Chapter 2 Secret Project: A Dream
Seeing the couple so heartbroken, Zhao Shuyi felt bad too, but there were more important things to do now.
"Dad, Mom, Gao Zhiyun must have other plans if this one fails. We must prepare as soon as possible."
Her reminder brought the couple back to their senses instantly.
"Shuyi, how did you know he hid the thing behind the statue of the great man?" Zhao's father quickly grasped the key point.
They had no doubts about their daughter.
Zhao Shuyi pursed her lips. This couple was actually very perceptive, but this was more evident in their work.
The reason they didn't notice Gao Zhiyun's unusual behavior wasn't because they really didn't notice anything; otherwise, they wouldn't have said that if they gave the item to Gao Zhiyun, the other party would treat Zhao Shuyi well because of the item.
They thought Gao Zhiyun was just being petty, and since he was right under their noses, the other party wouldn't dare to treat their daughter badly.
I never expected the other party to be so treacherous and ambitious.
Thinking of this, Zhao Shuyi decided to tell the truth half-truths, otherwise she worried that the couple would not take it seriously and would not be able to get through these difficult ten years.
The book states that they actually had a way out, but they didn't choose that path for their daughter's sake. They were forced to go to the countryside and died young.
"Dad, Mom, actually I've been very sick these past few days, and I had a dream in a daze."
The original owner of this body also had this dream.
Zhao Shuyi highlighted the key points of the original owner's dreams and what she knew.
Fearing they wouldn't believe her, Zhao Shuyi directly revealed their escape route.
“I also dreamed that my parents could have gone to participate in a secret project, but they didn’t go. Instead, they were sent down to the countryside in the Northwest, where the people were even more insane than those outside now.”
Those people not only beat people, but also subjected those who had been sent to the countryside to many humiliating acts. Many people could not bear the humiliation and could not go on living.
Although Zhao's parents in the book did not lose their will to live on their own, they were tortured and their bodies could not withstand it, so they passed away early.
Given the Zhao couple's overseas experience, handing over their family's wealth would be useless; it would only attract more covetous eyes. People would think that if they handed over so much, who knows how much more they might not have.
In fact, the Zhao family is already facing this situation.
Grandma Zhao's ancestors were very wealthy, and by the 1950s they were one of the richest families in Shanghai, which was quite eye-catching.
So the elderly couple took advantage of the period of public-private partnership to hand over most of their family property, becoming well-known "red capitalists" in Shanghai.
Imagine, in those days, families that could afford to send their children abroad must have been quite well-off.
But perhaps for this reason, many people believe that the Zhao family still has many treasures.
Even though their parents didn't return to Shanghai after coming back to China but instead came to the Hongxing Military Factory in Beijing, there were still quite a few people watching them.
Among them, the one who kept the closest eye on the matter was Gao Zhiyun, who was Zhao's father's student.
Zhao Shuyi was determined to teach this ingrate a lesson.
"This turmoil will last for a full ten years. My parents must preserve their research materials and continue their research in order to survive this ordeal."
Upon hearing this, the couple's expressions both changed.
They were quite certain that Zhao Shuyi had never mentioned participating in the secret project, which meant that what Zhao Shuyi said was true.
What surprised them even more was that the situation had become so serious!
"There will definitely be chaos in August, but Gao Zhiyun won't wait until then. He has been planning this for a long time, and he will make his move soon. We must leave before then."
As the saying goes, those who do many unrighteous deeds will surely perish.
She believed that Gao Zhiyun and his gang would not have a good ending, but she would not let them get away with it either.
However, the most urgent task is to ensure the safety of the parents.
"And what about you?"
The couple clearly hadn't quite figured out what was going on.
How could they, as staunch materialists who had studied modern science, believe that a dream could predict the future?
But their first thought was still for their daughter.
“I’ll go directly to the military representative to get a letter of introduction to Yunnan Province.”
Her current identity is extremely dangerous. She must go to Yunnan Province to get married. If that doesn't work, she might have to find a way to go to Hong Kong.
It seems there's some kind of settlement policy in Hong Kong that allows people to register their residency, but I don't know if it's still relevant in this day and age.
But as long as you have money, you should be able to live a slightly better life in Hong Kong than in mainland China.
It's tough. Other people who transmigrate either become rich or enjoy sweet love, but she has to find a way to escape as soon as she arrives.
"Then let's go now!" Zhao's mother decided immediately.
This was the path they had originally envisioned, but they hadn't expected it to be so urgent.
But since a decision has already been made, it's better to settle it as soon as possible for peace of mind.
Zhao Shuyi readily agreed, “We’ll split up. Mom, you can pretend to go buy some groceries, and Dad, we’ll go to the factory to ‘ask for leave’ and say you’re taking me to see a doctor.”
Upon hearing this, the couple immediately understood.
However, Zhao's father raised a different opinion.
“Secretary Zheng is trustworthy. We shouldn’t bother two people with the same task. Just have him help us get the letter of introduction so you don’t have to make a separate trip and get noticed.”
Zhao's mother shared the same idea.
They all said so, and Zhao Shuyi thought it was okay, but she still asked a question.
"Dad, are you sure Secretary Zheng is trustworthy?"
Secretary Zheng is the biological father of the male protagonist in the book.
In her first life, the original owner of the body in the book also rejected Gu Yan, who was far away in Yunnan Province, but only because she was unwilling to leave her parents, not because of Gao Zhiyun. Later, as the situation became more and more critical, she had no choice but to hastily marry a local platoon leader arranged by her family.
Unexpectedly, the platoon leader was the factory secretary's own son. He had concealed his identity and abandoned his literary pursuits to join the military. After joining the army, he repeatedly made meritorious contributions and rose to a high position several years later. Of course, that's another story.
In her second life, the female lead, Xu Wanxia, who was also the original owner's good friend, was reborn and stole the male lead away.
Although the male protagonist may not know anything, Zhao Shuyi was naturally unhappy that he could get together with the original owner's mortal enemy.
Therefore, Zhao Shuyi also harbors a natural hostility towards the male protagonist's father.
Zhao's father had already heard her recount those dreams and naturally understood her concerns.
"Don't worry, Secretary Zheng is trustworthy. If we couldn't even trust him, then your mother and I wouldn't feel very secure joining the project team."
That's true.
She was just being overly nervous.
Since their family was doing well in the first life in the book, it means that Zhao's father and mother's decision was not wrong.
"Then let's go."
However, just as the family of three finished getting ready to leave, there was a knock on the door.
"Shuyi, are you home?"
Upon hearing the sound, the three of them froze.
The person who came was Gao Zhiyun.
Since joining the factory research institute, Gao Zhiyun has been following Zhao's father and has grown a lot. He also often comes to visit.
At first, Zhao's father didn't like him that much and was reluctant to let him come to their home. But his daughter welcomed him, and later everyone knew that Zhao's student, Gao Zhiyun, was a person who respected his teachers.
Who could have imagined he would do all those terrible things later?
Countless thoughts flashed through Zhao Shuyi's mind, and she immediately changed her plan.
Let Zhao's father stall Gao Zhiyun.
She wanted to go see Secretary Zheng herself.
She also wanted to see if the other party was really as trustworthy as she thought.
A minute later, Zhao's mother went to open the door first.
"Zhiyun is here?"
Having lived a long life, she had some self-control, and no matter how angry she was, Zhao's mother showed no sign of it on her face.
Zhao's father was usually strict in his research, but at this moment, his stern expression revealed nothing unusual.
"You've come at the right time. Shuyi and I were just about to buy some flour to make dumplings. Why don't you keep Old Zhao company for a while?"
Gao Zhiyun was taken aback.
He came here specifically to see Zhao Shuyi, but since Zhao's mother had already said so, he couldn't refuse her. So, he only froze for a moment before smiling and agreeing, but his eyes, as usual, secretly glanced at Zhao Shuyi.
She looks exactly like someone experiencing first love; she's quite the actor.
But Zhao Shuyi was no slouch either; when she met the other person's gaze, she lowered her head shyly.
Zhao's father coughed lightly.
"Zhiyun, come to the study, I want to test you."
Upon hearing this, Zhao's mother smiled and tugged at Zhao Shuyi, behaving perfectly normally.
"Your dad is always so restless. Let's go out for a stroll, mother and son."
"Okay, Mom, I want to buy a dress."
"Then let's go to the department store."
The mother and daughter chatted and laughed as they walked hand in hand out of the alley, only then fading their smiles.
The two remained silent.
After waiting for a while, Zhao's mother patted her chest and let out a heavy sigh, "It's true what they say, a barking dog doesn't bite, it's infuriating!"
"Don't be angry, don't be angry." Zhao Shuyi quickly patted her mother's back. "Heaven is watching what people do. He will get his comeuppance."
"You can't say those things anymore," Zhao's mother reminded her, then turned and sighed, "This damned world, they won't even let us say a word."
Seeing Zhao's mother so vibrant, Zhao Shuyi couldn't help but smile.
People like the Zhao couple, who are so focused on their research, shouldn't be bothered by these troublesome matters.
But at least she arrived in time.
Zhao Shuyi thought to herself, "Everyone should be well."
Zhao's mother clearly shared the same thought as Zhao Shuyi. She instructed, "When you get there, live a good life with Gu Yan. He's a reliable person. He was the one who reminded us of some things when he came over that time."
Zhao Shuyi was surprised, as the book did not mention this, and she had no memory of it at all.
When Gu Yan came in April, he didn't spend much time alone with the original owner of the body.
Perhaps the other party wanted to say something, but was stopped by the original owner's indifferent attitude.
However, the original owner of this body genuinely disliked Gu Yan. He was a soldier who had served for many years and was tall and burly, while the original owner preferred men who were refined and gentle.
The other party didn't seem to like the original owner very much either, and their attitude remained indifferent.
Zhao Shuyi was still wondering if her going there this time would affect the other party's future, or if the other party would blame her or even the entire Zhao family if their future was affected.
Who knew they already knew all along, and even came over specifically to remind them?
Although it was an arranged marriage, it was a bit too straightforward.
Zhao Shuyi felt more confident about the trip; perhaps she wouldn't need to smuggle herself into Hong Kong.
She had a good idea in mind: she could start her own business in Hong Kong from scratch. But if she could, she would never want to set foot in a chaotic place like the Kowloon Walled City in the 1970s and 80s.
“You’ll be someone else’s wife by now. He’s in the military and must be quite busy. Just live your own life well. All the family can do is rely on yourself.”
Zhao Shuyi had never heard such heartfelt words in her previous life, and her eyes felt hot.
“I know, Mom.”
"etc."
Just as Zhao Shuyi was about to walk forward, her mother pulled her back into the alley.
To get from the family compound to the factory, you have to cross a main road. At that time, there was a group of young people wearing red armbands who looked aggressive and seemed to be heading somewhere.
Recently, we've frequently seen them vandalizing and destroying things everywhere; they're completely lawless and it's truly terrifying.
Zhao's mother pulled Zhao Shuyi back and hid in a small alley where those people couldn't see her.
"These bastards!" Zhao's mother said in a low voice, her tone furious. "They're just bored and have nothing better to do!"
Zhao Shuyi wholeheartedly agreed.
Fortunately, the group of people were not heading towards their residential compound and quickly disappeared around the street corner.
Once the mother and daughter were certain that the other would not return, they hurriedly headed towards the factory gate.
The previous topic naturally could not be continued.
We arrived at our destination soon.
"Wait for me at the door in a bit, I'll go in and talk to him."
What Zhao's mother wanted to talk about was indeed not suitable for Zhao Shuyi to hear, and Zhao Shuyi obediently agreed.
Seeing that her daughter was quite different from her usual self, Zhao's mother patted her head with some heartache, then turned around and knocked on the door of Secretary Zheng's office.
Zhao Shuyi knew she had misunderstood, but the pat on the head made her heart soften.
How she longed to have parents who only had eyes for her.
It's a pity that we have to part ways so soon after we've had each other.
Zhao Shuyi lowered her eyes, concealing her emotions.
A man's voice came from inside the office, "Come in."
Zhao Shuyi stepped aside, and Zhao's mother pushed open the door and went in.
At first she could still hear a little bit of their voices, but they seemed to notice it quickly, and she couldn't hear anything anymore.
A note from the author:
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