It wasn't time to finish work yet, so He Tiantian decided to stay here a little longer.
The criticism session ended, but Aunt Liu didn't return. Knowing her personality, she usually wouldn't come to the livestock team again; she'd go straight home after work. Anyway, the livestock team had Sweetie and Old Man Qi; nothing would happen to her.
He Tiantian took the day off yesterday, so Aunt Liu did all the work. Therefore, He Tiantian should do more today. It's good that Aunt Liu isn't coming; she doesn't need to explain where the pheasants came from, nor does she need to share with Aunt Liu.
Professor Gu and Professor Wang sat dejectedly on the straw in the thatched house, their expressions filled with deep sorrow. Every denunciation was a trampling of their dignity.
Fortunately, no one was injured this time, which is a great relief.
He Tiantian took a basin and placed two basins of water at the door for them to wash up.
However, their grief didn't last long. Their stomachs didn't stop growling because of their sadness; they kept rumbling, especially when they smelled the rich aroma of chicken soup.
The saying "Man is made of iron, food is made of steel; if you don't eat a meal, you'll be starving" takes on a deeper meaning at this moment.
"Alright, everyone, don't be sad anymore. Compared to the criticism and struggle sessions in the city, these are much lighter. Don't take your blessings for granted." The old man's voice wasn't loud, but it was unusually firm, and his eyes were sharp.
The two old men beside him were younger than the white-haired old man who had spoken earlier, and they were also injured, but their condition was better than that of the old man who had spoken.
"Commander!" The two of them couldn't help their commander, and instead, the commander protected them at every turn, which made their injuries even worse.
"Don't call me 'commander' here." The old man waved his hand and said with a bitter smile, "If I had died on the battlefield, it would have been a worthy death. But I can't accept dying like this, so I want to live well, and you all should live well too."
“Yes, sir…” the man answered habitually.
"Just call me Old Bai," the old man said. "There are too many people talking, so let's change how we address each other."
"Yes," the two replied.
These two men were Old Man Bai's subordinates and confidants, but unlike the others, they didn't denounce him. Because of this, the investigation team found no solid evidence, only some trivial matters. Old Man Bai was subjected to criticism and struggle sessions, and these two men weren't spared either. Fortunately, they were both sent to this place together, so they could keep each other company.
To outsiders, this is a coincidence.
But in the old man's heart, he vaguely suspected that someone above him was protecting him.
However, in this chaotic era, some people are not suited to come forward. Although it's impossible to confirm who it is, there are already guesses.
All he had to do was live well and see how long those who did evil and stirred up trouble could enjoy their glory.
In the thatched house next door lived a tall, thin old man named Qian Shikun. Before liberation, he was a gangster in Zhejiang Province, selling opium and having connections in both the legitimate and criminal worlds. He had several concubines. During the Liberation War, he was too slow to escape and missed the ship to Hong Kong, so he had to stay in China. Although he donated a large sum of his property after liberation, he was still labeled as one of the "Five Black Categories."
His sons and concubines, in an effort to distance themselves from him, all denounced him. He spent ten years in prison, and just as he was released, before he could even catch his breath, he was arrested again for public criticism and exiled to this godforsaken place.
Qian Shikun was a tough guy before liberation, with a resolute character and good health, so even though he has suffered greatly, he is still in good spirits. The reason he lies down and refuses to move is to gain sympathy.
Another short old man was named Sun Sihao. Before liberation, the largest foreign trading company in Nanshi was his. He sold the finest Chinese silk, tea, and porcelain abroad. He also secretly dealt in antiques and then sold foreign goods back to China. He could be considered a businessman.
The last thatched house belonged to Professor Gu and his wife, Professor Wang.
He Tiantian chopped the pickled cabbage that Old Qi had made, stir-fried it with chicken blood, and also made soft pancakes. In no time, the kitchen was filled with a wonderful aroma.
"Sweet girl, are you ready yet?" Old Man Qi urged from outside. He could smell the delicious aroma, but couldn't eat it, and his stomach was really upset.
"It'll be ready soon," He Tiantian said with a smile. "Go and call the grandpas and grandmas to wash their hands and get up to eat something."
"Alright!" Old Qi laughed heartily and hurried to call the others, "Have you all rested enough? If you have, come out and eat. People need food to survive, otherwise you'll get hungry."
"Yunxi, let's go out and get something to eat." Professor Gu, being a carefree person, quickly composed himself and said to his sullen but not tired wife beside him.
Professor Wang knew that things were better here than in the city. She didn't have to lift a finger and could still get food. She couldn't get such treatment anywhere else. Moreover, with her husband by her side, she could endure any hardship. Wiping away her tears, she said, "I saw Tianya busy running around just now. We will remember this kindness. If a young girl can live well in an unfamiliar environment, then we, an old couple who have experienced so much, can too."
“You’re right,” Professor Gu chuckled. “Being content with one’s lot is also a state of mind.”
The couple came out and saw a basin of clear water at the door.
The five people in the other two rooms helped each other out of the thatched house.
They also saw the clear water at the door and suddenly realized that their hearts were not completely filled with hatred. They rinsed their mouths, washed their faces, and were once again upright people.
With so many people arriving at once, Old Man Qi didn't have enough bowls and chopsticks. Luckily, Secretary Qi brought over some old bowls and chopsticks yesterday. Although they were old, He Tiantian had already washed them clean.
Since there wasn't enough room, He Tiantian moved Old Qi's table out and busied herself with a smile on her face.
"Professor Gu, Professor Wang, and the other grandfathers, please have a seat. I'll serve you some soup." After making the arrangements, He Tiantian turned and went back into the house.
Old Qi used one hand to help carry the dishes.
Seeing He Tiantian busy by herself, Professor Wang came over to help. When he saw a large pot of chicken soup, he was taken aback and asked, "Where did this come from?"
“Professor Wang, I caught this on the mountain. You all have weak constitutions, so you need to nourish yourselves,” He Tiantian said while serving the soup.
Professor Wang was touched. "This child is so kind-hearted, and her cooking skills are quite good too."
When the chicken soup was served outside, the other people were taken aback when they saw it was chicken soup and dared not eat it.
"Eat quickly. Luckily, this is at the foot of the mountain, where we can often hunt pheasants. Besides, there are few people here, and the villagers don't know about it," said Old Man Qi. "There's still plenty left in the pot. You all drink quickly, and Sweetie, you should have some too."
"Hey!" He Tiantian filled a small earthenware jar, put the lid on it, and said she would take it back to Grandma Qi San to drink later.
Upon hearing this, Old Man Bai chuckled and said, "This is a token of Brother Qi and that little girl's goodwill, so we won't stand on ceremony! Everyone, drink up! Only when you're full will you have the strength to recover your health, so you won't be a burden to others."
“That’s right,” Xiang Rong and Zuo Li echoed the old leader.
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