After a period of chaos and confusion...
Outside the cowshed.
The brigade leader, the branch secretary, and Xu Ningyan were standing, while Gu Zhiyuan was sitting alone.
Their expressions were all very solemn.
"Comrade Gu, this is the situation now! If you and Siya don't get married, this matter won't be so easy to get over! Not only will your reputation be ruined, but if someone reports you, you might even be paraded through the streets!"
The brigade leader's face was also grim. If they were really reported, not only would their brigade's hopes of becoming an advanced production brigade this year be dashed, but they also wouldn't be able to explain themselves to the leader who had asked them to take care of Comrade Gu.
The Party Secretary was smoking silently, his face full of worry.
Neither he nor the captain expected that the Xu family would be so ruthless, trying to drive Siya to her death!
Those words all came from the Xu family, and they were described in such a vivid and detailed way that it was as if they had seen it with their own eyes that it was impossible for others not to believe them.
If it were just a rumor circulating within the production brigade, that would be one thing. But this morning, the older sister-in-law from the next production brigade came over to ask why. Apparently, the rumor had spread to other production teams yesterday.
This is something that can't be hidden no matter how hard you try.
Now, not only Siya and Comrade Gu are in trouble, but the entire Unity Production Brigade is also on the line.
If handled carelessly, not only will Siya and her husband be criticized, but even the brigade cadres will be criticized.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became from the Xu family. A ruthless glint flashed in the Party Secretary's eyes. Just because the tiger hasn't shown its power doesn't mean it's a sick cat, do you think?
Xu Jinlai's family has become increasingly arrogant in the past two years. If we don't teach them a lesson and let them remember their mistakes, they might forget who is in charge of this united brigade.
Gu Zhiyuan's mind was still somewhat confused, but his expression remained calm.
He nodded to indicate that he would consider it, and then said nothing more.
The brigade leader and the party secretary knew that no one would be happy to be suddenly struck by this unexpected disaster.
Comrade Gu's decision not to cause a scene is already extremely reasonable.
They felt uncomfortable staying there any longer, as if they had bullied someone and that it would highlight their own incompetence, so they made an excuse and left.
Xu Ningyan and Gu Zhiyuan remained silent.
Xu Ningyan cleared her throat. Although she was also an innocent victim, she still felt somewhat guilty in front of the powerful figure. "I'll go to the Xu family and find a way to get them to clarify the rumors—"
Gu Zhiyuan interrupted Xu Ningyan: "Public opinion is powerless, it's useless!"
Xu Ningyan is too young to know how dangerous things are here, but he does!
If it were someone else, they could have delayed it or taken a gamble.
He can't do it!
Especially at this crucial moment, he cannot afford to make the slightest mistake!
Otherwise, if someone reports him for improper conduct and hooliganism, he will be taken away by the Revolutionary Committee, and all the plans they have painstakingly devised over the years will be completely ruined.
Xu Ningyan hesitated for a moment, then suggested, "How about I create an even bigger and more sensational rumor to suppress our current one?"
Gu Zhiyuan shook his head.
He scratched his head. "This won't work, that won't work, does that mean we can only get married?"
The thought of marrying a powerful figure sent a shiver down Xu Ningyan's spine. What a joke! What is a powerful figure? A powerful figure is like a reflection in water or a flower in a mirror! A snow lotus that can only be worshipped and venerated!
How dare she, a lazy bum who only wants to win without effort, even dream of such a thing?
Being a lackey of a big shot only requires loyalty; the big shot won't treat you badly.
Being the wife of a powerful figure is risky. If you argue and fall out with him, with your small frame and petty nature, he could easily wipe you out with a flick of his finger!
Therefore, you should get closer to the big shots' business and stay away from their private lives!
Gu Zhiyuan rubbed his temples, watching Xu Ningyan's expression change. His heart softened; she was still just a young girl, and it was best not to involve her.
He softened his voice and tentatively said, "Comrade Xu Ningyan, this matter is too sudden and unexpected for both of us! Putting aside the fact that I am much older than you, you also know my class background—I'm a member of the 'Five Black Categories,' while you are a poor peasant. In a way, it's all my fault that you've been implicated—"
Upon hearing this, Xu Ningyan wondered if the big boss was feeling inferior.
Please, please don't!
He immediately said seriously, "Comrade Gu, having a bad class background doesn't mean you're a bad person! The Xu family has a good class background, but they can't do anything decent! I know you better than anyone! You and I are both victims in this matter, so please don't take all the blame on yourself!"
Upon hearing this, Gu Zhiyuan's heart stirred, and he tentatively asked, "And about the injury you sustained in the county town, don't you have anything you want to ask?"
After speaking, he seemed to be looking at his own hands, but his peripheral vision kept staring at Xu Ningyan's face, not missing a single expression on her face.
Xu Ningyan wondered to herself, what could she possibly ask?
So what if a big shot has some secrets? She has her own secrets too, doesn't she?
He shook his head decisively: "There's nothing to ask! Comrade Gu, I'll listen if you want to talk about it, and I absolutely won't ask if you don't want to!"
As he spoke, he even raised two fingers as if to swear an oath.
Something flickered in Gu Zhiyuan's eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke again: "Comrade Xu Ningyan, do you have any other thoughts or plans regarding this matter?"
Xu Ningyan stated firmly, "Comrade Gu, your thoughts are my thoughts! I believe you would never harm me! I will listen to whatever you say!"
What a great opportunity to prove her loyalty to the boss! She has to seize it!
Her eyes were bright and sparkling, overflowing with sincerity.
It's all filled with: I believe in you! I only believe in you!
Gu Zhiyuan almost couldn't resist that burning gaze and looked away, only to feel his ear tips burning.
He was momentarily moved by Xu Ningyan's trust in him.
He felt a surge of embarrassment and anger. This girl was too blunt and shameless! To say such things in broad daylight, wouldn't that just confirm the rumors if people heard it?
A mix of emotions swirled within her, but her face remained calm and composed: "Alright, since you trust me, you should go back and rest first. I'll think about this carefully and give you an answer tomorrow, okay?"
Since Gu Zhiyuan had already said so, Xu Ningyan naturally wouldn't object.
It's clear that Boss Gu is someone who likes to keep everything under his control. He didn't take any of my suggestions, so he must have his own considerations and ideas.
No matter how much you say, it's all in vain if you don't understand the concerns of the big shots.
If you say the wrong thing and break a taboo, it will be a loss that outweighs the gains.
Since the two of them are in the same boat, neither of them can escape, so we might as well see how the big boss handles it.
"Alright! Your injury hasn't healed yet, so go back to your room and rest! I'm going back now!"
As she spoke, she reached out to help Gu Zhiyuan into the house.
This time, Gu Zhiyuan did not refuse Xu Ningyan's help. He obediently got up and was helped into the house with a limp.
Xu Ningyan then saw what the cowshed looked like.
It was very simple: a wooden plank bed, a limping table with stones underfoot, piled high with things, a small stove in the corner, and a small wooden cabinet next to it.
Xu Ningyan glanced at it but didn't look at it for long, afraid of seeing something she shouldn't have.
She helped Gu Zhiyuan sit on the bed and then turned to leave.
Before he even reached the door, Gu Zhiyuan called out to him, "Comrade Xu Ningyan, take the things on the table back with you!"
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