PCJ – Chapter 408 Biological Sisters?

“The rivers and mountains of the world are extraordinary; the Zi River stretches for thousands of miles with countless shoals. The water rushes fiercely over the shoals, and navigating the river becomes harder with every step. Who truly understands the hardships and joys of the boatmen? The songs of Zi River’s rapids are endless…”

A bright voice suddenly echoed over Heiyan Ridge, reverberating back and forth across Meishan.

“It’s been years since Crazy Chen sang!” Zhang Jiwang sighed.

“It’s been a long time since I last saw Crazy Chen. Who knows where he’s been wandering. He must have just come back recently,” said Zhang Manyin.

“What a waste of a life,” Zhang Dechun shook his head.

…

Chen Cheng stood up, “Who’s that singing mountain songs? It sounds pretty good.”

“Just a crazy person from our village. He’s been acting mad for years and hasn’t been seen for a while. I didn’t expect him to show up again. Maybe he came back because he saw on TV that our village was going to shoot a movie,” Zhang Enzhong laughed, though he himself didn’t quite believe it.

“Can a madman sing that well?” Chen Cheng was a bit skeptical.

“Not truly mad, but he does act wild and erratic. People call him Crazy Chen. He’s just an odd one,” said Wang Fang.

“Not mad, you say? Anyone can see he’s totally crazy!” Zhang Enzhong disagreed with his wife.

After sitting for a bit, Chen Haibo and his friends continued exploring the village.

Once they left, Wang Fang asked Zhang Enzhong, “Did that girl on the bench remind you of someone?”

“Who? I wasn’t really looking.” Zhang Enzhong wasn’t sure if his wife was testing him.

“That one in the white clothes,” Wang Fang insisted. She knew he had been staring, almost pouring a ladle of tofu down as if it were water.

“Who did she look like?” Zhang Enzhong genuinely hadn’t noticed.

“Doesn’t she look exactly like Feng Lian?” Wang Fang said.

“Not at all! Feng Lian is a big star, looks like a goddess. Feng Lian has more of a servant girl look. They look nothing alike.” Zhang Enzhong shook his head firmly.

“What’s wrong with your eyes? They clearly look so much alike!” Wang Fang rolled her eyes. She was talking about Chen Cheng, the girl in white. Comparing her to Chen Fenglian, she became increasingly convinced they were long-lost sisters.

“Alright, alright, they look alike,” Zhang Enzhong nodded vigorously.

“So you do think they look alike, like they could be real sisters,” Wang Fang smiled.

“If you say so, they look alike,” Zhang Enzhong added.

“Enough of that!” Wang Fang playfully punched him on the shoulder.

Chen Fenglian had a daughter with her first child and, after a second pregnancy approval, gave birth to a son last year. At 26, she was already a mother of two. Now, with better family conditions, a stake in the tea plantation bringing a steady income, Chen Fenglian stayed home to raise the children. Her husband, Zhang Jingbing, worked security at the Meizi’ao Hotel. Though his salary was only 1,500 yuan, it covered their expenses, allowing their dividends to go into savings.

The couple planned to send their children to school in the city once they grew older, so they could study in a beautiful, modern school with better educational quality for a brighter future.

Hearing the singing from Heiyan Ridge, Chen Fenglian knew her birth father had returned. Although she denied it to herself, she found herself worrying if he’d die out there whenever she didn’t hear from him. Hearing his voice brought her a strange sense of relief.

From a young age, Chen Fenglian had known she was adopted, although her adoptive parents treated her even better than their own. She knew Crazy Chen was her birth father but had never known her birth mother. She had decided long ago to treat Chen Shunchang and Lin Hongfang as her real parents. Yet, on quiet nights, why did she always end up in tears? Blood ties are not so easily severed.

After finishing his song, Crazy Chen stood on Heiyan Ridge, gazing at the familiar village. He had known happiness once, dreamed of a peaceful life like any other man in the village. But those days were long past, like clouds and wind, impossible to grasp again.

“Annoying,” Zhang Jiaohua sneered at Crazy Chen.

“Can’t you just cover your ears?” Crazy Chen retorted.

“If you didn’t shout, I wouldn’t have to cover them,” Zhang Jiaohua shot back.

“Don’t you know you shouldn’t go near Luoa Ridge? If anything escapes from there, Meizi’ao will be in big trouble!” Crazy Chen said, sounding like a passerby.

“What’s that got to do with me? Meizi’ao isn’t just for the Zhang family in Meizi’ao. The Chen family lives here too,” Zhang Jiaohua replied.

“The Chen family’s lives are none of my business!” Crazy Chen replied indifferently.

“But is Feng Lian none of your business?” Zhang Jiaohua asked.

Crazy Chen glared at him but stayed silent.

“Hey, Crazy Chen, there’s a film crew in the village now, and that actress is gorgeous, like a fairy,” Zhang Jiaohua said.

“Look at you, barely grown, already interested in women. What does it matter how pretty she is?” Crazy Chen scoffed.

“You should go see. That actress, Chen Cheng, looks just like someone,” Zhang Jiaohua said leisurely.

“Who?” Crazy Chen asked curiously.

“I swear, Chen Cheng and Chen Fenglian could have been made from the same mold. Isn’t it strange? Could they be long-lost sisters or half-sisters?” Zhang Jiaohua wondered.

“Chen Fenglian is my brother’s daughter, his only daughter. There are plenty of look-alikes in the world,” Crazy Chen replied, recovering his calm.

“I was just saying. Why are you so worked up? Even if they were real sisters, what does it matter to me? Forget it, I have things to do. This is my spot; don’t come here without a reason,” Zhang Jiaohua said.

Crazy Chen flared up, “The mountain isn’t the Zhang family’s alone! I’ll go where I want, and you can’t stop me. And stop poking your nose in others’ business.”

“Then why did you mention Luoa Ridge earlier if you don’t want me meddling?” Zhang Jiaohua retorted, catching Crazy Chen in his words.

“That’s different! Luoa Ridge became a problem because your father, Zhang Youping, set up a tourist tea plantation there. Naturally, it’s the Zhang family’s responsibility! I’m warning you, those people are trouble. Be careful not to get yourself killed,” Crazy Chen warned.

He then quickly scrambled down Heiyan Ridge, skillfully descending the steep rock wall—a tricky feat that could easily lead to a deadly fall.

“Up on the poplar tops, a large platform is built; in the cow’s hoofprint, a house is set; a broken grindstone is tied with flaxen twine; a cracked egg patched with a wooden dowel; a frying pan, buzzing with flies, is pounded by a blind man making clothes…”

Zhang Jiaohua followed down, joined by his companions—Mountain Leopard, Fat Cat, and Chunky Monkey.

Back home, Liu Qiaoye had prepared dinner. Seeing him back, she scolded, “Rascal, all you know is running wild outside. Go wash up; the food’s getting cold.”

“It’s better cold,” Zhang Jiaohua grinned.

“Did you go watch the filming again?” Liu Qiaoye asked.

“No. Mom, do you think Chen Cheng and Chen Fenglian could be sisters?” he asked.

“How would I know? Don’t meddle in things that don’t concern you. You’re too young to understand these things,” she said, afraid he’d get into trouble.

“I know, Mom. You’re getting naggier. No wonder Dad’s afraid to come back,” he laughed.

“So now I’m naggy? Fine, go do as you like!” she said, offended.

“I was only kidding,” Zhang Jiaohua quickly appeased her.

Lately, Zhang Jiaohua had been trying to recall strange memories about Dalu Fort. Perhaps he was thinking about it too much, as he ended up dreaming of it that night.

In the dream, he became Chengdao again.

Chengdao carried his gravely injured master back to the temple.

“Chengdao, I may not survive this. If anything happens to me, leave this place. Your senior disciples aren’t much use. The future of the Meishan water priesthood rests with you.” The old master placed the treasured bell into Chengdao’s hand.

“Master, don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you!” Chengdao assured him.

“Good boy,” the master patted his head gently. “Remember, don’t tell anyone the bell’s secret, not even your senior brothers.”

Chengdao nodded, “I won’t tell anyone.”

Through Chengdao’s devoted care, the old master gradually recovered.

The old master then sent Chengdao’s senior disciple to Dalu Fort to investigate. He reported that everyone had fled, the government had sealed off the fortress, and began a superficial search for its artisans. However, records were incomplete, and a recent massacre had decimated their ranks. With so many displaced people wandering about, the government’s efforts faded quickly, and peace returned.

The old master knew, however, that it wasn’t over.

He warned Chengdao that one day, a greater threat would descend upon Meishan.