“That man was taken into the Struggle Committee.”

Old Master Song whispered into his wife’s ear, feeling immensely relieved and vindicated inside.

Bad people deserve such an outcome.

“Good deeds are rewarded, and evil gets its retribution.”

Old Madam Song nodded, murmuring almost involuntarily.

The Su and Qiao families were such good people, yet those people still dared to target them.

Could it be… they’re not afraid of heavenly punishment?!

“Hmph, if Heaven won’t punish them, then we will.”

Old Master Song thought of his own past misfortunes, and his emotions were deeply mixed. It was a pity he couldn’t personally avenge himself—something he deeply regretted.

“Let’s not take any more action for now. Wait a few days.”

Old Madam Song patted her husband’s hand.

How could she not understand the unease in his heart?

They had too many vulnerabilities, which was why they had to live so cautiously.

“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. Our niece also said we should prioritize our safety. I’ve kept that in mind.”

Looking at the pair of grandchildren sleeping soundly in bed, Old Master Song’s heart softened.

With the improved food situation lately, the children looked visibly healthier.

Now, they had one egg each day, refined grains for breakfast and dinner, and a bowl of brown sugar water daily.

At night, they slept under thick cotton quilts on padded mattresses, wearing warm, cotton-filled clothes. Everything was so warm and cozy.

Xiao Nian was going to school now, while he swept streets and cleaned toilets.

His wife stayed home to watch the kids and earned extra by folding matchboxes.

These past two or three years, this was the best life they’d had.

It was good—wonderful, even.

The whole family was filled with joy and more hopeful than ever.

Old Master and Madam Song no longer worried as much.

Their older grandson and granddaughter had gone to the countryside with some money in hand—enough not to starve.

Before Qiao Jiuru left, she gave them a substantial amount of money and food, as well as other supplies. Old Master Song had never felt so secure.

Even if he could no longer work, he wasn’t afraid the family would go hungry.

So now, the couple’s only goal was to live well—eat well, drink well—and live long enough to see the children grow up. Only then could they die in peace.

Next year, Old Master Song even planned to send the youngest grandson to school. He wanted every child to get an education.

..

That evening, Xiao Nian returned from school and hurried to help Grandma cook.

After his older siblings went to the countryside, Grandpa had taken him to enroll at the nearby primary school.

He was now a first-grade student, though he had transferred in mid-term.

In fact, he should have started school three years ago. But after the family incident, they had been too scared to attend school and hid at home.

Plus, they didn’t have the money for tuition and didn’t want to be mocked or bullied.

Thankfully, his older brother Xiao Luo was already in junior high and would teach them whenever he was home.

So Xiao Nian had no trouble catching up in first grade.

Honestly, even second grade wouldn’t be an issue for him.

Still, he worked hard because his big brother and sister had told him before leaving: “Study hard. Don’t mind what others say. We must grow strong.”

His mindset had changed.

He used to be timid, filled with fear, worry, and helplessness.

But after Aunt Qiao gave them money, food coupons, and taught him how to buy things on the black market, he changed.

He gained confidence and no longer felt lost or hopeless. His heart finally felt at peace—not because he forgave the world that hurt him, but because he let himself go free.

..

That night, the Song family had cornbread buns, a pot of egg porridge, boiled cabbage, and pickled vegetables for dinner.

Xiao Luo and Xiao Yu were eating with their heads down, focused and satisfied.

One hand held a bun, the other scooped porridge into their mouths, their little faces full of contentment.

The food at home had really improved.

They were full every day and even got eggs and sweets.

But Grandpa, Grandma, and their brother had told them not to tell anyone.

If others found out, they’d come steal their food, eggs, and sugar, leaving them hungry and with nothing.

So, the two children remembered it firmly—tell no one, say nothing.

They stayed obediently at home, never going out.

When cold, they played on the bed. When tired, they slept.

Life at home now was especially warm and comfortable.

Since Xiao Luo and Xiao Shu left for the countryside, Xiao Luo and Xiao Yu shared a room with Grandma, while Xiao Nian stayed with Grandpa.

..

The next day, at the Struggle Committee:

“Director, were you looking for me?”

Tan Shuwei was about to go home for lunch when Lin Kesheng called him into the office.

“Old Tan, come in. Nothing serious, just about yesterday’s matter regarding Liu Mingliang’s transfer.”

Lin Kesheng spoke as gently as usual, as if nothing had changed.

“You want him transferred as soon as possible? I can check which locations still have space this afternoon.”

Tan Shuwei acted like nothing was unusual, tilting his head thoughtfully before replying as he normally would.

…

Lin Kesheng didn’t immediately respond.

He rubbed his fingers together, seemingly deep in thought.

Tan Shuwei stayed quiet, a picture of obedience, waiting for instructions.

“Old Tan, report the available transfer locations to me this afternoon.”

After a while, Lin finally spoke.

“Got it, Director. If there’s nothing else, I’ll get going.”

Tan nodded, showing no objections or curiosity.

But just as he stood up to leave, Lin called him back.

“By the way, Old Tan, where’s Deputy Director An these past few days?”

“He took time off—his family had a wedding in the countryside.”

Tan really did know, as An Kai had informed him.

Lin had come by briefly that day but didn’t see An.

“I see. Alright, you’re dismissed.”

Lin had thought An was secretly handling some big matter, but learning it was just a wedding put his mind at ease.

Tan nodded again and left, riding his bicycle home.

On the way, he kept thinking about Liu Mingliang.

He believed the report against Liu Mingliang must be related to Su Huaiyuan and Qiao Jiuru.

He had done some quiet digging and looked through Liu’s file.

He had a pretty good guess.

If he was right, Liu Mingliang must have been the one who reported the Su family.

Now that Liu was being reported, it was likely payback from the Su family.

How else to explain so many coincidences?

Same university, same department, rivals yet supposedly close.

Liu had transferred three years ago from another university where he had been a department head.

But at Peking University, someone as qualified as Su Huaiyuan already held the position.

Liu had to settle for being an ordinary professor.

Yet Liu never felt inferior in ability, so naturally he resented it.

After more than a year, he secretly reported Su Huaiyuan.