When Cheng Chao came in again, the two girls were noticeably closer, and Jian Dan's smile was much more genuine.

Cheng Chao didn't disturb him and quietly opened the lunchbox, which was still full.

He frowned. Still no food?

Forget about bothering her, she asked, "Dandan, haven't you eaten?"

"Huh?" Jian Dan had completely forgotten about this. Hearing him say that, her stomach started growling.

"I forgot, I was wondering why. It's like I forgot something. Xiaoqin, you should get some rest, we'll be there in four days."

Bai Xiaoqin was indeed exhausted, her face was pale, she drank some water and lay down on the lower bunk. Even when she was asleep, her brows were furrowed.

The food for the two of them had gotten cold, so they ate a bite and then put down their chopsticks.

Seeing that Jian Dan's complexion was still not very good, Cheng Chao asked in a low voice.

"What's wrong? What are you worried about?"

Simply shake your head.

“It’s not that I’m worried, brother. You tell me, what can someone like Ruonan do in the countryside? Isn’t she just a troublemaker? A venomous snake lurking in the dark, she might bite you at any moment.”

Cheng Chao agreed with this. He had absolutely no liking for that kind of person. In the military, someone like that would have been kicked out long ago.

"That person may not be punished too severely. After all, she can make excuses, and no serious consequences have occurred. Also, the evidence is at most cowardice and evasion. It would be inappropriate to forcefully classify it as murder."

It's not that we necessarily want to do anything to her. In the end, she values ​​her life and her methods are a bit underhanded, but to say that she's committed a heinous crime is probably not an exaggeration. At most, she's just malicious.

It is only through one's on-the-spot reaction to unexpected events that one's true nature can be seen.

She knew that the legal system wasn't very comprehensive back then.

She just didn't want to see such a disgusting person hanging around in front of her anymore.

Anyway, she didn't see Chen Ruonan herself until she got off the bus. Instead, someone came over and helped her take her luggage. After that, Bai Xiaoqin remained silent for a while and couldn't muster any energy when she got off the bus.

When I arrived at Anji County Railway Station, it was a little after four in the morning. It was already light out, but it was already autumn harvest season in Northeast China, and the temperature was still a bit low in the morning and evening. I put on a jacket before getting off the train, and as soon as I came into contact with the cool air, I still couldn't help but shiver.

Not many people got off at this station. Bai Xiaoqin, carrying her bag, followed Jian Dan. She was still feeling groggy from the journey and her mind was foggy. She was disoriented as soon as she got off. Jian Dan reminded her...

"Shouldn't you go to the former educated youth center to complete some formalities first?"

"Ah, right, right, the educated youth office, the educated youth office,"

At this time, obviously no workplace had started work yet, so there was nothing they could do but sit and wait at the train station for several hours, the two girls dozing off against the seats and their luggage.

I was woken up by Cheng Chao around 8 o'clock.

"Girl, wake up! Wake up! We're heading back soon."

"Hmm!" They hadn't slept soundly either. The two girls got up and walked around, then followed Cheng Chao outside with their things.

The office for educated youth was not far from the train station. Bai Xiaoqin didn't act coy; after calming down for so long, she had regained her composure. Seeing the sign for the office, she said goodbye to Jian Dan and the other person.

"You guys go ahead with your business, don't bother seeing me off. I've got your address. I'll write to you once I'm settled. We're both in the same county, so we'll have plenty of opportunities to meet in the future."

"Okay," Jian Dan thought. After spending these past few days together, he felt that Bai Xiaoqin had a pretty good personality. She was easy to get along with and very comfortable to be around. He also felt much more at ease speaking to her.

"Okay, we can arrange to meet up in the county town sometime. Your wound hasn't fully healed yet, remember to change the dressing to prevent infection."

Bai Xiaoqin was perhaps heartbroken by her friend; these simple words of concern made her nose sting with tears. She blinked hard to suppress the rising sadness and cheerfully replied,

Okay, I understand.

Before leaving, I thought about it briefly and still gave a reminder.

"If your friend is still assigned to the same group as you..."

Bai Xiaoqin's face immediately darkened, her eyes hardening, and she gently patted Jian Dan.

"Don't worry, I won't be that stupid again. She already wants me dead. If I were to coax her again, I would be the fool."

Alright, he's come back from the brink of death, he's a good person, and it's time for him to wake up.

The two brothers didn't delay and headed back along the main road.

"Let's go eat, then go to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy some things, and then go back."

Now that we've arrived in the county town, Jian Dan isn't in a hurry anymore. After having a meal, she leisurely strolled over to the supply and marketing cooperative. Since she's already here, how could she not visit her girlfriends?

"Sister Lin He,"

"Hey, Lin He, your sister's here. You go over here, I'll take care of things here," the saleswoman next to her quickly reminded Lin He when she saw her.

Lin He was startled by the tall figure beside her and quickly came over.

"Why haven't you come over for so long? Isn't it harvest time right now? Is there something urgent that you're coming at this time?"

Indeed, the autumn harvest is a busy time, and you can see there are hardly any people in the supply and marketing cooperative.

"It's alright, sis. This is my brother. Oh, didn't you meet him last time?"

Lin He paused for a moment, thought for a long time, and then suddenly burst out laughing.

"That comrade who almost took over our place last time, right?"

I didn't recognize her at all, not even when I saw her like that.

Your brother really knows how to spoil you.

Lin He's eyes were sincere, and it was clear that she was genuinely happy for her. Cheng Chao's expression softened considerably; at least he wasn't always dealing with troublesome people.

They bought some daily necessities, two bags of milk powder, some candy and snacks, and then quickly pulled Cheng Chao away.

"Sister Lin He, I'll come visit you again after the autumn harvest."

In just a short while, Cheng Chao's hands were full. His left hand held things from the supply and marketing cooperative, and his right hand held steamed buns and dumplings packed for lunch. Jian Dan couldn't persuade him to stop.

Looking at this image, a simple and inexplicable phrase immediately comes to mind.

"A chicken in the left hand, a duck in the right, and on the back..."

"Haha, bro, look at you! With something on your back, don't you look like a son-in-law visiting his father-in-law's house for the New Year?"

Cheng Chao looked at himself and shook his head helplessly.

"You heartless little brat, who am I doing this for?"

This place is remote, and not many people travel to and from the city. Most of them walk, or use oxcarts or horse-drawn carts from their villages. There shouldn't be any buses; I haven't seen any in the past few years.

Jian Dan had already mentally prepared herself to walk back home. As she passed the fork in the road in front of the educated youth settlement, she seemed to catch a glimpse of a familiar figure, but then it disappeared again.

She shook her head, and Cheng Chao looked puzzled.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No, I think I'm seeing things."