Fan Honghua held Factory Director Liu’s hand, crying tears of joy. “Old Liu, it’s already a blessing that your life was saved. Losing a leg doesn’t matter—I’ll buy you a wheelchair. Wherever you want to go in the future, I’ll take you.”
Liu Fanghua sniffed, wiped her tears, and said with a smile, “Dad, just focus on recovering in the hospital. Don’t worry about anything. Weimin is watching over the factory. If anything comes up, let him handle it.”
“Alright, alright! I’ll listen to you both.”
Director Liu was in good spirits and didn’t seem depressed about becoming disabled.
His gaze fell on Xiao Huai Dong.
“Huai Dong, you’ve made a great contribution this time. And your daughter as well—if she hadn’t warned us in time, the losses would have been even greater. You’ve both had a fright today. Go back and rest. I’ll have Huaying bring your reward later.”
Fang Zhiguo, who had been silent, spoke up. “Director, I’ll head back to the factory as well.”
After leaving the hospital, Fang Zhiguo hesitated for a while before calling out to Xiao Huai Dong. “Comrade Xiao, about what happened this morning—I apologize. Whether you accept it or not, I was in the wrong. I just went to see Wu Peng—aside from getting a full set of dentures, he’s fine. If you’re willing to join the security section, I can give you my position as section chief.”
Xiao Huai Dong smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor refusing. “We’ll talk about it later.”
“Comrade Xiao, Wu Peng is vindictive. You must be careful.”
After offering the warning, Fang Zhiguo strode away.
Xiao Huai Dong had wanted to offer him a ride, but the man was already gone.
At the mention of Wu Peng, a strange glint flashed in Xiao Nanchu’s eyes.
That man carried two lives on his back—he was ruthless. He would definitely seek revenge on her father.
However, judging from his face earlier, he was short-lived. There was no need for her father to act.
“Little Bean Sprout, what are you thinking about?”
Noticing his daughter lost in thought, Xiao Huai Dong ruffled her curly hair, a hint of cold sharpness flashing in his eyes.
Whether Wu Peng had targeted him or Huaying, he wouldn’t let it go easily.
If Wu Peng wanted revenge, all the better.
He was more worried that Wu Peng would be too scared to come after him—he was waiting.
By the time they returned to the steel factory, it was already noon.
Xiao Huai Dong parked the vehicle and took Xiao Nanchu to find Xu Huaying.
“Brother Dong, why haven’t you treated the wounds on your face? Come with me to the infirmary—I’ll clean and dress them!”
Xu Huaying reached out instinctively, then hesitated, afraid of hurting him, and instead took his hand.
Xiao Nanchu, the obvious third wheel, quietly stepped back.
The three soon arrived at the factory’s infirmary.
Inside was a female doctor in her forties.
“Comrade Xu, is this your partner? Oh my, such a handsome face—how did it get injured? My, there are so many glass shards!”
The doctor exclaimed noisily, making Xu Huaying’s face darken.
“Sister Wang, I’ll do it myself. I can handle this kind of wound.”
Rolling her eyes, Xu Huaying took the iodine and tweezers from her and carefully removed the glass shards from Xiao Huai Dong’s face bit by bit.
“I say, Comrade Xu, aren’t you taking my job? Well, with such a handsome partner, I wouldn’t let other women near him either. If you ask me, you should keep him hidden at home—his face is just…”
Sister Wang rambled on endlessly.
Only when her throat went dry did she notice the little figure standing in the room.
“Oh! Is this child’s hair naturally curly? Just like your partner’s! You must be father and daughter—clearly related! Such a pity she’s not Comrade Xu’s child…”
Xu Huaying tossed aside the last cotton ball and cut her off impatiently. “Sister Wang, working in the infirmary really wastes your talent. In my opinion, you’d have a better future performing on stage.”
“Really? You think so too? A few days ago, Fanghua said the same thing. With all this praise, maybe I should give it a try.”
Xu Huaying twitched her lips speechlessly, grabbed Xiao Huai Dong and Xiao Nanchu by the hand, and quickly left the infirmary.
“Brother Dong, Fanghua just called me about what happened today. Uncle Liu had an accident and may retire early. He thinks highly of you and wants you to work at the factory. You can choose between being a driver or a security guard. What do you think?”
As she spoke, she led them toward the cafeteria.
“Thank him for me. I plan to take Little Bean Sprout to Huai City Hospital in a few days for treatment. As for work, we’ll decide after we get back.”
Xu Huaying stroked Xiao Nanchu’s curly hair like petting a puppy, her face full of guilt. “Brother Dong, I’m sorry. I was too impatient. Little Bean Sprout’s condition really needs treatment soon.”
Xiao Nanchu: “…”
This was bad. Her father was serious this time.
But she really wasn’t sick!
“Dad, I’m fine! I don’t want to go to Huai City!”
Even though she knew he wouldn’t believe her, she argued anyway. “I’m really not sick—it’d just waste money. Dad, you should take the job first. It’s a rare opportunity!”
“Little Bean Sprout, be good. Your illness can’t be delayed.”
Talking as they walked, they soon arrived at the large cafeteria that could seat over a thousand people.
It was already past mealtime, and only a few scattered tables were occupied.
They found a seat by the window.
After settling them down, Xu Huaying took the meal tickets to get food.
At a nearby table, two women and a man were talking animatedly about a strange incident in the factory housing compound.
“This is already the fifth case. All of them were unmarried young women around twenty. So pitiful! Their parents raised them with such difficulty—how could they just choose to die? What could they not let go of?”
“I heard the one who died last night had a fiancé who was a key technician at the machinery factory. What a pity.”
“Exactly! Now everyone in the housing compound is on edge. Families with engaged daughters are rushing to hold weddings, afraid something like this might happen to their own child.”
When Xu Huaying returned with the food and heard their conversation, her expression changed slightly.
“Brother Dong, there have been five jumping incidents recently in the factory housing compound. But the factory itself is still safe.”
Xiao Huai Dong pulled her to sit beside him thoughtfully. “Good thing you don’t live there.”
Xu Huaying sighed. “Even if I did, I’d be fine. All the victims were unmarried women. The police ruled them as suicides. I don’t believe it—but it’s someone else’s family matter. If the families accept it, and I’m not the police, there’s nothing I can do.”
Xiao Huai Dong shook his head. “Let’s eat first.”
At this time, the police system was not well-developed, and case efficiency was low. Unless there was pressure from higher authorities, most cases were handled hastily.
If the families didn’t pursue it, whatever the police concluded was accepted—even if there were doubts, few dared to reopen a case.
After eating, Xu Huaying returned to work. Xiao Huai Dong got on his bicycle and took Xiao Nanchu back to the small villa.
“Dad, I remember we locked the door when we left. Look—the lock has been opened. Could there be a thief?”