet they look down on others! They’ve forgotten all the help they received! What ungrateful wolves!"

Su Rong grew increasingly angry, "How could there be such shameless people in this world!"

When Tang Qingqing first heard this, she found it unbelievable, but recounting it now, she was slightly calmer.

Having experienced several murder cases, she knew that killers often had absurd motives, but this time, she was still shocked by Zhao Lixiang’s cruelty.

What great enmity could there be to slaughter one’s sister’s entire family!

Tang Qingqing found it hard to understand why Zhao Lixiang harbored such intense hatred. The entire case sent chills down her spine, reminding her of the saying—human hearts are more terrifying than ghosts.

Seeing Tang Qingqing's pale face, Su Rong swallowed her curses and changed the subject.

"What do you want to eat tonight? Mom bought half a pound of pork belly today."

Before Tang Qingqing could speak, Tang Zhenzhen's voice came from the stairs.

"Mom—"

Upon seeing Tang Zhenzhen, Su Rong hurried over to support her.

"Zhenzhen, why did you get up! I told you not to move around; be careful your head starts hurting again."

Tang Zhenzhen clung to Su Rong, resting her head on her shoulder. "Mom, I'm fine now; you don't need to worry so much."

"How can I not worry? That day, you almost scared me to death! You've always been such a good girl, but what were you thinking that day, getting involved in all that!"

Tang Zhenzhen tilted her chin and pouted. "I just wanted to help Dad. With so much money stolen from the factory, I wanted to contribute my share."

Unable to resist her daughter's pouting, Su Rong gently pinched her cheek.

"How can I explain this to you? The art performance is coming up soon. If something happened to you, all our preparation would have been for nothing!"

Tang Zhenzhen only had a mild concussion and could resume dancing after a few days' rest, without affecting the performance.

Su Rong personally went to the Art Troupe to request time off for Tang Zhenzhen, explaining vaguely that she was injured while catching a thief. This heroic act assured the troupe leaders that as long as it didn't affect her mobility, they wouldn't replace her.

Thus, Tang Zhenzhen stayed home to recover, avoiding the daily strenuous training like others.

September was approaching, with only a month left until the National Day performance. The Art Troupe required everyone to stay in the dormitories, prohibiting unnecessary trips home, to focus entirely on rehearsals and ensure a smooth performance.

"Mom, how is the investigation at the factory going? I think this matter isn't that simple."

Su Rong paused. "Don't meddle in adult affairs; focus on recovering."

Tang Zhenzhen couldn't understand why her parents wouldn't let her discuss the matter, preventing her from sharing her 'analysis' and showing off her skills.

Every time she tried to bring it up, she was interrupted, leaving her frustrated. Why wasn't she being told anything after solving the case and helping catch the culprit?

Tang Zhenzhen didn't dwell on the issue and instead asked Su Rong,

"Mom, what are we having for dinner? I miss your hometown stir-fried pork so much. I've been eating bland food these days; my taste buds are dull."

"You, without chili, nothing tastes good. Fine, I'll make it for you tonight."

After saying this, Su Rong remembered she had just asked Tang Qingqing what she wanted to eat.

She had only bought half a pound of meat, not enough for two different dishes.

Looking at Tang Qingqing apologetically, Su Rong said, "Qingqing, how about having the hometown stir-fried pork tonight?"

Seeing Tang Qingqing's expression change, Tang Zhenzhen quickly said, "Mom, let's see what Sister wants. I've had plenty of good things before; her preferences are more important. I can eat anything."

Tang Qingqing raised an eyebrow. "Then let's have braised pork."

Tang Zhenzhen's eyes flickered. "Mom, then let's have braised pork. It doesn't matter if I don't eat spicy food."

Caught between her daughters, Su Rong was unsure what to do. Both were precious to her.

"I'm going upstairs to read."

Tang Qingqing went upstairs, ignoring the ensuing discussion.

Su Rong looked apologetically at Tang Zhenzhen. "Next time I buy pork belly, I'll make the stir-fried pork for you."

"Mom, don't worry about me; Sister's happiness is most important."

"Nonsense! You're both my daughters; I won't favor one over the other. We still have meat coupons; tomorrow, I'll make sure you get pork belly."

Though Tang Jianguo was the factory director, he couldn't have meat every day either. They got it only a few times a week, which was already better than many families.

Many people could only afford meat twice a month due to its high cost and the need for coupons. Even then, it wasn't always available.

Especially for choice cuts like pork belly or fatty meat, one had to queue early to get any.

Tang Zhenzhen tugged on Su Rong's arm. "Mom, you love me the most; you're the best mom in the world."

Hearing their conversation faintly from upstairs, Tang Qingqing pursed her lips and closed the door, blocking out the noise.

She had no interest in competing for attention or engaging in pointless rivalry with Tang Zhenzhen.

In the book, Su Rong doted particularly on the protagonist, driven by maternal love and guilt for leaving her child in the countryside for the first four years.

While Su Rong seemed overly controlling at times, she genuinely cared for the protagonist, fulfilling her needs whenever possible.

Like many parents, they believed their life experience made them better judges of what was good for their children, often overlooking their psychological needs.

After her fate changed, Tang Qingqing's thoughts diverged from those of the protagonist in the book.

She couldn't follow Su Rong's arrangements like the protagonist, especially after the previous harm she endured, making it difficult for her to be close to Su Rong.

This distance was best, allowing Su Rong to respect her wishes.

Behind Su Rong's gentleness lay a strong-willed nature, making it hard to avoid control if too close.

As for Tang Zhenzhen, Tang Qingqing felt somewhat disappointed.

In the past, although her heart was wicked, she was also an extremely clever and capable person.

Now, whether for favoritism or laziness, she stubbornly stayed at home for such a long time even after being promised that her role wouldn't be changed.

Her injury had long healed; her steps were steady, and when no one was around, she was lively and energetic. However, in front of others, she pretended to be weak.

Tang Zhenzhen thought no one knew about her pretense, but Tang Qingqing had long seen through it from her gait and footprints.

Eating and drinking without exercising is a big taboo for a dancer.

The saying "a minute on stage takes ten years off stage" isn't just for show.

One day without practice, you know; three days without practice, the audience knows.

Even if you're a genius, you can't slack off, or your body will soon protest, and you can't arbitrarily stop training.

Such self-deception merely wastes talent.

These thoughts flashed by, and Tang Qingqing quickly dismissed them, sitting quietly at her desk to read.

She still had many documents to review. Her reputation in Yang City was gradually spreading, and people from various Public Security Bureaus would come to deliver footprint photos, hoping she could provide clues through analysis to help solve cases. This kept her very busy every day.

School was about to start soon, and high school courses would be more challenging, leaving less time for these books.

Two days later, Tang Qingqing went to the Public Security Bureau with the identification results and learned that Zhao Lixiang had confessed.

"Another story of a farmer and a snake."

Shi Pengfei summarized the case with this phrase.

"We investigated Zhao Lixiang's hometown and her former in-laws. Zhao Lixiang wasn't like what many people think. She was always very aggressive since childhood, a strong-willed person.

She was beautiful in her youth and always held herself in high regard. She married into a decent family. However, her bad temper caused her to quarrel with everyone after marriage, offending all her husband's siblings and in-laws. Her mother-in-law was so angered by her that she fell ill and passed away shortly after.

After her husband died, their family's property was taken over by his brothers, and no one stood up for her."

Zhao Lifen, the youngest sister of Zhao Lixiang, was very young when her eldest sister got married, so unlike her other siblings, she wasn't beaten or bossed around by Zhao Lixiang.

Zhao Lixiang's husband's family was relatively well-off in the countryside, and whenever she visited her parents' home, she brought sweets for Zhao Lifen, who remembered this fondly.

When she heard her eldest sister was in trouble, Zhao Lifen couldn't stand it and asked her husband to help her sister.

Zhang Xingli was a quick thinker and had always wanted to open a store.

However, his identity made it difficult for him to do so. Since Zhao Lifen was his wife, running a small shop didn't suit him. Hearing that his sister-in-law needed help, he readily agreed.

After her husband's death, Zhao Lixiang endured much hardship and initially felt grateful to Zhao Lifen. But over time, her aggressive nature resurfaced.

Seeing her brother-in-law's success and her younger sister, who looked less attractive than her, marry well and become a department head's wife, while she remained in a sorry state, filled her with bitterness.

She had previously hinted to Zhao Lifen to find her a partner among her husband's social circle. Zhang Xingli was local, with a father who was a government official and a mother who was a factory leader, making their family quite wealthy.

The people he knew were mostly of similar status.

There were many widowers and divorced men due to special circumstances back then. Zhao Lixiang believed that with some effort, she could marry someone decent.

If Zhao Lifen could find such a good husband, she could too.

Being no longer a maiden did put her at a disadvantage, but she could find an older man.

However, Zhao Lifen didn't take this seriously.

At this point, Shi Pengfei said, "It was her own perception that Zhao Lifen didn't care. Zhao Lifen did try to set her up several times, but she rejected them. Those she liked didn't like her."

The people Zhao Lifen introduced were actually decent, but Zhao Lixiang compared them to her sister's situation and was dissatisfied, thinking Zhao Lifen was being dismissive, fearing she might surpass her.

This resentment grew when it came to her daughter's marriage, and Zhao Lifen's indifference turned to hatred.

"Zhao Lifen's eldest son bullying her youngest son touched a nerve, making her feel they treated her family as slaves."

Zhao Lifen indeed mishandled this situation. In the household, Zhang Xingli had the final say. As a country girl with little education, she had no authority.

People around Zhang Xingli didn't respect her either, which further diminished her confidence, making her cautious at home.

Adults' emotions affect children, and Zhao Lifen's children showed little respect for her.

Especially her eldest son, spoiled by his grandparents, didn't listen to Zhao Lifen, treating her more like a maid than a mother.

When Zhao Lifen's eldest son bullied Zhao Lixiang's youngest son, she tried to intervene but failed, not daring to mention it to Zhang Xingli for fear of being criticized for poor parenting.

Thus, Zhao Lixiang believed Zhao Lifen ignored the issue, feeling disrespected.

This resentment accumulated over time, but the direct trigger for her murderous intent was money.

Feeling resentful about her low earnings, Zhao Lixiang secretly saved 100 yuan each month.

Initially, Zhao Lifen didn't notice, but as Zhao Lixiang's savings grew, Zhang Xingli noticed something amiss and discovered her actions.

Zhang Xingli was furious and threatened to kick her out. Fearing a confrontation with her sister's family, Zhao Lixiang worried her son might lose his schooling.

Seeing her daughter and her boyfriend standing before her, Zhao Lixiang hatched a bold plan.

Taking advantage of having the keys to clean for Zhao Lifen's family, she secretly made a duplicate key and set up a diversion to mislead the investigation.

The law eventually caught up with her.

"She even thought that if the case was solved and her daughter's boyfriend arrested, she could find a better match for her daughter."

Tang Qingqing couldn't help but laugh: "Didn't she realize she'd be implicated too?"

"This kind of person has little legal awareness and doesn't understand the severity of interrogation. They think that as long as they didn't take action and don't admit it, it won't affect them."

Zhao Lixiang had already concocted an excuse, claiming that Zhao Lifen and her husband disagreed with their daughter marrying this man, which is why he retaliated.

However, Zhao Lixiang severely underestimated others. Her own daughter was the first to sell her out, and also exposed herself in the process.

Zhao Lixiang never expected that even after she had thoroughly cleaned the floor and carefully inspected it, finding no traces before calling for help, this act would directly lead to her arrest.

"She's the mastermind; can she be sentenced to death?"

Only the court has the authority to sentence, but Shi Pengfei, having been involved, could guess the outcome.

"She and the murderer will definitely not escape punishment. Her daughter, who knew about the crime but did not report it and may have assisted and encouraged it, will also face severe sentencing. As for the young son, he is too young and unaware of these matters, so he won't be implicated."

"Given what happened, he won't be able to continue his studies in the city, right?"

Although he did not participate in the massacre, it would still have a significant negative impact on him, especially since his family is seen as ungrateful, making people look down on them even more.

No one knows if this ungrateful child will grow up to be just like his family.

"We will send him back to his own home and work with local officials to secure his rightful share of the property, ensuring he isn't left with nothing."

"Although Zhao Lixiang is difficult to get along with, those who took their family's property aren't any better, taking advantage of orphans and widows. What skill is that?"

Even without coming to the city, Zhao Lixiang's twisted values might have led to her downfall, but one thing is clear: the massacre deeply affected Tang Qingqing. In her letter to Zhai Hongyi, she wrote:

"People can be terrifying to such an extent. Every time I encounter such violent cases, I am shocked, unable to comprehend how someone could think and act this way."

The day Tang Qingqing posted the letter was also the first day of school.

Su Rong cautiously asked if she needed company to school.

Tang Qingqing politely declined. High school students rarely needed their parents to accompany them, especially at this school, which was affiliated with the Machinery Plant and very close by.

Although Tang Qingqing had been in Yang City for several months, she wasn't familiar with many of the Machinery Plant's peers. Instead, she had formed friendships with elderly men and women who enjoyed morning exercises.

As she entered the school, she could feel many eyes on her, as if everyone knew who she was.

Some looked curious, others scrutinizing, and some were not particularly friendly.

Tang Qingqing ignored them, more interested in observing their footsteps and postures.

She found her assigned class based on the class list. This year had ten classes, and Tang Qingqing was in Class 9.

Classes were ranked by academic performance, with higher numbers indicating lower grades.

Tang Qingqing was surprised to find herself in Class 9, reflecting that the city's education quality must be excellent. She had been top of her class in the commune middle school, yet here she was considered average.

Despite similar exam papers, the difficulty levels were likely comparable, perhaps even easier in the city.

These realizations filled Tang Qingqing with determination to keep up with her peers.

When she entered the classroom, many students had already chosen their seats.

Most were classmates from middle school or fellow plant workers, familiar with each other, quickly bonding.

With no teacher present, seating was open.

There were no empty seats left, and some tables were occupied with bags.

Tang Qingqing approached a girl with a kind face and asked, "Is this seat taken?"

"Yes... no!"

Tang Qingqing frowned. "Is it taken or not?"

The girl glanced behind Tang Qingqing and hurriedly shook her head. "No!"

Tang Qingqing moved to another seat, but before she could speak, the girl there said, "This seat is taken!"

Tang Qingqing continued walking, facing the same response. Some students lay on desks, indicating they were taken.

Finally, in the last row, Tang Qingqing found an unoccupied seat.

She greeted her new desk mate, "Hello, my name is Tang Qingqing."

Her desk mate was a very plump girl. Tang Qingqing had never seen anyone so heavy; most people were quite slim.

The girl had a round face, and despite being overweight, her bright eyes were not obscured. She looked adorable.

But the plump girl seemed timid, "H-hello, I-I'm Tang Xiaoxiao."

"Pfft—"

A boy in front burst into laughter.

"Tang Xiaoxiao, how can you call yourself 'Xiaoxiao' with your size? Why haven't you changed your name?"

Tang Xiaoxiao blushed, her lips trembling, but she dared not say a word.

"That's the name given by Tang Xiaoxiao's elders. Who are you to tell her to change it?" Tang Qingqing retorted.

The boy saw Tang Qingqing's face and his cheeks instantly turned red. He quickly turned away, not daring to say anything more.

Tang Qingqing, however, wasn't about to let it go and wanted to say something more, but Tang Xiaoxiao stopped her.

"It's okay, I'm used to it. I didn't want to gain weight either. I was sick before, and the medication made me put on a lot of weight, and it's been hard to lose."

Tang Qingqing didn't know how to comfort her and could only change the subject. "Our names are quite fateful. Tang and Tang differ only in tone, and both our names are reduplicated."

Tang Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up, and she smiled happily.

"Right, hehe."

Tang Xiaoxiao was an easy-going girl, with a soft voice and gentle nature. Tang Qingqing soon became close friends with her.

When the warning bell rang, the last remaining seat at the front desk was taken at the last moment.

It was someone Tang Qingqing knew, and upon seeing her, their eyes widened in surprise.

"What are you doing here?!"

Tang Qingqing replied calmly, "I'm here for school."

Chen Zhanshi looked at her, torn between wanting to sneer and wanting to kneel down, struggling with conflicting emotions.

Not until the homeroom teacher entered the classroom did he turn his head away, but he couldn't settle down, constantly shifting in his seat.

To be honest, Chen Zhanshi had gone to see her before, furious, but before he could even explain what it was about, Shi Pengfei arrived.

What does this guy want anyway?