The old lady followed her gaze, took a step forward, bent down flatteringly and smiled: "Young comrade, I am old and not a bad person."
Age has nothing to do with whether someone is a bad person; rather, people become more cunning as they age. Zhou Jiao had no intention of arguing with him about this, and simply nodded expressionlessly, "What's the matter?"
"Would you like some lobster?"
Zhou Jiao couldn't ignore the irritation in her heart. She frowned and shook her head. "Speculation and profiteering will get you arrested. It's better for you to avoid making mistakes, old lady."
"Hey, little comrade. Don't worry, my yard is just up ahead. 30 cents a pound, how about some? They're all big lobsters, weighing over a pound."
Hearing what the other party said, Zhou Jiao was even more afraid of death. She left with a word and said, "It's not easy for you at your age. If you keep pestering me, I'll call for help."
Regardless of the old lady's reaction, Zhou Jiao walked quickly until she reached the street before turning her head to look. She wanted to go back and follow her, but then she thought it was better to avoid trouble.
She was always sure of her premonitions.
The person just now was either a human trafficker or a "fisherman" casting bait. If I were to be tempted, I'd be waiting for some tough guys.
The lobster weighed more than a pound!
Does anyone have clean pants and shoes that smell like fish?
Finally, she was still worried and took a roundabout way. She drew a portrait of an old woman and sent a letter of complaint to the local public security bureau.
As for the outcome, that was not something she considered.
Zhou Jiao, who was in Beijing, never expected that it was her anonymous letter that enabled the local police, which had been unable to find any clues, to successfully crack down on a smuggling group.
The old woman in the portrait often chats up young girls and takes them to a yard not far away, claiming she has goods.
The cellar inside was filled with these drugged young women. Once there were five of them, they would be hidden in the bottom hold of a fishing boat and shipped abroad that night.
Reports of missing young women have been pouring in, and to reassure the public, local police are investigating day and night. Unfortunately, many of the victims' families are afraid to reveal the truth.
This time, Zhou Jiao's letter was like a ray of hope, awakening the police officers. They also suddenly understood why the family members who reported the case did not dare to tell the truth.
Speculation and profiteering are crimes in themselves, so who would dare to confess?
With the lifelike portrait in hand, the police quickly captured the old woman at the dock area mentioned in the letter.
The only thing you can do is to investigate. Even the most cunning fox will eventually reveal its true colors when exposed to the public. This time, the police took no chances with the elderly woman who stubbornly refused to confess and cried out in innocence. When they investigated her family, they discovered she had a son who was a fisherman.
The suspects were strictly controlled at that time, and within a week, three young girls who were unconscious in the cellar were successfully rescued. Fortunately, the group wanted to sell them for a high price, so the three girls were spared from being abused.
At this time, Zhou Jiao didn't know that after sending the letter, she successfully made friends with the girl at the post office and bought the used stamps from the warehouse. She was very happy.
Ping An has already collected three large stamp albums, and she has never seen these stamps before. She thinks her child will jump for joy when she brings them home.
In the room, Helan was eagerly waiting for her to come back. When he saw her, he said happily, "I was worried that you were lost and was about to go out to the street to look for you."
"I'm just walking around here, not going far." Zhou Jiao noticed she had an extra bag and changed the subject, "It's time for dinner, Aunt Lan, do you want to join us?"
"Okay, this is the last meal."
"Wait a minute, I'll wash my face."
Helan of course had no objection and picked up the purse with a smile.
This bag, like a man's briefcase, exuded a leathery stench. Several nights, Zhou Jiao almost couldn't help but persuade him to change it.
It was only later, when she saw Helan tuck his briefcase under his arm, walking before people with a stern face and head held high, that he must have put on an air of authority. At that moment, Zhou Jiao finally understood the meaning behind it.
There is a kind of person who is both inferior and proud. She...maybe she really wants to be on par with men.
When the two of them went out, Helan talked about the price difference between here and in Beijing.
Judging from Zhou Jiao's extensive travels, there wasn't much difference; the two places weren't a million miles apart. Under the planned economy, prices were controlled by the unified purchase and sale system.
"...Last time, a colleague went on a business trip to Hai City and bought her daughter a red scarf with gold thread. It was five yuan, and it was really beautiful. It's a pity that I haven't been there yet, otherwise I would buy one for my child..."
"...The gold threads glow in the sun, and that red color suits a girl like you. It can be used as a hair ornament on ordinary days, and as a mask when the weather gets cold. Even though five yuan is expensive, it's a good deal."
Zhou Jiao nodded and smiled with difficulty. This character setting did not fit the other party's image. Could it be that the Iron Lady also has a princess's heart?
"..., is this your first business trip?"
Zhou Jiao nodded and greeted a familiar face passing by, not paying attention to what the other person said before. However, this should be her first business trip since she started working.
She smiled and nodded.
"As expected, I predicted it right." Helan smiled knowingly, "You are still young. Once you get married, you won't go home empty-handed."
Zhou Jiao had no intention of announcing anything about herself, but she also didn't want the other party to misunderstand her. "Auntie Lan, I'm already married."
"Ah?" Helan shook his head. "What a pity..."
Zhou Jiao smiled but didn't respond. As for what was the pity? She didn't want to know. Besides Zhang Guoqing, which man in this world was worthy of her lifelong devotion?
"Where is your boyfriend from? Is he also in Beijing?"
Speaking of Zhang Guoqing, Zhou Jiao couldn't help but smile. "We're from Northeast China. We grew up together. I was working, and he joined the army. Now he's a soldier."
"No wonder you got married so early." Helan nodded thoughtfully, "It's good for a man to be a soldier. It would be even better if there were no separation."
"Hehe..." Zhou Jiao really didn't intend to show off next.
Before leaving, the five people gathered together to discuss the work summary.
Only then did Zhou Jiao realize that she still had to submit a report to her employer before her vacation. Didn't that mean she had to write two?
"I hope we'll be on the business trip together next time. Remember to look for me when you're free."
"Thanks. I'll definitely come to your company for a meal when I have time. But we probably won't have the chance before the New Year. I heard before I came that there's going to be some sort of inventory operation soon, so I might have other tasks to do."
Zhou Jiao paused after hearing this, and everyone else looked at the male colleague in the secretariat. Unfortunately, since this was a serious matter, he only revealed a few words.
While the others were still pondering, Zhou Jiao had a rough idea in mind. Calculating the time, some things were about to happen.
Their family wasn't worried about being implicated, especially Zhang Guoqing. But did her godfather get wind of it?
At this moment, Zhou Jiao, with a smile on her face, listened quietly to everyone's conversation, and had already gone through all her relatives and friends in her mind.
She wondered if Zhang Guoqing would rush back to Northeast China if he heard the news, but as his wife, Zhou Jiao planned to help him.
Good fortune and misfortune go hand in hand. Who knows if there will ever be a time in the future when she will need help from outsiders? Especially the old captain who is dedicated to the public good. Zhou Jiao couldn't bear to see such a kind old man get hurt.
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