Chapter 118: Two in One

Chapter 118: Two in One

"Sister, open the door!"

The newly decorated home of Third Brother Qin and his wife was adorned with fresh couplets. The voice from outside had already lit up the corridor lights of several floors. Inside, the expressions of the people varied. The dim fluorescent light in the corner flickered a few times, resembling a wobbling candle.

The one-year-old niece and the two boys, Rui Rui and Mingming, perked up at the commotion outside, their curious little heads tilting upward. Gu Cheng sat calmly as Qin Yao glanced at her brother and sister-in-law, trying to guess the intentions of the guests outside.

Judging by the expressions of Third Brother Qin and his wife, it was clear that the visitors were not friendly.

Before the niece was born, the Xie family had been very unhappy about Xie Hongni marrying Qin Xuecai and had insisted she divorce and return to the city. What was happening now?

Qin Xuecai said, "They won’t be satisfied until they see for themselves. I'll go and open the door for them."

Xie Hongni's eyes flickered slightly, and she nodded gently.

The door opened, revealing a fashionably dressed young man and woman. Both were dressed in brand-new clothes, the man wearing a watch with a silver dial larger than ordinary watches, its face glinting brightly with each movement.

The couple had brought white-cut chicken and wine.

"Hey, sis, bro-in-law, what took you so long to open the door? We said we'd come in the evening. We couldn't chat with your colleagues at noon, so we must have a good chat with our relatives tonight."

"This pretty lady, you're my brother-in-law's younger sister, right? You're a bit older than me, so I'll call you sister. Hey, sis, you’re gorgeous!" said Feng Minglan, Xie Hongni's younger sister. Her name had been changed recently, taking her mother's surname.

The man next to her was her husband, Li Xi, who stood at 1.75 meters tall, not particularly tall but handsome with a somewhat sinister aura. When Qin Yao looked at him, she thought he resembled the traitorous character from anti-Japanese dramas.

His large eyes and prominent nose were offset by small, round glasses that gave him an unsettling, calculating look.

"This is my husband, Li Xi. We are all relatives from now on," Feng Minglan said.

Qin Yao smiled and said, "I'm Qin Yao, and this is my husband, Gu Cheng. The two boys next to me are my sons."

As the saying goes, one should not strike a smiling face. Despite the overly enthusiastic behavior of Feng Minglan and Li Xi, Qin Yao felt a sense of caution.

There’s no smoke without fire. It was likely that the couple had some request, possibly aimed at them.

Li Xi, with a polite and scholarly air, raised his glass to Gu Cheng. "Brother-in-law, I'd like to propose a toast to you."

Gu Cheng gave him a brief, indifferent look.

...

The atmosphere at the dinner table was strange. Third Brother Qin and his wife spoke little, while Feng Minglan and her husband tried to fawn over everyone, eager to establish a close relationship. They went out of their way to flatter Qin Yao and her husband.

Xie Hongni watched her younger sister and her so-called 'perfect brother-in-law' with a mix of bitterness and disappointment. Feng Minglan had been fortunate to grow up in the city, never experiencing much hardship. Even during the family's most difficult years, it was Xie Hongni who went to the countryside, while her parents faced hardships, and Feng Minglan was sent to live with relatives, never lacking materially.

Now that the family's situation had improved, Feng Minglan had a respectable job and a "good husband." Xie Hongni's parents had praised Li Xi countless times over the phone, constantly comparing him to Qin Xuecai, both openly and behind closed doors, questioning their daughter's regrets.

These words cut her like thorns. She was filled with resentment, originally thinking that with the vast distance between the two families, they wouldn't have to see each other and could avoid the discomfort.

However, a rumor that seemed too good to be true had stirred the Xie family into turmoil.

Now, seeing her sister in person, Xie Hongni realized that her younger sister was not as innocent and naive as she had imagined. Her brother-in-law was even more calculating, which disgusted her.

In the past, she had internalized her parents' criticisms. Xie Hongni had some resentment about marrying Qin Xuecai, but it wasn't that she regretted marrying him. She had hoped that Qin Xuecai could achieve something significant to impress her parents.

Now, seeing her brother-in-law, Li Xi, Xie Hongni became increasingly aware of her parents' true nature. They were extreme egoists.

These people should be sent to the countryside for re-education to reform their mindset. Why should people be divided into different classes? They considered themselves superior, looking down on others, despising those country bumpkins and treating cooks as inferior.

After finishing dinner, the bowls and plates were cleared away, and the table was wiped clean before a new fruit platter was arranged. Qin Xuecai went to boil a pot of hot tea.

By the time they were drinking the tea, it was completely dark outside, with the moon hanging on the treetop. It was then that Feng Minglan and Li Xi brought up their purpose for coming.

They had come for Gu Cheng, specifically.

"Brother-in-law, you know quite a few people here, don't you? Minglan and I have a small favor to ask. Minglan has relatives on Hong Kong Island. Her mother and her cousin were separated for many years, and they were very close as children. Now, Minglan's mother is in poor health and wants us to visit her cousin..."

Li Xi mumbled vaguely, and the room fell so silent that you could hear a pin drop. He didn’t dare speak too loudly, as everyone present knew how dangerous the subject was.

No matter how sincere his words sounded, they couldn’t hide the fact that the couple was planning to "illegally cross the border."

Hearing this, Qin Yao couldn’t help but admire the audacity of the couple. Unlike desperate lower-class border crossers, this couple lived comfortably in the city but suddenly wanted to risk going to Hong Kong. It wasn’t just dangerous; it was courting death.

Was Hong Kong a paradise? Only for the rich. The wealth gap there was enormous, and organized crime was rampant. If they were killed on the street, no one would care.

Xie Hongni sneered, "Cut the lies. No one’s going to believe that. If your brains are broken, go wash them."

Even if her younger sister and brother-in-law didn’t tell the truth, Xie Hongni had already guessed most of it. No one does something without expecting something in return. The fact that the two of them were willing to risk going to Hong Kong, and that her own sister had changed her name, was all for money.

Yes, Li Xi and Feng Minglan were preparing to cross the border to Hong Kong. The Feng family's assets in Hong Kong were estimated to be in the millions of Hong Kong dollars. With that money, the couple could live a wealthy life on Hong Kong Island.

Before taking the boat to Qiongzhou Island, they had already reconnoitered Shenzhen. From here, they could see the glimmering lights across the sea, a completely different world.

Thinking about the towering buildings, the bright lights, and the promise of easy money, both Li Xi and Feng Minglan were tempted. If they could cross the sea, they would reach paradise.

Many people tried to swim past the barbed wire from Shenzhen under the cover of darkness. However, many died mid-crossing or were shot. Only the lucky ones made it.

But Feng Minglan and Li Xi weren’t willing to take that kind of risk. They weren’t good swimmers, and it was uncertain whether they could make it to the island. They didn’t want to risk their lives at sea, only to end up with nothing.

Sister Xie Hongni had married a chef but had managed to connect with a good relative through him. Feng Minglan and Li Xi had already investigated Gu Cheng and knew that he surely had connections here. If he could help them, they would safely reach Hong Kong Island.

"The Feng family has unclaimed assets there..." Mentioning this, Feng Minglan was anxious. Their home across the country had been raided, but the family assets on the island had been preserved over the years. She feared that if they went too late, the huge sum would disappear.

"We've already inquired. Over there, they handle it like this: if you can make it across and find a relative to vouch for you, you can gain legal residency."

At the time, Hong Kong had an unusual policy regarding illegal immigrants. They would unconditionally arrest and deport those caught, but if you could find a relative to claim you before being caught, you could gain legal status.

Because of this policy, many were willing to take the gamble.

Feng Minglan and Li Xi were confident about this. They weren’t going to rely on destitute relatives; they had money waiting to be claimed, enough to buy their way through.

Money can open doors.

As a precaution, the couple had brought many valuable items with them. Feng Minglan wore a gold bracelet, and Li Xi had a high-end watch.

"Sister, once we're past, we won’t forget your kindness. We'll come back every year with good things."

There was a yearly visiting policy, allowing people from Hong Kong to return to the mainland for family visits. Many would come wearing fashionable clothes and watches, hide the items on their bodies, give the items to their relatives on the mainland, and then return to Hong Kong wearing rags.

Because of this, various foreign items were privately circulating in Guangdong province.

Feng Minglan had it all planned out. Once they obtained legal status, it would be a done deal, and they could return legally for family visits. Every year, they would bring some "good things" for her sister, as a way to repay her.

"…We learned about what’s happening on the island the same way. There are plenty of valuable things there. Our family’s share of the profits from the island is at least this much." In order to lure Gu Cheng and his wife into the plan, Feng Minglan had no choice but to reveal the truth.

"On the island, there are Western-style fashionable clothing, lipsticks, and other beauty products..." Feng Minglan tried her best to entice Qin Yao, believing that if she could persuade Qin Yao, the plan would likely succeed.

Qin Yao’s lips curled slightly in amusement. Unsure whether to remain expressionless or show a hint of longing, she felt no excitement, and in fact, found the situation somewhat amusing.

If it weren’t for certain things that couldn’t be spoken about, she would have advised Feng Minglan to be patient. If they waited a couple of years, they could go there without any risk and do so openly.

However, Qin Yao also understood the reality of cause and effect. The authorities had become aware of the situation because so many people had already fled, which led to the subsequent opening up of the island.

"Sister, our family’s share of the profits is at least two to three million!" Feng Minglan was actually understating it. According to what her mother said, there was at least a base of five to six million HKD. With that money, they would become rich the moment they arrived.

Of course, this money wouldn’t necessarily all go to Feng Minglan. She and Li Xi were merely the scouts, paving the way.

The other members of the Feng family, even if they knew about the money, didn’t have the courage to claim it. Many had been frightened into inaction.

People will take risks for money, just as birds will for food.

If it weren’t for these millions of HKD, Feng Minglan and her husband wouldn’t have taken such a risk. The money was simply too tempting.

Obsessed with the idea of millions, Feng Minglan was fixated on the prospect. Even with her urban household registration, how much could she and Li Xi earn in a month? Even if they worked their entire lives, they wouldn’t earn several million.

"Yaoyao sister, please help us." After persuading for a long time, Feng Minglan and Li Xi observed Qin Yao’s expression. The more they looked, the more puzzled they became. Why wasn’t she tempted at all?

It wasn’t just Feng Minglan and her husband observing Qin Yao. Qin Xuecai and Xie Hongni were also watching her closely. Whether the plan would succeed depended entirely on Qin Yao’s attitude. If she wavered and spoke to her husband, this risky plan might actually succeed.

But Qin Yao seemed to be listening to a story that had nothing to do with her. There was a strange sense of detachment. Was she really not tempted at all?

Sitting next to Qin Yao, her husband Gu Cheng wore a cold expression, leaving others to guess what he was actually thinking.

Li Xi knew that people like Gu Cheng, even if they agreed in their hearts, wouldn’t show it outwardly. They would need Qin Yao to provide the opening. As long as Qin Yao asked Gu Cheng to handle the matter, it would be done.

The key attitude rested on Qin Yao.

"I will not agree to this," Gu Cheng said, his expression unchanged, maintaining his stance from beginning to end.

Hearing his answer, the others paid no mind and shifted their attention to Qin Yao.

Seeing this, Qin Yao took the initiative to hug Gu Cheng’s arm, speaking in a soft, innocent voice, "I’ll listen to my husband."

Her voice took on a more playful tone. "Sister-in-law, please persuade your sister. Don’t do something so dangerous. Don’t look at me—I don’t have the final say in this family. It’s all up to him."

"If he agrees, it can be done. If he doesn’t, there’s nothing I can do."

The previously unmoved Gu Cheng almost lost his composure.

Political Commissar Zhou should see how Gu Cheng handles things as the head of the household.

Xie Hongni and Qin Xuecai exchanged a glance, their eyes twitching as well. The couple had been anxious, afraid that Qin Yao might get tempted and make a reckless decision. This wasn’t a small matter.

If Feng Minglan and her husband went off and lived freely, and if this was exposed in the future, it could affect their brother-in-law.

Seeing Qin Yao’s attitude, Xie Hongni breathed a sigh of relief. Although she loved money, she wasn’t as optimistic as her younger sister and didn’t think this was a good idea.

Possessing something valuable can bring unwanted attention.

The profits from the island were still there, protecting private property and capitalism, but… if the money fell into Feng Minglan’s hands, how long would it last? That was a question mark.

Feng Minglan and Li Xi, unfamiliar with the area, were about to claim a large sum of money, as if they were courting their own doom.

Xie Hongni didn’t want her younger sister to take such a dangerous risk. In her opinion, her sister’s life was already good enough. Both had urban household registrations and stable jobs. They could live a peaceful life without taking such unnecessary risks.

Qin Yao put on an act, saying that all decisions in the family were up to the men and that she had no say in the matter. Gu Cheng flatly refused, his icy demeanor leaving them helpless. He said a few stern words, and Feng Minglan and her husband were left with no options.

"Sister-in-law, we won’t stay any longer; we’re heading back with the kids," Qin Yao said, holding her two sons. The family didn’t linger, wanting to avoid further entanglements with Feng Minglan. Before leaving, she kindly advised, "Sister Minglan, don’t rush. Maybe in a few years, the port will open. There’s no need to take risks now."

Everyone was taken aback. Xie Hongni’s eyes widened, reflecting her thoughts on the recent changes in the black market. In the future, such a situation might indeed arise.

Qin Xuecai, however, dismissed his sister’s words as sheer nonsense. "How could that ever happen?" he thought.

But Feng Minglan and her husband couldn’t afford to wait, not even for a month. Millions were within reach. Once they reached Hong Kong Island, they could start a luxurious new life.

How could they possibly resist?

After Qin Yao and her husband left, Feng Minglan and her husband pinned their hopes on Xie Hongni again. "Sister, please go and talk to Qin Yao again. I think she was tempted. She’s just afraid of her husband. Persuade her. It’s really okay. So many people are doing it, not just us."

"As long as we keep it under wraps, who would ever find out? It won’t affect Brother Gu at all."

Xie Hongni said coldly, "It’s useless. Give up on this. Minglan, go back and live your life with your husband. Don’t think about these things."

"Have you thought about whether you’d even be able to keep the money if you got it?"

Feng Minglan stamped her foot and shouted, "Sister, you’re too much! I know you’re just jealous!"

"If you’re jealous of me getting money by going to Hong Kong, don’t say such things. As long as you still consider me your younger sister, don’t stop me. If you don’t agree, let’s sever our relationship!"

Qin Third Brother looked awkward. Xie Hongni remained cold, unmoved by Feng Minglan’s words. "I’m not agreeing for your own good, Minglan. Go back."

"Li Xi, persuade her. Don’t join her in this nonsense."

Xie Hongni drove Feng Minglan and her husband out, warning Qin Xuecai, "Don’t go and talk to Yaoyao again. Don’t listen to them."

Qin Third Brother nodded. "Alright, let’s leave it at that. I’m just afraid you’ll regret it in the future."

"I’m doing this for her own good." Xie Hongni had once been a naive girl herself, but after encountering so many things over the years, she knew how unpredictable people could be and didn’t want her sister to step into danger.

They had passed the difficult hurdle for today. Now that Qin Yao and her husband had refused, if Feng Minglan and her husband were a bit more timid, they might just back down.

*

Feng Minglan and her husband eventually left Qiongzhou Island. They tried to find a way to Shenzhen again. Having come this far, it was unbearable not to go. They had to take the risk.

Feng Minglan and her husband considered several methods, but finding a way was useless. They almost got caught and had to use the common method of the time—secretly crossing the sea at night. The danger was great, but there was no other way. The arrow was on the string and had to be shot.

Feng Minglan had even changed her name, willing to risk her life for it.

At night, she and Li Xi slipped into the deep night. It was already one or two in the morning. The roaring sound of the sea waves could be heard. The sky was dark, and the sea was ink-black. The rising waves seemed like giant mouths ready to swallow people.

There were many others doing the same thing that night, not just them.

Some people died in the sea. Feng Minglan and Li Xi passed the first hurdle but were betrayed by their companions just as they were about to reach the victorious shore.

They had pretended to be wealthy, looking like they were from the city. Before they could land, they were hit with a club. Under the cover of night, crimes were most easily hidden. One or two deaths in the sea wouldn’t be discovered.

The person who was a good swimmer robbed them and made a small fortune. Their deaths in the sea wouldn’t lead to any investigation or consequences.

Feng Minglan and Li Xi barely made it to shore but were exposed by a gold bracelet. Li Xi was stabbed in the heart and died. Feng Minglan screamed, jumped into the sea again to save her life.

Li Xi died, and Feng Minglan disappeared beneath the waves. It was a stroke of luck in an otherwise terrible situation, but she was rescued by fishermen and woke up in a dilapidated fishing village, essentially the slums of Hong Kong Island.

Before Feng Minglan could even feel relieved about reaching the island, she was confronted with a harsh reality. Hong Kong Island wasn’t filled with magnificent skyscrapers and luxurious living. Not everyone lived a life of opulence. This slum was dirty, chaotic, crowded, and reeked of fish.

Feng Minglan, who had grown up in the city, had never seen such a place before.

The family that saved her hadn’t done so out of kindness. Seeing that she was quite attractive and knowing her background, they wanted Feng Minglan to marry their son, who had a bad reputation.

This family was poor, living off fishing, and too impoverished to afford a proper bride. Feng Minglan seemed like a godsend to them.

"I have money. I have relatives on the island; they are rich. Once I find them, I’ll give you a sum of money, enough for your son to marry a proper bride," Feng Minglan pleaded, on the verge of losing her mind. It had been three days since she arrived on the island, but she still hadn’t found the wealth she hoped for. Her husband was dead, and she was trapped in the slums, forced to stay as their daughter-in-law.

She had no identification. Going outside meant being caught, and the valuable items she had were taken away.

Feng Minglan was filled with hatred. She resented her older sister, Xie Hongni, Qin Yao, and Gu Cheng. If they had helped her, she and Li Xi wouldn’t have taken such desperate measures. Now Li Xi was dead, and she was trapped, deeply resenting them all.

But no matter how much she hated, it felt like no one could hear her cries for help.

Feng Minglan finally found a chance to escape, but she was shocked by what she saw in the slums. Dead bodies lying around, the stench of dead fish, needles, cigarette butts, broken bottles... Just as she was about to escape, she stumbled upon a group of men fighting with axes. Panicked, she darted through the narrow alleys, turning corners haphazardly.

She finally reached a deserted spot and had just caught her breath when someone suddenly covered her mouth and dragged her backward.

"She’s an illegal immigrant. It’s fine if we kill her."

"She’s quite pretty. Let’s have some fun with her, buddy."

"Be careful. Even though she’s a woman, those who come here looking like her are often on the run from something serious. She could be dangerous."

...

A month later, Xie Hongni learned that her sister and brother-in-law had not returned and guessed what they had secretly attempted. She could only hope they had successfully made it. Even if they got the money, what kind of future awaited them?

She hoped they would find some peace.

Qin Xuecai comforted her, "Once they settle down over there, we can visit them in the future."

Xie Hongni nodded. She had already tried to dissuade them. They were set on going, and as a sister, she had done all she could.

When Qin Yao learned that Feng Minglan and her husband had ultimately run off to Hong Kong Island, she could only sigh, "What happens is out of our control; only time will tell."