Ma Xiulan’s face turned livid. Those rumors had no solid proof at all and were only being brought up now to attack her and force her to drop the matter. But why should she? Just because of idle talk should she make endless concessions without any bottom line? Xu Qingru’s expression was equally grim. She stared at the several leaders her heart churning with indignation. These were Ma Xiulan’s superiors making groundless accusations against her and pressuring her to back down.
“This matter must be pursued to the very end.” Xu Qingru’s tone grew even more resolute as she thought of what had happened in her past life. The leaders looked displeased and stared hard at Xu Qingru. “This is not a wise choice. You have no powerful connections. Do you want your mother to be expelled from the arts troupe?” Xu Qingru remained calm and unshaken. Ma Xiulan held Xu Qingru’s hand and was about to speak when a spirited voice rang out from the doorway.
“Who said they have no backing?” Dong Jun walked in dressed in a black Zhongshan suit yet he exuded an imposing presence that could not be concealed. When he fixed his gaze on the leaders each of them felt a sudden jolt of alarm. Who was this man? He looked like someone no one dared provoke and certainly not an ordinary person. They turned instinctively toward Ma Xiulan. Could this be the rumored fiancé? Why was he so formidable?
“Why are you here?” Ma Xiulan did not want Dong Jun to get involved and tried to send him away. But Dong Jun had already stepped to her side standing beside Xu Qingru and facing the leaders who had been so aggressive only moments before.
“Does my wife need anyone else’s support?” Dong Jun said firmly. “Or does the person responsible for injuring my wife have stronger connections?”
“Dong Jun.” Ma Xiulan tugged at his sleeve. She was worried that speaking up so rashly would only cause trouble. Dong Jun paid no attention and kept his eyes fixed on the men.
“We must report this to the Public Security Bureau.” Oddly enough the leaders who had shown no hesitation bullying Ma Xiulan and Xu Qingru now shrank back in Dong Jun’s presence. Their aggressive attitude vanished and they suddenly smiled instead.
“We only had Comrade Xiulan’s best interests at heart. After all she has her position to think of. If this affects harmony among colleagues…”
“If endangering someone’s life is considered a trivial matter then I believe this troupe needs a thorough investigation to find out if there are rotten apples within.” Dong Jun spoke clearly and fearlessly. The men’s expressions darkened instantly. Xu Qingru stood beside Dong Jun facing them together. Ma Xiulan looked at their backs and a quiet happy smile touched her face. The leaders exchanged glances knowing they could no longer brush this aside.
“Xiao Song go to the police station and bring officers here.” Dong Jun spoke up firmly. A young soldier outside replied immediately “Yes sir I will go at once.” Before anyone could stop him he had already disappeared from sight. The leaders looked at one another with dismay.
“Come now this is hardly worth making such a fuss over.” One of them said in a strained tone. “Let us settle this amicably. We will offer proper compensation and a sincere apology. Comrade Xiulan you have our word the troupe will see you are treated fairly.”
Ma Xiulan refused to accept their compromise. “Call the police.” The men’s faces fell. An investigation was launched immediately. Realizing they would get nowhere they stopped trying to win her over and left. Dong Jun stayed by Ma Xiulan’s side afterward.
“Xiulan why not move into my home to recover? I am truly worried about you.” Ma Xiulan was about to decline as they were not yet married and she did not wish to be a burden.
“Mother Uncle Dong is only looking out for you.” Xu Qingru said quickly. “It would be best. Otherwise if those people come back to give us trouble we will have no one to turn to.” Ma Xiulan was not afraid for herself but she worried constantly about Xu Qingru’s safety. She hesitated uncertain what to do.
“I have already prepared rooms for both you and Qingru.” Dong Jun added warmly. “It will be no trouble at all. And if you wish to feel useful you can help look after Dong Lie and Dong Shiyan.” Between Dong Jun’s earnestness and Xu Qingru’s encouragement Ma Xiulan finally nodded. “Very well.” Smiles broke out on their faces at once.
Ma Xiulan spent about a week in the hospital. When she was discharged Dong Jun had wonderful news. His marriage application had been approved. All they needed was their household registration books to collect their marriage certificate.
“Xiulan we can wait until after the wedding banquet if you prefer.” Dong Jun stammered growing red faced. “There is no rush to go today.” Ma Xiulan smiled gently. “If you wish to do it today then let us go. It makes no difference sooner or later.”
“Truly?” Dong Jun’s eyes lit up. Once they were officially married she would be his wife in every right.
“Uncle Dong take Mother to the Civil Affairs Bureau now I will run home and fetch the books.” Xu Qingru dashed off like a streak of light. Ma Xiulan watched her go laughing. Dong Jun stood before her shyly glancing up from time to time and looking down again quickly. Xu Qingru returned remarkably quickly. Within an hour Dong Jun and Ma Xiulan were legally married. Ma Xiulan moved into the Dong family home with everything properly arranged.
Dong Yunhuai arrived home to pack and ran into Dong Yunzhou. “Brother I have an assignment away for about half a month.” Dong Yunhuai had meant to warn him about Xu Qingru but his brother spoke first.
“Return promptly.” Dong Yunzhou said. “You must be here when Father gets married.” Dong Yunhuai cleared his throat surprised his brother cared at all. “It is not you getting married.” He replied with a shake of his head. “Let Father marry whoever makes him happy. Things are bound to be lively around here from now on.” He wondered how their new sister would fit in everyone said she was difficult. He hoped their father would not regret his decision. Lively indeed Dong Yunzhou thought to himself as the word echoed in his mind. He thought of Xu Qingru and knew it would be anything but dull.