3
This Man Actually Doesn’t Recognize Her
Song Wanying was angered by Jiang Zhizhi’s indifferent attitude, but what chilled her more was the realization that the daughter she had raised for nineteen years had turned out to be an ungrateful wretch.
Fuming, she went to the study to retrieve the Letter of Introduction and handed it to Jiang Zhizhi: “Go. From now on, live well with Xiye. Don’t disgrace our family.”
Jiang Zhizhi took the envelope and waved it casually: “Well… I’ll be going then.”
Sun Xiaoyue stared wide-eyed, even forgetting to act delicate. She scrambled to her feet, astonished that Jiang Zhizhi could leave so easily and breezily?
Was it because she was going to marry Zhou Xiye that she was in such a hurry?
Suddenly regretful, she thought: Jiang Zhizhi is so beautiful—what if Zhou Xiye takes a liking to her?
She should have made such a scene that Jiang Zhizhi couldn’t go to the countryside, nor marry Zhou Xiye!
Her eyes darting, a scheme suddenly came to mind. She turned to Zhou Xiaochuan with a furrowed brow: “Brother Xiaochuan, I don’t know what Zhizhi is so angry about. She’s always liked Brother Xiye, and now that I’m stepping aside for her, why is she still upset?”
Her voice trembling as if on the verge of tears: “Could you go check on her? It’s so late, I’m worried about her being alone. After all, she and Brother Xiye are about to get married—she’ll be your sister-in-law soon.”
At this, Zhou Xiaochuan grew even angrier: “I’ll never accept her as my sister-in-law! I’m going home right now to tell my parents, and I’ll send a telegram to my brother!”
Sun Xiaoyue could barely suppress her triumphant smirk, still feigning concern with a worried frown: “Is that really appropriate? Uncle Zhou and the others have already written to Brother Xiye. I heard the marriage application has been approved.”
Zhou Xiaochuan snorted coldly: “I don’t care. I’m going to tell my parents right now.”
…
Relying on the original host’s memories, Jiang Zhizhi walked out of the compound. When she reached the street, her heart sank—the avenue was desolate and empty, not a soul in sight. The streetlights were dim, and the trees and buildings cast looming shadows, as if countless giant monsters lurked behind them.
The streets of Beijing in the 1970s were actually this deserted!
She took a deep breath and headed toward the train station with her travel bag. She remembered it wasn’t far.
She hadn’t gone far when Jiang Zhenhua came panting up behind her: “Zhizhi, wait a moment.”
Puzzled, Jiang Zhizhi stopped and turned to see Jiang Zhenhua, sweating and slightly out of breath: “Zhizhi, where are you going alone so late?”
Jiang Zhizhi bit her lower lip: “To the train station.”
Jiang Zhenhua adjusted his glasses and sighed: “Alright, be careful on the way. The situation at home is complicated right now. It might be better for you to go find Xiye early.”
He pulled a brown paper envelope from his pocket and stuffed it into Jiang Zhizhi’s bag: “There’s some money, National food coupons, Meat coupons, and an Industrial coupon inside. Remember, keep this Industrial coupon safe—it can be exchanged for money when times are tough.”
Jiang Zhizhi had thought Jiang Zhenhua came to persuade her to return home, but instead, he gave her money and coupons. She opened her mouth, momentarily at a loss for words.
Jiang Zhenhua patted her shoulder: “I know you’re a good kid. Go on. When you see Xiye, remember to write me a letter. Send it to the compound—someone will forward it to me.”
Without waiting for her response, he turned and left.
Jiang Zhizhi watched Jiang Zhenhua’s slightly hunched and somewhat unsteady back, feeling a faint stir in her heart. He was the first person in this world who had shown her kindness.
Only after Jiang Zhenhua disappeared into the night did Jiang Zhizhi pick up her travel bag and continue toward the train station.
Along the way, she encountered several patrols. Thanks to her Letter of Introduction, she passed through without trouble.
With her right hand being inconvenient, Jiang Zhizhi had been carrying the bag with her left hand the whole time, and it was starting to feel stiff. She stopped by the roadside, set down the bag, and shook her sore arm. She also realized she was hungry—the tense atmosphere at home that evening had left her without a proper meal.
Rubbing her stomach, she looked around but found no open cafeterias. It occurred to her that private businesses weren’t allowed yet, and the state-owned cafeteria operated on fixed hours, closing on time. At this hour, there was definitely nowhere to get food.
Jiang Zhizhi planned to rest a bit before heading to the train station. She figured there must be a state-owned cafeteria nearby where she could wait until morning to buy a steamed bun.
As she bent down to pick up her bag, someone suddenly rushed out from a nearby alley, sprinting straight toward her.
Jiang Zhizhi grew alert. Why would anyone be running so frantically in the dead of night? Could they be after her bag?
Her body moved faster than her thoughts. She pivoted and raised her leg, kicking the man squarely in the shoulder blade before he could get close.
The man staggered back, struggling to regain his balance, but Jiang Zhizhi followed up with another swift kick, striking him right in the chest.
With a pained grunt, the man crashed heavily to the ground.
Jiang Zhizhi felt a surge of satisfaction. Even in this body, her skills hadn’t diminished one bit!
Zhou Xiye arrived with his companions just in time to see a striking young woman. Two dark braided pigtails hung over her chest, and though she wore a loose white floral short-sleeve shirt and black trousers, her slender waist was still evident. She appeared delicate, but her movements were fierce and explosive!
Then he heard her clear voice mutter, “You blind fool, daring to try and steal my bag!”
Zhou Xiye walked toward Jiang Zhizhi, his eyes filled with admiration. “Comrade, thank you.”
Jiang Zhizhi had noticed Zhou Xiye earlier. Dressed in a military uniform, he stood tall and straight, which put her somewhat at ease—after all, soldiers always brought a sense of security, no matter the era.
But as he approached and she saw his face clearly under the streetlight, she nearly gasped. It was Zhou Xiye from the original host’s memories!
Seeing the person from her memories right before her eyes was startling. He looked just as she remembered—deep-set eyes, a straight nose, and thin lips pressed together, giving him a cold, distant air.
Noticing that Zhou Xiye showed no sign of recognition as he drew near, she realized he didn’t know the original host.
Seeing Jiang Zhizhi staring at him with a tense expression and saying nothing, Zhou Xiye turned to his two companions and instructed them to tie up the man on the ground and take him to the police.
He then turned back to Jiang Zhizhi. “Comrade, thank you. Which unit are you from? Your skills are impressive.”
Jiang Zhizhi had no intention of introducing herself to Zhou Xiye. “I’m not from the military. I’m just an ordinary passerby.”
Zhou Xiye was slightly surprised. Jiang Zhizhi’s abilities were sharper than even the soldiers under his command, especially those two consecutive kicks. Without extensive practical experience, such fluid and sharp moves would be impossible.
Moreover, her posture was as straight as a young pine tree, much like someone who had undergone professional training.
“With skills like yours, why didn’t you join the military?”
Jiang Zhizhi: “…”
She had only shown a small part of her skills, yet Zhou Xiye had already noticed. How could she still take the train to Ganbei to marry him?
With a stiff face, she replied coldly, “Not interested. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving now.”
Grabbing her bag, she quickly walked away without giving Zhou Xiye any chance to speak.
Zhou Xiye watched Jiang Zhizhi’s fleeing figure and felt somewhat puzzled. This girl seemed to be afraid of him?