Chapter 081 House and Revenge
After the presentation at headquarters, it was already 11:00 AM when they returned to the operations office. Fatigued by the journey, they didn't return to the police station. Instead, they went home to regroup and return to work in the afternoon. When Jiang Nan and Zhou Zhixing arrived at Courtyard No. 1, they were greeted with eager anticipation.
After being surrounded and questioned for a few times, and seeing that everyone kept talking about the youth workers' dormitory, Jiang Nan and Zhou Zhixing finally realized that it was not them who were popular, but the house itself.
Secretary Tu's proposal to build a dormitory for young workers was approved by the headquarters. Although only funds were approved for one building, it was one of the rare housing construction initiatives in the oil field in the past two or three years. People who heard the news were very excited.
Although it's a dormitory for young workers, there are single rooms. For a young couple, it's like moving into a new home. Who wouldn't want one? These days, housing is a big deal; any disturbance attracts attention.
Jiang Mancheng was transferred to the construction team after the New Year, which attracted the attention of some people.
If Jiang Mancheng hadn't heard the news earlier, would he have been so eager to be transferred to the construction team?!
Jiang Nan didn't know that he went to the headquarters these two days, but last night, the Jiang family was almost broken into by people who wanted to know the news!
One after another, they came to inquire about the housing. How many floors did the tube-shaped building have? How many single dormitories were there? How big were the dormitories? What were the requirements for room allocation? They asked Jiang Mancheng anything they could think of. They didn't care that he had only been with the construction team for less than a month. Regardless, everyone, regardless of connections, came to ask. Jiang Mancheng, so busy that he could sleep at night, felt his head buzzing.
Now that Jiang Mancheng was at work and his daughter was here, everyone had someone to talk to again. The questions kept piling up, leaving Jiang Nan in a state of confusion.
"Uncle and aunt, if I knew this, wouldn't I have applied long ago? Why am I still waiting here for you to ask? I really don't know. I'm just a small police officer, how would I know about housing allocation?"
Old Lady Liu curled her lips. "Xiao Nan, don't be so modest. Your father has been transferred to the construction team. How could he not have received the news in advance? You can't hide it from others. Look, my daughter Gaigai is also a young worker, and her partner is too. They both work, so can they get a single dormitory?"
Jiang Nan laughed, "Grandma Liu, do you even need to ask me? Everyone knows that your grandson-in-law is the nephew of Secretary Jing. I'm not as well-informed as you are about this. Can you tell me if only working couples can get single dormitories? If so, is Sister Gaigai getting married soon?"
Following Jiang Nan's words, everyone's eyes unconsciously turned to Old Lady Liu.
Old Mrs. Liu didn't expect to be misled. She laughed and said, "How would I know? Don't talk nonsense. Oh, it's time to make lunch. The Sui family and the old Su family, go and cook. The children at home are about to get home from get off work. You don't make lunch and let the children go hungry after get off work?"
"cut."
The crowd protested in dissatisfaction. Jiang Nan chuckled, slipped away from the crowd, and wiped the nonexistent sweat from his forehead. "Dad, it's a bit early to transfer to this job."
Zhou Zhixing: "Uncle Jiang is really moving fast. It's hard to find people who want to change jobs, and Uncle Jiang wanted to settle down quickly. He didn't expect to encounter the news of the house construction. It's a mixed blessing, isn't it?"
"Xiao Nan." He Lin hurried into Courtyard No. 1. Seeing that the two hadn't gone upstairs yet, she breathed a sigh of relief and started talking like a machine gun. "Hurry up and maintain order in front of the office building. The families of the fiberglass workers heard that the building was being built for the young workers, and they're protesting in front of the office building."
Upon hearing this, the two of them quickly ran downstairs, opened their bicycles, and Jiang Nan slowed down and said, "Sister He, get on."
He Lin jumped into the car briskly, and the three of them rushed to the office building at lightning speed. At this time, the front of the building was already surrounded by protesting family members.
"Why should it be given to young workers? What have they contributed? My husband has worked in the oil field for five or six years, and just because he's a single worker, he can't get a share of the house? It's not fair!"
"Yes, it's unfair! The young workers have only been here for less than a year, but we've been contributing to the oil field for five or six years! Why don't they give us housing instead of giving it to these useless young workers? We protest, a serious protest!"
"Why else? The leaders' children have all been admitted and become young workers, so of course they have to make plans for their children. We ordinary workers work our ass off and still can't get any housing. I think even if we went on a hunger strike in front of the office building, no one would pay any attention!"
"Then go on a hunger strike! I don't believe there's no justice in this new society! Seniority is always the key to success. Old workers don't even have houses, so we can't give them to young workers!"
"Yes, hunger strike! We can't give it to young workers."
The crowd was gradually incited, and by the time Jiang Nan and Zhou Zhixing arrived, the slogans of "hunger strike protest" were already deafening.
As Secretary Tu's chief secretary, Jing Zhiyuan immediately stepped forward on Secretary Tu's behalf to reassure everyone. He pressed his hand and said, "Everyone, please be patient. The oilfield headquarters has only approved one building for the family housing project, and we only have the budget for one. As for how this building will be divided, it's too early to say. Since everyone is so concerned, how about you all elect a few representatives and we go in and talk to Secretary Tu face to face? Don't worry, Secretary Tu has worked in our operations department for so many years, and when has he ever acted in a partial manner?"
The crowd gradually quieted down. Yes, Secretary Tu had a good reputation in the operations department. The last time they recruited workers, they were fair and just. Many families in the crowd actually had children who were hired. But their children weren't both working, so they were afraid they wouldn't get a place to live.
Some people were still trying to stir up trouble, but Jing Zhiyuan, with his sharp eyes, spoke before the troublemaker could speak, "Don't you trust me? Don't you trust Secretary Tu? Zhang Erneng, did your child get in through the exam? Was he treated differently because of your past cheating? Liu Damao, what about your daughter? Did she get in? Did someone impersonate her?"
As expected of someone who could be a top secretary, Jing Zhiyuan scanned the crowd and quickly compared the results with those of the previous recruitment. Seeing that the crowd had quieted down considerably, he continued, "Think about it, everyone. During the recruitment process, despite numerous city leaders' intimacy, Secretary Tu refused to budge, ensuring that all of us oilfield workers were employed fairly and impartially. We shouldn't burn bridges after crossing the river. Secretary Tu has plans regarding the housing, but he can't discuss them now. Everyone, please elect representatives as soon as possible, preferably no more than ten people, and we'll go in and talk individually. Representatives you all elect yourself can always be trusted, right?"
The crowd began to buzz, and several people, prompted to stand up, about six in total, both men and women. They were obviously well-liked, and no one complained or objected. The six followed Jing Zhiyuan into the office building. They sat down in front of the building, pausing their shouting and hoping for the answers they wanted.
Jiang Nan, standing to the right of the crowd, whispered, "Young Workers' Dormitory is just a name. Without it, headquarters wouldn't approve funding for the dormitory building. Why are you all making such a fuss? There will definitely be restrictions on length of service when housing is allocated."
This recruitment effort appears fair and equitable, but where's the hand-wringing? Beyond the 300 official openings, there are actually 50 additional quotas reserved for leaders at headquarters, Baishui City, the neighboring city, and the neighboring city. Chaoyang Oilfield lies within the boundaries of these three cities, and without good relations with their leaders, many tasks would be difficult to carry out.
The leaders' children came in, and Secretary Tu's proposal to build a building under the name of a dormitory for young workers was the easiest to get approved. After all, who doesn't want their children to live better?
Zhou Zhixing whispered, "Just in case. I'm afraid the opportunity will only be given to young workers, and they won't have a chance. After all, there are so many people in the fiberglass building. Many families of thirteen or fourteen are crammed into one fiberglass building, making it difficult to even turn around. Even if there's only the slightest chance this time, I don't want to give up."
The two chatted for about half an hour, and then several representatives came back with happy faces, and talked to people they knew. The crowd was buzzing, and soon everyone stood up one after another, and the protest disappeared without a trace.
No need to watch over them anymore, the two of them simply went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy some vegetables, returned early, and started lunch together. It was already twelve o'clock when they returned to Courtyard No. 1. When Old Lady Cao saw her grandson coming back with the meat, she smiled especially kindly. This kid had finally stopped clinging to his wife and remembered her as his grandmother.
But Zhou Zhixing couldn't cook. He handed the pork belly to Old Lady Cao. He wanted to help wash and pick the vegetables, but the old lady chased him away: "Go and have a rest for a while. Grandma will make you braised pork. I guarantee you'll be refreshed and ready for work this afternoon."
Zhou Zhixing twitched his lips. What is the inevitable connection between eating braised pork and going to work?
Thinking of the gossip from the past few days, he leaned against the door, watching Old Lady Cao cook, and asked, "Grandma, how's Su Dazhi's wedding going downstairs?"
Old Lady Cao put down the knife and whispered, "We're getting the marriage certificate today. Oh, you don't know how stingy that old woman from the Su family is!"
As she spoke, Old Lady Cao curled her lips in disdain. "She said this this morning that her family is following the great man's call to be frugal during their wedding. Each family will give a handful of peanuts and sunflower seeds, which will be considered an invitation. But gifts are essential, and she'll collect them from every household. Do you think anyone would do things this way? It's shameful!"
Zhou Zhixing was speechless for a while. He asked, "So you'll come to receive the gift this afternoon?"
"That's right." Old Mrs. Cao resumed cutting the pork belly. "It must be after get off work this afternoon. Not all the people are here at noon. She's very smart and won't close them up at noon. Just wait, you'll see in the evening."
"Should I give a gift then?"
Old Mrs. Cao thought for a moment and whispered, "Talk to Xiaonan about giving them something cheaper. One piece of oilcloth per person is more than enough. Her family only gave a handful of peanuts and sunflower seeds, what else do they want? Go talk to Xiaonan and don't let her be so generous."
Zhou Zhixing nodded and went up to the fourth floor. Jiang Nan was also making braised pork. In her previous life in Shanghai, she'd been the best at making this dish. Although she didn't buy tripe, Jiang Nan planned to boil a few eggs and put them in as a side dish.
Seeing Zhou Zhixing coming over, she asked, "Why aren't you accompanying Grandma Cao?"
Zhou Zhixing whispered about Su Dazhi's situation, and Jiang Nan sighed, "So eager to get a marriage certificate? Didn't the Su family even think about verifying their employment?"
Zhou Zhixing glanced at her sideways. Jiang Nan understood and quickly checked the system. Then she shook her head and said, "The Su family looked at it, but only from a distance. They didn't go to the post office to ask. Their family is anxious for Su Dazhi to take over."
Zhou Zhixing shrugged: "This has really become a family affair."
The two of them burst out laughing and decided to accept Old Lady Cao's suggestion. After get off work, they went to the department store to buy two pieces of oilcloth as a wedding gift for Su Dazhi and the female educated youth Xia Honghong.
At noon, Jiang Mancheng and Chen Jinhua enjoyed their daughter's homemade braised pork, and each ate two bowls of white rice, burping profusely. Hearing that his father-in-law was very satisfied with the deer penis wine, Jiang Mancheng breathed a sigh of relief, but couldn't help but harshly criticize his son-in-law for his previous boasting.
"You're not serious! You're allowed to go out for two bottles of wine before you've even finished your work. Humph. You're in trouble, you deserve it!"
Zhou Zhixing sneezed violently at home. He was still muttering at work this afternoon, wondering who was thinking about him so much that he couldn't stop eating.
The human trafficking case hadn't made any progress. Jiang Nan handed over the publicity work to He Lin and then began handling trivial cases. There were all sorts of small disputes, like "your grandson was naughty and broke my bowl, so I have to pay for it." "My child was beaten, so I have to pay for the medical expenses." By the time she got off work, Jiang Nan felt like she had become an old uncle, a veteran mediator who had been around for 1968. She was better at smoothing things over than even experienced mediators.
When they went to the department store to buy oilcloth after get off work, they noticed from a distance that the department store was packed with people, as if everyone in the entire office had come to the department store to buy things.
The two parked the car and went in, and found that most people were going to the second-hand shop on the third floor.
Jiang Nan took a piece of oilcloth and muttered quietly, "Are you trying to pick up a bargain?"
The saleswoman next to him chimed in, "That's right! Hey, you youngsters, you might not know this, but a few days ago, I found a bed made of gold in a second-hand store! Oh my goodness, a bed made of gold! Just think about it, it must weigh at least dozens of kilograms! Dozens of kilograms of gold, how much would that cost? These days, everyone who comes to shop is just hoping to find gold furniture."
The corners of Jiang Nan's mouth twitched. This matter was getting more and more outrageous. Maybe tomorrow it would be said that the house was made of gold, and a beautiful woman was hidden in a golden house. It existed in ancient times, and it could also exist now.
Thinking of this, Jiang Nan suppressed a laugh and continued the saleswoman's words, "It's not that easy. Gold and wood have different weights. The Revolutionary Committee is no pushover. I checked that day too. They checked everything thoroughly. There shouldn't be anything missing."
The saleswoman said, "Who knows? Oh, if I didn't have to work, I'd go shopping there too. You two young people, don't rush to leave after paying. Since you're here, why not take a look? You might just come across something."
Jiang Nan thanked the elder sister for her kindness, paid the money, packed up the oilcloth, and asked Zhou Zhixing, "Want to join in the fun?"
Zhou Zhixing looked at the counter surrounded by the crowd and shook his head: "Forget it, let's go after the crowd has thinned out. There are too many people now."
Jiang Nan thought the same thing. Without stopping for long, the two of them rode their bikes back to Courtyard No. 1. Just then, Mrs. Su, accompanied by Su Dazhi and Xia Honghong, started accepting gifts from the first floor and distributing peanuts and sunflower seeds. She was so enthusiastic when she saw the two of them: "Xiao Nan, Xiao Xing, my Dazhi is getting married. I'll give you some wedding candy later. Come home quickly. Don't worry, it will be delivered to your house soon."
The two nodded, stifling laughter as they went upstairs. They were so desperate to eat the peanuts and melon seeds that these two people had been celebrating.
But it was obvious that Old Lady Su felt anxious because they were anxious. They had just arrived home when Old Lady Su quickly rushed to the third floor. Seeing that Zhou Zhixing had only given her a piece of oilcloth, her hands barely had the strength to grab peanuts and sunflower seeds. "Hey, Xiaoxing, Dazhi and you have a good relationship. He's almost like your younger brother. And you said, giving your younger brother a piece of oilcloth when he gets married? This..."
Old Lady Cao pouted, "Stop flattering your Dazhi! My Xiaoxing was in the military area for the past few years, and I barely saw him. How come he's on good terms with your Dazhi?"
She stretched out her hand, pretending to grab the oilcloth: "Whether you like it or not, I don't want Xiaoxing to give it to me. Logically, one gift from our family is enough, and no one can say anything. Xiaoxing gave it alone because he is sensible. He felt that his uncle and his biological father had separated, and as his father's only child, he had to establish his own family. That's why he spent money to buy a gift. If you don't like it..."
Old Mrs. Su quickly pushed the oilcloth into her pocket. "I like it, I like it. Xiaoxing is sensible, isn't he? After the family splits up, we have to set up a new household. Good job. Dazhi, come, give us the wedding peanuts and melon seeds, and then we'll go to the next house. A happy event like a wedding should notify every household, right? We have a good relationship with the neighbors in Building 4, and no one should be left out."
Despite her shamelessness, Old Lady Su truly achieved the feat of "everyone in the building giving gifts for their grandson's wedding," a feat one could hardly resist. However, this admiration, when her three-day wedding leave ended and her grandson, Su Dazhi, took over, became a laughingstock, a joy shared by the entire building early in the morning.
This day was no different from any other. The building buzzed with the sounds of banging and banging, signaling the start of a lively breakfast-making frenzy. Just as everyone finished breakfast and prepared for work, the Su family's new daughter-in-law, Xia Honghong, faced with the urgency of her grandmother going to the post office to handle paperwork, finished her last mouthful of her corn porridge and casually said, "What job? I don't have one."
Su's parents were stunned. Mother Su gave a few awkward laughs and said apologetically, "Honghong, what are you saying in anger? I know you're reluctant to give up your job, but didn't we agree that after we got married, you would give your job at the post office to Dazhi? We can't go back on our word. I know you just got married and you're so happy that you forgot about this for a moment, right?"
Xia Honghong didn't respond. Su Dazhi looked slightly angry and said, "Alright, stop being so arrogant! We agreed on this before we got married. What? You want to go back on your word?"
Xia Honghong said calmly, "I told you, I don't have a job."
Su Dazhi's face darkened as he questioned, "Aren't you a postman at the post office? How come you don't have a job?"
Xia Honghong fiddled with her nails leisurely without saying a word.
Su Dazhi was furious and roared, "Speak up! What's the matter with you not saying anything? Tell me, do you have a job? What's wrong with being a postman?"
Since the truth would be revealed sooner or later, Xia Honghong simply confessed: "That's my sister-in-law's job. She was sick a while ago, and I just delivered a few letters for her. I don't have a job, the job belongs to my sister-in-law."
Old Mrs. Su burst into the loudest wails ever: "God damn it! What sin did my family commit? How could we marry such a jinx! You're a marriage fraud, Dazhi! Send her to the police station, put her in jail, and make her eat peanuts! She's a marriage fraud! She's not employed but pretends to have one. This is a scam!"
"Marriage fraud, you are a marriage fraud!" Old Mrs. Su wiped her nose and insisted, "Dazhi, let's divorce her and send her to the police station..."
Xia Honghong sneered, "I've already married you, so why do you think our Xia family is easy to bully? What divorce? Su Dazhi, I'm telling you, if you dare to divorce me, I'll sue you for being a hooligan before marriage!"
Su Dazhi was so angry that he fell backwards, and the Su family suddenly fell into chaos.
A crowd of people had already gathered outside the Su family's door. Ever since Old Lady Su started crying, everyone started eating faster, determined to eat the freshest melons first.
Old Lady Liu was a little confused: "Now that Su Dazhi is married, is he still considered an educated youth? Does he still need to go to the countryside?"
"If you don't have a job, you still have to go to the countryside." Someone who understands the policy said, "If you're married, you don't have to go to the countryside. We're all married, aren't we? At least one of the married couple has to have a job, otherwise you still have to go to the countryside."
"Is that so?" Old Lady Liu nodded and muttered softly, "Then there's still trouble to come to his family. Su Dazhi is unemployed, so the most urgent thing is to find a job."
Apparently, the Su family had thought of this, too. Su Dazhi, with a sad face, complained to his parents, "Dad, Mom, why is my life so hard? I don't have a job, so I have to go to the countryside. I'm the only male in our family. If I go to the countryside, who will take care of you? Who will provide for you in your old age? Either give me one of your two sisters' jobs, or I'll take over one of your jobs. What do you think?"
Xia Honghong lowered her head with a smile on her lips. She knew that Su Dazhi would not let her down. No one in the Su family would watch Su Dazhi go to the countryside.
As the time for work drew near, everyone, having only listened to a half-hearted chatter, was anxiously waiting to hear what would happen next. Was Su Dazhi taking over his parents' job, or was he trying to steal his sister's boyfriend?
The answer came to light within a few days. After Grandma Su, Su Dazhi, and Xia Honghong staged two unsuccessful raids at the homes of their two older sisters, Su Dazhi officially took over his mother's job as a statistician at the heating office that Saturday, becoming a colleague of Wang Yanji. The Su family's affairs had come to a temporary end, and Courtyard No. 1 remained quiet for a few days.
However, Xia Honghong lost her initial arrogance. After successfully staying in the Su family, she was targeted openly and covertly by her two unemployed mothers-in-law. Soon, she looked like she had aged five years and her eyes were lifeless.
But Xia Honghong had no regrets. Those who hadn't been to the countryside had no idea how hard farm work was. Cutting wheat under the scorching sun, braving the wind and rain, the sweat pouring down like a shower, the awns pricking her arms and legs, the pain reaching her bones and bloodstream, making it impossible to even sleep peacefully. Anyone who wanted to endure this kind of hardship could do it, but Xia Honghong had had enough.
Looking at the new round of educated youth wearing big red flowers on their chests, getting on the oil field trucks and rushing to the train station together, Xia Honghong picked up her vegetable basket and smiled with relief. At least she had successfully stayed in the city.
Meanwhile, with so many new educated youth arriving in the countryside, the police station naturally dispatched patrols. Fortunately or unluckily, they dispatched six teams. That wasn't surprising, considering the large number of people in Team 6. Usually, these patrols were assigned to designated areas.
Looking at the bustling crowd, each one with a young and energetic face, yet also full of confusion, Jiang Nan was once again thankful that she was born into the Jiang family and did not have to go to the countryside.
Although there were a lot of people, most of them were busy saying goodbye to their parents and relatives, so nothing happened. Before ten o'clock, big trucks drove out, and the educated youth wearing big red flowers rushed to the train station and then to various parts of the motherland.
Group 6 completed their patrol and returned to the police station. They had just sat down and their butts were not even warm when they were greeted by an unexpected reporter, the original heroine Tang Xi.
Tang Xi rode a borrowed bicycle to the Oilfield Police Station at lightning speed. Jiang Nan, in the office, could hear the tires scraping against the ground as the bicycle braked. Tang Xi didn't care. She quickly jumped off the bicycle and ran to the police station lobby, shouting, "Jiang Nan, I want to report a case. I want to report to Jiang Nan."
[The host is the original heroine Tang Xi.]
Jiang Nan raised an eyebrow: "Is there such a plot in the book?"
[Uh, host, some of the original plot has collapsed, but the relationship between the hero and heroine is still full of ups and downs, and this seems to have not changed.]
Jiang Nan stood up and shouted, "I'm here. What does Tang Zhiqing want to talk to me about?"
Tang Xi ran over panting and asked, "Do you know me?"
Jiang Nan nodded. "I'm from Xihe'an. I was playing in the village the day Tang Zhiqing arrived."
Tang Xi breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said, "I asked Jiang Gui, Jiang Tong, and the others, and they said you're from the police station. I want to report a case to you. The cows on the west bank of the river have been poisoned! Go and take a look. It's not Pinglan's fault. He feeds the cows very diligently, but someone poisoned them. It's not his fault. You must find the murderer."
Seeing Tang Xi's anxious incoherence, Jiang Nan soothed her, "Don't worry. Since you've reported the case, we'll do our best to investigate. But why didn't Captain Jin come, considering the death of the cow is such a serious matter?"
Tang Xi said anxiously, "The Wei family is trying to kick Ren Pinglan and his father out. Captain Jin is trying to calm everyone down, so I came to report the case. Oh, come with me quickly, or the evidence might be destroyed if we're late."
Jiang Nan nodded, and he and Zhou Zhixing, Zou Li and others put on their hats, got on their bicycles, and headed towards the west bank of the river.
On the way, Jiang Nan continued to ask, "What's this about the Wei family? Why did they chase Ren Pinglan and his father away?"
Tang Xi: "The Wei family are the troublemakers in the village. They say Pinglan has caused significant damage to the brigade, that they have ulterior motives, that they are... revenge against the peasants by evil spirits. They even say they're going to hold a struggle session against them."
Jiang Nan's mouth twitched: "Did the three Wei brothers say that?"
Tang Xi nodded: "It seems to be Wei Lao San, he is the most violent."
Jiang Nan understood and didn't rush to check Wei Laosan's channel. Her ability to solve cases had greatly improved. She could think of many things without the system's reminders. For example, now, Jiang Nan knew immediately that the matter was related to Wei Laosan. Otherwise, why would he make such a big fuss? The original male director Pinglan must have accidentally offended Wei Laosan, and it must have been a serious offense, otherwise Wei Laosan wouldn't have made such a big fuss.
By the time they reached the west bank of the river, it was almost noon. The cowshed was still crowded with people. Ren Pinglan stood in front of his father with a pale face, as tenacious as a pine tree.
Jiang Nan admired the handsome man for a moment. Zhou Zhixing raised an eyebrow, coughed lightly, and casually walked in front of Jiang Nan, blocking the infatuated girl's presumptuous gaze. Jiang Nan rolled her eyes. "Really? You can't even look at this handsome man? How stingy! Tang Xi, you've been looking at him a lot!"
"Make way, make way," Tang Xi shouted. "The police are here. They'll definitely catch the person who poisoned you. Don't worry."
Although the crowd made way for them, once they saw that it was Jiang Nan and Zhou Zhixing, their fear of the wide-brimmed hats diminished considerably. Jiang Nan had grown up under their care, so why should they be afraid? Some even shouted, "Tang Zhiqing, who told you to call the police? We don't call the police for matters in our village!"
"That's right. The village's affairs can be handled by the team leader and the branch secretary. Why are you, an educated youth, interfering?"
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Team Leader Jin stepped out and shouted at the crowd, "I was the one who asked the educated youth Tang to call the police. What's the matter? Cows being poisoned is such a serious matter, can't we call the police? Spring plowing is about to start, and our team's cows have died. This is a huge deal, Secretary Tao and I can't handle it. We were the two of us who decided to call the police, so if you want to blame someone, blame us two, and stop picking on the educated youth."
After a round of scolding, the crowd instantly quieted down.
"Xiao Nan, Xiao Xing, come here. I'll take you to the cowshed." Captain Jin extended his hand, shook hands with Jiang Nan and Zhou Zhixing, and then led the group to the cowshed to see the poisoned cattle. The cattle were local Yanbian cattle, a type of yellow cattle, not very large. Now lying on the ground, foaming at the mouth, it was obvious that they had died of poisoning.
Captain Jin introduced: "Our team's cow is only four years old, in its prime. One cow can do the work of two or three strong men. Xiaonan, you must find the murderer and avenge our team's Dahua."
Jiang Nan's eyes twitched. Captain Jin, I didn't expect that you are such a tough guy who can name a cow.
Jiang Nan: "Captain, who first discovered the cow's death? And when exactly?"
Captain Jin waved and called over Ren Pinglan: "It was Ren Xiaozi who discovered it. He and his father are responsible for feeding Dahua. Ren Xiaozi, tell me, when did you find out the cow was dead?"
Ren Pinglan's eyes were determined, and as she pursed her lips, she whispered, "I don't have a watch, so I don't know the exact time. But I woke up just as the rooster crowed. After washing up, I came out to feed Dahua hay, and I found her lying motionless on the ground. Then I went to Captain Jin's house to report the situation."
Captain Jin nodded: "Yes, when Ren found me, it was still dark."
Jiang Nan: "How was the cow's spirit yesterday? Was there any sign of poisoning?"
Ren Pinglan shook her head: "No, Dahua ate as usual yesterday and had a good appetite. She didn't look sick or poisoned."
Jiang Nan: "Did you hear any noise when you were sleeping at night?"
Ren Pinglan shook his head again: "I was sleeping soundly and didn't hear anything."
"I heard the rustling of fodder." Ren's father walked over slowly, coughing. His hair was already gray, and his temperament was gentle. He said softly, "I'm a light sleeper, and I heard the rustling of fodder at night, but I thought it was the wind and ignored it. Now I think someone might have climbed over the wall, poisoned the fodder, and fed it to Dahua, which is why she died."
Jiang Nan: "Have you two ever offended anyone in the village?"
Ren Pinglan's lips moved, hesitant to speak. Jiang Nan raised an eyebrow, signaling to Zhou Zhixing. It was obvious that she had something to say, but it was difficult to say it in public. Although she already knew what was going on through the system, she still had to hear it from the person involved.
Zhou Zhixing understood, pulled Ren Pinglan over, and whispered to her in the corner.
The villagers murmured, some anxiously shouting, "Xiao Nan, have you found the murderer? Was it the Ren family kid who did it?"
"It must be him!" Wei Laosan was anxious, afraid of what Ren Pinglan would say, so he shouted, "He is a bad element, police comrades, you can't believe what he says! He is trying to destroy the public property of our brigade. This is deliberately undermining the achievements of socialism! We must criticize and denounce him and expel him from the Xihe'an Brigade!"
Zhou Zhixing gestured for Ren Pinglan to listen carefully. He urged, "I know you're a gentleman, but look, you're not facing a gentleman. If you don't speak up, you'll be hurt, and your father too. Can you bear to see your father, at his age, being criticized?"
Ren Pinglan gritted her teeth and whispered, "I...I saw Wei Laosan and...and Ye Chunping having an affair!"
Seeing Zhou Zhixing didn't understand, Ren Pinglan explained with an embarrassed look on her face, "Ye Chunping is Wei Laosan's niece-in-law! They... this is incest!"
Oh my, Zhou Zhixing raised his eyebrows, it's such a big deal, he glanced at Wei Laosan who was sweating anxiously in the crowd, wow, it's true that the uglier the person, the more extravagant the game.
Zhou Zhixing asked calmly, "When did you see it? Under what circumstances? Did Wei Laosan and Ye Chunping also know that you saw it?"
Ren Pinglan nodded. "I...I often go to the woods at night to hunt for prey, hoping to nourish my father and Tang Xi. The day before yesterday, I secretly went to the woods and was fishing out a rabbit from the trap on the east side when I heard someone coming from the woods. I was afraid of being discovered, so I quickly hid behind a tree. Then I saw Wei Laosan and Ye Chunping approaching from a distance. After...they did that, they tried to steal the rabbits from my trap, but I had already opened the trap, so they knew I was there. I...I quickly ran away, and they must have known I saw them."
"How did they know the location of your trap?"
Ren Pinglan explained, "Traps are all laid out in a certain pattern. For example, they're dug at a certain corner, taking advantage of the terrain. They also need to be marked next to the trap to prevent people from accidentally falling into it and getting hurt. I always follow the rules. Wei Laosan is an old resident of the village, so it's not surprising that he found a trap."
Zhou Zhixing nodded and patted Ren Pinglan on the shoulder: "Okay, I understand. Leave this matter to me, don't worry about it."
This guy is a gentleman, Zhou Zhixing thought, he has to deal with villains like Wei Laosan.
Zhou Zhixing called Captain Jin and Secretary Tao over and repeated what Ren Pinglan had just said. He said, "My initial suspicion is that Wei Laosan is afraid of his scandal being publicized and is seeking revenge to force Ren Pinglan out of the Xihe'an Brigade. Captain, Secretary Tao, what do you think I can use to interrogate Wei Laosan?"
Captain Jin and Secretary Tao were so angry that their faces turned red. They were both cadres in the brigade, and such a scandal had occurred. Where could they put their dignity? Captain Jin calmed down and whispered, "Zhou boy, don't worry about this matter. The old secretary and I will take over. Don't worry, the team will definitely punish Wei Laosan and will not let him get away with it. But the matter you just mentioned..."
Zhou Zhixing understood and patted his chest, saying, "Don't worry, I'm a police officer. I will keep the case confidential until it's fully investigated."
Seeing that the two still looked unhappy, he continued, "Even if I find out the truth, I won't tell anyone. Don't worry."
Even if he didn't tell, Jiang Nan and his father-in-law and mother-in-law would definitely know. Whether anyone else knew was another matter. He added, "Captain, Party Secretary, I can promise I won't tell anyone, but Comrade Ren has seen what happened between them. Who else might have seen it? If word gets out later, don't assume it was me who told it."
Captain Jin sighed. There's no such thing as an impenetrable wall. He said, "Okay, I understand. Thank you, Officer Zhou, for your cooperation. Let's go to my house for a meal. You came to the brigade to handle a case, so we should treat you."
Zhou Zhixing waved his hand: "That won't do. It's against the rules. Besides, Xiaonan will definitely go to the Jiang family when she comes to West River Bank. We won't bother you at your house, Captain."
Seeing that he was determined not to do it, Captain Jin did not insist.
Zhou Zhixing returned to the other members of Group 6 and saw that Jiang Nan was not there. He knew that she had gone to talk to Du Hehua, so he didn't ask any more questions. He said to the others, "Let's go to Jiang's house for dinner. Have you brought your meal tickets and money?"
"I brought it." Zou Li adjusted his glasses and asked, "Is the case solved?"
Zhou Zhixing nodded: "It's broken, so the rest is not our responsibility. Let's go back after lunch."
He searched around in the crowd and soon found Jiang Nan and Du Hehua.
Zhou Zhixing led his men over and called out, "Grandma Du."
Du Hehua nodded and led everyone home: "Xiao Nan, are you leaving after dinner? Why don't you stay a little longer?"
Jiang Nan took Du Hehua's arm and said coquettishly, "I want to stay, but I have to go back to work. Grandma, I will come back to see you on the weekend. Please don't miss me too much."
"Big sister." Jiang Tong ran over happily in her new clothes. "Are you here to handle the case?"
Jiang Nan laughed: "Hey, who made this corduroy jacket for you? The craftsmanship is so good?"
Little Jiang He, held in his grandmother's arms, replied in a very flattering tone, "Auntie, it was you who made it."
Jiang Nan continued to tease the little guy: "Who is the eldest aunt?"
Little Jiang He clapped his hands and jumped up and down with joy: "Auntie is Jiang Nan, a police officer!"
Jiang Nan took Jiang He from his aunt's arms and kissed the little guy on the face: "Oh, my Jiang He is so smart, how come he knows everything? He is so smart, who does he look like?"
"Like my great aunt, my great aunt is smart."
Jiang Nan was overjoyed. He took out a White Rabbit from his pocket and coaxed, "Here, to reward Jiang He for being so smart, my aunt bought this White Rabbit specially. Here!"
Jiang Nan brought his colleagues to dinner at home. His aunt Yin Wenjuan did her best to prepare five dishes and a soup. Although the taste was not as good as that in the police station canteen, the ingredients were fresh. The brothers Wang Zilii and Wang Gengsheng were so full that they burped.
Wang Zili said embarrassedly: "Auntie, your hand-rolled noodles are really chewy. I haven't eaten hand-rolled noodles for a long time."
Yin Wenjuan was coaxed into laughing, and Ma Honghua rolled her eyes. She ate so much and she was still a city kid, so dirty.
Apparently, no one paid any attention to Ma Honghua. After finishing their meal, the other members of Group 6 insisted on leaving their meal tickets and money behind. Ignoring everyone's dissuasion, they hurriedly rode away, leaving only Jiang Nan and Zhou Zhixing to say goodbye.
Aunt Yin Wenjuan was holding a stack of money and food coupons, not knowing whether to laugh or cry: "Xiao Nan, your colleague is too polite. He just came over for lunch, why did he have to give money and food coupons?"
Jiang Nan smiled and said, "Auntie, the food you cook is so delicious. If you don't charge them money and tickets, they will have no excuse to come over to eat in the future. Just keep it. I will bring them back often in the future. Just don't be disgusted."
Yin Wenjuan's eyes narrowed with laughter. She was the family's chef, and being praised for her cooking was more gratifying than anything else. She said cheerfully, "Why would you mind? If you like them, you can bring them here often. I'm happy to entertain so many police officers."
Ma Honghua curled her lips but said nothing. She was still afraid of Wu Dachui's retaliation, so if the police were to come and go frequently, it would be a deterrent.
Jiang Tong held Jiang Nan's arm tightly and refused to let go: "Sister, are you leaving now? Stay for one night. I have a lot to tell you."
Jiang Nan scratched his cousin's nose and said jokingly, "I'll be back on the weekend, but I have to work this afternoon. Didn't you pass the worker exam? Why, do you want to take a leave?"
"What leave do you want?" Jiang Mantang said seriously, "Xiaotong, you finally passed the worker exam, you can't just take leave casually. Xiaonan, don't worry and go back. Come over to play on the weekend."
Jiang Tong stuck out her tongue and watched Jiang Nan and Zhou Zhixing get on their bicycles and disappear on the country road.
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