Looking at the person before her, Zhan Lin felt nothing but a sense of being separated by lifetimes. Of course, they truly were separated by lifetimes.
"Mom is going to find your second aunt and ask her to help inquire about the situation." Hong Huiying hurried toward the master bedroom. "Make yourself something simple for lunch at home. If you don’t feel like cooking, there are some snacks in the five-drawer cabinet."
Zhan Lin’s gaze followed her, watching as she closed and then reopened the master bedroom door, noticing she had changed her bag, and then seeing her off to the study. When she emerged from the study, her bag was noticeably fuller than before.
"Here are two cans of your favorite fruit preserves. Open them and eat." Hong Huiying placed the cans on the table and hurried out. "Mom is leaving now. Be good at home. If you feel hot, turn on the electric fan."
With a snap, the door closed.
Zhan Lin stared at the door for a few seconds, put down the bowl she was holding, and turned to go to the master bedroom. The bankbook was still there, but twenty-five Da Tuanjie bills were missing from the cash. She immediately went to check the study.
In the biscuit tin, only a few pieces remained on the top layer. She lifted the lining paper—the layer underneath no longer contained any money, only biscuits.
She walked behind the writing desk, took the key, and opened the drawer. The contents inside hadn’t been disturbed. She picked up a pin, unlocked the cabinet.
Inside the cabinet, only one can of meat remained. The San Zhuan Yi Xiang coupons were gone, the wristwatch was gone, and the envelope containing the job introduction letter was also missing.
Was Zhan Lin surprised? It seemed there was nothing to be surprised about. She tore off a few blank introduction letters stamped by the Xinhua Lu Jiedao Ban, calmly locked the cabinet, took the small stack of blank introduction letters from the power plant in the drawer, and went to the living room to finish the remaining half-bowl of malted milk in large gulps.
Returning to her room, she combed her hair, opened the wardrobe, took her bag, changed into cloth shoes, and also left the house.
Descending the stairs of the annex, she reached the bicycle shed in just a few steps. At this time, only two bicycles were parked in the shed: an old-fashioned 28-inch men’s bicycle and a nearly new 26-inch women’s bicycle.
The sun was scorching. Zhan Lin had already reached the bicycle shed but turned back home to fetch a sun hat to wear. Pushing her 26-inch women’s bicycle out of the courtyard gate, she ran straight into Aunt Hao, who was returning after delivering a meal.
"Where are you going? Why have you lost so much weight?"
After greeting her, Zhan Lin casually made up an excuse: "I’m going to my grandma’s place." Without lingering, she stepped out of the courtyard gate, pedaled, and swung her leg over the bicycle.
She hadn’t ridden a bicycle in years, but it wasn’t a problem. The handlebars wobbled twice before steadying.
"She really must have been sick. Look at how pale her face is, like paper," Hao Chunhua muttered to herself, glancing back at the slender figure riding toward Wang San Dao.
Upstairs, Zhu Xiaohe pushed open the window, a smile playing on her lips. "Director Hao, have you heard? Deputy Factory Director Zhan next door was caught having an affair."
She had heard, but Hao Chunhua didn’t like her gloating tone. "Xiao Zhu, it’s not that I enjoy nagging, but it’s not good for someone as young as you to stay home all day. If the child can be left with others, you should send them to the nursery. Your job can’t be covered by your brother’s wife from your maiden family forever."
Hitting a sore spot, Zhu Xiaohe, not one to back down, pretended to check her wristwatch. "It’s 10:42 now, not even time to get off work, and you’ve already delivered the meal home?"
Hao Chunhua's face darkened. "What do you know? I have to give a report at the Municipal Women's Federation for a colleague later. I'll wash my hair, change clothes, and leave right after. This food wasn't from the factory cafeteria either—I bought it from the state-run restaurant at the entrance of the alley on my way."
Zhan Lin rode her bike to Wang San Dao, looked around, and headed north. Weiyang City twenty years later was vastly different from now, but fortunately, she had grown up in the urban area and was very familiar with the layout. It wasn't until she was almost at the Public Security Bureau's residential compound that she remembered He Zhenghong should be at work at this time.
Turning around and heading to the cotton mill, she rode for nearly twenty minutes. Before reaching the place, she saw her mother turn into Xiao Xi Lu.
Had she already met He Zhenghong?
Zhan Lin followed, riding along Xiao Xi Lu for about twenty minutes. Her mother continued straight ahead, so Zhan Lin turned off Xiao Xi Lu and entered Hulu Xiang. Passing through Hulu Xiang and taking the long street next to Xiangzhang Fang, she arrived at Xinhua Road Subdistrict.
Standing behind the mailbox on Fushan Lu, she waited three or four minutes. Her mother arrived on her bike, and as expected, she was heading to Yuanqian Hutong.
The small courtyard in the northeast corner of No. 6 Yuanqian Hutong was left to her by her master, Old Lady Qin. It had two Houzhaolou buildings, four rooms upstairs and downstairs, plus two small side rooms. Her mother had the keys and often went there to help clean.
Zhan Lin checked her watch—it was 11:56. She took a piece of White Rabbit milk candy from her bag, unwrapped it, and put it in her mouth. In about fifteen minutes, her mother came out of Yuanqian Hutong. Zhan Lin followed for a while longer and only turned back after confirming her mother was going to work.
With no need to tail anyone, she finally had the mind to carefully observe her surroundings.
Familiar streets, familiar low-rise houses with their deep, aged colors—Zhan Lin leisurely rode her bike, gradually blending into this era from her memory. Passing the state-run restaurant east of Xinhua Road, she didn't hesitate and stopped to eat.
She dared not neglect herself now. Entering the restaurant and seeing an empty table in the dining hall, she quickly walked to the ordering window to queue. The line wasn't long, and she reached the front in two minutes.
"Do you have braised pork?"
"Last portion."
"Then I'll have one portion of braised pork, one portion of stir-fried shrimp with green vegetables, and a bowl of rice."
"Total is one yuan and twelve cents, plus two liang of meat coupons and two liang of grain coupons."
After paying, Zhan Lin asked the server for a bowl of plain water, found a corner seat, took off her sun hat, and fanned herself. Once her breathing steadied, the stifling heat on her body slowly faded.
In her previous life, before her father was sent down, her mother had already filed for divorce. After the divorce, her mother moved into her house in Yuanqian Hutong, quickly transferred her job within a few days, and left for Hu Shi.
Later, her father was accidentally stabbed to death by a fugitive on his way to the countryside. When she called her mother, her mother's attitude was very cold. She understood—after all, her father had indeed made grave mistakes and deserved his fate.
Later, when she had a miscarriage and needed surgery, she hemorrhaged heavily during the procedure. Her sister-in-law called Hu Shi and learned that Comrade Hong Huiying was busy preparing for a wedding banquet. Her brother was so angry he cried.
After her postpartum recovery, when she decided to divorce and go to the northwest to support the Sanxian Jianshe, her mother finally called her.
On the phone, her mother told her, "You can't have children anymore. If you divorce Ning Yunshu, who else could you end up with? If Ning Yunshu divorces, without the burden of children, he could still marry a young, unmarried woman from the city who has a job, good looks, and a respectable family background. What good would come of it for you? If Ning Yunshu isn't bringing up divorce, why should you? Just stay with him and live well. As for children, let him adopt one for you to raise."
When her brother found out, he took leave and went to Hu Shi. After that, her mother published a notice in the newspaper severing ties with both her children.
She asked her brother what had happened in Hu Shi.
Her brother said, "Little sister, let me tell you something strange. There's this colleague of mine at work, Xiao Ming, who's in his thirties, divorced twice, and recently remarried. He dreams of having a child, but no matter what, they can't conceive.
"Some time ago, he and his wife used connections to see an old doctor at a military hospital. The doctor asked Xiao Ming if he'd ever had mumps. Xiao Ming said yes, and he almost died from the high fever. Then the doctor told Xiao Ming and his wife to go home and stop wasting their time."
This bizarre and inexplicable story stuck with Zhan Lin for a long time because it made no sense to her.
At the time, she was completely confused, and her brother didn't explain further, only telling her not to waste her time and to focus on working hard and living well.
In 1982, after returning from supporting construction projects in the northwest, she also went to Hu Shi.
Ms. Hong Huiying was doing quite well in Hu Shi, living in a standalone villa and coming and going by taxi. According to her neighbors, she liked wearing elegant qipaos, drinking coffee, eating steak, and enjoyed taking her husband and son to the Hu Shi Grand Theatre to watch operas.
The son was born when Ms. Hong Huiying was 42 years old, and the two looked quite alike.
Zhan Lin didn't show herself to disturb their family. After spending half a month in Hu Shi, she returned to Weiyang City.
It wasn't until the summer of 1991, when sisters He Zhenghong and He Zhengli were arrested and the police contacted her for questioning, that she learned Ms. Hong Huiying had immigrated to the United States with her husband and child in 1990.
"Number 19, braised pork and stir-fried shrimp." The server called out the order.
Zhan Lin snapped out of her thoughts, stood up, and went to pick up her meal.
There were two state-run restaurants on Xinhua Road, east and west, both known for their authentic braised pork. Her portion was generous, though there wasn't much fat. Still, the lean meat was tasty and not dry.
The stir-fried shrimp included green peas. The shrimp were tender and delicate, clearly fresh from that day.
The dishes suited her taste, and Zhan Lin had an appetite. Two dishes with a bowl of rice were just right. After finishing, she left the state-run restaurant satisfied, pushing her bicycle as she walked slowly.
At one in the afternoon, it was the hottest part of the day, and there weren't many people on the street.
"I rode my bicycle early this morning to help you inquire about job openings. I went to several factory areas, and I haven't even had a sip of water until now. I'm so hot my tongue feels like it's on fire. You don't even care to ask, but all I wanted was for you to accompany me to the state-run restaurant for a quick bite. Why are you giving me such a cold shoulder?"
"Comrade Zhang Li, I'm not like you. Every minute and second of my time is precious. I appreciate you helping me inquire about job openings, but please stop following me. I can't keep up with you."
"Could you please be a bit more reasonable and stop acting like this all the time? Classmate Cen Jin."
Cen Jin?
Zhan Lin couldn't help but look back, just in time to lock eyes with the man and woman chasing each other behind her.
The female comrade with a low ponytail abruptly stopped in her tracks. Her peach blossom eyes were clear and bright, and her full lips were slightly pale. Surprise was written all over her face as she gave Zhan Lin a slight nod. "Long time no see."
"Long time no see." Zhan Lin discreetly sized up Cen Jin from head to toe, then shot a glance at Zhang Lihe, who wore a teasing expression, before getting on her bicycle and riding away.
Before her death, when Ning Yunshu mentioned Cen Jin over the phone, Zhan Lin truly couldn’t recall who she was. But just now, the words "recruitment news," combined with seeing the person, suddenly brought back many memories.
Cen Jin had indeed been her deskmate for a year in seventh grade. She was two years younger, excelled academically, always ranking first, and was also very beautiful.
Back then, Cen Jin’s father had already passed away from illness, and her mother was the sole breadwinner. Later, when her mother also fell ill, Cen Jin took a leave of absence from school.
Zhan Lin hadn’t expected to run into her during this outing. And the way Cen Jin had acted toward Zhang Lihe just now… it seemed the two weren’t in a relationship yet. Today was July 20th, and there weren’t many days left before Cen Jin’s disappearance.
In her previous life, after Cen Jin went missing, Zhang Lihe reported it to the police and frantically searched for her for a while, telling everyone that Cen Jin was his girlfriend.
Zhan Lin recalled Ning Yunshu’s phone call—Cen Jin had hidden an account book at the Xinhua Lu Xi Zhaodaisuo, after which Qi Hongcheng went to the prison to interrogate Zhang Lihe.
Did that mean the account book was related to Zhang Lihe…? No, in 1970, Zhang Lihe didn’t even have a job. What kind of account book could he have? It was more likely that the account book was connected to Zhang Derun, the head of the power plant’s finance department, or to Zhang Derun’s family.
Immediately afterward, Ning Yunshu mentioned that after her father, Zhan Guocheng, was arrested, the Beijing courtyard house her grandmother sold was registered under Wei Junyi’s name.
Who was Wei Junyi? Officially, he was He Zhenghong’s nephew by marriage. In reality, he was the child of He Zhenghong’s husband, Wei Min, and his ex-wife.
Wei Min’s ex-wife was the daughter of a capitalist family. In 1950, she gave birth to the child and left with her family for Hong Kong. Coincidentally, Wei Min’s older brother’s family had just given birth to a daughter, so the two children were passed off as twins.
This secret wasn’t exposed until after the reform and opening-up, when Wei Junyi’s biological mother returned to the country and confronted Wei Min.
Zhan Lin understood Ning Yunshu well—Ning Yunshu didn’t like to waste words.
So, to summarize: the Beijing courtyard house her grandmother, Su Yueyuan, sold in 1970 was registered under the name of He Zhenghong’s stepson in 1993.
And the two people who showed up at her family’s doorstep one week after her father, Zhan Guocheng, was arrested, claiming that some of the accounts he had signed off on were problematic, were Zhang Lihe’s father, Zhang Derun, and Wei Junyi’s father, Wei Min.
Could this all be a coincidence?
Cen Jin disappeared in August 1970. In August 1970, the power plant was conducting an audit.
Zhan Lin smiled. There weren’t that many coincidences in the world. Zhang Derun had been imprisoned in 1986, just before his retirement, for falsifying accounts and embezzling factory funds. Her eldest brother, second uncle, and eldest aunt had all specifically called to tell her about it.
But by then, even if they had suspicions, there was no way to verify them. The accounts had long been cleaned up.
Arriving at No. 6 Yuanqian Hutong, it was exactly 1:20 p.m. Entering through the small gate led directly to the Houzhaolou. The courtyard was completely empty.
At the small courtyard gate in the northeast corner, Zhan Lin fished a key out of her bag. She unlocked the door and pushed her bicycle inside.
Yuanqian Hutong, administratively under Xinhua Road Subdistrict, was only a ten-plus-minute walk from Sanhuali Subdistrict Office. During workdays, she usually rested here at noon.
No. 6 Courtyard was a large quadrangle with four inner courtyards, housing eighteen families.
Her small courtyard had not been renovated; it was originally partitioned from a larger estate for widowed female elders.
It consisted of two small two-story buildings with four rooms total, plus two small east-facing side rooms. One side room served as a kitchen, the other for storage. The open yard space was modest, about twelve or thirteen square meters.
Returning to her own place, Zhan Lin felt completely at ease. She scanned the yard and found nothing unusual. Unlocking the door, she opened it to the main room. Slanted sunlight illuminated a layer of dust on the tables and chairs.
She had left for Qian Sheng in late June and had been staying at Qigu Xiang since returning. By her count, she hadn’t been here for over twenty days. Wiping a finger across the small round table in the living room, she noted a thick layer of dust.
At the center of the tabletop, a small patch of dust had been wiped away. This reminded her.
Standing up, she closed the door and went to the inner room to search for a flashlight in the kang cabinet. The flashlight was right there in the drawer, easy to find. She tested it; the beam was bright.
With the curtains drawn on the first floor, the room was dim and dark. Holding the flashlight, she began searching for traces in the dust, starting from the living room. Aside from the wiped spot on the table, there were none on the stools, rosewood sofa, rosewood side tables, or the side cabinet.
In the inner room, only the two or three spots she had just touched on the sewing machine, the three-meter-long kang, and the kang cabinet showed signs. Pulling open the door to the kang stove area, Zhan Lin shone the light on the small stove, bathing tub, large wooden cabinet, firewood, and charcoal—nothing seemed amiss. She retreated and went to check the small partition behind the living room.
The partition was about five or six square meters, storing rice, flour, grains, oil, sugar, tea, along with unused complete sets of bowls and utensils, and various-sized clay jars. After sweeping the light around, Zhan Lin closed the partition door and headed to the staircase to go upstairs.
The curtains on the second floor were also drawn. She went to the study first; seeing no suspicious fingerprints on the bookshelves or glass, she knew no one had been there. She checked the writing desk, tea table, five-drawer cabinet, radio, rocking chair, sewing basket… one by one, then moved to the bedroom.
This upstairs bedroom had only been occupied by her since the house was renovated and redecorated last year.
The flashlight beam shone on the wardrobe, revealing fingerprints on the door. The rosewood chest, rosewood canopy bed, standing cabinet, and dressing table were all dusty. The stool beside the dressing table had a clean seat. The floor was cement; the light revealed nothing, and of course, nothing could be hidden there.
Zhan Lin opened the wardrobe. The upper shelf held thick cotton quilts. This season, she normally wouldn’t touch them. The lower shelf hung a few spring and autumn jackets, some summer clothes and pants, and three Bulaji dresses.
Walking to the bed, she lifted the bed sheet covering it. Turning off the flashlight, she switched on the electric light. Without using a stool, she directly pulled at the thick cotton quilt. As the quilt fell into her arms, a brick-like paper package dropped to the floor with a thud.
Ignoring it for now, Zhan Lin tossed the quilt onto the bed and went to pull the remaining one. This time, no paper package fell out, but as she threw the quilt onto the bed, a familiar envelope was revealed.
She moved a stool next to the wardrobe, picked up the paper package, stood on the stool, and saw nothing else on the upper shelf of the cabinet.
Stepping down from the stool, she began unwrapping the paper package. Inside were all Da Heishi, some quite flat while others had relatively fresh creases. Counting them, there were exactly one thousand pieces.
Walking over to the bed, she picked up the envelope and emptied its contents. Inside were a job introduction letter, tickets for San Zhuan Yi Xiang, a television ticket, ten Gongye Quan, and that eighty-percent-new Rolex ladies' watch.
Zhan Lin's lips curved upward, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, her heart feeling heavy. She turned and scanned the room—her small courtyard, with two Houzhaolou rooms, each about twenty-three to twenty-four square meters, totaling around forty-seven to forty-eight square meters for both. With two floors, the entire space amounted to about ninety-five square meters.
Ninety-five square meters, plus the kitchen and storage room, made for a spacious area. Today, she intended to thoroughly inspect every corner of her home, to see how many things still existed here that she was unaware of.
Of course, this courtyard belonged to her, and everything within it was hers as well.
Author's Note: