Loudspeakers were one of the most direct and effective ways to spread messages and information in that era.
The loudspeakers at Hongqi Factory were ubiquitous, found in every corner of the factory, in every workshop, administrative office building, union, canteen, guesthouse, cinema, and dormitory area. In short, wherever there was a gathering of people, loudspeakers would be installed on walls, rooftops, utility poles, or nearby trees.
Those queuing for food in the cafeteria, as well as employees already seated at their tables, all perked up their ears when they heard the important announcement broadcast over the loudspeaker.
Since the barber was murdered in the woods of Orange Gully, followed by Niu Dajiang's suicide out of guilt, the entire Hongqi Factory has been shrouded in a mysterious, gloomy, and terrifying atmosphere.
When the loudspeaker broadcasts an important announcement, everyone knows without a doubt that something significant has happened.
However, to everyone's surprise, the important announcement broadcast was a statement about workshop director Qiu Jingwen.
"Comrade Qiu Jingwen, the director of Workshop 3, is currently away on business. There are rumors circulating in the factory that Qiu Jingwen has committed a crime and has been arrested by the public security authorities. This is a rumor. This statement is hereby issued."
"We hope that all employees will keep their eyes and ears open, not create or spread rumors, and not be used or misled by enemy agents. At the same time, we hope that those who spread rumors will voluntarily go to the factory security department to explain. Otherwise, once discovered, they will be dealt with seriously in accordance with factory rules and regulations. Those who cause adverse consequences will be dismissed from the factory."
The statement was concise, but it was played three times.
Jiang Yuping, her daughter Qiushui, and her son Qiushou, who were having a meal, were naturally delighted to hear this.
However, Jiang Yuping suddenly seemed to be protesting too much. Without this statement, some employees might not have known that her husband, Qiu Jingwen, had been rumored to have been arrested by the police.
She was completely bewildered.
At the guesthouse, the husband clearly confessed to Shao Jian and admitted everything, but now this content is being broadcast over the factory's loudspeaker?
"Mom, Dad has been framed!"
As Qiu Shou looked at his mother, tears welled up in his eyes.
The broadcast quickly spread to every corner of the Hongqi Factory and reached the ears of every employee.
Qiuyue and Qiuyang, who were on duty in the workshop, also heard it.
However, like their mother Jiang Yuping, they also had many questions in their hearts.
They didn't understand why the factory suddenly broadcast such a statement, not only declaring it a rumor but also calling for an investigation into the rumor-mongers.
Having already eaten lunch, Su Xiaowei nestled against Qiu Yang, gently embracing her boyfriend, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Qiuyang, did you hear that? Your dad is fine. The rumors among the employees are false. You can rest assured now."
Qiu Yang didn't respond, but instead put his arm around Su Xiaowei.
At this moment, his feelings were just as complicated as Jiang Yuping's.
His father was an enemy agent and the murderer of Liu Han. His father told him this himself, and he believed that Shao Jian's investigation team couldn't possibly have no clues at all. Su Xiaowei had personally witnessed her father being taken away in a jeep by two police officers. It was impossible for him to have escaped unscathed. Now, an "official" statement had come out saying that her father's disappearance was due to a business trip. This really made him feel confused and bewildered.
"Things are not that simple."
Thinking of all this, Qiu Yang turned to look at Su Xiaowei and said.
Su Xiaowei is not only his girlfriend in name, but in a way, she is his future wife.
In those days, it was rare for men and women to have sexual relations before marriage, or the probability of it happening was very low. If they did have physical relations, the two people would basically stay together through thick and thin, almost like husband and wife.
Upon hearing Qiu Yang say that things weren't that simple, Su Xiaowei looked at Qiu Yang with confusion:
"Qiuyang, why do you say that? I don't think your dad should be in any danger. He was just a teenager back then. Besides, the factory's loudspeaker came out to refute the rumors."
"Xiaowei, let's not talk about this. I'm asking you, do your parents know about our relationship?"
"Qiuyang, I told them we're dating, but I didn't tell them who my boyfriend is."
"Xiaowei, how about we take some time to visit your parents?"
"Qiuyang, no rush. Your home is in the dormitory area. You haven't introduced me to your parents yet. Let's meet your parents first, and then we can meet mine when we have time."
Over here, a couple is discussing when to meet each other's parents, while in the cafeteria, Jiang Yuping and her family of three have already eaten lunch.
Before leaving the cafeteria, Qiu Shui looked at her mother.
"Mom, you go to work first. It's so hot. This afternoon, my younger brother and I will read books together in the union library. After you get off work, we'll go back to the dormitory with you. You don't mind, do you?"
Jiang Yuping naturally had no objections. She instructed Qiushui to arrive at the infirmary a few minutes early to wait.
After separating from her children, Jiang Yuping rode her bicycle back to the clinic alone.
As soon as she sat down in the office, Wei Hong asked her:
"Yu Ping, what was that announcement on the radio just now?"
Jiang Yuping shook her head at her best friend.
"How would I know? There must be a lot of rumors, and the factory wants to clarify them."
"Yuping, has your husband Lao Qiu called home? Has he said where he went on a business trip?"
Jiang Yuping told the truth that Qiu Jingwen had never called home, and added that she felt something was amiss.
Wei Hong then comforted her best friend:
"Yuping, the factory just made a statement, so don't worry. Good people will be rewarded. I believe in your husband, Lao Qiu."
In fact, Wei Hong had also heard about the uproar that was going on throughout the Hongqi Factory today, but she still believed in her heart that Qiu Jingwen could not have broken the law, let alone be involved in the murder of that barber.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
