Chapter 8: The Record, About Being Sent to the Countryside

It was time for things to wrap up.

Director Zhang turned around and instructed the police officers under him to take the two people lying on the ground back to the station. He cleared out anyone who was irrelevant. Seeing that Liu Xinghe’s emotions had stabilized considerably, he began taking her statement.

They first asked about the details of the Shen Xi and Li Bing case, then inquired about Shen Qiang and Li Xiuhua’s affair, and the suspected poisoning of Liu Ruyan.

“Actually, after my mother passed away, my life wasn’t as good as people outside thought. In public, the three of them put on a respectable front, but at home, they weren’t human.

To survive, I didn’t live like a human either. Before, I didn’t understand why people could change so quickly, overnight. Now, after knowing all of this, I understand the reason.”

Liu Xinghe looked at the police officers seriously, revealing everything without hiding anything. She recounted all the family upheavals she knew, every detail of the original owner’s suffering, word for word.

Finally, with red eyes and emphasis on every word, she said, “Murder must be paid with blood. So, officers, I will never forgive those three. They must pay for their blood debt with their lives!”

There was no need to act—it was all true. Genuine emotions and heartfelt words are always moving, and after Liu Xinghe finished speaking, even the officer taking notes had red eyes.

After the statement was completed, Liu Xinghe asked,

“Director, I just want to know, at the latest, when will these two cases have a result? Shen Xi reported me to be sent to the countryside as an educated youth. I’m afraid I won’t be able to wait until the results come out.”

“These two cases are serious and have a big impact. We are taking them very seriously. At the latest, there will be results in two days. Don’t worry about the timing—we will investigate thoroughly and make sure the bad people are punished.”

Director Zhang nodded responsibly, then went out to call in the director of the Countryside Youth Office to explain the matter of being sent down.

Although Liu Xinghe was the victim in this matter, the list had already been submitted and could not be changed. The director, though sympathetic to her situation, was helpless. Under Director Zhang’s watchful eyes, he said stiffly,

“Xiao Sister Liu, when Shen Xi used your household registration to sign you up, she said it was because you missed your foster parents, missed your hometown, wanted to give back to the place that raised you. And because you were sick and bedridden, she helped you sign up to go to the Qingyong Commune where you used to live. At the time, it was believed you two had a good relationship, so our staff didn’t think much and just helped her register.”

“…Who would have known she was like this, causing such a mess. Shen Xi is truly a troublemaker.”

The director glanced at Director Zhang, then helplessly shrugged at Liu Xinghe.

Liu Xinghe understood—the implicit meaning was that it was all Shen Xi’s fault; it had nothing to do with them. Don’t cause trouble here.

“Cough… cough… cough—”

Liu Xinghe secretly drew a few drops of fresh duck blood from her space onto her palm. Covering her neck with one hand and her mouth with the other, she began to cough.

She intentionally revealed her palm occasionally so others, especially the director, could see.

The director, seeing her coughing up blood again, was terrified and hurriedly stood up to help her breathe: “Xiao Sister Liu, don’t get upset. Don’t get upset. I haven’t finished talking. We can discuss this calmly. Your health is the most important.”

“Drink some water.” Director Zhang poured a cup of warm water and handed it to Liu Xinghe, shooting the director a sharp look.

Seeing Director Zhang’s expression darken and Liu Xinghe’s face turn pale, the director feared something might happen to her because of his words, so he quickly continued:

“The registration cannot be canceled, but the specific list hasn’t been finalized. There’s still room to discuss when and where you go. Considering your situation, you can recover your health first. The location can be chosen by you, and you can even specify a particular team. We will handle the coordination.”

“Okay, thank you, Director.”

Liu Xinghe put down the water cup. She didn’t cough anymore, nor did she make a scene. Making a fuss would only waste the little sympathy people had left. She decided to take advantage of this opportunity to gain more benefits. She nodded to show her understanding:

“Then I’ll return to our fishing team. That team also receives educated youths going to the countryside. I’m familiar with the teams there, and I can help build the country better.”

She accepted the original owner’s body, and therefore all the consequences as well.

Her goal was revenge and returning home, so she would return to the fishing team, which also fulfilled the original owner’s final wish.

Being familiar with the area would also help, as she knew many things about educated youths being bullied in this era. In familiar territory, she could better handle things.

Hearing her response and seeing her calm down, the director felt relieved. The youth would be assigned based on her original domicile. He hurriedly agreed:

“Alright, we’ll proceed like this. Now, just focus on recovering. When your health is better, go to the street office to claim your related subsidies. You’ll receive the highest allowance possible. We won’t let any comrade helping to build the country feel discouraged. No rush—take your time. Your health comes first.”

“Thank you for your concern, Director. I appreciate your help.” Liu Xinghe smiled sincerely. “You are all good comrades dedicated to serving the people. Thank you.”

“No problem. Just rest well. I’ll make sure everything is arranged. If anything comes up, come to us anytime.”

The director, feeling reassured and pleased, thought of applying some additional benefits for her later.

“Safe travels, Director.”

The director nodded, saluted Director Zhang, and left quickly.

Things were almost settled, and the others were preparing to leave.

Director Zhang wanted to leave someone behind to watch Liu Xinghe, but she refused without hesitation. Having a stranger in the house was inconvenient for everything.

“Director, no need to trouble anyone. I have some strength left. Everything is fine. I can handle basic things myself, and I’ll rest in bed soon, so there’s no need for anyone to stay.”

“Alright, then just rest. We’ll handle the cases as quickly as possible. We’ll check on you often these days. Dr. Liu will come daily to change your dressing, and related personnel will patrol near your house. If you call out, we’ll hear you and come immediately.”

Director Zhang nodded, giving a few final instructions.

“Understood, thank you.”

After speaking with Director Zhang, Elder Zhang and Director Wu from the steel plant union entered.

Director Wu bent slightly forward with a spring-like smile, starting to comfort her:

“Xiao Liu, focus on recovering. Your meals will be provided by our steel plant. The canteen will deliver them on time. If you have any requests or need assistance, come to the plant and ask for me. Elder Zhang will take you in.”

Liu Xinghe nodded gratefully: “Thank you, Director Wu, and thanks to the plant leadership for your care.”

She knew she had to make time to visit the steel plant to handle many matters.

Elder Zhang offered a few more words of comfort, then left with Director Zhang and the police.

For now, the matter was temporarily closed. After Director Zhang left, taking everyone else with him, the small courtyard finally quieted down, leaving Liu Xinghe alone.

Once everyone left, she locked the door and entered her room.

After performing for most of the morning and not having eaten, she could finally relax.

She went into her space, had a satisfying meal, brewed a pot of spiritual spring water to drink, and tended to her torn wounds.

While drinking and reviewing everything since her time-travel, she combed through the original owner’s memories and planned her next steps.

Now that everyone was taken away, there was no one to stop her inside the courtyard. The first step was to organize the property.

While attention was still high and no one dared to cause trouble, she would handle everything others might covet.

No matter how righteous those people seemed now, anyone’s greed could turn them into a hungry wolf. In this era, ruthless behavior was common.

From the original owner’s memories, she knew that Shen Qiang’s family was still around. They had always had their eyes on the courtyard. If it weren’t for the recent death of the original owner’s mother and Shen Qiang not having the property certificates yet, the Shen family would have moved in to harass her.

Liu Xinghe clenched her fists, rolled up her sleeves, and left the space to start acting.

Everything in this courtyard, even a fallen leaf from a tree, would now belong to the Liu family.

No one could take advantage—Shen’s family could only dream of it.

She looked at the layout of the courtyard and focused on Shen Xi’s room. The original owner’s belongings were mostly taken by Shen Xi.

Then she would start cleaning out Shen Xi’s room!

At the same time, the Shen family, who had been coveting the property, received the news.