49

A little girl of about ten years old suddenly said this, causing the courtyard to fall silent.

Those who came from the camp all kept their mouths shut, but there was something indescribable in the dull eyes of the women on the island.

The woman who had always been annoying and provocative was also stunned and suddenly pursed her lips.

"Maybe you can find a way to forget these things, but I remember them all and will never be able to forget them for the rest of my life. No matter how much gold and silver I get in exchange for my flesh and blood, it will not bring me peace of mind. Because I know that maybe the next person will make me feel that pain again. Thinking of that fear will make me cry and hold my head in my hands when no one is around, wishing I could just die." He Ling closed her eyes, feeling the word "death" lingering on her tongue, causing her heart to ache.

She had seen such a woman in Pinfang Pavilion.

He tried his best to sell his smiles, spend money, vent his anger on the maids, and cried his heart out after getting drunk.

She had hated these people so much that she wanted to peel off their skin and dig out their hearts and livers to see if they were all black and devoid of conscience.

But now, strangely, she couldn't hate him anymore.

No matter how angry or furious I am, I cannot feel hatred.

Because she knew that these women were not “human.” They had never been treated as human beings, so naturally they didn’t know how to live like human beings. They only knew how to struggle and grab whatever they could.

Why should she hate them?

Isn’t it this world that we should hate?

Aren't those the ones who forced them to do so?

Maybe if the young master comes, he can come up with a better explanation that can make them all wake up.

But the young master is too busy and has so many things to worry about. She should be the one to find ways to resolve these little issues one by one.

He Ling took a deep breath and opened his eyes again. "You can't do those flesh trades anymore. You can help with cooking, tailoring and laundry. In the future, we will open up fields and raise some livestock on the island. These are all hard work. Maybe a little tiring, but they will allow you to sleep well at night and eat every meal with peace of mind. The gang leader also said that there will be other jobs in the future that can pay you so that you can save some money. If you don't want to do it, you can leave, but if you want to stay on the island, you must be self-reliant!"

Looking at the cunning and vicious woman, and also at those women with gray eyes and numb expressions, He Ling raised her voice: "I don't know what the future will be like, but I know that as long as the gang leader is here, we will not be bullied, we don't have to compromise, and we can fill our stomachs with our own hands like those men. You were all robbed by thieves, and you have all suffered and endured hardships. It is the gang leader's consideration that closed the camp for so many days and called us here. The gang leader also said that those who want to leave can leave, and those who want to stay will have food to eat. I'm leaving this out here, if you believe it, then stay, if you don't, you can leave!"

The only answer she got was silence. He Ling laughed and clapped her hands vigorously. "Alright, there's still a lot of work to do. I'll stop talking nonsense. We'll split into groups and each do our own thing. Come back to me if you need anything."

As she said that, she jumped off the wooden box, said a few words to the people around her, and everyone started to work separately.

But this time, the women on the island did not hide away, but instead approached cautiously.

Seeing more and more people letting down their guard and following the girl, the prostitute who had been sarcastic and rude just now was stunned for a while and then secretly followed her.

Since you are going to settle down, you have to clean the house first. Sweep what needs to be swept, wash what needs to be washed, and clear out all the clutter.

Fifteen people came from the main camp, and there are more than thirty women on the island. Even if their families can move out in the future, there will still be a lot of people in the women's camp. Naturally, there needs to be a place to live, and a few workshops need to be built for everyone to make clothes.

The big stove for cooking and the storage room for rice, flour and vegetables must also be prepared in advance. They cannot be so messy all the time.

He Ling was extremely busy. People kept coming to her and asking all kinds of questions. She had to arrange them one by one and also remember the young master's instructions to consider the "long term".

If you really can't make up your mind, just keep it in mind and ask the master when you are ready to report later.

That’s not all. Her hands were not idle either. She helped everyone clean up the house.

Seeing that the gang leader's trusted men could be so efficient, how could others dare to neglect them? With such a busy schedule, the women's camp was quickly put in place and ready for the people to settle in.

Wiping her sweat off her forehead, He Ling thought it was about time to go back to find the young master. Just as she was thinking about what to say, a woman suddenly ran over in a hurry: "Miss He, this is bad! There's actually a woman in that shabby house over there. She looks stupid and idiotic, as if she's crazy!"

There was indeed a shabby house at the innermost part of the women's camp. The women in the camp were walking around it with obvious fear in their eyes, so He Ling just ignored it for the time being.

Now, when he suddenly heard that there was a crazy woman inside, he was shocked and hurried over there.

The door of the dilapidated house had been opened. There were no windows in the house, but half of the roof was broken, so you could vaguely see what was going on inside.

I saw a woman with disheveled hair huddled in the corner, motionless, like a dead person.

"Is she injured?" He Ling was anxious and wanted to go inside, but was grabbed by the old woman beside her.

"Ms. He, you can't get too close! This kind of madman is most likely to hurt others, it will bring bad luck!" As soon as the old woman opened her mouth, everyone around nodded. How could such a madman be touched casually!

Unexpectedly, just as the words fell, a chilling voice came from behind: "She wasn't crazy when she first came. I heard she was a daughter from a certain family and wanted to be exchanged for ransom. It's a pity she didn't make it."

He Ling suddenly turned around and looked at the person who spoke: "Ah Hong, are you telling the truth?"

"Why would I lie to you?" The prostitute named Ah Hong chuckled twice. "Even if I'm crazy, I still know how to eat, drink, defecate and urinate, but I can't speak. It's because I'm so good-looking that I was locked up here. I guess I'll always be warm when I sleep..."

She spoke with a smile, but her voice was extremely strange, with a chill that made people feel cold.

Standing in front of this dilapidated house, I actually felt a bit of a ghost.

Everyone else shrank their necks in fear, except He Ling, who stomped his feet in anger and rushed in.

The smell in the shabby house was not pleasant, as if something was rotten and emitting a foul odor.

However, when approaching the woman, He Ling found that the smell on her body was not too strong. It seemed that someone had taken care of her. It was just that her clothes were too few to cover her body, making her look miserable and embarrassed.

Crouching beside the woman, she whispered, "Don't be afraid, young lady. This island has been taken over by the Red Flag Gang. If you still remember where home is, we can take you home."

The woman did not answer, her eyes staring straight ahead, but she seemed to see nothing.

A maid followed in and whispered, "Miss He, this is not a place for people to live. Why don't you ask her to leave first?"

She unconsciously used the word "please", as if she was addressing a monster.

He Ling gritted his teeth and moved to support the woman. He originally thought it would take some effort, but as soon as he raised his hand, the other party followed his lead obediently. It didn't seem like she was crazy, but rather like she had lost her soul.

Only after he went out and there was light did He Ling see the woman's face clearly.

She is really a beauty, with delicate eyebrows and eyes, and very fair skin. She is the kind of lady who can only be pampered if she is born in a wealthy family.

It is hard to bear to see such a person being tortured to the point of madness.

This appearance immediately made the women around her express their regret. One of them whispered, "I wonder if she can still have children? If she can, maybe she can find a husband..."

These words touched He Ling's heart. She immediately shouted, "He's just scared. Maybe he can be cured if he finds a doctor!"

However, this statement made many people shake their heads, and some even snorted coldly: "It's really for her own good, she might as well die."

The group of people were muttering, but Ah Hong seemed not to hear them. She just smiled coldly, stared at He Ling and asked, "Can she still work? Can she still support herself with her hands?"

He Ling glared at him and said, "I'll tell the Master and let him make the arrangements!"

"What are you arranging? A reliable husband?" Ah Hong's lips showed a faint smile, like a mockery, but she was trembling slightly. "Yes, if we can still have a child, it won't be in vain."

He Ling also started to tremble, and just wanted to pounce on it and tear that annoying mouth apart.

However, she held back, gritted her teeth and said, "Since she's still alive and can eat, drink, defecate and urinate, I can't just leave her there! Let her live in the same room with me first, and I'll make any decisions after I've consulted the Master!"

Was she doing the right thing? Was she being stupid again?

However, He Ling gritted her teeth. No matter what others thought, the young master would definitely not give up this woman.

This is a poor person. Since she survived and endured the arrival of the Red Flag Gang, she cannot be allowed to die in vain!

After such a commotion, everyone felt a little depressed. He Ling stopped urging them to work and asked them to clean up and rest first. She then took the crazy woman back to the house.

This room was originally occupied by her and Lin Mo, but now someone had been shoved in without any prior notice, and a lunatic at that. She felt extremely guilty and whispered, "Ah Mo, why don't you stay at the young master's place tonight? I can clean up the room and move in tomorrow."

Lin Mo shook his head: "I'll help you watch."

A madman like this needs people around him, how can he live alone? Lin Mo is not very good at speaking, but she saw everything He Ling did today and didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

Like He Ling, she firmly believed that the young master could save this poor man and could not leave him alone.

Seeing Lin Mo like this, He Ling couldn't help but feel relieved.

Leading the crazy woman into the house, she and Lin Mo helped her wash her face, wipe her body, and change her into clean clothes.

When the messy long hair was combed and tied up, revealing a small and pale face, even Lin Mo couldn't help but sigh.

This girl is really good-looking. She looks even more pretty after being neatly dressed. If it weren't for her pair of eyes that are still staring straight and frightening, she would look like a lady from a noble family.

He Ling whispered, "Keep an eye on him first. I have to go and report to the Master."

Lin Mo nodded, agreeing. He Ling took two steps forward and couldn't help but say, "If you can't handle it, remember to call for help..."

Lin Mo spoke this time: "Don't worry."

Her answer was simple but her tone was calm. He Ling was relieved and hurried to the main courtyard.

…

After meeting Cheng Xi, He Lingxian carefully reported the situation of the women's camp.

This includes building houses, expanding the kitchen, and the need for space for tailoring and laundry in the future.

Cheng Xi nodded after listening to it: "Erlang will be back with the carpenter in a few days. By then, the island will be planned uniformly and the women's camp will be expanded."

"How are the women in the camp doing now?"

Hearing her question, He Ling immediately said, "Others are fine. Although they are a bit lifeless, they are still efficient at work. But there is a girl named Ah Hong who seems to be a prostitute. She refuses to work properly and even says she wants to continue her prostitution business... Sir, wouldn't someone like this break the rules of the women's camp? I, I don't know whether I should send her away."

Cheng Xi was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Did she say that right when she came up?"

He Ling nodded vigorously. "No matter what I say, she always contradicts me. She's sarcastic and has a sharp tongue. She doesn't believe we can follow the rules at all."

"If that's the case, he probably doesn't have any bad intentions. Someone with ill intentions would never go against you so openly." Cheng Xi said.

He Ling was stunned for a moment, and suddenly realized that something was wrong.

After all, she was sent by the gang leader, so her words were very effective. If she was smart, wouldn't she have rushed to curry favor with her? But that woman opposed her at every turn. Wasn't she afraid of angering her and getting punished?

But the next moment, He Ling was confused again: "But she really is causing trouble. She doesn't like everyone. That attitude is definitely not fake! How can someone not know what is good and what is bad?"

"If a person is immersed in ice water from birth, they will naturally feel that ice water is better. When they come into contact with slightly warm water, they will instead think that someone is trying to harm them." Cheng Xi sighed, "For someone like this, it takes time and requires the influence of others to restore her to normal."

She paused and looked at He Ling: "Do you think we should let her leave or let her stay?"

Unexpectedly, the choice fell into his hands. He Ling was silent for a while before saying, "If I send her ashore, I will push her back to that world. Although she may be annoying, she is still a human being..."

Looking at the troubled little girl in front of him, Cheng Xi smiled slightly: "Then let her stay and let her earn her food and clothing through labor. The island will not allow the sale of flesh and blood, and those who violate the rules will be punished. Tell her this, and she should be more obedient."

In the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China, there was an action to reform prostitutes.

Provide them with medical care and medicine, help them correct their ideas, and let them break free from the shackles of the old era and become part of the new era.

The mental effort required here is immense, and breaking the shackles of ideas is unimaginable.

And the beginning of everything is just to treat people as human beings.

He Ling came from a brothel. She had suffered a lot and hated such self-degrading people more than anyone else.

Being able to say such things now shows that my thinking has changed.

Cheng Xi doesn't think he can change the world by himself, so every additional companion means more strength.

This power itself is invaluable.

Encouraged by that smile, He Ling nodded vigorously, then whispered, "There's another woman who's been driven crazy by someone. I, I also want to save her..."

Cheng Xi's face suddenly became serious: "That person was injured. Did he hit or hurt anyone?"

He Ling quickly said, "No, she was just in a daze, unable to speak, but she listened to everything I told her to do. She had no external injuries. I heard she's from a wealthy family. If she wakes up, maybe we can send her home..."

Cheng Xi was not as optimistic as He Ling. If a rich girl was kidnapped by thieves, her family would probably wish her dead.

When you suffer severe mental trauma, recovery really depends on luck.

After thinking for a moment, she said, "Let's send him out first. It'll be safer in the main courtyard. When the doctor comes, we'll see if he can be cured."

He Ling quickly shook her head: "How can that be! Young Master is so busy, how can he worry about such a small matter? I have Ah Mo to help me, and he can take care of it. Besides, there are too many men in the main courtyard, so it's safer to stay in the women's camp first, and then move in when the doctor arrives."

This is not without reason. A mentally ill person cannot be stimulated. Letting the patient have less contact with men may also be beneficial to the condition.

After frowning and thinking for a long time, Cheng Xi slowly nodded: "Then you and A'mo should be careful. If you encounter a situation that you can't handle, come to me immediately. Also, you must remember that some difficulties cannot be solved by one's own strength, not even by me."

He Ling was stunned. She had never heard the young master say such words before. In her eyes, the young master was omnipotent, and the greatest suffering seemed to be a piece of cake in front of him.

Now, she says that she is not omnipotent?

Seeing He Ling's shocked expression, Cheng Xi sighed: "No one in this world is omnipotent, and not every good thought will reap good results. You must be mentally prepared and strong enough, otherwise pity will only bring you pain."

He Ling may not have understood these things before.

But from now on, she will have to learn slowly.

No one is omnipotent. If you face the world with such a mindset, you will be crushed. And without a heart strong enough to bear suffering, how can you be compassionate?

Looking at those extremely serious eyes, He Ling nodded slowly: "I remember!"

She will remember every word the young master says in her heart.

Maybe she couldn't save the poor woman at all, but as long as she could, she would save her! Just like the hand he extended to her when he knelt in Pinfang Pavilion that day.

Seeing He Ling like this, Cheng Xi reached out and touched her head without saying anything more.