In fact, Qin Hanshu had also felt afraid and uneasy because of her father's identity in the past.
Although her father had long since passed away and the neighbors never mentioned the Qin family's social standing, Qin Hanshu was suddenly isolated at school one day.
Previously friendly classmates now avoid her like the plague.
They forbade her from participating in any group activities anymore.
Fortunately, classes were suspended soon, and she didn't go to school, thus avoiding being caught by Hong Weibin, the school's police chief.
But now, Qin Hanshu is truly not afraid.
She knew that these chaotic days would eventually pass, and besides, there was no real conflict in Haowan Village; the Revolutionary Committee hadn't even been established yet, and everything was decided by the Party Secretary.
Even if the other educated youths looked down on her or even ostracized her, she didn't care.
It's not like a person can't live.
"Let me give you some advice," Qin Hanshu said, looking at Zhao Ru. "Just live your own life peacefully and stop staring at me. We have no grudge against each other, so why provoke me?"
Meeting Qin Hanshu's all-knowing gaze, Zhao Ru panicked. She caught a glimpse of a figure approaching from afar, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"How did I offend you? I was just kindly reminding you not to be too high-profile, after all, you come from a humble background; your father is a capitalist, and your mother is a landlord's daughter..."
"Who knew my kindness would be so easily taken for granted! Qin Hanshu, we're classmates, even deskmates. Before, your stepsister Hu Wenwen and the rest of the school ganged up on you, and I was the only one who talked to you. But now you..."
Zhao Ru shook her head in disbelief, tears falling like broken beads, looking utterly heartbroken by Qin Hanshu.
"What's wrong, Sister Shu?" Ma Chaoyang walked over, looking at Qin Hanshu with a puzzled expression. "Did she bully you?"
Zhao Ru stopped crying immediately and looked at Ma Chaoyang with a distorted expression.
She's crying!
Qin Hanshu couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Zhao Ru's face turned even uglier.
"Ma Chaoyang! Why are you helping this capitalist's daughter? Who is she to you? Do you want to have an affair with her?" Zhao Ru started to speak recklessly, completely losing her usual introverted demeanor.
"Damn it!" Ma Chaoyang rarely lost his temper. "If you keep talking nonsense, don't think I don't hit women!"
"Who are you going to hit?" Lin Zhiheng, who came out of the toilet by the courtyard, happened to hear Ma Chaoyang's words and frowned as he looked over.
Zhao Ru was thrilled, thinking that someone had finally come to her aid, but then she heard Lin Zhiheng say to Ma Chaoyang, "Do you need any help?"
Ma Chaoyang waved his hand, and Lin Zhiheng ignored him and turned back to the cave dwelling.
Ma Chaoyang continued, "You ask who Qin Hanshu is to me? Let me tell you today, she is my savior! From now on, we are best friends. Anyone who messes with her will also be making trouble for me! Do you understand?"
The commotion attracted the attention of the other educated youth living in the cave dwellings. However, most of them just watched from a distance, while only Zhang Kangmei came over and asked what had happened.
Zhao Ru pointed at Qin Hanshu and said, "She's a capitalist's daughter! Zhang Kangmei, aren't you always the most class-conscious person?! You wouldn't still hang out with Qin Hanshu after knowing her background, would you?!"
"What are the ingredients?" Zhang Kangmei asked, pursing her lips.
"Qin Hanshu is just like us, an educated youth who responded to the call to go to the countryside! But you, Zhao Ru, are always crying and clinging, sowing discord and undermining unity in the team. I wonder what your background is!"
Ma Chaoyang chimed in, "Exactly! Bad elements who undermine unity!"
Qin Hanshu glanced at Zhang Kangmei in surprise, and the other woman winked at her.
Then, Qin Hanshu curled the corners of her lips into a smile.
Zhao Ru felt surrounded by everyone's gaze, yet so lonely, because no one stood by her side to help her.
She finally couldn't hold back any longer, covered her face, and ran back to the cave dwelling, sobbing.
Ma Chaoyang snorted heavily, then turned to Qin Hanshu, "What I just said was the truth. You can come to me with any difficulties you encounter in the future, including when you return to the capital! I will do my duty without hesitation!"
Qin Han opened his mouth, then swallowed his words and nodded, saying, "Okay!"
Ma Chaoyang then turned to Zhang Kangmei and said, "Comrade Kangmei, if we're talking about the debt of saving my life, it applies to you and me too. If it weren't for me today, you would have lost your life to this wild boar!"
Zhang Kangmei gave an unnatural "tsk" sound. "I'll remember that, and I'll repay you when I have the chance."
Ma Chaoyang said with a grin, "Don't wait until later, repay me now! I have a week's worth of dirty clothes that I've accumulated, you can wash them for me, that will repay the favor, okay?"
Zhang Kangmei thought for a moment and then surprisingly nodded: "Okay, bring me Lin Zhiheng's dirty clothes too."
Ma Chaoyang was stunned. "Why do I need to help him wash?"
Zhang Kangmei said matter-of-factly, "The wild boar that attacked me today was killed by the two of you together, right? So he can be considered my savior."
"Let's make it clear first, I'll only help you wash this once. Once it's done, I'll have repaid this kindness."
Ma Chaoyang's face fell. "Fine, I won't let you wash it."
Zhang Kangmei frowned and said, "Why are you going back and forth like this? Are you going to wash it or not?"
Ma Chaoyang shook his head repeatedly, "Just washing your dirty clothes once is too easy for you! I need to think of another way to repay your kindness."
Zhang Kangmei rolled her eyes speechlessly, then greeted Qin Hanshu and went back to her cave dwelling.
Ma Chaoyang watched Zhang Kangmei leave, and only after he looked away did he realize that Qin Hanshu was watching him.
Ma Chaoyang touched his face. "Is there something on my face?"
Qin Hanshu smiled and shook her head.
Ma Chaoyang: "...Your smile is creepy!"
"Really?" Qin Hanshu's lips continued to curl into a smile. "I just discovered something interesting."
Ma Chaoyang asked curiously, "What's so interesting?"
Qin Hanshu smiled at him, then turned around, waved her hand behind her back, and said, "You'll find out in the future."
Ma Chaoyang stood there, scratching his head in confusion.
After returning to the cave dwelling, Qin Hanshu couldn't help but recall what Zhao Ru had just said.
If Hu Wenwen hadn't been mentioned, Qin Hanshu wouldn't have remembered that Zhao Ru and Hu Wenwen knew each other. — They were in the same grade but different classes.
So many days have passed since Hu Wenwen sent her the message, and she hasn't responded. Hu Wenwen must be getting impatient by now.
Action will inevitably be taken.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
