Chapter 115 Soft Spot

After giving all the instructions, Miao Yunyou finally felt at ease and returned to her room to sleep.

Lu Xinglan went out into the night for patrol, while Xie Dingnian led the villagers to the kitchen.

The kitchen was brightly lit, like daytime. Because there were so many people, washing pots and preparing ingredients would have been cumbersome, so they decided to cook a large batch of noodles instead.

While Xie Dingnian worked, the villagers skilled in cooking watched closely, familiarizing themselves with the local seasonings and kitchen routines.

They used ordinary dried noodles—the cheap kind, just a few yuan per pack.

The water in the pot boiled vigorously. When the white noodles were added, they immediately separated and cooked for a few moments before handfuls of tender green vegetables were tossed in. Finally, thick slices of meat were layered on top. The meat, freshly cut and marbled with fat and lean sections, released a rich aroma as it briefly blanched in the boiling water.

Though it was just the simplest noodles with vegetables and meat, for these disaster-stricken villagers who hadn’t tasted meat in a long time, the sight alone made their throats roll with anticipation, their eyes filled with longing.

The first pot of noodles was ready. Five large bowls were served, steaming hot.

The first bowl went to a middle-aged man. He stared at the meat in the bowl for a full three seconds before hot tears streamed down his rough cheeks, dripping into the noodle soup. His voice cracked and hoarse: “I… I haven’t eaten meat in three months.”

The second bowl was given to a young woman. Her hands trembled as she took it, glanced at the meat, then quickly drew the bowl closer to her chest. In an almost inaudible whisper, she asked, “Can… can I take this meat home? I want to save it for my child…”

Her voice was tiny, but Lu Cheng’an heard it. His brow furrowed, and in a low but authoritative tone, he said: “Didn’t I tell you something before coming here?”

The woman froze as if pricked by a needle, shrinking her neck and burying her face in the bowl. She didn’t speak again, hungrily devouring the noodles while her tears mixed with the soup as she swallowed.

Xie Dingnian, standing by the stove, frowned deeply.

An experienced cook nearby, thinking Xie Dingnian was exhausted, quickly stepped forward with a smile: “Master Xie, we can handle the rest of the cooking. We’ve learned your technique. You should take a break.”

Snapping out of his thoughts, Xie Dingnian’s expression softened. He put down his spatula and simply said: “Alright.”

He wiped his hands and looked at Lu Cheng’an, his voice calm but firm: “Cheng’an, come with me. We need to talk.”

Lu Cheng’an, as if expecting this, nodded and followed him out of the kitchen to the backyard.

The night wind swept through the backyard, biting cold. In the corners, insects chirped intermittently. The kitchen’s noise was muffled behind the wooden doors, leaving only the two of them standing in silence.

After a long pause, Xie Dingnian spoke first, his gaze locked on Lu Cheng’an: “Cheng’an, how exactly did you select these people?”

Lu Cheng’an stood with his hands behind his back, looking toward the distant mountains, his tone even: “Naturally, I chose the most honest, diligent, and capable people in the county.”

“It’s not that simple.” Xie Dingnian stepped forward, his eyes sharp as knives. “Just now, I told them not to mention my past, but you said ‘They wouldn’t dare.’”

He paused, every word weighted like a thousand pounds: “Why are you so sure… that they absolutely wouldn’t dare?”

Lu Cheng’an was silent for a long moment before slowly, in an almost calm tone, letting the words out: “Because their contracts of service… are in my hands.”

“What did you say?” Xie Dingnian froze in place, his pupils contracting sharply, his voice rising in shock. “Lu Cheng’an… you forced the villagers to sell themselves?!”

“I didn’t force anyone.” Lu Cheng’an shook his head, his tone still calm, but carrying a faint, almost imperceptible weariness. “I simply posted a notice at the county office, saying that a batch of people was needed for work.

As payment, besides the money from the contract, their families would also receive half a month’s rations.”

“Why do this?!”

Lu Cheng’an’s voice dropped, cold and unflinching, as if facing reality head-on: “Because I’m not just looking for ‘honest people.’ I need people who would give everything for their families. Only such people… have a soft spot.”

“A soft spot?” Xie Dingnian’s voice trembled.

“Yes. A soft spot.” Lu Cheng’an spoke deliberately, each word firm. “With a soft spot, they will value their lives, obey the rules, and protect the secrets of this place.

They work not only to eat, but also to provide for the wives, children, and elders waiting at home. This ensures the maximum safety of this place… and also ensures your safety.”

Lu Cheng’an smiled faintly. “I know my methods may not seem honorable to you, sir. But human nature… is never truly honorable. Instead of gambling on others’ morality, I’d rather keep their lives in my hands.”

“Actually, what’s wrong with that?” he continued. “They work here, can fill their stomachs, and I also give them a separate monthly stipend—whether they save it for themselves or take it home to their families, it doesn’t matter. I’ve already noticed, Miao Yunyou, that you are a good person. You won’t let them work for nothing. You’ll pay them extra or provide supplies. As the head of these people, I will collect these supplies and coordinate with the county office for distribution. Within safe and reasonable limits, we ensure that every one of the county’s more than 5,000 residents gets a share.”

Xie Dingnian looked at his friend, stunned: “From the start… this was your plan?”

Lu Cheng’an gave a bitter smile, rubbing his brow, exhaustion evident in his eyes. “I may not be able to care for the people like you do, sir. I’m just an ordinary man, not very clever. I only try every method I can, by any means necessary, to save as many lives as possible. When things get better, I will personally tear up these contracts. But if they disobey, if they threaten you or anyone else in the county… I will not let them go.”

The night wind swept through the backyard, rustling their clothes. Xie Dingnian remained silent for a long time, looking toward the brightly lit kitchen, where the sound of noodles being eaten and quiet sobs came through. In those sounds were hope, and the anticipation of a future.

Xie Dingnian slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, all he could do was sigh. He patted Lu Cheng’an’s shoulder, his voice hoarse: “Perhaps… you are the one who is right.”