On the seventh day, the village suddenly became solemn. All the armed men set up checkpoints around the village early in the morning. Xiang Wan and Feng Yulian happened to get up early and hid on the eaves of the highest roof in the village before dawn. They watched as the man named Chang San stood in front of the building, giving orders and ordering people to surround the women on one side and the children on the other.
After everything was ready, a masked man was brought out. He looked around, nodded, and signaled Chang San to speak.
Chang San bowed and scraped as he gestured for the man to sit down, then stood beside him, cleared his throat, and said, “Today is a special day. You’re having a great time here, with all your food and drink provided. But you won’t be able to live like this anymore.”
The women who were surrounded stirred, whispering among themselves, their faces filled with anxiety. The children, however, lowered their heads and dared not speak.
One of the bolder women asked, "Chief, are you going to sell us? Please don't! I can stay and do anything, as long as you don't mind."
"We also want to stay."
"Oh, aren't you afraid we're bandits?" Chang San joked.
"Don't worry, things are much better here than before. My husband is never home, and he takes his anger out on me when he's broke. It's much better to stay here; we have food and drink, and we can live a good life."
"Yes, let us stay."
Upon seeing this, the masked person let out a soft hum, looked up at the sky, and lightly tapped the armrest of the chair, lost in thought.
Xiang Wan was very familiar with this movement and posture.
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