Chapter 22

Li Yuechan frowned. She had heard that Han Chunguang’s father was just an ordinary worker at the machinery factory, while his mother worked at the neighborhood committee. His uncle, however, seemed to have some influence in the Revolutionary Committee.

But their family had three children, and from what she remembered of their home, it was quite well-furnished. Now, they could suddenly come up with such a large sum of money? That was too strange.

Resting her chin on her hand, Li Yuechan pondered for a moment. The Han family definitely had some hidden secrets. If she got the chance, she would have to pay them another visit.

As for the letter of understanding, she didn’t care much about it. The most important thing was to get the money first. If that Gu fellow didn’t manage to keep Han Chunguang locked up, she could always find another way to put him behind bars again in the future.

Enough thinking—time to get to work.

Using her mind, Li Yuechan separated the rice grains from the stalks and packed them into large hemp sacks.

Looking at the remaining acre of land, filled with plump golden rice stalks, she felt an immense sense of satisfaction.

This particular acre had been watered with spiritual spring water and river water, making it vastly different from the others that had only been watered with regular water.

She had already decided—these grains were for her own consumption!

Even the rice from the ordinary fields was already much better than anything she could buy outside.

Tomorrow, she would give some to Zhang Jinbu to test the market and see how well it sold.

After finishing her work, she took a bath and drank three small spoonfuls of spiritual spring water.

She could feel her strength increasing. If she were to compare it with her past life, she was probably already at the bottleneck between the first and second levels of power.

Although she wasn’t as strong as before, she had made considerable progress.

It wouldn’t be long before she returned to being the feared and formidable person she once was—hahaha!

Suddenly, she noticed something—it was the apple seed she had discarded earlier. It had sprouted!

Her eyes widened in surprise. Amazing! This meant she would have apples to eat in the future!

—

Meanwhile, at the Public Security Bureau’s dormitory, Gu Zhixing lay in bed, unable to sleep. His mind was filled with thoughts of Li Yuechan.

In his past life, he had never gone to Dahuai Tree Village that day, nor had he met Yuechan. Instead, he had spent all his time investigating within the bureau, only to meet a tragic end.

This time, his original goal was to uncover the hidden spies and clear his name from his past life. But he hadn’t expected to run into Yuechan—suddenly, it felt like his life had a new purpose.

But with how popular this little girl was, he had to act fast. If he let someone else snatch her away, he wouldn’t even have a place to cry!

He needed to complete his mission as soon as possible so he could reveal his true identity.

He recalled the strange phone call from the Intelligence Section’s deputy director that day, and his eyes narrowed slightly.

Who exactly was the big fish hiding within the Public Security Bureau?

In his previous life, they had completely ruined him…

—

The next morning, at the Public Security Bureau, in Gu Zhixing’s office—

“Deputy Director Yuan, you didn’t explain much over the phone yesterday. You said you wanted to discuss the hired murder case with me—what exactly do you want to talk about?”

Gu Zhixing calmly picked up a teapot and poured a cup of tea for the man sitting on the sofa.

Yuan Baoguo took a sip, then looked at Gu Zhixing. “Captain Gu, I’m just passing on a message.”

“Yesterday, Han Chunguang’s father came to see me and gave me this.”

He placed a piece of paper on the table.

Gu Zhixing glanced at it—oh? A letter of understanding, signed by that little girl herself.

Yuan Baoguo sighed. “Han Chunguang’s father was heartbroken. He said his son was only 21 years old and had already made such a huge mistake… He was utterly ashamed.”

That Feng Chuan, who had been manipulated into the crime, was even more pitiful. His mother was already sixty years old and blind, relying on him for everything.

If not for the hundred yuan Han Chunguang had given him, he would never have committed such a crime.

So, Han’s father wanted to ask if Feng Chuan could be released first—after all, he wasn’t the mastermind, and the victim had already signed a letter of understanding.

As for Han Chunguang, he should stay in prison and reflect on his actions. He was already in his twenties and still didn’t know the weight of his mistakes.

“But he’s still young,” Yuan Baoguo continued. “Hopefully, there’s a chance to be lenient with him.”

Gu Zhixing pursed his lips. He had thought Yuan was here to plead for Han Chunguang, but it turned out to be for Feng Chuan instead.

Surprised, he asked, “Deputy Director Yuan, you know Han Chunguang’s father, Han Jinzhu?”

Yuan Baoguo let out an awkward chuckle. “Well, you know, Han Chunguang’s uncle is the director of the city’s Revolutionary Committee. After some interactions here and there, we got acquainted.”

Gu Zhixing lifted his gaze to study Yuan Baoguo, who grinned back at him.

Meanwhile, Yuan was thinking to himself, What’s with this kid? Not saying a word… Old Qian is waiting for my response!

Gu Zhixing frowned. Who’s Old Qian? Then, suddenly, he remembered something that little girl had said to him before—

“You should interrogate that man properly. You might uncover something big.”

Gu Zhixing thought for a moment before speaking. “Deputy Director Yuan has a point. But this case is too severe.

“Feng Chuan may not have been the mastermind, but he still caused psychological harm to the young girl.

“How about this—I’ll make sure he’s properly educated, and then we’ll let him go.

“But Han Chunguang… he hired someone to commit violence. There’s no way he’s walking out so easily.”

Yuan Baoguo quickly nodded. “Understood. I get it. I’ll take my leave then.”

“Alright. Take care, Deputy Director Yuan.”

The two men shook hands, and at that moment, Gu Zhixing heard the other man’s thoughts—

“Perfect! This month’s mission can count as a success!”

Gu Zhixing furrowed his brows as he watched Yuan leave, replaying his words in his mind. Something still didn’t sit right.

Taking large strides, he headed straight for the interrogation room…

—

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Li Yuechan stared at the twenty tiny chicks in front of her, her face full of disdain as she looked at Zhang Jinbu.

“Couldn’t you get me some grown roosters and hens instead? These things are so small—when will they be big enough to eat?”

Zhang Jinbu looked miserable as he replied, “Big Sis, do you know how much effort it took for me to get you these twenty chicks?

“As for full-grown chickens, people keep them for eggs. Who would be willing to sell them?

“Unless someone’s family is really struggling… but that depends on luck, doesn’t it?”

He then handed the remaining money to Li Yuechan. “Sis, here are two catties of grain coupons, and seven yuan and thirty-eight cents left.”

Li Yuechan had no choice but to accept the twenty chicks.

“Keep the money,” she said. “But we don’t have enough sacks—go find more.”

With that, she handed Zhang Jinbu ten yuan.

“I went back to my hometown yesterday and ran into a hunter in the mountains. He’s got some goods he wants me to help sell.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jinbu’s eyes widened like bronze bells. He quickly responded, “I can do it! Big Sis, leave it to me! I promise I’ll get it done perfectly!”