He Liansheng walked into the Zhao family’s spacious and bright house made of blue bricks and large tiles, just as Zhao Qingsong came out after finishing his bath.
“The application has already been submitted. At the latest, it should be approved by tomorrow afternoon,” Zhao Qingsong said, rubbing his temples. After the commotion caused by the Liu family, he had almost forgotten his good brother’s important matter.
He Liansheng pressed his lips together and said nothing.
Back then, he and Zhao Qingsong had entered the same batch of new recruits. Being the youngest and physically weakest, he was often ignored by others. Only Zhao Qingsong, like an elder brother, took him along wherever he went, guiding and training with him.
Later, although they were assigned to different companies, their friendship never broke. After He Liansheng was transferred to Haicheng No. 2 Radio Factory, he still kept in touch with Zhao Qingsong. This time, while pursuing a theft gang to the border, he needed Zhao’s coordination due to restrictions on crossing the border. He could have waited in the provincial capital, but for some reason, he ended up coming to Wulitun.
“It’s good you came back. Your family is here, which helps avoid suspicion,” Zhao Qingsong said, resting his hands behind his head. “Once you complete this mission, you should be able to establish yourself firmly at the factory.”
He Liansheng remained silent. Whether his family was here had nothing to do with it.
Zhao Qingsong’s gaze subconsciously fell on his left leg. If not for that accident, He Liansheng’s military achievements would likely surpass his own—and he wouldn’t still be single.
Although his limp wasn’t obvious when walking, in tasks requiring physical endurance, he was far behind ordinary soldiers. Even though a communications soldier relied more on the brain and hands, survival in the wild, concealment, mobility, and setting up hidden positions were no longer his strengths.
Physical disability was one aspect, but more importantly, there was a psychological barrier. That was why he had requested a transfer. Communications work required strong mental resilience, and last year’s injury had deeply affected him. According to specialists in the capital, he had developed stress disorder and could no longer continue such work.
Zhao Qingsong suppressed a sigh and changed the topic. “You shouldn’t be too picky. Women are all the same—two eyes and a nose. As long as she can manage the household, that’s enough.”
Yet, the image of that young woman who didn’t seem to like him surfaced in his mind. Perhaps… not all were the same.
Back then, He Liansheng had been known as the “pretty boy” in the company—highly capable and good-looking. At social events, many female soldiers competed to talk to him. Several leaders even wanted to introduce their daughters or nieces to him.
If Zhao Qingsong had such advantages, he wouldn’t still be stuck at the company level.
Perhaps to convince himself or He Liansheng, he spoke with experience. “Trust me. I’ve been through it. A woman is just about that kind of thing on the kang. At first, it’s exciting, but it fades after a few years. What matters is someone who can secure your home front for life.”
He recalled Commissar Liu from the residential compound. Back then, Liu had been inferior to him, but because he enlisted earlier and married a kindergarten teacher who was good at socializing, his wife built strong relationships with other officers’ families. That was how Liu became a political commissar.
He had also heard that before Liu’s promotion, his wife frequently visited the division commander’s home, cooking southern dishes for the commander’s elderly mother to win her favor.
Once the mother was pleased, the son naturally followed.
He Liansheng frowned. He disliked such gossip. “Personal ability is what matters most.”
Zhao Qingsong smiled bitterly, as if saying he was too young. “Sometimes, one choice can affect your whole life—especially marriage.”
“I’ve thought about remarriage for two years. A family that’s too good might not choose me, and I don’t want to serve a wife like an ancestor. But someone too poor won’t do either. Marriage should provide support… The Liu family would have been a good choice. Liu Baozhu is presentable, educated, and capable of raising children. She’s young, simple-minded, and her family isn’t overbearing… What a pity…”
Because of Liu Sanhu’s trouble.
He Liansheng frowned. He felt he no longer recognized his old friend.
Was this calculating, career-driven man still the same Zhao Qingsong who had trained with him under the blazing sun?
Zhao Qingsong didn’t need a response. Lying on the kang, he continued thinking about work, showing no excitement about becoming a groom. “If you had taken advantage of last year’s incident…”
“Brother Qingsong, be careful with your words.” He Liansheng had never spoken of that incident, though rumors existed. He hadn’t expected even Zhao Qingsong to think this way.
“Alright, let’s not talk about the past. It’s just a pity that with your ability, being only a technician is a waste.”
“It’s all work.”
Zhao Qingsong laughed. “True, work is important. But life’s major matters can’t be delayed. That girl—though a bit fiery and not well-educated—can manage a household. A wife, children, and a warm bed—you’ll be happy.”
For some reason, He Liansheng didn’t like him talking about Comrade Xiao Qin that way. There was nothing improper in his words, yet it still felt uncomfortable.
“She’s just a younger girl. It’s too early to say such things.”
“Age doesn’t matter, as long as she’s legally of age. Being simple-minded is good…” Zhao Qingsong thought of his late wife—too clever, too demanding. Life was already tiring; coming home to deal with that was exhausting.
“The one I’m marrying now is sensible, but her family is troublesome.”
He Liansheng recalled being surrounded by the Liu family that afternoon, begging him for help. It gave him a headache.
“Liu Sanhu—stealing is already a crime, and he had to steal those things. That kind of person deserves to be shot,” Zhao Qingsong said coldly, showing only disgust.
Having such a brother-in-law would affect his records and future promotions. If he hadn’t already registered the marriage, he wouldn’t acknowledge this connection.
“My mother is too impatient. If we had waited two more days to register…”
He Liansheng frowned. He simply disliked Liu Sanhu’s actions. “Promotions depend on ability. Don’t think too much.”
“You’re still too young. Some things you don’t understand.” Without education or background, every step he had taken was earned with blood and effort—yet others could easily undermine him.
Thinking of this, Zhao Qingsong suddenly sat up. He needed to make things clear with both families. No matter Liu Sanhu’s fate, they must keep silent—especially Liu Baozhu. After joining the army, she must never mention him.
He Liansheng watched him rush out, slightly displeased.
At the same time, he was puzzled. Just yesterday, he had been planning how to intimidate the Liu family. Yet today, Liu Sanhu was arrested. He didn’t believe it was coincidence.
There were no coincidences—only careful planning.
The most likely suspect was the Qin family, but they were too weak to manage such a thing. And Xiao Qin didn’t seem capable of such calculated action.
So who was it?
Before he could figure it out, he left with Zhao Qingsong for official business in the provincial capital, though he made a mental note to remind Xiao Qin next time—they were not dealing with simple people.
Meanwhile, Qin Laidi continued her work as a breeder.
After her recent performance, villagers recognized her real skills learned from He Libai. Whenever chickens fell sick, dogs refused food, or ducks stopped laying eggs, they came to her.
One advantage of the mountainous area was that many medicines could be sourced locally. Every morning, she checked the piglets; every afternoon, she went to the mountains to gather herbs. Anything useful, she collected, trimmed, dried, and sometimes ground into powder.
Unfortunately, many medicinal pills required sugar, honey, or flour—things in short supply. Her grandmother wouldn’t allow such waste.
As soon as she returned to the village entrance, the elderly women under the big locust tree teased her. “Laidi, collecting herbs again? I’ll come to you for medicine next time.”
“My sixth child won’t eat. Can you make something for digestion?”
Though she knew they were joking, Laidi smiled and agreed. She set down her basket, sat on a sun-warmed rock, and listened to their chatter.
“Have you heard? Has Cui Lao Wu’s wife been discharged?”
“Oh, discharged? She never even stayed long. Every time she falls ill, she goes to the hospital. It’s been years—no family can afford that forever.”
Everyone nodded sympathetically. In these times, minor illnesses were endured, and major ones depended on fate. Few families could afford repeated hospital visits like the Cui family.
“Sending her to the hospital now is just because they can’t bear to watch her die.”
Some even wiped tears.
Qin Laidi thought for a while but couldn’t recall who Cui Lao Wu was. Curious, she asked, “What illness does his wife have?”
“Shh… it’s fatal.”
That sparked excitement. Some said her face was yellow like smoked cured meat, others said even her eyes were yellow, and still others said her palms and soles were yellow like smeared clay. From barely working in the fields, to leaning on walls last year, to now being unable to leave the kang at all.
Hearing about full-body yellowing, Qin Laidi immediately thought of a disease.