Upon hearing that they were going to catch bad guys, Erping immediately became interested, and Jiang Qiao briefly explained her suspicions to him.
She wasn't worried that Erping would leak this information. It was just that the boy in front of her was young. If given time and a chance, he might just rise to prominence and achieve great things.
Especially since Erping's family members were all labeled as rightists, it was no ordinary person who could be labeled as one.
After listening, Erping hesitated for a moment, then said sincerely, "Jiang Qiao, since you don't treat us like outsiders, we will definitely help you with this. However, the people here are not very old. Apart from my sister, I am considered one of the older ones here. I am worried that their young age might ruin your important plans."
The tone of his voice clearly indicated agreement, and Jiang Qiao wasn't worried about what would happen next.
"Tell me about their background first, then I'll talk to them in a bit, and finally we'll decide on the candidates."
Jiang Qiao was really busy that night. After chatting with the children, she finalized a few choices and then gave them a little training. Of course, Erping was still in charge here. By the time she was about to leave, she hadn't seen Erping's sister return.
Speaking of this, Erping sighed. Jiang Qiao noticed that he seemed troubled. "Why is it hard to say?"
Erping shook his head. "There's nothing wrong with talking about it. My sister is babysitting for someone. There are so many of us, and we need money just for utilities. She said she'd help out as much as she could. She does want to find a job, but with our family's situation, no place wants her. Even if she babysits for someone, she'll still have to endure their pickiness."
At this point, Erping's mood became somewhat downcast. Jiang Qiao sighed and patted Erping on the shoulder.
"Life is never all right. As for your relatives, Erping is probably not your real name, is it?"
When it came to his family, Erping had nothing to hide from Jiang Qiao: "My name is Du Yuping, I'm the second oldest. My mom used to call me Erping, so that's the name I use when I go out..."
After listening to what Erping said, Jiang Qiao couldn't help but sigh. In good times, one naturally has many relatives and friends. No wonder the young boy couldn't understand. Jiang Qiao could understand Erping's confusion and anger, but she couldn't explain or comprehend this matter. However, living in this era, one can only adapt to it.
"Erping, take it easy. As long as you're alive, that's better than anything else. Maybe your dad and the others are alright."
Actually, I have a suggestion, you might want to consider it. Why don't you move in with the veterans? I can put in a good word for you. You can all look after each other, you can learn something from them, and besides, you're all still quite young, you should be in school.”
Erping sighed, "Go to school? Where will we get the money? There are so many people, and apart from my siblings and me, none of us have household registration. How can we go to school? I can't go stay with the old soldier either. There are quite a few people who want our house. I have to protect this house for my mother and the others."
"When I first brought those beggar children over, I had this idea in mind, but as time went on, I naturally developed feelings for them, and I couldn't bear to abandon them."
"I didn't ask you to abandon them. How about this: those who can't go to school for the time being can go to the veterans' place during the day and see if they can help out in any way. You can go back after dinner in the evening."
As for schooling, prioritize you and your younger brother. Once you've learned, you can go back and teach the other younger siblings. Those children will eventually grow up, and you can't just watch them become illiterate, especially in the city. How can they find jobs without education?
Although you have read some books, in my opinion, it is far from enough. Only when you become strong can you better protect the people you want to protect.
I can lend you the money for your school fees; you can pay me back when you grow up.
Erping turned to look at Jiang Qiao and asked, "Who exactly are you? You're not even as old as me, so why would you help us?"
Jiang Qiao sighed and patted Erping on the shoulder. "Because I have a similar experience to you, I can understand your confusion and distress. So, I want to help you. When you are able to help me in the future, you can help me too."
Erping gave a wry smile. "I guess I don't have that ability anymore. You overestimate me. If that day ever comes, based on everything you said and did today, I'll definitely help without hesitation."
Jiang Qiao smiled and said, "So you have to work hard. Erping, now that this matter is over, you can go back to school. In your spare time, learn some martial arts from the veterans. Consider it as keeping them company for me. After all, some people can't leave the house. With you around, at least they can find some comfort. I'll handle the rest."
Upon learning that Erping was actually a year older than him, Jiang Qiao didn't stand on ceremony and directly called him Brother Erping. The two walked and discussed things along the way until Erping took him back, at which point the young boy turned and left.
Watching Erping leave, Jiang Qiao felt a bit complicated. Talking with Erping didn't feel like talking to a child at all. On the contrary, Erping had his own ideas and thoughts. Jiang Qiao felt that everything she had done today was worth it to make friends with someone like him.
After returning and telling the veterans that Erping would do his best to cooperate with them, the next morning, Erping and his men took the veterans to their respective locations.
Two people were left in each place, one to take care of them and the other to pass on messages. Jiang Qiao had prepared their food and water long ago. They couldn't be allowed to work and would have to endure hunger, but they still had to put on a show.
She had initially considered contacting Lu Zhiyuan, but then she thought again that everything they had said before was just speculation. How could she explain it to him?
Without any concrete evidence, relying solely on her one-sided account, Lu Zhiyuan would likely face difficulties, so Jiang Qiao decided to remain patient.
After keeping watch for the past few days, it seems that the other side has not made any moves. Not to mention the veterans, even Jiang Qiao wondered if her intuition was wrong.
Seeing that Jiang Qiao was a little emotional, the veterans comforted her first.
"Girl, don't worry, this is nothing. A fox will show its tail sooner or later. Besides, we stay at home all day and have nothing to do. If you can find us something to do and let us contribute our remaining energy, we'll be happy to do so."
Qiao Jie explained from the side, "The child is worried that you are suffering too much, being exposed to the hot sun, and it makes her feel bad."
The veterans laughed and shook their heads. "What's the big deal? We have people to serve us food and drink. Where else can we find such a good thing? It's just sunbathing. Back when we were marching and fighting, we could walk under the sun for days on end without any problem. Let alone us sitting down, it's already very good. Girl, don't worry, it's nothing. As long as we can catch the bad guys, we'd even climb snow-capped mountains again without any problem."
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