You Should Be Very Worried About Shen

"Big Brother is wise!"

Zhong Ning laughed and waved a hand, rising to dust off his sleeve. "Let's go! You and Fang Chen are coming with me to the neighboring town."

"Alright!"

The two readily agreed, hurried to their feet, and followed him out. After riding their respective bicycles to the street office to get a letter of introduction, they set off for Xinghe Town.

By the time the three brothers arrived, it was already past six. Zhong Ning first took them to a guesthouse and booked rooms, then went out to ask a friend for help.

Meanwhile, Gu Yu had long since returned to the village. Seeing that Shen Jianan had not returned yet and Chen Ming was already off work, he pulled the other man aside to ask about what had happened when the public security officers came looking for someone today.

Chen Ming had held it in all afternoon. When Gu Yu finally remembered to ask, he became excited at once. "I thought you didn't care about Shen's affairs?"

His faintly resentful yet somewhat relieved tone made Gu Yu, whose face had been taut, burst out laughing. "Were you afraid I had no conscience? That I'd let down Jianan's kindness toward me?"

"Uh!"

Chen Ming awkwardly raised a hand to scratch his head and said sheepishly, "I just think you two should... should..."

He thought for a long while without knowing how to put it, then laughed helplessly. "Aiya! I can't explain it. I just feel like you should be very worried about Shen."

After saying that, he felt his own thoughts were rather strange, though he could not say exactly what was strange about them. Gu Yu, however, was immensely pleased by his reaction. Did this mean that, in Chen Ming's heart, he and Shen Jianan were a match made in heaven?

At the thought of that possibility, Gu Yu's mood brightened further. Even Chen Ming looked much more pleasing to the eye. "You're right. I am very worried about him. So now... can you tell me what happened today?"

"Of course."

Chen Ming nodded and began, "At noon, the public security comrades and Secretary Lei came over and asked where Shen was. They said that Zhao Qiancheng's family had falsely accused him of forcibly marrying Zhao Xiaojun. Later, $&@#Б..."

As Gu Yu listened, anger gradually spread across his face. Even the hands hanging at his sides unconsciously clenched into fists.

The people of Chaoyang Production Brigade truly did not deserve Jianan's kindness. And Zheng Lei and Huang Qimei—if he did not do something now, he really would be letting their repeated provocations go unanswered.

"What are you thinking about, Gu?"

Chen Ming found his dark expression rather frightening. At the sound of his voice, Gu Yu pulled back his thoughts. "Nothing. I just think these people have no conscience."

He looked up at the sky and saw that it had already grown dark. "It's nothing. Today is your turn to cook, so I'll be lazy for once and go wait for Jianan at the village entrance."

Listen to you, making it sound like cooking is such a big deal."

Chen Ming rolled his eyes at him irritably as he headed for the kitchen. "Go on! I can handle it alone."

"Alright, thanks."

Gu Yu called out his thanks, then turned and entered the bedroom to grab a flashlight before quickly leaving Half-Mountain Courtyard.

Meanwhile, Lei Zhensheng, Shen Jianan, and Zhao Gang were also being driven back to the Commune and the production brigade separately by Xiao Li from the Public Security Bureau.

Along the way, they discussed Zhao Qiancheng and his son, as well as Zhao Manjiang and his wife, and did not stop cursing them—especially Lei Zhensheng and Zhao Gang.

The two were furious that those people harbored crooked intentions and impure thoughts, tarnishing the name of Red Flag Commune.

What angered them even more was that they had not had time to let loose at the Public Security Bureau. Their bellies were still full of questions they had not asked before the four were locked back in the holding room.

Shen Jianan lowered his head to hide a smile, silently picking at his fingers without speaking. Unexpectedly, the two men and Xiao Lin mistook this for him still feeling wronged and upset, and all began to comfort him.

"Shen, don't be sad anymore. Director Liu and Minister Li have already spoken. Zhao Qiancheng and Zhao Manjiang will definitely be punished this time."

"I know."

Shen Jianan looked ahead, his tone calm. "I just think those two brothers are far too domineering and overbearing.

Over the years, quite a few people in the village have been bullied. Everyone has grievances they cannot voice, especially the Cheng Household..."

Though he did not finish, the other three in the vehicle all fell silent. Xiao Li was reminded by his words of certain directions for solving cases.

Since these two brothers had been running wild through the countryside all along, and judging by the reactions of the two cadres in the car today, they clearly did not approve of their behavior but seemed... unable to do anything about it.

Then there could only be one possibility. The Zhao brothers must have an even greater force backing them. That was why, despite the bitter complaints throughout Chaoyang Production Brigade, no one dared write a letter of accusation. This needed a thorough investigation!

As for Lei Zhensheng and Zhao Gang, they felt both awkward and guilty. Setting Zhao Manjiang aside for the moment, they knew at least a little about Zhao Qiancheng taking, demanding, and extorting from the brigade while mistreating the Cheng family.

But some matters were not things they could handle simply because they wanted to. The people in the brigade never spoke of the injustices they suffered.

Besides, when that incident happened to Cheng Hu's family back then, everyone guessed that Zhao Qiancheng had hired someone to do it, but they had no evidence and could only let it end there.

Some people feared that resisting too fiercely would bring retaliation, just like what had happened to Cheng Hu's family. They could only endure again and again, even rushing to let Zhao Qiancheng bully them in order to curry favor with him.

When Lei Zhensheng and Zhao Gang could not stand it and sometimes tried to help by speaking a few words, the victims would instead curse them for meddling in others' business. What were they supposed to do?

Though the cadres' consciences had not yet been extinguished and they wished to help the villagers, the masses would not cooperate. They had families of their own too; without absolute certainty, how could they dare confront Zhao Qiancheng head-on?

Therefore, whenever injustice occurred, they could only offer a few inconsequential words of support. As for the villagers, they did not dare make a sound at all.

It was precisely everyone's attitude that fed Zhao Qiancheng's arrogance, making him increasingly blind to all others. If he had not kicked an iron plate this time, who knew what excessive things he might have done in the future?

"Secretary Lei, we're here."

Xiao Li's call interrupted the two men's thoughts. Lei Zhensheng looked up and saw the light on at his front door. He hurriedly thanked him, said goodbye to the three, and silently got out of the vehicle.

The vehicle started again and headed toward Chaoyang Production Brigade. Perhaps because the previous topic had been too sensitive, the three were each lost in their own thoughts and said nothing more. Fortunately, they reached the village entrance before long.

Gu Yu, who had been waiting at the village entrance for some time, heard the sound and hurriedly turned on his flashlight to wave. By the light of the car's headlights, Shen Jianan spotted the figure standing beneath the tree at once.

His heart jolted. He raised a hand and patted Xiao Lin's seatback. "Brother Li, please take the brigade captain home. I'm getting out to find my Brother Gu."

"Alright."

Xiao Li glanced at the person under the tree and promptly stopped the car. Zhao Gang smiled and reminded the youth to be careful and not fall.

"Got it, Captain. Go back and get some rest early."

Standing beside the car door, Shen Jianan tilted his head to look inside. "Brother Li, you too. Once I deliver the goods in a while, I'll treat you all to hot pot."

Xiao Li readily agreed. "Alright, it's a deal!"

The youth nodded with curved brows, casually shut the car door, and turned to see Gu Yu already at his side. Xiao Li nodded to him, then started the vehicle and drove away.

Only then did Shen Jianan happily call out, "Brother," before taking his hand. As they walked home, he told Gu Yu about how he had outwitted the Zhao brothers.

Gu Yu laughed repeatedly as he listened, praising him for being clever and smart. He also told Shen Jianan about what had happened at noon and the arrangements he had made.

Shen Jianan nodded at this, gritted his teeth, and said coldly, "Those scum are getting more and more outrageous. If we don't beat them down so thoroughly they can't get back up, once they catch their breath, they'll start stirring up trouble again.

You and I are both people meant to accomplish great things. We don't have time to play house with them. Since that's the case, let's settle them all at once this time!"

"Mm!"

Gu Yu looked up at the approaching light in the distance and tugged Shen Jianan a little closer to the roadside. In the blink of an eye, Xiao Li's vehicle reached them. He bade them goodbye, then accelerated out of Apricot Blossom Village.

Only then did the two continue onward. They no longer chatted, however. By the time they reached home, Chen Ming's dishes had already been reheated three times, and Gu Yu and Shen Jianan felt deeply apologetic.

"Next time, just eat first."

"It's fine."

Chen Ming smiled and waved a hand. "There's no point in eating alone. Dig in!"

He pointed at the bowls and chopsticks on the table before sitting down directly. The two hurriedly agreed and took their seats.

After dinner, Gu Yu voluntarily took on dishwashing duty. Chen Ming did not refuse, and after greeting them, went to do some work with Shen Jianan.

After Gu Yu finished washing the dishes, he took the portion of food set aside for the elderly men, lit a torch, and headed toward the Cattle Shed.

When he arrived, they had not yet gone to sleep and were all discussing today's events. Seeing Gu Yu come in, they anxiously pulled him over and asked whether Shen Jianan was alright.

"He's fine. It's already been resolved."

As Gu Yu distributed the food, he told them of the Zhao brothers' plot. The men were so angry that they cursed their mothers. It was only because they had fallen on hard times now—otherwise, in the past, they could have sent those two bastards to the judgment stand in minutes. Why would they need to make two children run around and toil so hard?

"Don't worry, Grandpas. Jianan and I can handle them."

Gu Yu smiled with confident composure, then his face darkened. "The Zhao brothers have been arrogant for so long. It's time they learned what it feels like to wish they were dead."

Seeing the murderous aura on his face, the elderly men were all startled, then each broke into a smile. A child with spirit and fighting drive was a good thing.

They then asked if there was anywhere he needed help. Gu Yu shook his head. "Something this small doesn't need you all."

As he spoke, he stood up and said goodbye with a smile. "Grandpas, I'm heading back first. Rest early."

"Alright, be careful!"

"Mm, alright."

Gu Yu nodded in response, then stepped out of the Cattle Shed and cheerfully disappeared into the darkness.

The arrest of Zhao Qiancheng and the other three had caused a stir throughout Chaoyang Production Brigade. After tonight, the wind would change direction. Then he would see how those four could possibly turn things around!

Oh! Right, there were also those three disgusting things at the Educated Youth Station. Since they loved making trouble so much, he would reluctantly help set the stage for a show!

Thinking of this, he happily tilted his head back and took a deep breath. Then he spread his arms and began running quickly.

At that moment, Jiang Hongmei had no idea that Gu Yu had already set his sights on her. She and Qin Fengying were still in Water Buffalo Village, asking Zhao Jianguo's uncle, Qin Guangtao, to help save the men.

In recent years, the man had just been promoted to captain of the Militia Company's First Brigade. He had some authority and connections, so the two women thought he might be able to help and came to his door with gifts.

Qin Guangtao did not refuse. He agreed on the spot. For one thing, the Zhao brothers had put in no small amount of effort to help him rise in rank.

For another, he had done plenty of wicked, smoke-belching deeds with those two. They were grasshoppers tied to the same rope.

He feared that the two would be frightened by the public security officers and talk nonsense with muddled heads. If they implicated him, everything would be over.

"Tomorrow, I'll go to town to ask around and get someone to put in a good word."

His tone paused slightly. Tapping his pipe, he looked solemnly at the two women. "Also, you'd best take some money to appease that educated youth and the people above. As long as they're willing to help, and he is willing to change his testimony, Qiancheng and Brother Manjiang will be fine."

The moment Qin Fengying heard this, she objected. "Giving it to the people above is fine, but why should we give any to Shen Jianan? It's not like he lost a piece of flesh..."

"Shut up!"

Seeing that she still wanted to act like a brute, Qin Guangtao was so angry that he began swearing. "What time is it, and you're still clutching that purse of yours for dear life?

I'm telling you, what happened to Qiancheng and the others would have been settled with just a few words in the past. But a leader surnamed Li was just transferred to town.

He handles matters by the book and hates people who take shortcuts and bully the weak. If this reaches him, a new official has three fires to burn. Qiancheng's time as Brigade Secretary will be over."

Qin Fengying's face turned deathly pale in fright. She hurriedly nodded, not daring to say another word. Jiang Hongmei, who had been silent to the side, felt instantly pleased at seeing her scolded. She then put on a smile and looked at Qin Guangtao.

"Rest assured. As long as he doesn't talk nonsense and affect Uncle Zhao and Jianguo, we're willing to spend however much it takes."

"Mm!"

Qin Guangtao nodded with satisfaction. "Alright. It's late, so stay here for the night. Tomorrow, we'll split up and act. No matter what happens, gather back at home tonight, and we'll discuss what to do next."

"Alright, we'll listen to you."

Jiang Hongmei readily agreed. Qin Guangtao smiled, then turned and called for his wife to take them to rest. The two women hurriedly rose to thank him and followed her away.

Once they were gone, Qin Guangtao's face instantly fell. He cursed the Zhao brothers for having pig brains, but curses were curses—he still had to think of a solution.

Though he had made it sound easy just now, he had only been comforting the women to keep them from panicking and doing even more outrageous things that might affect him.

After all, joint liability was far too common in this era. He did not want the Zhao brothers' idiotic actions to ruin his own future.

So, after he gathered information tomorrow, if the situation truly could not be salvaged, then he... Qin Guangtao's eyes turned cold. He rose, stepped forward, and silently turned off the light.

The next day, after the three finished breakfast, Qin Guangtao hurriedly rode his bicycle into town, telling Qin Fengying and Jiang Hongmei to walk back by themselves.

He planned to first find Zhao Manjiang's father-in-law. The man probably did not know about this yet. Otherwise, he would not have allowed them to be arrested and taken to the Public Security Bureau without doing anything.

If that man could settle the matter, Qin Guangtao would not need to beg anyone else for help. He could even squeeze more money from his younger sister Qin Fengying, claiming that his friends had also made efforts. She would have no way to verify it.

Qin Fengying did not know that, even at a time like this, her own older brother was still plotting against her. She only thought his anxious haste meant he sincerely wanted to help her husband and child, and she was immensely moved.

All along the way, she kept praising Qin Guangtao to Jiang Hongmei, making the latter roll her eyes in speechless irritation. Yet she could not refute her.

Fortunately, it was not long before the two reached Chaoyang Production Brigade, and Jiang Hongmei was finally freed from it. She thought Shen Jianan must have become wary of them by now, so she had Qin Fengying seek help from brigade cadres and ask them to invite Shen Jianan out for negotiations.

"But what if they refuse?"

Qin Fengying was worried. She was not stupid. Yesterday, she had seen Zhao Gang and the others' attitudes clearly. Everyone wished her husband would die sooner.

Seeing her shrinking back, Jiang Hongmei felt both angry and anxious. At a time like this, the woman was still looking before and after, hesitating over everything. If they delayed any longer and she could not marry Zhao Jianguo, that would be truly humiliating.

She could no longer care about manners. Right there and then, she reached out and gave Qin Fengying a hard tug, raising her voice impatiently. "If they don't agree, can't you cry, make a scene, and threaten to hang yourself?

Make your story sound miserable, then mention that if this matter blows up, it will definitely affect the collective's interests. They'll absolutely agree to help."

After thinking it over, she added, "If that still doesn't work, have Xiufen and Jiaming go to the city and bring Grandpa and Grandma back to kick up a fuss. With the elders stepping in, they definitely won't dare refuse. Then they'll surely help pressure Shen Jianan."

Qin Fengying's mind was a muddle by then. Zhao Xiufen and Zhao Jiaming had never encountered such a major incident either and had no idea what to do. Hearing Jiang Hongmei say this, they also felt it was feasible. Without considering the consequences at all, they all agreed.

Thus, Zhao Xiufen and her younger brother took the money their mother gave them and headed straight to town to catch a ride, intending to go to the city and bring people back.

Meanwhile, with Jiang Hongmei's help, Qin Fengying made herself look disheveled and bedraggled, then ran crying from the house to cause a scene at the brigade office.