The sent-down youth registration point was a single-story building facing the street. Its brick-red walls and mossy ground showed it was an old building.
At the sound of a crisp, young female voice, several people inside looked toward the door.
A neatly dressed young woman stood there, looking delicate and pretty.
“Miss, come in, this way!”
A middle-aged woman immediately stepped forward to greet Shen Qingran.
Shen Qingran explained her purpose and situation.
The eldest sister of the registration point admired her: “Young people today, with your awareness and thinking, you’re bound to do well in the future!”
Soon, the introduction letter was ready: “Here it is. You just need to get it stamped at your neighborhood office!”
Shen Qingran nodded, about to leave, but was called back.
“Hey, comrade, don’t go!”
The middle-aged woman handed her an envelope: “This is the stipend for youth who voluntarily register to go to the countryside!”
Shen Qingran looked at it and smiled, nodding to the woman.
In this era, as long as one volunteered, there was a stipend. If not voluntary, no stipend would be given. Two separate matters.
As night fell, Shen Qingran walked briskly toward home.
At this chaotic time, incidents often occurred. Many sources of trouble had yet to be cleared.
Perhaps due to her cultivation in the other space, Shen Qingran felt agile and brisk in her steps.
Soon, she reached the familiar building.
Unlike usual nights of bright lights, only the first floor was illuminated tonight.
Inside, several family members sat on the floor, looking dispirited.
The atmosphere was gloomy.
The fat cook and other servants were nowhere in sight.
“Miss, you’re finally back!”
Zhang Ma emerged from the shadows, carrying a blue bundle. Her anxious expression was clear in the light.
Shen Qingran held Zhang Ma’s slightly cool hand: “Zhang Ma, where is everyone else?”
Zhang Ma looked at Zheng Xiuyu struggling nearby: “Madam has already dismissed the others. I’m just here to bid you farewell!”
Indeed, the household had no extra money to support the staff anymore. This was only a matter of timing.
Shen Qingran whispered a few words to Zhang Ma, who nodded with tears in her eyes.
Zhang Ma bid her farewell loudly and then disappeared into the night.
Shen Tang seemed to regain his senses. Seeing Shen Qingran, he stood up and pointed at her: “You brat! What have you done to your face!”
That morning, Shen Tang had wondered why the children kept laughing despite the family’s troubles.
It wasn’t until the police finished taking reports that they realized Shen Qingran had left traces from her acupuncture, forming a comical “Pigsy” shape.
This was when he finally understood.
Earlier that morning, she had vanished, leaving him with nowhere to vent. Seeing her now, he finally recalled.
Zheng Xiuyu slumped in the sofa, seemingly drained of all energy.
It seemed the theft had shaken the Shen family to its core.
Shen Wei, Shen Ci, and Shen Yulian all gave Shen Qingran uneasy looks.
“Something this serious happened at home—where were you?”
Shen Qingran was unconcerned: “Where else could I go? Inspector Zhang said he wanted to understand the case and took me aside to discuss it a bit.”
As they were about to respond, footsteps sounded outside.
“Ah, is Miss Shen home?”
“May I ask if Miss Shen is home?”
Several people in Zhongshan suits looked inside.
“Who are you here for?”
“We’re from the Wan family!”
Upon hearing “Wan family,” the household’s eyes brightened.
Ah! Yes! And our in-laws too! Perhaps the Wan family could help—they were influential, ranking among the top ten in the capital.
Shen Tang suddenly perked up. Exchanging a glance with Zheng Xiuyu, they all straightened and stood.
“So, may we ask if Miss Shen is home?”
Shen Yulian stood up: “I am!”
The visitors looked at her triangular eyes and recalled the household’s description—her appearance didn’t seem to match the expected look of Shen Qingran.
The family said she was delicate and beautiful!
Though not ugly, she wasn’t exactly beautiful either. Could the family information be wrong?
They looked at each other: “Excuse us, is there another Miss Shen? You don’t seem to be the one we’re looking for.”
Shen Qingran chuckled behind. This younger sister clearly revealed her intentions.
Shen Yulian protested: “Is it wrong that I am Miss Shen?”
They replied: “No, we mean our young master’s taste is definitely not yours.”
Shen Yulian felt embarrassed.
“Take the hint—if they say you’re unattractive, can’t you tell? Don’t embarrass yourself further!”
Shen Qingran stepped forward: “It’s me!”
The visitors nodded to each other.
Yes, this was her! The young master’s taste wasn’t that poor—such an unattractive girl could never catch his eye.
Shen Tang and Zheng Xiuyu forced smiles: “Is this the Wan family next door?”
They nodded: “Yes, our elders would like to invite Miss Shen over for a visit.”
Shen Yulian muttered: “At night, sending a young lady over… what good could come of it?”
“Yulian, shut up!” Shen Tang scolded loudly.
The Wan family was their lifeline. “Who knows what they want Miss Shen for?”
They replied: “We don’t know. Please, Miss Shen, follow us.”
Shen Qingran was unafraid. The Wan family? What’s there to fear! Even if it were a den of wolves, she could handle it.
The visitors led Shen Yulian from the Shen residence.
It wasn’t far, so no bicycles were used.
Night fell, streetlights flickered.
The nearby military compound was only ten or so minutes away.
Along the way, many people watched Shen Qingran.
“Isn’t that the Shen family’s daughter?”
“Yes, walking with them at this hour—what’s she up to?”
“Yes, but keep your distance.”
Soon, a soldier-guarded gate appeared ahead.