It covered nearly ten years. Xu Hui’s institute brought in far more than any business could. The entries were not outright bribes but records of institute property sold off to colleagues and even abroad.
Every line was proof in his own handwriting. Xu Qingru swept her hand and everything vanished into her space. Yet she felt uneasy keeping so much.
Zhou Zhengguo was walking back when he spotted a ledger on the ground. He bent to pick it up and sensed someone watching nearby. He appeared to examine the book while quietly scanning the surroundings.
He found no one but as he turned the first page his expression grew serious. He read intently while Xu Qingru pressed a hand to her chest in relief. He was far too observant.
He caught a glimpse of fabric peeking from a corner but walked away without investigating further. Xu Qingru breathed easier yet suspected he had known she was there and chosen not to say. Since he had taken the ledger he would act on it.
She had considered reporting the matter herself but she was still a minor. It made more sense to entrust this honest officer. She knew his name from his identification Zhou Zhengguo.
She remembered hearing of him in her past life a just man who had devoted himself entirely to the nation and never married. Most importantly he had led the investigation that brought down the corrupt institute director.
That proved he would not ignore wrongdoing. When she returned Ma Xiulan was still asleep. The next morning loud banging sounds woke her. Ma Xiulan had already left for work.
Xu Qingru drifted back to sleep and woke at noon to the sound of people moving outside. She went down for lunch and met a middle-aged man standing below. He wore a Zhongshan suit and stood straight looking upward.
He brightened at the sight of her. Are you Xiulan’s daughter? He asked. Xu Qingru regarded him curiously. And you are?
I am an old friend of your mother’s he said. The word friend made her think of Dong Jun. She studied him closely upright and strong even in middle age as though he had kept up years of training. Could this be him?
Her instincts screamed yes. Qingru what are you doing? Ma Xiulan called from below having brought lunch back. She approached and saw Dong Jun’s face changed yet still familiar.
Their eyes met and years of unspoken feeling rose between them. Xiulan Dong Jun said first. How did you find me? Please come up.
I was passing through on business and the gatekeeper told me you had called. I came straight over. Half an hour later Xu Qingru ate in the hallway listening to them talk inside.
Ma Xiulan explained her situation and asked if he could find work for her daughter. Dong Jun stayed silent for a long time. I should not have asked she said at last forget it.
What about you? Dong Jun asked. He had kept his distance to protect her but now saw how deeply she had suffered. I am not young she said I will just be sent away.
Her voice trembled in a way it never had before Xu Hui. She bit back tears with great effort. Xiulan I have a solution Dong Jun said suddenly.
She looked at him and Xu Qingru leaned closer outside. Marry me Dong Jun said firmly bring your daughter. Ma Xiulan gasped. How could that be?
I hold a military post Dong Jun explained. As my wife you and your daughter would be protected by military marriage laws. No one could force you to leave. Or do you think I am too old?
Not at all she said quickly. Then it is settled he said I will not force you but stay for your daughter’s sake. Ma Xiulan wavered. For her daughter yes.
She walked him out and found Xu Qingru waiting. She smiled and greeted him. Dong Jun reached into his pocket. This is for you he said offering a bullet.
A memento from the war he said I nearly died carrying this. Ma Xiulan’s face softened at the words. Xu Qingru accepted it with great care.
He looked at her approvingly. Her father may be worthless but she is a good girl. I will file the papers at once he told Ma Xiulan you will be safe both of you. He strode off stepping slightly out of step from nervousness.
Ma Xiulan smiled watching him go he had not changed after all these years. Then she grew awkward. It feels soon to marry someone right after divorce she said.
If you like him then do Xu Qingru said I will be with you. It is not like that Ma Xiulan blushed it is just practical. She did not seem convinced herself though her eyes held a softness never meant for Xu Hui.
That evening Dong Jun gathered his four sons. I am getting married he announced she has a daughter and you will treat her well. No one is to make her feel unwelcome.