WRS – Chapter 96 Extra 3

Over the next few days, Jin Xiuzhu made new clothes for the whole family and thoroughly cleaned the house from top to bottom, discarding anything unnecessary. The children’s rooms were particularly cluttered, filled with all kinds of miscellaneous items that Jin Xiuzhu couldn’t figure out the purpose of, so she simply threw everything out.

While Jin Xiuzhu tidied up, the two children ran back and forth helping to throw things away, working up a sweat.

But they were very happy—everything felt brighter and cleaner now.

When Jin Xiuzhu was cleaning He Yan’s room, she came across his test papers—and none of them were passing. She held the papers, studying them for a long time, while He Yan stood nervously by her side.

It was 1976, and He Yan was only in the first year of middle school. The situation here was very different from what she knew: school started later, and the standards were much lower. The He Yan she knew had never failed a test since childhood; he was always among the top five in the entire school.

Yet this child before her had abysmal grades.

She didn’t understand why the same person in the same location could have such drastically different circumstances. It was the same with Qian Yufeng’s family, and the same with Jiang Mingchuan and the two children. Jiang Mingchuan should have been promoted and gone south by now, yet he was still here; Wu Erzhu hadn’t retired either—everything had changed.

Jin Xiuzhu was puzzled but still wanted to make a difference. She looked at He Yan, who remained silent, and suddenly said, “If you get into high school next semester when you’re in second year, I’ll buy you a wristwatch.”

He Yan looked up in surprise at Jin Xiuzhu. She had never cared about his grades, though she had very high expectations for Fu Yanyan, scolding her for even a single-point drop and constantly comparing her to Tang Ying next door.

So even though Jin Xiuzhu usually seemed biased against him, he didn’t take it to heart—he knew it was all superficial.

Unable to resist, he asked, “Really?”

Jin Xiuzhu placed all the test papers on the table—they were all scores in the teens or twenties. “If you can get in, I’ll buy it for you.”

He Yan looked at his grades and felt it would be very difficult, but the thought of a watch excited him. Even Wu Xiaojun didn’t have one, and yet Jin Xiuzhu was willing to get him one.

He thought about it, and in the end, the lure of the watch outweighed everything else. But he asked again, “Will Uncle agree?”

Jin Xiuzhu replied, “He will.”

He Yan nodded, recalling how in the past few days, whenever Jin Xiuzhu said something, his father seemed to approve. “I’ll definitely get into high school—don’t go back on your word.”

“Mm.”

Jin Xiuzhu agreed. She wasn’t biased and turned to her daughter, “Same goes for you. If you get into high school, Mom will buy you a wristwatch too.”

In the past, Fu Yanyan wouldn’t have believed this, but things were different now. She noticed that when her mother said something, she actually meant it—buying the fan, making the clothes, even now promising a watch. Fu Yanyan felt happy; unlike He Yan, her grades weren’t bad, and getting into high school was a certainty. So it was as if her mother had promised a watch to herself.

Fu Yanyan nodded slightly.

He Yan didn’t feel jealous either, because Jin Xiuzhu had promised him as well.

Whether it was the lure of the watch or the desire to prove himself, He Yan started studying that very day. At first, it was hard to focus, but he tried his best to resist the urge to play.

When Jiang Mingchuan returned home that evening, he noticed not only that the house was bright and clean, but that the two children seemed different somehow.

That night, when it was time to sleep, he finally realized the difference—his son was actually sitting at the desk studying.

Jiang Mingchuan had always shared a room with his son. All the clutter was gone, leaving only the bed, wardrobe, and desk, neatly arranged.

Lying on the bed and watching his son’s thin back, he couldn’t help but ask, “Did you tidy your room?”

He Yan yawned and shook his head, “She did it. Said we don’t need all that stuff—it’s just cluttering up the house.”

Jiang Mingchuan understood immediately, feeling a slight shift in his heart.

He Yan didn’t mention Jin Xiuzhu’s promise to buy him a watch if he got into high school, fearing his father would disapprove. He figured he’d get into high school first, then worry about that.

Jiang Mingchuan nodded and closed his eyes to sleep.

While the children studied at home, Jin Xiuzhu kept herself busy. Her relationship with Wang Ling was distant, with Qian Yufeng it was mediocre, and even Fang Min she didn’t know well. Though she felt a little lonely, she quickly accepted it and focused on finding a job to earn money.

She chose the safest route: painting and submitting her work to newspapers. She spent several days painting, then selected a few pieces to send to newspapers she had previously contracted with.

Jin Xiuzhu also knew that martial arts novels would be hugely popular in the coming decades. Back then, Yang Chaoying’s children were obsessed with them. She even tried writing some herself, sending them to Yanyan, who didn’t care for them, but Jin Xiuzhu enjoyed reading them. Later, Yanyan acknowledged her mother’s taste and bought her some popular novels.

Only then did Jin Xiuzhu understand what truly made a martial arts novel engaging—it was compelling and satisfying. She wanted to try writing too, though at the time she had been too busy with commissioned paintings and investments to make time.

Now she could finally write. She had written articles before, though never with Fang Min’s critical edge, but for novels set in ancient times that didn’t require reflection or critique, she felt capable.

With that in mind, she grabbed her daughter’s pen and notebook and began creating. The three of them—mother and children—hunched over the dining table, absorbed in their work, the fan quietly blowing, creating a calm and comfortable atmosphere.

Occasionally, the children would glance up and see their mother and sibling busy, then quickly return to their own work.

For several days, Jiang Mingchuan returned home early. Even when he had finished work before, he would usually stay a bit longer, but now he left as soon as things were done.

There were no arguments at home, a delicious meal awaited him when he returned, the two children behaved well, and the house was clean and tidy… exactly like the home he had imagined.

After dinner one evening, He Yan suddenly said to Jin Xiuzhu, “Auntie, aren’t you and Uncle a couple? Why don’t you sleep in the same room?”

Jin Xiuzhu blinked. “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Mingchuan was washing dishes in the kitchen.

He Yan frowned. “Uncle snores too loudly at night. It affects my studying.”

It was their last year before the high school entrance exam. His uncle’s snoring was really disruptive—he couldn’t focus on reading or memorizing, which was infuriating.

Jin Xiuzhu said, “Go talk to your uncle. I can’t decide.”

He Yan frowned, thought about his watch for a moment, and then got up to go to the kitchen.

No one knew exactly what he said to Jiang Mingchuan, but that night, Jiang Mingchuan carried a pillow into Jin Xiuzhu’s bedroom.

Jin Xiuzhu ignored him and turned over to continue sleeping.

Jiang Mingchuan glanced at her and awkwardly said, “The child said I disturb him… I guess we’ll have to sleep in the same room.”

Jin Xiuzhu responded with a simple “Hmm.”

Jiang Mingchuan set down the pillow and lay down gently, trying to stay close to the edge of the bed to avoid touching her.

The atmosphere felt a bit awkward, and he suddenly said, “The city police traced Yang Yingxiong—he took a train south, though he might have stopped somewhere along the way.”

Jin Xiuzhu’s brow relaxed slightly. South was fine; in a year or two, the situation there would ease considerably. If Yang Yingxiong worked diligently, he could support himself. Leaving here might be the best choice for him.

Then Jin Xiuzhu seemed to remember something and asked suddenly, “How’s your younger sister doing now?”

Jiang Mingchuan was surprised by the question but replied, “She’s only been working a few years, at a newspaper. Everything else is fine, just a bit busy.”

“What newspaper?”

“I’m not exactly sure. Her foster parents didn’t say, just that she’s busy and has lost weight from overwork.”

At this, Jiang Mingchuan’s tone grew a little helpless.

Jin Xiuzhu frowned. “Haven’t you seen her even once?”

Jiang Mingchuan said, “I saw her once a few years ago. After that, we were both busy. But I send money every month.”

Jin Xiuzhu said, “Stop sending money for now. If possible, we should go see her ourselves.”

Jiang Mingchuan looked at Jin Xiuzhu.

She continued directly, “Your sister is working now and earning money. The money you send only comforts yourself; she won’t use it. If she really needs money, we can save it all and give it to her ourselves. I just worry she wouldn’t even know about it.”

Jiang Mingchuan remained silent.

Jin Xiuzhu added, “And your foster parents don’t need money either. They both have stable jobs—they don’t lack anything. It would be better to use that money to buy something nice for the children; they’ve been so hungry.”

Jiang Mingchuan wanted to say that he gave half of his monthly salary, but she was reluctant to buy meat for the kids.

“We’ll go to the capital for New Year,” she continued.

Jiang Mingchuan didn’t understand why Jin Xiuzhu suddenly brought this up. It was the first time he’d heard her mention seeing his sister. Before, she had stopped him from visiting, afraid he would give money.

Jin Xiuzhu worried a bit about Bai Jingzhi and said, “If possible, take some leave soon. The whole family can go. We can also see how your sister is living day to day.”

It would catch Bai Jingzhi’s foster parents off guard, leaving them unprepared.

Jiang Mingchuan was surprised. “Soon?”

“Mm.”

Perhaps sensing his doubt, Jin Xiuzhu explained, “Something doesn’t feel right. If your sister’s foster parents were good people, even if they didn’t want you two siblings to meet, they wouldn’t cut off all contact. Now that she’s working and supporting herself, why would they still need your money? Their economic situation shouldn’t be that bad. Your mother certainly wouldn’t have entrusted the child to such poor people unless something had happened at home, or there was something wrong with them.”

Jiang Mingchuan had never thought deeply about these things, or he had noticed something off but didn’t want to think badly of people. He always hoped his sister was well and trusted her foster parents.

Now, Jin Xiuzhu’s details made his heart tighten.

She reminded him, “Take some leave.”

Jiang Mingchuan was silent for a moment, then softly responded, “Mm.” He hadn’t used his vacation yet; he could take leave.

On the tenth day of the eighth month, the family of four set out.

It was the children’s first long trip, and they were excited. He Yan, already familiar with Jin Xiuzhu, said, “You’ve used so many of my pens lately. You promised to return them.”

“I will,” Jin Xiuzhu replied. “I’ll return them. I’ll even buy you a big bunch of pens when the time comes.”

“Also a notebook.”

“Sure.”

He Yan brightened. “What’s so fun in S City?”

“I’ll take you there to explore when the time comes.”

Fu Yanyan watched Jin Xiuzhu and He Yan chatting happily and felt a pang of envy. But then she thought about how fair her mother had been—whatever He Yan had, she had too—so it didn’t feel unbalanced anymore.

Her mother always said her greatest love was for herself because she was her biological daughter—different from the rest.

The family of five took the train to S City. Upon arrival, Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan found a guesthouse near Bai Jingzhi’s adoptive parents’ home. Since it was already past three in the afternoon, they decided not to deal with that matter immediately. Instead, they took the children to the department store, buying notebooks and pens for the kids, as well as fabric, shoes, and snacks. Jin Xiuzhu even bought a new outfit for Bai Jingzhi, recalling her size—they sometimes could wear each other’s clothes.

By the time they finished shopping, it was already five o’clock. They had a meal at a state-run restaurant and then returned to the guesthouse to rest.

That night, Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan decided not to visit Bai Jingzhi’s adoptive home directly. They would first check with neighbors near her adoptive parents’ house to gather information.

Even Jin Xiuzhu, thinking of Bai Jingzhi’s situation, had assumed the worst was merely being exploited by her adoptive parents, earning money for the household while living a pitiful life herself. But when they asked neighbors nearby, everyone said they hadn’t seen her for years—not even during the New Year. As for where she had gone, no one was really sure. Only a neighbor next door whispered that Liu Jingzhi had been sent to the countryside. Her adoptive parents favored the younger sibling, who had poor grades, and forced the older sister to give up her job at the newspaper so the younger could take it, sending her older sister to the countryside. No one had seen her for years.

The neighbor sighed. “That child had it rough. Her little sister even held a kitchen knife to her throat to force her to agree. Their family lives got better and better, but the older one suffered. What kind of life could she possibly have in the countryside?”

Jiang Mingchuan’s face grew paler by the second.

Jin Xiuzhu, keeping calm, asked, “Do you know exactly where she was sent?”

“Not really. Her family’s affair caused such a scene back then. I heard it from next door, but many people have moved away since, and no one talks about it anymore. If you hadn’t asked, I would have forgotten.”

Jin Xiuzhu thanked them, then explained the situation with a look of fury. When the neighbor realized Bai Jingzhi was their real sister while the people next door were merely adoptive parents, taking money meant for their biological children and sending her to the countryside, they were stunned. Then, indignantly, they said, “I can’t believe they’re so shameless. Go find her quickly; life in the countryside is tough. That child must be suffering terribly.”

Jin Xiuzhu agreed and left, pulling Jiang Mingchuan along.

Outside, the family of four ran into Bai Jingzhi’s adoptive parents washing dishes. They didn’t recognize each other; the adoptive parents smiled innocently at them.

Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan didn’t smile. The children, understanding the situation, couldn’t smile either, finding the couple disgusting. The family turned and left immediately.

After they left, Song Xiaoru whispered, “Who were those people?”

Liu Qin replied, “Never mind, they don’t seem like ordinary people.”

Song Xiaoru frowned. “That man looks familiar.”

Liu Qin said, “You’re mistaken; I’ve never seen him before.”

After going downstairs, Jin Xiuzhu asked Jiang Mingchuan, “What do we do next?”

Jiang Mingchuan thought for a moment. “Call the police.”

Jin Xiuzhu had been thinking the same and suggested, “We could report that our younger sister was abducted. Your mother was planning to bring her back to the capital, but she was taken on the way. Now we’ve tracked her here, but she was sent to the countryside.”

Jiang Mingchuan shook his head. “No need. Just tell the truth.”

Jin Xiuzhu understood his nature and guessed he didn’t want to complicate matters. “Alright then.”

Every side of him was good.

The family of four went to the police station to report.

Initially, the police assumed this involved adopted children and job substitution. But when they discovered the siblings were descendants of martyrs, the matter became serious. Authorities immediately took action, going with Jin Xiuzhu and the others to Bai Jingzhi’s adoptive parents’ home.

The police handled the situation smoothly, taking the couple directly to the station. The commotion drew neighbors out, who, upon seeing Jin Xiuzhu and family, brightened. After the police left, they eagerly explained, “That’s Jingzhi’s real brother and sister-in-law. They came to find her. Jingzhi was such a good child, but this family ruined her.”

“Wasn’t she married?”

“Married? Lies! They tricked her to the countryside. Her younger sister took over the newspaper job.”

“It’s disgusting. Definitely report to the police.”

The police quickly obtained Liu Jingzhi’s address from the couple. Looking at Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan, one said, “We’ll call to check the details. Liu Jingzhi should have had a university job assigned, so she shouldn’t have been sent to the countryside. We can contact the local production team to bring her back.”

Jiang Mingchuan nodded. “Thanks.”

A young officer sighed, “Her case is special. We still need more details. We’ve sent people to Liu Aihua; maybe we’ll learn more.”

Jin Xiuzhu interjected, “Officer, my mother’s family was wealthy. When they entrusted her to that couple, she must have arranged everything properly. At least they wouldn’t lack materially. But now they live in a dilapidated place, struggling for food and shelter. There must be something hidden.”

The officer frowned. “Noted. That’s an important clue.”

Once they had the address, the family of four left. On the way, Jiang Mingchuan bought tickets for the next morning’s 6 a.m. train, while Jin Xiuzhu returned to the guesthouse with the children.

That night, the family had little appetite, only buying a few steamed buns to fill their stomachs. At the guesthouse, they ran into the young officer from that morning. He hesitated before saying, “Um… I need to tell you, your sister seems married. After going to the countryside, someone spied on her while she bathed, and the family forced a marriage. I heard she’s living poorly and often beaten.”

Jiang Mingchuan’s hands clenched tightly at his sides, his body trembling with anger.

He couldn’t believe his beloved sister had endured such a life.

Jin Xiuzhu’s heart ached, but she stayed rational, asking for more details, though the officer didn’t know specifics.

The next morning, the family set out to find their sister.

Even though they had prepared for the worst, seeing her in person made Jiang Mingchuan and Jin Xiuzhu hate Liu Qin and his family all the more.

Jin Xiuzhu, especially, was struck—she knew Bai Jingzhi was beautiful, fair-skinned, with a smile that warmed the heart. But now, she saw a haggard, frail woman, young yet already wrinkled with streaks of gray.

Bai Jingzhi held one child in her arms and carried another on her back. Her arms and neck were covered in scars.

Jin Xiuzhu’s eyes welled with tears. Jiang Mingchuan clenched his fists and beat the man mercilessly.

No one dared stop him. The man likely hadn’t expected Bai Jingzhi still had family, knowing only that her sister forced her to the countryside with no one to intervene.

Finally, Jin Xiuzhu restrained Jiang Mingchuan, lest he kill the man. She looked at him lying on the ground, barely alive, and then at his family wailing. She said, “Stop crying. Don’t you always treat my sister like this? Don’t worry, none of you will escape.”

Soon, a police officer arrived with production team leaders. Jin Xiuzhu remained calm, speaking politely. The leaders, seeing her reasonableness, scolded the man’s family and had a cart sent to remove them.

Bai Jingzhi followed Jin Xiuzhu, holding her children, without a trace of attachment.

At the county, Jin Xiuzhu told the police, “My sister was sent to rural construction, spied on while bathing, forced into marriage, and beaten—yet no one cared. I want to know, how could the local leaders allow this? My husband is a soldier, and her parents were both martyrs. If you can’t handle this fairly, we’ll escalate.”

The officers understood her anger and assured, “Don’t worry, we’ll investigate and give you an explanation.”

Only then did Jin Xiuzhu relax slightly.

Bai Jingzhi, holding her children, cried openly. Jin Xiuzhu embraced her, gently patting her back. “Don’t cry. We’re here now. No one can hurt you again.”

Bai Jingzhi’s cries grew louder, like a wronged child finally finding refuge.