Chapter 22: Third Brother Xu Bai – An Unspeakable Bond

Hongyan was taken to the Public Security Bureau in the county early in the morning. Xie Zhi couldn’t leave today, as he had swapped a class with another teacher yesterday afternoon. Thus, Xu Yan accompanied her instead.

Xie Zhi gazed at the sleeping girl and leaned down to gently kiss her forehead. “Such a good girl.”

“Jiaojiao, are you still asleep?” Xu Yan knocked on the door. He worked at the village office, and with a murder case in the village, he had to go to the county to assist with handling the situation.

“Brother, I’m changing clothes,” she replied. Truthfully, she wasn’t in the mood to get ready, but Xie Zhi had mentioned they were going to the county to find Third Brother and that only he could help with finding a lawyer. Xu Jiaojiao was nervous—she didn’t even remember what her brother looked like.

Third Brother Xu Bai worked in the county propaganda department. He was a talented writer, submitting articles to the literature club even while in high school.

“When you see Third Brother, talk to him more. He misses you. Back when he earned money from writing, the first thing he did was buy you candy,” Xu Yan reminded her, afraid she might stir up old grievances.

In the past, when Xu Jiaojiao had pursued Sheng Jie, she had frequently pestered Xu Bai to get his articles published in the county, causing him a lot of trouble and criticism.

Xu Jiaojiao nodded seriously, though she had no memories of her Third Brother.

…

Soon, they arrived at the propaganda department’s main gate. Unlike modern times, procedures were simpler, and visitors didn’t need excessive credentials.

“Comrade, we’re looking for Xu Bai from the propaganda department.”

“You must be Xu Comrade’s siblings. He mentioned it this morning. Go ahead—his office is on the second floor, room 314,” the receptionist said after glancing at their IDs.

Xu Jiaojiao clung tightly to her brother’s sleeve, glancing around nervously. Although it was a government office, it lacked the grandeur of later years, consisting of a small six-story building. The most striking feature was the national flag in the middle.

As they walked through the halls, the siblings attracted a lot of attention. Both were strikingly good-looking, garnering admiration from men and women alike.

Xu Jiaojiao wore a pale-yellow dress with her hair tied in a side ponytail. The outfit softened her sharp features, making her appear approachable and gentle.

They knocked on the door, and hurried footsteps immediately followed. The door opened almost instantly, revealing a tall man in a Zhongshan suit. He exuded an air of refinement similar to Xu Yan’s, with glasses perched on his face, embodying the image of a cultured intellectual.

Xu Bai’s gaze first landed on Jiaojiao, noting her fair complexion and delicate features. He nodded approvingly.

“Come in,” he said.

Xu Jiaojiao sat stiffly on a chair, feeling nervous. She forced a shy smile. “Third Brother.”

Xu Bai smiled enigmatically and nodded. “Hmm.”

“Jiaojiao has grown taller and prettier. I heard from Dad that you’re getting married to A-Zhi?”

“Yes, Brother. I’ve even bought the wedding dress.”

Xu Yan handed over a package. “Brother, these are dumplings Mom made for you, and there’s chicken soup underneath.”

After some casual conversation, Xu Bai was called to a meeting, leaving the siblings alone in the office. Xu Jiaojiao took the opportunity to study her surroundings.

The room was about ten square meters, but during this time, having a private office was impressive. Jiaojiao leaned closer to her brother and whispered, “Brother, Third Brother is amazing—he even has his own office!”

Xu Yan chuckled and playfully pinched her cheek. His white shirt and refined demeanor resembled that of a high school teacher. “You little flatterer. But yes, he’s very capable.”

When Xu Bai returned from his meeting, it was nearly time to clock out. He quickly finished the still-warm food their mother had sent before taking the two out of the building. They went to a state-run restaurant where Xu Bai ordered a few meat dishes and glanced at his watch, seemingly waiting for someone.

“Third Brother, are we waiting for the lawyer?” Jiaojiao asked sweetly.

“A colleague introduced us to his relative—a former lawyer and university professor,” Xu Bai replied, pouring tea for everyone. His long, elegant fingers moved gracefully as he pulled out a small gift box from his pocket and handed it to Jiaojiao.

She glanced at her brother before accepting it, opening the box to reveal a sparkling bracelet adorned with floral designs. Her eyes lit up, and she couldn’t resist touching it repeatedly.

“It’s so pretty, Brother!” She looked expectantly at Xu Bai. “Is this for me?”

Raising an eyebrow, Xu Bai smiled and nodded. “Who else would it be for? You’re our Jiaojiao, after all.”

Jiaojiao beamed, holding up the bracelet to admire it in the sunlight. The evening rays filtered through the window, casting soft shadows on her delicate features. She looked radiant, her fine facial hairs glinting faintly.

Across the street, Guan Zhiman stood transfixed, his breath catching as he watched through the restaurant window. The scene before him—this girl’s beauty—was like witnessing divinity.

“Xu Bai, you’re truly something,” he muttered under his breath.

Jiaojiao’s cheerful voice pulled everyone back. “Brother, I really love it. Thank you! I’ll treasure it forever.” She admired the bracelet repeatedly, utterly captivated.

Xu Bai had picked it up during a business trip to the provincial capital, knowing it would suit Jiaojiao perfectly. Seeing her so delighted made him equally happy. “As long as you like it. On your wedding day, I’ll prepare an even bigger gift.”

“Fourth Brother should give me one too,” Jiaojiao said smugly.

“Alright, Fourth Brother will get you something as well,” Xu Yan replied indulgently.

“Xu Bai.” A deep voice interrupted their conversation. A man in a light-colored long gown appeared at the door. Jiaojiao turned her head and was struck by his striking looks. For a moment, she wondered if she had stepped into a different era.

“Zhiman, you’re here. Come in.” Xu Bai greeted him warmly, stepping forward to shake his hand. As they separated, Xu Bai’s fingers lightly brushed against Guan Zhiman’s palm.

Guan Zhiman sat opposite Jiaojiao, his smiling eyes scanning the group. “These two are?”

“They’re my younger brother and sister. I’ve asked for your help today,” Xu Bai explained.

Hearing this, Guan Zhiman visibly relaxed, his gaze briefly lingering on Xu Bai before moving on.

The group explained the situation in detail. Guan Zhiman listened attentively, occasionally asking questions. Jiaojiao found him professional and thorough.

After a moment of thoughtful silence, Guan Zhiman spoke. “Currently, there aren’t strict legal provisions for domestic violence leading to retaliatory killings. The laws lack clear definitions, specific support measures, and precise enforcement standards.”

He smiled at the three siblings, his expression relaxed. “If it can be proven that Qin Hongyan suffered severe domestic abuse and acted out of desperation, that will be taken into account.”

“In my opinion, she’s likely to receive a death sentence with reprieve, which means fifteen to twenty years in prison.”

Jiaojiao exhaled in relief, her pale hand pressing against her chest. “At least she won’t die. If she works hard and reforms herself, she could get a reduced sentence and be released sooner.”

Guan Zhiman seemed surprised. Most people in this era equated a reprieve with an inevitable death sentence and didn’t know about sentence reductions.

“You’re quite knowledgeable, Jiaojiao,” he remarked with an ambiguous smile.

Xu Bai’s dark eyes flickered toward Guan Zhiman, but he said nothing. Xu Yan, however, pinched his sister’s hand gently.

Realizing she might’ve said too much, Jiaojiao quickly explained, “I read about it in A-Zhi’s books.”

Guan Zhiman pulled a box of candy from his pocket and tossed it to Xu Jiaojiao. “Jiaojiao, you’re very endearing. I like you.”