Wei Hong was riding a Forever brand bicycle, while Jiang Yuping was riding a Phoenix brand bicycle.

Both of these bicycle brands were popular throughout the country during that era. When purchasing a bicycle, a certificate from the employer and a receipt were required.

Wei Hong caught up and rode alongside Jiang Yuping.

The two best friends chatted as they rode their bikes, and naturally, the topic inevitably turned to Qiu Jingwen.

"Yu Ping, what's wrong with your husband, Lao Qiu?"

"Wei Hong, I suddenly have a feeling that something is going to happen to Lao Qiu in our family."

"Oh, how could that be? What could possibly happen to him? He has such a good reputation in the workshop, and the Party Secretary and Factory Director both value him so much."

Jiang Yuping then told Wei Hong about some of her husband's unusual behavior.

Of course, Jiang Yuping didn't tell her everything; she selectively told her best friend.

She did not mention that Qiu Jingwen had roughly torn off her clothes.

It's even less likely that she would tell her best friend about how she kissed Lao Qiu, how she tutored Lao Qiu, and how their marital life was making no progress.

If she were to say these things, Wei Hong would probably laugh at her and her husband, Qiu Jingwen.

Jiang Yuping emphasized to Wei Hong that Qiu Jingwen kept apologizing to her, Jiang Yuping, and that if anything happened, she should raise Qiushou and Qiuchan. These were unsettling and frightening words.

Wei Hong was utterly astonished upon hearing this.

"Yu Ping, this seems a bit serious. Could it be that your husband, Lao Qiu, has gotten involved with another woman in the workshop? Otherwise, why would he apologize to you?"

"No, I asked him about it, and he said absolutely not. He only likes me and only loves me."

“That doesn’t make sense either. He’s such a gentle and considerate man. How could he slap your son Qiushou last night? I was terrified. I even saw the bruises on Qiushou’s neck.”

"Wei Hong, I'm a little scared. I feel uneasy and like something's going to happen to Lao Qiu."

As Jiang Yuping spoke, she told Wei Hong about how Qiu Jingwen had smoked almost a whole pack of Pegasus cigarettes by breakfast last night.

“Yu Ping, men can be vulnerable sometimes. Your husband Qiu must be hiding something. You need to pay attention and try to talk to him. Is it because of work pressure or something else? You need to figure it out first.”

"Wei Hong, I guess it has nothing to do with work or women."

"What does that have to do with?"

"I don't know, it's just a feeling."

As they spoke, the two had already arrived at the hillside leading to the factory area.

This small hill, which connects the factory area and the living area, is actually not very big.

Although there is an uphill section, the slope is not too steep.

This gently sloping hillside is paved with cement, but it hasn't been repaired or maintained for several years. In many sections, it's been eroded by rainwater, making it rattle and groan. When you ride a bicycle on it, it bounces and sways, even jumping, like you're dancing to a beat.

Wei Hong and Jiang Yuping got off their bicycles at the same time and pushed them forward side by side.

Upon reaching the summit, a sudden mountain wind arose.

In an instant, the wind blew the two women's hair high into the air.

Jiang Yuping and Wei Hong, though both in their forties, were both doctors and had never done any hard, tiring, or dirty work. Moreover, doctors generally knew how to take care of themselves, so they were among the most beautiful women of their age at the Hongqi Factory. Wherever they went, they attracted the greedy and lustful gazes of middle-aged men.

At that moment, Jiang Yuping and Wei Hong both saw an old man standing on a mountaintop not far away.

The old man was looking at the two best friends with a lewd and wicked grin on his face.