"Chenchen," I called softly from outside the courtyard wall, which barely stood taller than a person and seemed only fit to keep out chickens, ducks, pigs, and dogs.

Xu Chen, holding her younger brother Xu Cong's hand and just about to leave, looked up at the sound of my voice, her face etched with surprise. "Brother Zhao? Is that you? Wh-what are you doing here?"

I pulled open the narrow courtyard gate and stepped inside, presenting the gift Liu Ying had bought for me. "I came to see you. Haha, a late Lunar New Year visit."

Xu Chen's face couldn't hide her excitement. She accepted the gift and thanked me, then lowered her head to her brother. "Congcong, greet Brother Zhao. Wish him a Happy New Year."

Xu Cong didn't do as his sister instructed. Instead, he tilted his little head and asked me, "Are you Sister's good boss, Brother Zhao? Sister says you're so capable, and she likes you a lot, but she's too timid to ever say it out loud."

Ah, the innocence of children. Neither Xu Chen nor I expected Xu Cong to say something like that. We both blushed deeply. Xu Chen playfully swatted her brother's bottom. "When did I ever say that? Children shouldn't lie."

Xu Cong retorted, "Don't think I don't understand things just because I'm little. That night when Mom took Dad for treatment, you thought I was asleep, but I heard you saying it all. Even though I'm not yet five, Sister also said that children from poor families mature early; I'm the man of the house now."

I picked up Xu Cong. "Little man, didn't you want to play with firecrackers? Come on, big brother will take you to buy some."

Xu Chen led the way, keeping her head down, not daring to look at me. As we walked, she said, "Brother Zhao, are you really making a special trip to see me? It must be delaying your work. Su Xue and Qianqian said you are incredibly busy right now, and I saw it on my phone too. Liberating TW is the wish of the entire nation, and you played the biggest role."

I smiled. Hearing this from Xu Chen was far more comforting than any flattery from others. "After the New Year, I'm starting my post at the Nanjing Military Region. Since the TW situation just concluded, and Su Xue mentioned your home is near the base, I decided to swing by and see you. After the Lantern Festival, I have to return to the capital, and then I'll head to the Chengdu Military Region for my next assignment. We can travel together."

Xu Chen nodded. "The Nanjing Military Region is several hundred kilometers from here. Thank you, Brother Zhao."

"No need for formalities. By the way, what's wrong with your father? Why didn't you tell us earlier?" I asked, feeling a touch of annoyance.

Xu Chen quickly explained, "It's nothing like that, Brother Zhao. It's my father's old ailment. Because of years of hard work, he developed crippling rheumatoid arthritis. I asked around; the doctor said this kind of illness has no permanent cure. It's useless."

I said, "You and Qingqing are not strangers; you should have actively sought her help. Are there any illnesses we can't treat? You always tend to keep things bottled up inside. Do you not consider us friends?"

Xu Cong suddenly spoke from my arms. "Big Brother, don't blame Sister. She likes you a lot. She's been mumbling about you hundreds of times in my ear these past few days at home. I overheard Mom secretly telling Dad that Sister is in love; is her boyfriend you?"

Xu Chen snatched Xu Cong away. "Are you still spouting nonsense? I'm not buying you anything later!"

Xu Cong immediately pleaded for mercy. "I won't say anything more, Sister! These are things Mom secretly told Dad at night that I overheard."

There were only two beds in the house; Xu Cong always slept with his parents. Xu Chen said to her brother, "I should go home and make Mom separate you so you can sleep alone at night."

Xu Cong looked genuinely scared by the prospect. "No, Sister! I promise I won't eavesdrop on Mom and Dad anymore."

Xu Chen's attire was long past the tattered and outdated clothes of before. Even if she wanted to wear that old outfit, Su Xue and Ouyang Qian wouldn't allow it. Every time they bought clothes, they'd bring back a heap for her, so Xu Chen couldn't avoid wearing new things. Cosmetics and other necessities for girls were never forgotten in their shared hauls. The current Xu Chen was even more beautiful, and more deserving of pity and care, than when I first met her.

All along the way, neighbors and acquaintances greeted Xu Chen, and two even inquired about my origins. Their suggestive glances made it seem as if they were sizing up a prospective son-in-law. Xu Chen nervously explained that I was just a classmate visiting her.

Thankfully, I had cash on me; otherwise, trying to use a card at this small shop, which couldn't have been more than twenty square meters, would have been a headache. Xu Cong was certainly not reserved with me. As soon as I mentioned liking something, he'd immediately point, making the elderly shop owner gasp for breath as if afflicted with asthma. Xu Chen glared at her brother from the side, thoroughly irritated.

Passing by the former Agricultural Bank next to the town government office—now the Peach Blossom Bank—both of us couldn't help but recall the incidents surrounding our withdrawals back then. The look Xu Chen gave me was indescribably complex. The Peach Blossom Bank today could never offer the same kind of service to the people as it did then, but what I did in a fit of anger that day still deeply moved Xu Chen today.

Carrying the bag of goods home, Xu Cong ignored us and instead lit a stick of incense to set off firecrackers in the yard. Xu Chen put the groceries in the kitchen and took me upstairs to see her father. His condition had worsened over the last few days, and he couldn't get out of bed.

"Dad, this is my classmate Zhao Qian, whom I told you about. He traveled hundreds of kilometers specifically to see you," Xu Chen introduced me to a thin, middle-aged man.

"Ah, you must be Mr. Zhao. When did you arrive? This girl didn't even notify me beforehand. Look at how messy the house is; how could you treat a guest like this..." Mr. Xu became anxious and struggled to get out of bed. It seemed Xu Chen had exaggerated my importance; her father probably thought I was a very significant figure.

I quickly moved to stop him. "Uncle, please don't get up. I work not too far from Xiamen. I managed to steal some free time these past couple of days to pay my respects for the New Year."

Mr. Xu's arthritis must have been severe, as he was completely unable to walk. While gently massaging his knees to ease the pain, he told me, "Mr. Zhao is a good man. Chenchen told me everything. You helped her immensely. Not only did you not ask for a single cent of tuition for the past six months, but you also sent home ten thousand yuan. It’s all my fault; I'm useless and have bad legs, dragging the whole family down."

I reassured him. "Uncle, please don't blame yourself, and don't praise me so much. I didn't know about your legs earlier. How about this: I'll call right now and ask. I think you should come with us to the capital after the Lantern Festival for treatment."

Mr. Xu repeatedly declined. "Mr. Zhao has already done so much for our Chenchen's family; how could we possibly trouble you further?"

Xu Chen also asked, "Is it convenient?"

Pulling out my phone, I replied, "Uncle, you can just call me Zhao Qian or Little Zhao; don't be so formal. What is convenient or inconvenient? Qingqing isn't an outsider."

Hua Qingqing saw the background in the video feed and asked, "Hey, you're not at the military base; where are you?"

Xu Chen leaned into the camera. "Sister Qingqing, this is my home."

Hua Qingqing chuckled. "That's good. With Chenchen by Zhao Qian's side, we can rest assured. Little Rou and I were just saying we were worried he might be slighting himself." Just then, Yi Xiaorou appeared on the screen too. It looked like the two women were indeed very close; they 'got together' whenever I wasn't around.

Xu Chen seemed to grasp the implication behind Hua Qingqing's words. In the circle of women connected to the Zhao family, thanks to the groundwork laid by Su Xue and Ouyang Qian, everyone no longer treated Xu Chen as an outsider. Blushing, Xu Chen explained, "Brother Zhao came to ask about traveling back to the capital together. He just arrived too."

I addressed Hua Qingqing. "Let's put other things aside for now. This is Chenchen's father. We won't exchange pleasantries; just take a look at his legs and see what the situation is."

I handed the phone to Mr. Xu so he could describe the condition of his legs himself, then took detailed close-ups of his knees. Hua Qingqing assessed the images. "The problem shouldn't be too big. I've treated several patients with similar conditions before, and none have had a recurrence yet. What should we do? Either you come back, or I can visit you there."

Xu Chen hurried to reply, "Treating this probably isn't a one or two-day affair, right? It's better if I bring Dad with me to the capital to see Sister Qingqing. Otherwise, it might delay your work."

Hua Qingqing smiled. "Hehe, Chenchen, you don't need to be so polite with us. All right then. Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival. Will you be coming back the day after tomorrow? Zhao Qian is about to take up his post at the Chengdu Military Region; the negotiation team from Niu Guo is already waiting."

I took the phone back. "Then it's settled. We'll return to the capital the morning after tomorrow. That's it for now."

Yi Xiaorou winked at me, signaling me to 'take' Xu Chen. I smiled but ignored her. What kind of wife would suggest something like that? Not only did she help me pursue Zhang Xiaoya back then, but now she was pushing me to get together with Xu Chen.

Mr. Xu was momentarily overwhelmed. He couldn't believe that a single phone call could solve everything. This rheumatoid arthritis had tortured him for over two years, and it was the main reason the family's financial situation had deteriorated over time.

"Chenchen, can this illness really be cured? Will it cost a lot of money? And we have to go to the capital. I think we should forget it. I heard the cost of living there is very high. I can just endure it; things should improve once winter passes."

Xu Chen said, "Dad, just follow Brother Zhao's arrangements. Sister Qingqing is very good to me. As for the money, I can work slowly to pay Brother Zhao back. Don't worry; I've grown up now. You don't need to worry about anything at home anymore."

Though Mr. Xu was still uneasy, he truly felt the change in his daughter this time she came home. Never mind the clothes and makeup; even her tone of voice was much more mature and composed than before. Mr. Xu didn't understand what Starshine Studio did, but he knew his daughter managed over a hundred workers. Moreover, all of this was supported by this quiet-looking man standing beside her. Now that he said it could work, there was likely hope. As for the favors and debts owed, his daughter was successful now; she should be able to repay them.

Seeing that her father no longer objected, Xu Chen said, "Dad, I'll go make dinner. If Brother Zhao feels bored, he can sit in my room for a while."

Mr. Xu immediately agreed. "Yes, yes. My room is dirty and messy. Go to your room. Chenchen, there's New Year's tea in the kitchen; take some out for Zhao Qian to have a cup."

Xu Chen led me into her room, then started to leave to make tea. I pulled her back. "No need, Chenchen. I’m not an outsider."

Xu Chen blushed again. "Then, Brother Zhao, please sit. I'll go make the meal."

Xu Chen's room wasn't large. This small two-story house only had three rooms in total: the ground floor was a storeroom plus the kitchen, and the second floor housed Mr. and Mrs. Xu's room, Xu Chen's room, and a space used as a living room—which, apart from a dining table, held no other furnishings.

A small bed had its quilt folded neatly. Opposite the bed was a cartoon drawing of a cute little girl with a cute kitten. A very worn desk sat by the bedside, upon which a beautiful laptop computer displayed a flashing screensaver.

That was the computer I had helped Xu Chen buy. Although newer models with better configurations had since emerged, and I had suggested she upgrade, she had stuck with this one.

Gently nudging the mouse, the screensaver required a password. Out of curiosity, I tried entering Xu Chen's cell phone number; it prompted an error. Then I entered her birthday; still an error. Next, I tried Su Xue's and Ouyang Qian's birthdays and phone numbers, all incorrect. I even entered my own cell phone number; still wrong. Strange. Couldn't I guess Xu Chen's password? Then I tried my birthday.

After pressing Enter, the screen immediately displayed a landscape painting. I couldn't believe it—Xu Chen had used my birthday as the password. Was I really that important to her? A secret thrill ran through me. I thought I should check what sort of things were on her computer, preferably a diary or something. I hadn't been above such 'shameless and vulgar' acts; I had, after all, once secretly read Zhang Xiaoya's diary.

On the taskbar, a QQ chat window remained open. I clicked on it and saw Su Xue's contact ID. Su Xue had finally returned to her hometown the day before the Spring Festival. Given how strictly her parents monitored her, she wouldn't be able to return to the capital before the Lantern Festival, so the two girls often chatted idly online out of boredom.

I secretly glanced at the chat history; it was about today's events. It turned out that after I had asked Su Xue for Xu Chen's address the night before, Su Xue had contacted Xu Chen early this morning. However, to enhance Xu Chen's surprise, she hadn't mentioned my arrival in the chat, but she had asked Xu Chen if she finally agreed to their proposal—hers and Ouyang Qian's.

What proposal? I was momentarily puzzled, but slowly reading through the vague chat log, I finally grasped the gist: Su Xue and Ouyang Qian were persuading Xu Chen to join their organization! That is, to become my wife! Good heavens, I was too fortunate.

It seemed these three sisters truly intended to share their good fortune and wouldn't separate even after becoming college dorm mates. This was a good thing. My feelings for Xu Chen weren't new; the sight of her at the gate of No. 1 Middle School when we first met had stirred my heart, and after spending this time together, Xu Chen now occupied a significant place in my heart. Moreover, the fact that Xu Chen used my birthday as the password itself indicated she had feelings for me.

However, the chat log didn't show Xu Chen's decision. It must be difficult to expect a girl to take the initiative on such a matter, especially given Xu Chen's extremely introverted nature. Could it really be as Yi Xiaorou hinted—that I should be more proactive in 'handling' Xu Chen?

I sat in Xu Chen's room for a while. When the computer went back to the screensaver, I decided to go to the kitchen to help. Any woman who was meant to be mine would eventually not escape. Everything would happen as fate willed it. If I forced Xu Chen, I would be violating my own principles; this matter largely depended on her wishes.

The kitchen was filled with fragrant steam. Although Xu Chen's family was poor, their situation was much better than Yun Yao's family; the economy in the South was always stronger. Coupled with the groceries bought just now, lunch promised to be lavish.

Xu Chen wore a small floral kerchief tied around her head, likely to keep cooking fumes from her hair, and tied her mother's large apron around her waist with a bow at the back. Hearing my footsteps, Xu Chen turned around.

"Brother Zhao, why did you come down? There's no range hood at home; you should go back upstairs and sit. Don't choke on the smoke."

I was momentarily stunned. The girl before me seemed to be revealing another side of her charm—the small floral scarf, the apron, combined with Xu Chen's inherently delicate appearance and slender frame. This... wasn't this the image of the cartoon maid characters online?

Seeing me staring blankly, Xu Chen looked down to inspect herself. "Brother Zhao, is something wrong with me?"

I hastily averted my gaze. "N-no, nothing. You look very lovely. This outfit is really beautiful."

Xu Chen kept her head down, gently stirring the dishes in the wok. "Brother Zhao, you always joke. How could I be as pretty as the older sisters?"

I walked behind Xu Chen and boldly placed my hand lightly on her waist. "Chenchen, don't lack confidence in yourself. You are very beautiful, and you have your own unique qualities. Otherwise, why do you think everyone chose you as the 'Golden Flower'?"

Xu Chen's body visibly trembled. "Brother Zhao, do you perhaps like slightly plumper girls? I mean, do fuller figures move your heart more easily?"

I laughed. "Not necessarily. Actually, slender girls sometimes evoke a stronger protective instinct in men. Otherwise, why would words like 'delicate and adorable' or 'poignantly beautiful' exist?"

Xu Chen kept her head down, silent, seemingly contemplating a major decision. The dishes in the wok hissed, slowly emitting a slightly burnt smell. Xu Chen snapped back to attention and promptly pushed me out of the kitchen. "Brother Zhao, please go outside and entertain yourself first. I can manage by myself. You're distracting me while I cook."

I had no choice but to go to the courtyard to find Xu Cong. Before I even entered, I saw a tall, middle-aged woman scolding Xu Cong, seemingly because he had bought too many firecrackers.

Xu Cong defended himself. "Mom, I didn't buy these."

It turned out she was Xu Chen's mother. Her imposing height and robust build were rare, and the siblings didn't resemble her at all, especially Xu Chen, who was so frail, bearing no trace of her mother's build.

Mrs. Xu scolded her son. "It doesn't matter if your sister bought them for you. You're older now and should be sensible. We are having financial difficulties; you can't waste money indiscriminately."

Xu Cong looked up and saw me, then told his mother, "Brother Zhao bought them for me. He came to see Sister."

I quickly covered the distance in three steps and greeted Mrs. Xu. "Auntie, Happy New Year. I am Xu Chen's classmate, Zhao Qian. I was passing by and decided to stop in for a late New Year's greeting."

Mrs. Xu stared at me for a long moment, examining me from every angle before speaking. "You are that Zhao Qian? Come inside quickly and sit down! Where is Chenchen? Why isn't she greeting you?"

"She's cooking in the kitchen."

Mrs. Xu insisted on pulling me along. "Come, let's go sit upstairs. The yard is always so dirty after the rain."

It didn't snow here in winter, but even though people in the North still wore padded jackets, wearing just a suit here felt hot. After being firmly pulled onto a worn chair in the living room by Mrs. Xu, she told me, "I'll go down and help Chenchen cook. Mr. Zhao is from a big city; please don't laugh at our humble home."

"Not at all, Auntie. I think it's lovely. Please go ahead with your work."

With Mrs. Xu's help, four dishes and one soup were soon served on the dining table upstairs. Although Mr. Xu's legs were bad, he could eat comfortably sitting in a chair. The whole family gathered around the table, sharing the steaming hot meal. The feeling, the atmosphere—it was genuinely good.

Mr. Xu opened the liquor. I secretly glanced at the bottle: 57-proof local Lao Bai Gan. Damn, I'd never had this stuff before; I usually stuck to beer. But it seemed they didn't have anything else available.

"Uncle, I don't drink alcohol," I could only decline.

Xu Chen, however, picked up a glass for me. "It's alright, Zhao Qian. If you get drunk, don't leave this afternoon. There’s a local opera performance in the village tonight; we can all go watch it together."

Perhaps it was the sort of 'She Xi' (village opera) Lu Xun wrote about. If I didn't leave this afternoon, did that mean I wouldn't leave tonight either? Where would I sleep tonight? My military duties were indeed concluded. Spending the Lantern Festival here might be a nice option; I had never experienced the rural Lantern Festival before.

While I was lost in thought, a large cup of Lao Bai Gan was already full in front of me. Mr. and Mrs. Xu looked at me with deep respect. I thought this level of formality was usually reserved for greeting a premier. I hadn't wanted to drink the strong liquor, but I couldn't refuse the earnest wishes of the elderly couple, so after a few back-and-forths, I started drinking.

Mrs. Xu seemed like a straightforward, hearty woman, the complete opposite of Xu Chen's introverted nature. She asked me, "Mr. Zhao, how old are you?"

"Auntie, please just call me Little Zhao or Zhao Qian. I'm not that young anymore; I'm 26."

Mrs. Xu looked surprised. "Indeed. That's a five-year difference with Chenchen. But you look like a child."

Mrs. Xu comparing my age to Xu Chen's seemed to touch on a slightly sensitive topic, and neither Xu Chen nor I replied immediately. Mrs. Xu changed the subject. "It's strange today; a group of important officials came to the town government, driving more than a dozen impressive black sedans."

Xu Chen lowered her voice. "Mom, there's no need to make a fuss just because they drive sedans. If the road weren't so far, I would have driven my car back too."

Mrs. Xu seemed unaware that Xu Chen owned a car. "Chenchen, you bought a car too? This is such big news; why didn't you discuss it with me beforehand?"

Xu Chen glanced at me secretly. "It was Brother Zhao who bought cars for several of us; it's not my own money."

Xu's father and mother were momentarily agitated, their hands trembling as they held their chopsticks. Their daughter, once a student barely able to afford tuition, had suddenly come into money, and even acquired a car.

"Xiao Zhao, we owe you so much for taking care of Chenchen. Your kindness is something my wife and I don't know how to thank you for. Chenchen, quickly offer your Brother Zhao a toast!"

Ah, another drink? Wasn't this just setting me up for embarrassment? I was already starting to feel lightheaded. Xu Chen raised her glass to me, "Brother Zhao, you know I can't drink hard liquor. Let me offer you this tea instead. I'll finish it in one go. You understand my intentions; there's no need for too many words, right?"

I downed another large gulp of baijiu, the burn almost making me cough. Xu's father and mother chuckled, glancing between their daughter and me, appearing immensely satisfied.

Mother Xu said, "I'm going to eat first. We passed by the government office earlier, and everyone agreed to go demand our wages this afternoon. Do you think they’d dare ignore us in front of those higher-up officials?"

"What's going on?" I asked Xu Chen, not understanding the situation.

Xu Chen explained, "Last year, my mother and the villagers who pulled the tow ropes never received their payment. We went to petition the government several times before the New Year, but they kept sending us away, saying it was a civil dispute that we should negotiate directly with the coal mine boss."

Father Xu elaborated further, "There's a small coal mine ten li from the town. Its output isn't huge, but it yields two boatloads of coal daily. Our area has convenient waterways, so transport is done by boat. Where the river passes through the town, the water level is extremely shallow. Coal barges draw too much water, requiring manpower to pull the tow ropes. Dozens of people in town depend on this for a living. My family doesn't have any artisans, so we had no choice but to sell our labor. Normally, with those few mu of rice paddies, we could just scrape by. It's all my useless leg's fault, alas... Before we started towing, they promised to settle the account every six months, but before the New Year, the mine boss found all sorts of excuses to stall. We didn't even get any money for the New Year. So we petitioned the government, only to find they're colluding with officials and completely disregard the lives of us laborers. Why is life so hard for the poor?"

I reproached Xu Chen, "Why didn't you ever tell me about this? Do you not consider me a friend?"

Xu Chen hung her head guiltily and remained silent. Men who have drunk alcohol are rarely level-headed. I said to Mother Xu, "Auntie, don't worry. This afternoon, I’ll go with you to the mine to demand the wages. If that boss dares refuse to pay, we’ll just seal off his coal mine!"

Mother Xu was startled, "Goodness, no! That boss has over a dozen thugs working for him. Angering him wouldn't be good."

Xu Chen looked up at her mother, "Mom, don't worry. No one would dare do anything to Brother Zhao."

Father and Mother Xu only heard their daughter say that her Brother Zhao was very capable, but she refused to disclose his exact identity, claiming it was classified and couldn't be spread around lightly. The old couple didn't understand why even they couldn't be told such a secret.

Just then, someone shouted from downstairs: "Cungcong's mother, let's go! We have another tow line to pull this afternoon."

Mother Xu put down her chopsticks, "I have to leave now. You two enjoy the rest of your drinks."

I stood up, "Auntie, let's go together."

Seeing that I was swaying slightly from the alcohol, Xu Chen quickly stood up, "I'm coming too. Cungcong, you stay here and look after Dad."

Xu Cong, who had been quietly eating, said, "Go ahead, all of you. I'm a man, I can take care of Dad."

Mother Xu saw she couldn't dissuade me and nodded in agreement. Going downstairs, we met a middle-aged man in his forties. Mother Xu introduced him to me, "Uncle Li, this is the leader of our group of tow-rope pullers."

Xu Chen and I stood side-by-side, looking quite a good match—a beautiful girl and a handsome young man. Uncle Li gave a knowing smile, "Is this Chenchen's intended coming to pay New Year's respects? Why didn't you tell us beforehand? We’ll come over to your place tonight for a lively gathering!"

Xu Chen quickly corrected him, "Uncle, you misunderstood. This is my classmate, Zhao Qian."

Uncle Li turned to Xu Chen, "A classmate? Classmates can date too, can't they? Why are you helping your mother demand wages? Come on, there's strength in numbers. Let's see if they dare ignore us in front of those high-ranking leaders. If they still refuse to pay, we won't pull the ropes anymore! To work like oxen and horses only to be cheated out of pay—it's simply unjust!"

Mother Xu and Uncle Li walked ahead. Xu Chen quietly asked me, "Brother Zhao, how did you get here?"

"I drove."

"Then where is the car?"

"They're probably going to the government office to eat. The military district sent advance notice, and the county sent a special team to host them."

"The leaders Mom mentioned... they are your people, aren't they?"

"It should be. That's why we’re certain to succeed this time. Otherwise, if I get angry, I might just tear down the town government building." Xu Chen firmly believed I would demolish the building, as she had once witnessed me shatter a bank's bulletproof glass with a single punch.

As we walked, more and more people joined us. By the time we reached the front of the Town Government building, there were already fifteen or sixteen people. However, besides Mother Xu, Xu Chen was the only woman. It seemed that to support her family, Mother Xu had always treated herself as a male laborer. I once saw a portrait of the tow-rope pullers that Xu Chen had drawn; it must have contained her deep reverence for her mother.

The small town had no restaurants, but the Town Government had its own canteen. We arrived relatively early, and it was still bustling with people eating inside. Liu Ying was there, accompanied by comrades from both the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of State Security. Though I only saw one person now, the other two were likely providing covert protection for me, along with several Super Soldiers. I had told them not to worry about my safety, but these matters were no longer entirely up to me.

I walked at the rear of the crowd, while Xu Chen held my hand tightly, afraid that if I got upset, I might smash something again. Since Uncle Li was the leader of the rope pullers, he stepped forward to deal with the guard. To everyone's surprise, the guard actually closed the iron gate and wouldn't even let us in. For a moment, the crowd could only hear the clinking of cups and bowls coming from the back courtyard.

Someone sharp-eyed shouted, "Lame Li is in there too! Damn it, I knew they were colluding with officials, and it’s true! If they're already drinking together, how can they help us get our wages? We’re not pulling any more tow lines this afternoon! Let them keep all their coal piled up at the mine!"

Another person chimed in, "If we don't pull, plenty of people are willing to! Damn this world, won't they let people live? My wife and kid couldn't even buy new clothes for the New Year. Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival, and my son keeps begging for fireworks. What should I do?"

A young man with a very short temper yelled, "Everyone, charge in and flip their dining tables! If we can't eat, they can't eat either!"

A call met with immediate response; over a dozen people sprang into action. The iron fence gate had only a loosely hanging lock. Two people rushed forward and shoved aside the two guards standing at the entrance. Then, someone pulled open the iron gate, and the crowd surged toward the entrance of the backyard dining area.

"What is going on? What is going on! Are you trying to rebel! Leaders from the Ministry of Public Security, State Security, and the Rectification Office are all here. Do you not value your lives?!" A plump man wearing glasses rushed out of the dining hall and shouted.

Uncle Li stepped forward, "Secretary Wu, we don't care about any ministry. We just want our tow-rope wages from half a year of hard work back!"

A short man, walking with a limp, also emerged from the restaurant. Waving his hand as if giving a report to the crowd, he said, "Fellow villagers, I understand how you feel, but I haven't received my coal payment from last year either! You all need to understand my difficulties. As soon as the coal money is in the account, I will immediately pay everyone, alright?"

"Nonsense!" someone objected from the crowd, "If you didn't have money, then who bought your wife a small car before the Spring Festival? Are you trying to fool the ghosts, you bastard!"

The plump Secretary Wu roared, "This is rebellion, rebellion! Find someone to drive them out immediately! Can you afford to be responsible if you delay the leaders' meal?"

Liu Ying came out of the dining hall and asked, "What's happening, Secretary Wu?"

Secretary Wu's face immediately changed, and he bowed his head, "It's Secretary Liu. A group of country folk who don't know the rules. I'll organize people to chase them out right away."

Liu Ying spotted me and Xu Chen at the back of the crowd and asked Secretary Wu, "Do you dare?"

Secretary Wu was momentarily confused. Even if they chased these people out, they had no temper, so what was there to dare or not dare?

Liu Ying parted the crowd and walked up to me, "Director Zhao, why are you here too?"

I pointed to Xu Chen's mother, "Helping Auntie collect wages. Ah, the tow-rope pullers work too hard. If they don't get paid, some people will starve."

Sweat beaded on Secretary Wu's face, "Di-Di-Director Zhao? Is this the Director Zhao from the Rectification Office?" The two comrades from the Ministry of Public Security and State Security also came out upon hearing the commotion, stood on either side of him, and said to Secretary Wu, "He is also our Deputy Minister. Secretary Wu, have you never watched the news? Are you too busy socializing every day to attend to official business?"

Of course, Secretary Wu watched the news. Wasn't the most high-profile person recently the one standing before him?

Why would he be here demanding wages? Wasn't this clearly asking for trouble? Thinking this, Secretary Wu glared fiercely at Lame Li standing beside him. He was the one who caused this mess. A mere few tens of thousands of yuan—was it worth escalating things this far? Now it had alarmed a dual-position minister and the director of the Rectification Office to personally demand payment. Rumor had it he was a favorite of both the Chairman and the Premier. If this matter got reported up the chain, an official like him wouldn't need a central government decree; the county government would depose him first.

Lame Li frantically pulled out his wallet and took out a stack of bills, "I'll pay! I'll pay! Not a single penny will be missing from everyone! I'll call my wife immediately to send the money here. Everyone, please calm down, calm down."

Liu Ying said to Secretary Wu, "Secretary Wu, the state manages migrant worker wages so strictly, yet I didn't expect such a situation to occur here. I will instruct our comrades in the county to investigate this thoroughly; you should be aware. Also, all our expenses here—please draw up a detailed list, and we will settle everything when we leave. That is our protocol; don't make things difficult for us."

Secretary Wu's expression was grim. He repeatedly said, "Entertainment expenses are within the limits allowed by the state; how could we let the leaders pay out of pocket? I will cooperate fully with the county investigation; please rest assured, organization."

When the bright red banknotes were handed over to the assembled villagers, they finally dared to believe it was all true. After nearly a month of fruitless demanding, they had received their money effortlessly. Who exactly was this young man, and why did he hold so many titles?

Uncle Li quietly pulled Mother Xu aside and asked, "Cungcong's mother, what on earth is going on? How could Chenchen's classmate be such a high-ranking official? With the Ministry of Public Security, State Security, and what kind of organization is this Rectification Office?"

Mother Xu replied, "How would I know? Chenchen only mentioned that he was very capable. Who knew that 'very capable' meant this capable?"

Several young men, having received their money, surrounded Xu Chen and joked playfully, "Chenchen has grown up! Bringing back such a capable husband... Little girl, we didn't realize! People who have seen the wider world are indeed different. I should send my daughter to university too..."

Although Xu Chen was shy, her joy was evident. On the way back, she stayed tightly behind me, constantly wringing her hands and occasionally stealing glances at me, secretly pursing her lips in a smile.

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