When the ten minutes were up, Shen Hanyang and Bai Yue came out carrying their luggage, with Bai Yue holding the still-confused Shen Hao.
“All packed?” Wang Songde scanned the ground and spotted a lone suitcase, a hint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes.
Shen Hanyang’s mouth turned bitter. Their house had been ransacked—everything they had prepared earlier was gone, along with cash and food ration coupons. With time so tight, he and Bai Yue could only pack a few clothes and daily necessities. Fortunately, the relocation site was in Yun Province, where the climate was mild year-round, so heavy clothes and bedding weren’t needed.
Glancing at Shen Qingjun standing idly to the side, Shen Hanyang felt even more frustrated. This fool didn’t even know how to pack. Just wait until they arrived in Yun Province—he wanted to see how she’d manage then.
Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Committee members inspected the luggage. Seeing only light clothing and basic necessities, Wang Songde was increasingly satisfied. At least Shen Hanyang had the sense not to smuggle anything valuable.
He waved his hand, signaling his men to enter the house for a routine check.
The so-called “routine check” was really just a chance to see if anything valuable had been hidden and take it for themselves. Committee members who participated in these “raids” would often make a tidy profit, and in return, the Committee would look after them during the relocation process—a tacit understanding between the two parties.
Wang Songde, along with five men in Zhongshan suits, barged into the house, all excited and eager to make a haul. But as soon as they entered, they froze.
The house was a complete mess, like it had been looted, with an air of desolation.
“Director Wang, there’s nothing here.”
“I searched for half an hour and only found a rusty earring. Nothing else.”
“You could find a piece of jewelry? I dug around and didn’t see a thing. Then a fat rat jumped out of the corner, scared me half to death.”
Complaints from the subordinates erupted one after another. Wang Songde’s face darkened. He strode out and kicked Shen Hanyang in the chest. “Shen Hanyang, how dare you secretly hoard public property? Where is it? Hand it over!”
His eyes blazed like a fearsome deity. Shen Hanyang, pale, protested his innocence. Bai Yue suddenly lunged forward, agitated. “Director Wang, it was Sun Lanzhi! Last night she sneaked into my house while we were asleep and stole things—she’s the one who took public property!”
“Really?” Wang Songde asked.
Shen Hanyang grit his teeth and nodded. The Committee members clearly believed in catching the culprit red-handed. Originally, he wanted to overlook Sun Lanzhi out of consideration for Weiwei, but now he couldn’t protect himself. He had no choice but to push Sun Lanzhi forward.
An aide holding a folder stepped forward, flipped it open, and pointed at the two of them. After some quick exchanges, the aide led the two away.
The Shen household had been completely turned upside down. Those who had entered excited and eager now left looking grim.
Wang Songde asked sternly, “Is the inspection complete?”
“Yes.” The aide responded through gritted teeth, shooting Shen Hanyang a glare. Shen Hao shrank back, hiding behind Bai Yue.
“Since the inspection is done, take your luggage and follow us.”
Shen Hanyang could tell Wang Songde was in a bad mood. Not daring to say anything, he quickly grabbed the luggage. Passing Shen Qingjun, he furrowed his brow and gestured for her to follow. Bai Yue held Shen Hao’s hand and followed closely.
The group moved in a large procession. Many onlookers, seeing Wang Songde and Shen Hanyang’s family, immediately understood what was happening. A few daring souls quietly followed to gawk.
“This path doesn’t seem to lead to the front gate,” Shen Hanyang muttered, uneasy at the strangely familiar road.
Wang Songde glanced at him coldly, ignoring the remark.
Ever since becoming Chief of Staff, Shen Hanyang hadn’t experienced being ignored for so long. Clenching his fists, a dark flash appeared in his eyes. Once he returned, Wang Songde would pay.
For some reason, Shen Hanyang’s unease only grew stronger. By the time he saw a familiar bungalow, his anxiety reached its peak.
Just as he was about to speak, a scream came from inside, followed by Shen Xinwei running out, sobbing. She collided with Shen Hanyang and the others.
Seeing her parents, Shen Xinwei clutched Shen Hanyang’s arm like a lifeline. “Mom, Dad! The Revolutionary Committee wants to take me for relocation! You have to tell them, I’m not your daughter—Shen Qingjun is!”
Shen Hanyang and Bai Yue froze. What? Shen Xinwei wanted to go with them?
At that moment, the aides who had left earlier returned with two people. One stepped forward, grabbed Shen Xinwei’s arm, and pinned it behind her back. “Stay still. Don’t move!”
Terrified, Shen Xinwei didn’t dare move. She whimpered and looked pitifully at Shen Hanyang and Bai Yue.
“Is everyone accounted for?” Wang Songde asked the returning aides.
The aide opened a folder, took out a pen from his chest pocket, and pointed at Shen Hanyang, Bai Yue, Shen Hao, and Shen Xinwei.
Shen Hanyang finally understood.
He anxiously asked, “Director Wang, isn’t there some mistake? Why are you taking Weiwei?”
“Yes! Shen Qingjun is my biological daughter! You should be taking her!” Bai Yue exclaimed. Fearing Wang Songde wouldn’t believe her, she grabbed Shen Qingjun. “Qingjun, tell Director Wang—you’re my daughter!”
Shen Qingjun gasped, puzzled. “You can lie about meals, but don’t lie about this. When have I ever been your daughter? If you were my mom, have you ever cooked a meal for me or washed a piece of my clothing?”
Bai Yue was speechless. Shen Qingjun clicked her tongue, shaking her head. “See? No matter how much you care for Shen Xinwei, don’t drag innocent people into it.”
“Enough! Our Revolutionary Committee strictly follows procedure. Your household registration clearly says your daughter is Shen Xinwei!”
Wang Songde, already impatient after the delay, barked, “Take her now! If you miss the train, you’ll have no one to blame!”
Shen Xinwei’s face went ghostly pale, full of hatred and resentment toward Shen Qingjun—everything was her fault!
As the group prepared to leave, Sun Lanzhi suddenly rushed out. “Director Wang, I can testify—Shen Qingjun isn’t my daughter! Shen Xinwei is my biological daughter!”
Shen Qingjun’s expression darkened. “You disliked the child I raised from the start, fine. But I never expected you’d lie to please Shen Hanyang like this.”
Sun Lanzhi panicked. “I’m not lying! I’ve known all along you weren’t my daughter! Back then, I deliberately… ugh…”
Her words were cut off as Shen Zhigao came up and clamped a hand over her mouth. Shen Qingjun felt disappointed—she had hoped to draw out the others.
“This wife of mine had complications giving birth back then. Shen Qingjun is my daughter. Director Wang, take her and go; don’t waste time.”
Wang Songde nodded. “You actually have some perspective. Let’s go.”
Shen Zhigao bowed politely.
Seeing Shen Zhigao and Sun Lanzhi give up on her, Shen Xinwei despaired. Suddenly, she remembered something and shouted, “Wait! I’ve already signed up to go as an educated youth to the countryside! You can’t take me!”