The Next Day

Ning Shu woke up early today, thinking about the commotion caused by Lin Guodong last night.

She made a lot of egg buns in the morning.

The commotion last night alarmed many soldiers, so she asked Lin Guodong to treat those soldiers to breakfast this morning.

However, it was also a coincidence that Hai Cai only encountered Lin Guodong returning from his mission when he went to the bathroom.

” Third Auntie..” Ning Shu heard Hai Cai’s voice at the door while making buns.

The child’s voice was weak, with a hint of shyness.

“Hey, why are you up so early? Go back to sleep for a while.” Ning Shu saw him dressed neatly.

“I’m awake. I came to light the fire for Auntie.” Hai Cai said, walking towards the stove.

But when he walked next to Ning Shu, he hesitated and asked, “Third Auntie, did I cause trouble yesterday?”

He got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and saw someone climbing over the wall.

It really scared him almost to the point of wetting himself.

“You didn’t cause trouble. It’s your uncle who lacks brains.

Climbing over the wall in the middle of the night, and you did the right thing.

It’s right to shout when you see someone climbing over the wall. If you really encounter a bad person, you can wake up the adults and protect yourself and others. So, you did great, Hai Cai.” Ning Shu smiled to reassure him and praised him.

The child lived under his roof, always feeling somewhat uneasy.

If he felt he had caused trouble again, he would be even more embarrassed.

When Hai Cai heard his Third Auntie say that he was not wrong but right, he felt relieved.

As for doubting Ning Shu’s words, that would definitely not happen.

He was still a child, and of course, he believed the words of adults.

“I understand, Third Aunt.” Thinking that Third Aunt said he was great, he felt happy.

Ning Shu heard the cheerfulness in his voice and felt relieved. “Go back to sleep for a while. Your illness hasn’t healed yet. Auntie will call you when she needs your help, okay?”

Hai Cai said, “Okay. Auntie, I coughed a bit just now, and it didn’t hurt inside my body anymore.”

Ning Shu said, “Wow, that’s great. It means your body is recovering and getting better.”

“Yeah.” Hai Cai showed a obedient smile.

His body didn’t hurt anymore, and he was about to get better.

It was really great.

Qinglin Bay Production Brigade

Although Lin Guofeng and his wife did not bring Hai Cai back, they brought a certificate from the hospital to prove Hai Cai’s physical condition and his medical expenses, etc.

They also followed Ning Shu’s advice, first inquiring about the situation at the county police station, and then returning home.

Their return caused quite a stir in the village.

After all, when Hai Cai was rescued, his body was indeed…

It’s terrible, and then they learned from Lin’s parents that the hospital in the county suggested they go to the provincial hospital.

Everyone is discussing whether Hai Cai is in critical condition.

Now that only Lin Guofeng and his wife have returned, the villagers can’t help but wonder, could Hai Cai really be in critical condition?

Remembering that Zhuang Xiaopang’s father died without the body being brought back for a while, and hearing that people in the city are all cremated, now that Lin Guofeng and his wife have not brought back Hai Cai, Hai Cai should also have been cremated.

Lin Guofeng and Qian Aifen were still unaware of what everyone was thinking, and they also came back with heavy hearts.

After all, they had decided to report to the police, so they were not feeling very secure.

“Guofeng, Aifen are back.”

“Guofeng, Aifen, you have to be optimistic. There are no obstacles that can’t be overcome.”

“Yes, you also have to take care of the other children.”

Everyone didn’t mention Hai Cai, but they also comforted them kindly.

Qian Aifen smiled reluctantly at everyone’s consolation and didn’t say much.

After sitting on the train for a few days, she was also exhausted and didn’t have much thought to say this or that to them.

Moreover, if they showed too much happiness and reported to the police about Zhuang Xiaopang, some people would definitely talk behind their backs.

They would think that Zhuang Xiaopang was young, and since Hai Cai was fine, what did it matter? Only if they didn’t look happy would everyone think that Hai Cai’s situation was more serious, which would be beneficial to them.

The couple had discussed this when they returned.

And Lin Guofeng himself was a man of few words.

Whether they had discussed it or not, he didn’t like to talk much.

When the two returned home, no one was at home at this time.

The children had gone to school, and Lin’s parents and Lin Guoliang’s couple had gone to work.

Qian Aifen said, “Let’s take a bath and rest first. We’ll talk to them about reporting to the police tonight after Dad and Mom finish work, and also ask them about the situation in the brigade these days.”

Lin Guofeng agreed naturally.

Lin’s parents didn’t know that Lin Guofeng and his wife had returned.

They had been worried these days.

How could they relax with such a thing happening to their grandson?

When they finished work, the two sighed and went to return the tools, but they heard the villagers say, “Guodong’s parents, your Guofeng’s couple is back.”

Lin’s parents, who were originally not in good spirits, suddenly became spirited when they heard this.

“Really?” Lin’s mother asked excitedly.

“Really, really, everyone working over there saw it, but… but didn’t see Hai Cai.” This villager hesitated when mentioning Hai Cai.

It was probably a reminder to Lin’s parents that Hai Cai hadn’t returned, maybe…

But Lin’s parents didn’t even think about it, because after Lin Guofeng’s family of three arrived at the army, Lin’s father had already made a phone call and learned about Hai Cai’s situation.

“Hai Cai’s condition is quite serious, he’s probably still in the hospital,” Lin’s mother replied, then hurriedly ran home.

Lin’s father didn’t say much either.

After returning the tools, he followed Lin’s mother home.

Some people who thought too much looked at their backs with regret, thinking that they probably didn’t know about Hai Cai’s situation yet…

Ah…

Some people sighed along.

Back at home, Lin’s mother shouted as soon as she reached the door, “Eldest… Eldest daughter-in-law…”

Since the Lin family split up, they also cooked separately.

Hearing Lin’s mother’s voice, Qian Aifen came out of the newly-built kitchen. “Mom… Mom, I’ve already prepared dinner. You, dad, and Second Brother’s family come over to our place today to eat. We have something to tell you.”

When Hai Cai needed to borrow money to go to the hospital, Lin Guoliang’s family also borrowed money.

When they split up, they each received over a hundred yuan.

This time, when Hai Cai had an accident, Zhang Qinfang also borrowed money without any hesitation and lent out 100 yuan.

Regardless, when it came to major events, they were still sister-in-laws.

Although there were minor frictions between sisters-in-law usually, and they each had their own selfishness and calculations, when help was needed, they could also help generously.

That’s what siblings were like.

Now that Hai Cai’s situation was serious and the eldest daughter-in-law decided to report to the police, they also needed to inform their parents-in-law and the second family.

Although they had split up, their relationship was still close. Having a meal together was also a way to thank them for lending money.

“Okay.”

Lin’s parents went home first to freshen up.

At this time, Zhang Qinfang also hurried back.

She also heard the news that the eldest daughter-in-law’s family had returned and that Hai Cai hadn’t returned when she was returning the tools.

She wasn’t worried about Hai Cai, after all, they also knew about the phone call between Lin’s father and the army, so they knew about Hai Cai’s situation.

The reason she hurried back was to ask about Hai Cai’s situation again and to see if the eldest family had brought anything back from the army.

Zhang Qinfang was never vague or neglectful when it came to taking advantage of situations.

By the time Zhang Qinfang and her husband returned home, the children had already finished school.

Qian Aifen made two tables of food, one for the children and one for the six adults.

There were vegetables grown at home, seafood brought from the army, and eggs. Compared to the New Year, this dinner was also quite good.

During dinner, Qian Aifen directly talked about her plan: “Dad…”

After Qian Aifen finished speaking,

Zhang Qinfang agreed, “Yes, we should report it to the police. his old man is making trouble, and this kid is causing harm at such a young age. People like him should be punished atleast.”

In the past, no matter what Zhang Qinfang said, everyone would have a headache, but today her words were actually reasonable.

Lin’s father said, “Since you have decided, then do it according to your plan.”

Although they were all from the same village, this matter might not sound good when it spread, and some people might say their family was ruthless.

However, when their own children were almost killed, they didn’t care about what sounded good or bad.

No matter what others said, family always came first.

Lin Guofeng said, “Before we came, we inquired at the county police station.

The police officer there is Third Brother’s classmate. He said based on the information we provided, and since Zhuang Xiaopang also admitted to the incident, he will be sent for reform for two years. Because he is young, and also because of Hai Cai… well, it’s estimated he’ll only be away for two years.”

Qian Aifen added, “Even if it’s just two years, it’s fine. If left unchecked, even though he didn’t succeed in harming Hai Cai this time, who knows who he might harm next time.”

“After what you said, I feel uneasy,” Zhang Qinfang shivered.

What if Zhuang Xiaopang came to harm their Haquan? He must be caught.

“Haican’s condition is still fluctuating, and the medication cannot be stopped yet. It’s estimated he’ll need to take it for several months,” Qian Aifen continued. “Our idea, me and my husband, is that externally, we’ll say Hai Cai still can’t leave the hospital, his condition is unstable, and there’s always a risk…” Just say whatever severity is necessary.

Lin’s mother nodded, “Alright, we understand. If someone asks, we’ll say it like this.” She looked at Zhang Qinfang. “Second daughter-in-law, you must not let slip.”

Zhang Qinfang retorted, “Mother, when have I ever let slip?”

Then she looked at the children at the other table. “It’s these children who need reminders.”

The children said, “We know, we won’t let slip.”

Lin’s father added, “We’ll inform the captain and other village cadres about this. And we’ll tell them about Hai Cai’s situation as you suggested.”

Lin Guofeng said, “Yes, we’ll go tell them later.”

Zhang Qinfang asked, “Since Hai Cai’s incident, Zhuang Xiaopang hasn’t been seen in the village. Has he been sent somewhere else?”

Qian Aifen replied, “They know we won’t give up. They must have hidden Zhuang Xiaopang.”

Lin’s father concluded, “We don’t care about that. We just report it to the police. Let the police handle the rest.”

After the family discussion, they went to find the captain after dinner.