“Providing clues to the public security comrades and cooperating with their work is the duty and responsibility of us ordinary people.
Comrade Qian and the others are just doing routine questioning.
Second sister-in-law, don’t be nervous—just answer whatever Comrade Qian asks.”
Lu Miaomiao spoke openly and righteously, without the slightest hint of guilt.
This made Public Security Officer Qian, who had been quietly observing them, nod in approval. As expected of the wife of a soldier—her ideological awareness was very high.
In contrast, Comrade Liu showed obvious nervousness and a forced attitude, clearly suspicious. He needed to be questioned carefully.
“You girl really have quite the courage,” Village Secretary Wang said, trying to ease the atmosphere so they wouldn’t be too nervous.
“I have no guilty conscience, so I’m not afraid of ghosts knocking on my door.
I stand straight and sit upright—there’s nothing to fear.
Besides, Comrade Qian looks like an upright, selfless, law-enforcing good comrade. I’m even less afraid.”
Lu Miaomiao spoke frankly, even flattering Officer Qian a little.
“Haha, little girl, very upright. That’s the kind of attitude we should have.”
Officer Qian laughed despite his heavy mood. The words “upright law enforcement” had struck a chord with him, making him feel a bit proud.
He had once been a soldier, shedding sweat and blood on the battlefield for the country.
Later, due to an accident during a mission, he was injured and had to leave the army he loved. But he didn’t give up—he chose another path and became a public security officer.
For more than ten years, he had remained at his post, faithfully maintaining social order and justice.
Now hearing someone describe him as “upright and fair in law enforcement,” he felt deeply gratified.
It was not only recognition of his work, but also encouragement.
…
Half an hour later, Officer Qian and Secretary Wang took their leave.
“Liu Huifang, you’re quite the storyteller. You said you went to the river that late to catch fish for my injured man—and just happened to run into Liu Xianhua and the others?”
Lu Miaomiao sneered at her, scaring Liu Huifang into trembling before she turned and went after Officer Qian.
“Comrade Qian, how did you come to our production brigade?”
“My husband was injured on duty. I want to go see him and get him a wheelchair. Could I trouble you for a ride?”
She asked casually and familiarly.
“Sure, no problem. Go get ready, I’ll wait outside.”
“Comrades, sorry for disturbing you. I’ll take my leave.”
After agreeing, Officer Qian walked out of the courtyard.
“Bian’an, I’m going to town. Do you want to come?”
“I won’t go. It’s not convenient for me.
You go ahead and buy whatever you need.
As for the wheelchair, just order one from the carpenter next door. No need to buy one—it’s inconvenient to carry.”
Most wheelchairs at the time were wooden, and advanced ones couldn’t be found in a small place like this. So Xiao Bian’an assumed she meant a wooden one.
“We don’t want wood. Even if the wheels are smooth, it still won’t be good to use. I’ll get you an iron one and modify it later. It’ll make your travel much more convenient.
Mom, do you need anything brought back?”
“Buy some salt,” Niu Cuihua said.
“Okay, I’m off then.
Goudan, you don’t need to go work in the fields today. Just take care of your uncle. I’ll reward you with one yuan when I come back.”
“Sister-in-law, I don’t need money. I’ll take good care of Uncle.”
“That won’t do. Work and reward must be separate.”
She lightly patted his head.
“Xiao Bian’an, I’m leaving. Be good and listen to me. I’ll bring you something tasty when I come back.”
“Go quickly. Don’t keep Comrade Qian waiting.
Be careful on the road and don’t come back too late.”
He originally wanted to worry about her, but her words made him lose his temper—he wasn’t a child.
“Then I’m going!”
“Hey, little brother, stop looking—she’s already gone!”
Second brother Xiao Bigui finally dared to mock him after she left.
“But your wife is really something. She even dares to hitch a ride with a public security officer.”
“She asked me to tell you something,” Xiao Bian’an said with a smile, “she said you’d better go to work today and earn ten work points—or she’ll whip you.”
Xiao Bigui: “…I’m doomed.”
…
Lu Miaomiao looked at the plain-looking “police vehicle” in front of her and froze for a moment.
“Ahem, there was originally a bicycle, but there were limited numbers and I didn’t get one. As for the car, it’s been broken for over two months and the mechanic still hasn’t figured out the problem,” Officer Qian explained awkwardly.
“The car is broken? I can fix it. If you trust me, I can take a look later.”
Lu Miaomiao said with a smile.
“Haha, you can fix cars? Where did you learn that?”
“I figured it out by reading books.”
(…Officer Qian thought: better not let her touch it.)
“Let’s go, get on the cart.”
“Alright! Oh, Uncle Wang, are you coming too?”
“I’m going to the commune to check on Liu Xianhua and Liu Mazi, and then visit the hospital to see how the brigade leader is doing,” Secretary Wang replied helplessly.
“Mm, don’t worry too much. The public security comrades will definitely investigate it thoroughly.”
Lu Miaomiao replied casually.
In her heart: hmph, all retribution for their own actions—not worth sympathy.
The three of them slowly moved along the road. Fortunately, it was cloudy today; otherwise the sun would have been unbearable. Lu Miaomiao, wearing a straw hat given by Xiao Caocao, was almost dozing off.
Suddenly, a covered donkey cart passed them, much faster than their ox cart.
Her ears twitched and she suddenly sat up.
“Comrade Qian, that donkey cart ahead is suspicious. I just heard someone inside saying that police are on the way and they should be careful not to get caught.”
“What? I didn’t hear anything…” Officer Qian immediately became serious.
“I have unusually sharp hearing since I was young. There are human traffickers on that cart!”
Without hesitation, she jumped off the ox cart and ran after it.
“Comrade Wang, stop the cart! I’m going too!” Officer Qian urged, quickly chasing after her.
Leaving Secretary Wang completely confused behind.
“What… what’s going on?”