Chapter 33 The Secret of Mu Jingxun and Bai Zirong

Li Changping’s concern made Jiang Li smile and nod. “Okay, Captain, I understand. Don’t worry, I can swim; even if I fall in, I’ll be fine.” Li Changping was surprised that a city girl could swim.  But it was good that she could. “Okay, that’s even better. Still, be careful.” “Yes, Captain, thank you for your concern.” Li Changping left.

Jiang Li approached the two girls who had testified for her. “Hello, what are your names? Thank you for speaking up for me.” The two girls liked Jiang Li and felt a natural affinity. “I’m Ma Xiaofeng.” “I’m Li Erni.” Jiang Li nodded and took out two colorful hair ties.

 “A small gift to thank you for your help.” Ma Xiaofeng and Li Erni’s eyes lit up. They couldn’t afford such beautiful hair ties.  Though they liked them, they hesitated. “Jiang Zhiqing, we just told the truth; it’s nothing. We can’t accept your gift.” Jiang Li found them honest and simple, so she pressed the hair ties into their hands.

“These are nothing to me. I like you both and want to be friends. Consider this a gift. If you don’t accept them, it means you don’t want to be friends.” Ma Xiaofeng and Li Erni were surprised. City girls were usually proud and rarely befriended local girls.  They liked Jiang Li and accepted the hair ties, agreeing to be friends. “Jiang Zhiqing, you’re new here. If you need help, come to us.” “Yes, Jiang Zhiqing, we’ll look out for you.” Jiang Li smiled. “Okay!” The three chatted and washed their clothes.

 When Jiang Li returned, she heard the other educated youths discussing Sun Wenwen’s fall. Though Sun Wenwen wasn’t liked, some female educated youths offered sympathy.  Girls empathized more easily.  Sun Wenwen’s reputation was ruined. If she didn’t marry Li Ermazi, she would face gossip.

 But marrying him would be a terrible loss. Jiang Li smiled coldly.  Sun Wenwen’s actions had backfired. If she hadn’t been so malicious, she wouldn’t be facing this karma. After hanging up her clothes, Jiang Li began to cultivate. This time, she cultivated for a longer period. She didn’t know how many hours passed.

When she finished, it was already dark.  Jiang Li was about to rest when she heard noises from the next room. She frowned. What were Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong doing so late at night?  Without going out, she used her spiritual sense to observe them. Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong each carried a large package and quietly left the educated youth quarters toward the cowshed. 

Jiang Li didn’t intend to pry into their secrets, but it was dangerous for them to go out so late. So, she sent a strand of her consciousness to follow them. If they encountered danger, she could help.

Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong reached the cowshed under the moonlight. They knew the layout of the production team. Several families lived in the cowshed.  The easternmost was Old Man Qin and his wife. Old Man Qin was a former army officer.  In the middle lived a professor from Beijing and his wife, who happened to be Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong’s teacher.

  To the west lived a capitalist family.  Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong quietly knocked on the middle door.  Someone inside heard the knock and opened the door, wondering who it was at this late hour. They thought it might be someone seeking help, so they opened the door. 

They were surprised to see their students, Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong. Lin Cheng was stunned. “What are you doing here?”  Shouldn’t they be in Beijing?  Why were they in the Shengli Production Team? Mu Jingxun said, “Teacher Lin, let’s talk inside.”

 Lin Cheng reacted and let them in. His wife, Zhang Jing, was surprised. “Jingxun, Ziyong, how…how did you get here?” Mu Jingxun and Bai Ziyong greeted her politely. “Teacher’s wife.” Zhang Jing, seeing their condition, felt apologetic.

“Oh dear, I can’t even offer you tea. Would you like some water?” “Teacher’s wife, don’t bother. We’re not thirsty.” Zhang Jing nodded.  Lin Cheng brought out two small stools for them.

“Now, tell me, what brings you here?” Mu Jingxun explained, “Teacher Lin, we’re here to participate in the educated youth program.” Lin Cheng remembered that several new educated youths had arrived but hadn’t seen them.

“Why are you here? The countryside isn’t as good as the city. Why are you suffering?” “Teacher, the city isn’t good either. My family wants me to come to the countryside to avoid trouble.” Lin Cheng had been here for several years and didn’t know the situation in the city.

He knew the backgrounds of the Mu and Bai families and was surprised that they felt it was unsafe.

 “Did you choose Shengli Production Team to look after me?” Lin Cheng thought it was possible; otherwise, they wouldn’t have coincidentally come here.