Chapter 37: Apologizing in Public

Originally, Zhao Mingqiang, the patriarch of the Zhao family who came along, also known as Grandpa Zhao according to Zhao Pulin, wanted to argue with the captain for a few words.

But the captain said, “Director Wang has instructed that tomorrow’s matter needs to be reported to the commune.”

Upon hearing this, the Zhao family members ceased their attempts to argue further. After all, the incident was caused by Zhao Xiaomei. It was unreasonable to confront the cadre from the commune just for her sake.

So, in no time, the Zhao family members left just as they had come.

Once the captain, his wife, and accountant Sun saw that the Zhao family had departed, they also left together.

The next day, Luo Qiao got up early, tidied herself, and entered the space to boil the soy milk she had prepared ahead of time. She also stir-fried two dishes on another stove: stir-fried string beans and spicy shredded potatoes.

She also added soybean residue with some flour, green onion, cilantro, carrot, salt, Sichuan peppercorn powder, and the last wild chicken egg left from yesterday to make savory pancakes.

After the soy milk was boiled and served, she cleaned the pot thoroughly, dried it over low heat, brushed it with oil, and fried the soybean residue pancakes until golden on the other side. They were incredibly fragrant. She made quite a few, keeping aside some for breakfast and storing the rest in the underground warehouse.

In the past few days, she planned to venture into the mountains during lunchtime to gather more supplies. Whenever she felt hungry, she could conveniently retrieve these stored foods.

After having breakfast and tidying up the kitchen, she brought out a bamboo tube she had found in the space’s warehouse.

It wasn’t very large; but in the north, bamboo of such thickness wasn’t common. If anyone asked, she could simply say it was a gift received during her time on the farm.

She boiled some water in the outdoor kitchen to avoid suspicion—after all, an inactive kitchen might raise eyebrows. The hot water would come in handy for work later, ensuring she wouldn’t go thirsty.

When Luo Qiao arrived at the riverside, many people had already gathered. Today marked the beginning of spring planting, and no one dared to be late.

Qiao Lanlan saw Luo Qiao approaching and waved for her to come over.

Luo Qiao obediently called out, “Auntie.”

Qiao Lanlan smiled and said, “Come over here. Later, the Zhao family’s second daughter will apologize to you.”

Then she whispered to Luo Qiao, “Did you hear any noise last night?”

Luo Qiao understood what Auntie Gao meant. She couldn’t exactly say she heard everything from inside but didn’t come out—ha-ha.

So, she also whispered, “Auntie, I went to bed early last night. Did something happen in the village?”

Qiao Lanlan saw that Luo Qiao didn’t know anything, so as not to add pressure on her, she didn’t mention last night’s events either, knowing that few people were aware.

Before long, the captain stood up and shouted, “Today, there are two matters. One is that Zhao Pulin’s daughter, Zhao Xiaomei, will apologize to Luo Qiao in front of everyone.

As for why she is apologizing, I believe everyone knows. I won’t take up more time here. Spring planting is imminent, but Director Wang of the commune still wants to take this opportunity to educate everyone.

Taking someone else’s belongings without permission, especially with the intention of illegal possession, constitutes robbery and is a criminal offense. Once reported to the police, the severity of the circumstances will determine the sentencing.

Therefore, I hope all members of the commune remember not to do things that they will regret, which can harm themselves, their families, and the reputation of the whole village.

Because Zhao Xiaomei is a first-time offender, and Luo Qiao generously allowed the village to handle it, Zhao Xiaomei must apologize to Luo Qiao in person and promise that such incidents will not happen again.”

Reluctantly, Zhao Xiaomei walked onto the platform and said to Luo Qiao standing below, “I’m sorry. I won’t do that again. Please forgive me.”