Chapter 16: Compensation

“Ma Jinfeng is an exceptionally kind, gentle, and generous woman. You’ll like her when you meet her,” Zhang Yanli continued, seeing that Han Chao remained calm.

“This is your little black girl’s fortune. Other children only have one set of parents, but if you send her to Ma Jinfeng, she’ll have two!”

Seeing that Han Chao still hadn’t responded, Zhang Yanli pressed on.

“Ma Jinfeng’s bank account has at least six figures, and she owns several coal mines. Her husband is currently mining in Africa. To be blunt, she’s already 41—there’s no way she can have her own child anymore. People grow old and pass away, and when that happens… her inheritance…”

With China’s economic reforms, wages in all industries were rising. Even in the military, allowances had just begun to increase, but only at the regimental level and above.

The allowances for battalion-level officers were still based on 1970s standards—seventy yuan per month.

Nowadays, a black-and-white television set cost one thousand yuan, while a battalion-level officer’s annual allowance amounted to just seven hundred yuan.

If they wanted to buy a television, they would have to save every penny for a year and a half, without spending a single cent elsewhere.

It was precisely this rapidly widening gap between the rich and the poor that gave rise to trafficking, child-selling, and even cases where parents voluntarily gave their children away.

Han Chao once heard from his deputy battalion commander, Xu Liang, that his older brother had given away his second daughter in order to have a son.

As compensation, the other party gifted him a television, and his brother and sister-in-law were overjoyed.

Xu Liang’s elder brother was a laid-off worker who had once attended a technical school. He was educated and knowledgeable.

Yet, he was genuinely delighted to exchange his daughter for a television.

Xu Liang had brought up the matter because he couldn’t understand it—he was baffled. When Han Chao first heard it, he too found it inconceivable. But at this moment, he realized something: in his eyes, his daughter, Han Mi, who had the makings of a great general, would likely be worth no more than a television in the adoption market.

Since Han Chao had remained silent all this time, Zhang Yanli assumed he was wavering. She seized the opportunity to press on: “No matter how well you do in your career, when you retire, how much do you think the military district will give you? Will it even come close to a fraction of Ma Jinfeng’s wealth?”

Finally, Han Chao spoke. “In the city nowadays, is it common for women to sell themselves for money?”

His skin was fair, and he had a tall, lean build. Though his shoulders were broad, his features were soft, and his gaze gentle. Zhang Yanli had never seen the wild, feral Han Chao from the past. She had never witnessed him jumping from the fourth floor with an injured leg, still determined to fight with a brick in hand. By the time she met him, he had reformed—he was no longer the violent troublemaker. The refined and well-mannered Han Chao often gave people the impression that, since he looked pleasant, he must also have a good temper.

Since he asked this, Zhang Yanli assumed he was interested. Like a salesperson advertising a product, she eagerly elaborated, “It’s completely normal! There are even several families in our military district who have secretly given away their daughters in order to have a son.”

Han Chao continued watching Mimi. At some point, two small patches of ground in front of her had become wet, trapping a group of ants in the mud. Carefully, with her tiny, dark fingers, she dipped them in her saliva and delicately lifted the ants out of the mud, placing them onto dry ground.

She was still listening. And she was composed. Even though he and Zhang Yanli were practically spelling out the adoption plan, she showed no fear.

This child wasn’t just putting on a brave front—she truly wasn’t afraid of him. Not one bit.

“You said there are people in the military district who have done this? Who? Have you helped them?” he asked Zhang Yanli.

To Zhang Yanli, this question meant Han Chao had taken the bait and was probing for details before making a decision.

The best way to convince him was to provide a successful example, so she whispered, “Deputy Director Qin Xiong from our regiment’s political department had a daughter recently. I helped him arrange the adoption. She was given to a wealthy businessman, and now both families are as close as real relatives. Their relationship is fantastic.”

Han Chao suddenly smiled.

His skin was pale, his teeth gleaming white. That smile made Zhang Yanli want to curse out loud. People in the military district gossiped, saying Han Chao was the most troublesome of all troublemakers, the fiercest of all bullies. But that was nonsense—just look at him now! With his gentle eyes and soft smile, how could he possibly be that kind of person?

Inside, Chen Yufeng was preparing dinner. She had let the dough rise in the morning and was getting ready to steam buns.

The minced meat filling had been cooked the previous day. She was making Yunnan-style “Puff pastry buns,” a type of bun where the skin was just as important as the filling. When hot, the wrapper had to be as thin as a cicada’s wing, melting in the mouth instantly. When cool, it had to be crisp and flaky, even more delicate than pastries.

While kneading the dough, she glanced outside. Seeing Han Chao suddenly smile, she immediately knew—the man was about to lose his temper.

Han Chao had a naturally fierce expression, his eyes often carrying a menacing glint. But that was just his normal face.

He rarely smiled. But when he did—when he grinned—that meant someone was about to suffer.

Mimi finally felt nervous. She slipped into the kitchen and whispered to Chen Yufeng, “Chen Yufeng is a good mother. But Han Chao is not a good father!”

Chen Yufeng, hands coated in oil and dough, crouched down and gently reassured her daughter, “Han Chao is a good father too. He really is.”

Mimi’s eyebrows shot up, her eyes fierce—she was a miniature version of Han Chao. “He’s already negotiating with that woman about my price!”

“That won’t happen. Let’s wait and see, okay?” Chen Yufeng coaxed.

“If he sells me, when I grow up and join the army, I’ll shoot him.” Mimi’s voice was filled with resentment.

Chen Yufeng patiently said, “It won’t happen. Trust me. Listen a little longer, okay?”

Though still furious, Mimi was somewhat soothed by her mother’s words. She bit her lip lightly and strained her ears to listen to the conversation outside.

She was young, but she understood that her father made the decisions in their home. So, she crouched down and listened intently.

Meanwhile, Han Chao asked, “Carrying a child for nine months and giving birth isn’t easy. If someone is giving their child away, wouldn’t the other party at least offer some form of compensation?”

Hearing this, Zhang Yanli burst into laughter. “Oh, you mean an allowance? Right now, the market price for an adopted child is about eight hundred yuan. But Ma Jinfeng is a wealthy businesswoman. Money isn’t an issue for her. As long as you’re willing, you can name your price! She said no matter how much you ask, she’ll agree!”

Han Chao reached out to grab her. Zhang Yanli thought he was about to pull her aside for a secret discussion.

Meanwhile, Mimi clutched Chen Yufeng’s pants and signaled, “Listen, listen! He’s asking about the price!”

But the man who had just been smiling suddenly changed expression. His large, battle-hardened hand seized Zhang Yanli’s wrist as he coldly asked, “So, trafficking a baby only costs eight hundred yuan?”

This was a hand that had held a gun on the battlefield—thick with callouses and unyielding. It clamped down on Zhang Yanli’s wrist like an iron shackle. The pain was instant and excruciating, making her scream in agony.

She instinctively struggled and shrieked, “Han Chao, are you insane? Selling yourself is a consensual transaction. If we can’t reach a deal, then fine! I haven’t broken the law, so why are you grabbing me?!”

“Involving money makes it human trafficking. Buying and selling are the same crime, Comrade Zhang Yanli—you’ve broken the law. Do you realize that?” Han Chao said as he grabbed Zhang Yanli’s other hand.

People say a child’s face changes like the sky in June, but Han Chao was an adult. How could he change his attitude so quickly?

“Han Chao, let me go! Let go of me!” Zhang Yanli turned and shouted at Chen Yufeng. “Chen Yufeng, your husband has lost his mind!”

Mimi sprang out the door like a little monkey.

Tiantian, who had been watching TV at Aunt Wu’s house, also ran out.

Aunt Wu, clutching her pregnant belly, hurried outside, followed by several other military wives. In no time, a crowd gathered on the street, and at that moment, Han Chao was unbuckling his belt.

This made Aunt Wu even more alarmed. She watched as Han Chao swiftly twisted Zhang Yanli’s arms behind her back. Then, with a quick motion, he tied her up with his own belt, securing it to the courtyard gate.

After that, he walked out.

No wonder Wang Shuya said he was a master at training soldiers—his movements were clean and efficient, scaring Aunt Wu so much that her legs nearly gave out.

Not knowing the full story, Aunt Wu had come to mediate. Just as she was about to speak, she ran into Han Chao.

“Captain Han, what’s going on? Why are you tying someone up?” she asked anxiously.

Han Chao replied with a question of his own. “She broke the law. She was committing a crime. Should I just stand by and let her?”

Aunt Wu had never interacted with Han Chao before, but his tone was harsh. As a pregnant woman, she didn’t want to get involved in trouble, so she decided to retreat back to her house.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yanli struggled against her restraints, shouting, “Yufeng! Han Chao is illegally detaining me! If he doesn’t let me go soon, I’ll report him to the Political Department! I’ll tear off his epaulets!”

Chen Yufeng had no idea what Han Chao was planning to do. With his wild nature, once he lost his temper, no one could stop him.

But she wasn’t afraid. Zhang Yanli had openly admitted to being involved in child trafficking.

Wasn’t that far worse than Han Chao restraining her?

Han Chao went to the duty office, made a phone call, and returned shortly after.

Zhang Yanli was still tied up, screaming and banging against the courtyard gate.

Ignoring her, Han Chao walked into the house and saw Chen Yufeng making steamed buns. His tone softened considerably. “Puff pastry buns?”

It was his favorite.

Chen Yufeng placed the plump, white buns into the steamer. With the two little girls clinging to her, she reassured them, “Don’t be scared. Daddy is just playing with that auntie.”

Mimi wasn’t scared, but Tiantian was trembling, clinging tightly to Chen Yufeng’s leg.

If Han Chao weren’t there, she would have started crying by now.

As Chen Yufeng continued making buns and comforting the children, she asked, “What are you planning to do with Zhang Yanli?”

“I already made a call. The Political Department’s leadership will be here soon,” Han Chao said. “Military personnel violating birth policies is illegal. Giving away children is both a violation and a crime. Let her explain herself to the Political Department.”

Mimi, bolder than her sister, peeked through the door crack and asked, “Daddy, is giving away children illegal? Will the police arrest them?”

Han Chao replied in a gentle voice, “Not only will they be arrested, but they will also be sentenced and sent to prison.”

“Wow!” Mimi exclaimed, then turned to Tiantian. “Sis, don’t be scared! That’s a human trafficker who sells children! Daddy is catching a bad person.”

Tiantian refused to look. She clung tightly to Chen Yufeng’s leg, closed her eyes, and refused to see anything.

Meanwhile, Mimi was excited. “Mommy! The bad auntie is banging her head against the gate! Oh no, her arm is about to break! You should come and see!”

Mimi was having fun, but Chen Yufeng was not.

She whispered to Han Chao, “Brother, wasn’t it the Political Department’s Deputy Director Qin Xiong who had his child sent away by Zhang Yanli? If you expose this, won’t you offend the leaders?” Although she was naive, she understood that in any government agency, one should not provoke the leaders.

She felt that Han Chao was being too impulsive this time and was worried he might bring trouble upon himself.

The safest approach would have been for Han Chao to quietly report it to his superiors and let them investigate.

Of course, Zhang Yanli had many connections within the military district. She could easily use them to smooth things over.

And in the end, she’d likely continue trafficking children.

Because in reality, countless children were trafficked, yet very few perpetrators were ever caught or sentenced.

Han Chao sensed his wife’s concern and reassured her, “Qin Xiong is just in our regiment’s Political Department. He’s not a high-ranking officer.”

Seeing Chen Yufeng still unconvinced, he added, “We’re of the same rank. Plus, he broke the birth policy and gave away his daughter. That’s a major violation in the military district—anyone who finds out would report him.”

Selling children was something done in secret. No one would openly discuss it.

If Zhang Yanli hadn’t been so desperate to take Mimi, she wouldn’t have revealed such a secret to Han Chao.

Although Han Chao was a bit rash for tying her up, Chen Yufeng couldn’t help but recall what happened in the book—Mimi had been personally pushed into hell by Zhang Yanli and ultimately perished.

Thinking about it made her furious.

Hearing Zhang Yanli’s screams now actually felt satisfying.

But tying her up for too long would alert the neighbors, who might call the police. She tried to persuade Han Chao, “Brother, let her go. I made steamed buns. If you release her, I’ll give you some.”

Han Chao stood at the kitchen door, but before leaving to release Zhang Yanli, he said, “Feng’er, I don’t love eating buns. I love it when you grow your hair out. How about this—if I let her go, you let your hair grow long?”

Chen Yufeng, about to put the lid on the steamer, paused.

She suddenly remembered that just two nights ago, they had argued about this very thing.

This damn man—his obsession with her long hair was like a dog’s obsession with bones.

She was trying to discuss something serious with him, but he kept finding ways to make her grow her hair out.

“Brother, why don’t you grow your hair out? Once it’s long, I’ll braid it for you. I’ll even tie it into two little pigtails with red ribbons,” Chen Yufeng teased, determined to provoke him. Then she added, “Since you don’t like eating steamed buns, you can just skip dinner tonight.”

Han Chao was about to retort, but before he could, Chen Yufeng pushed open the door and walked out of the kitchen.

As soon as she stepped out, Mimi, who was naturally bold, followed her outside.

At that moment, Zhang Yanli was still screaming—each cry sharper than the last—calling out to the gathered military wives, urging them to report the incident to the security department.

The women agreed that keeping Zhang Yanli tied up like that wasn’t right. After some discussion, they elected one of them to go and file a report. But as soon as they saw Chen Yufeng step outside, they quickly called their representative back.

They didn’t fully understand the conflict between Zhang Yanli and Chen Yufeng, but before Chen Yufeng arrived, Zhang Yanli had repeatedly told them that she was old-fashioned and unsophisticated, with two ridiculously long braids.

The military wives had believed her back then, assuming that Chen Yufeng really was plain and outdated, still clinging to those two long braids.

But now, seeing her in person, they realized she had neither long braids nor an outdated look. Instead, her permed short hair was stylish and attractive.

This proved that Zhang Yanli had been lying.

And if she had lied about that, then wasn’t it likely she was also lying about being Chen Yufeng’s biological mother?

Military wives often judged situations based on intuition.

And from what they had seen, it was clear—Zhang Yanli was the one in the wrong.

They decided to hold off on reporting anything and see what Chen Yufeng had to say.