Chapter 27: Note

He Chunhua feigned ignorance, asking, “Who are you? What are you doing at my house?”

Lin Yitang hadn’t missed the change in her expression, and her face instantly turned frosty.  “I’m here to settle the score for you pushing me into the water!”

“What nonsense are you talking about? When did I push you into the water? Young lady, I think you’ve got the wrong person!”

He Chunhua, of course, wouldn’t admit it. She walked towards Lin Yitang, reaching out to shoo her away.

Lin Yitang dodged her fat hand and looked at her coldly. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t admit it. I have witnesses, and I’ve already called the police. If you don’t want to go to jail, you’d better confess everything clearly!”

Lin Yitang’s gaze suddenly became sharp, and her demeanor carried a sense of pressure. 

She didn’t actually have witnesses or call the police; there was no substantial evidence.  She said this to deliberately bluff He Chunhua, hoping to scare her into confessing honestly.

Unfortunately, He Chunhua was smarter than she’d imagined.

A flicker of panic flashed in He Chunhua’s eyes, but she still retorted, “I don’t even know you.

How could I possibly push you into the water? I think you’re deliberately trying to extort money.

You’re a heartless villain! Don’t try to frame me, get out of my house!”

Lin Yitang stared straight at her, a cold smile curving her lips a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, giving He Chunhua a feeling of being seen through.

“He Chunhua, I’ll give you three days. If within three days you confess truthfully, I won’t pursue this further. But if you refuse to cooperate, I will get even.”

Lin Yitang’s tone was full of warning. She glanced at He Chunhua one last time before turning and leaving her house.

She wasn’t in a hurry to deal with He Chunhua.  She had already found the person who pushed her into the water, and she would eventually find the person behind it. 

Although she had suspicions, she lacked evidence.  Today’s visit might have alerted her, but He Chunhua wouldn’t be able to stay calm. 

She just needed to secretly observe He Chunhua’s movements to get what she needed.  No matter what the culprit’s intentions were, she wouldn’t let them off lightly!

As Lin Yitang walked out of the alley, she heard hurried footsteps behind her.  She turned cautiously and was surprised to see the little girl from He Chunhua’s house running towards her.

The girl looked about fifteen or sixteen years old, thin and pale, wearing oversized, ragged clothes that hung loosely on her frame. She looked pitifully frail.

“What’s the matter?” Lin Yitang asked, puzzled.

The girl quickly pulled a piece of paper from her pocket, shoved it into Lin Yitang’s hand, and ran away.

Lin Yitang clutched the note, not opening it immediately.  She waited until she returned home before reading its contents.

The note contained a few crookedly written lines. After carefully deciphering them, Lin Yitang’s expression turned serious.

She put away the note, ignoring the darkening sky, and went out again.

Military base, third floor, political commissar’s office.

Yu Jingchuan and Chen Xiuyuan, having just finished a day of training, were called in by Qin Liangxin.

Both were sweaty. Qin Liangxin quickly poured them each a glass of water, smiling. “Have a seat! I called you both here because I have something to discuss.”

“Commissar Qin, you just need to talk to Commander Yu. Why did you call me?”

Chen Xiuyuan was puzzled.  Base matters were handled by Qin Liangxin and Yu Jingchuan; it had nothing to do with an ordinary soldier like him.

“Don’t worry, listen to me first!”

Qin Liangxin took a sip of tea before continuing, “I just finished a meeting.  Recently, other bases have had serious hygiene problems in their canteens.

Many soldiers have suffered from vomiting and diarrhea, unable to participate in normal training. 

So, the higher ups want us to pay more attention to food safety. Our canteen’s hygiene is absolutely fine, but I’ve been thinking that we should still improve the canteen’s meals.

Xiuyuan, you’ve eaten Lin’s medicinal meals, what did you think?”

Chen Xiuyuan instinctively replied, “They tasted great! I still drool thinking about it! And the doctor said my wound healed so quickly partly because of the soup Lin made for me.”

Qin Liangxin nodded.

“I think we should invite Comrade Lin Yitang to our base to teach the canteen how to make a few medicinal dishes, especially those that promote wound healing. You’re prone to injuries during daily training and missions. If you can eat medicinal meals, you’ll recover faster and better.”

“Commissar, your idea is very necessary!”

Chen Xiuyuan was the first to agree. If Lin Yitang came to the base, he would have more opportunities to be with her, which he eagerly desired!

Yu Jingchuan frowned but didn’t say anything. After all, Qin Liangxin was also considering the welfare of the base’s soldiers.

“Jingchuan, do you have any objections?”

“I have no objections.”

“Then it’s settled!”

Qin Liangxin put down his cup and waved his hand. “Alright, you two can go back and rest!”

“Yes!” Chen Xiuyuan excitedly saluted.

He and Yu Jingchuan walked out of Qin Liangxin’s office side by side.

As they left the building, a young soldier ran towards them.

“Commander Yu, someone is looking for Chen Xiuyuan at the gate!”

“Who’s looking for me?”

Chen Xiuyuan was surprised. He had no relatives in Beijing; who would come looking for him late at night?

“A very beautiful girl!”

Hearing this, Chen Xiuyuan’s eyes lit up. A very beautiful girl it must be Lin Yitang! Lin Yitang had come to the base to find him!

Unable to contain his excitement, he ran towards the gate.

Yu Jingchuan subconsciously followed, his handsome face even more gloomy in the darkness.