WRS – Chapter 97 Extra 4

Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan brought Bai Jingzhi back to S City. As for Bai Jingzhi’s adoptive parents and the production team, Jiang Mingchuan said he would handle it, so Jin Xiuzhu didn’t get involved. One thing was certain: no matter how mild-tempered Jiang Mingchuan was, if something like this happened to his younger sister, he wouldn’t go easy on anyone.

Bai Jingzhi had suffered a lot over the years and was physically very weak. On the way, Jin Xiuzhu casually took her pulse and found that her foundation was depleted, her qi and blood seriously insufficient, and she still had multiple lingering injuries that hadn’t healed. She looked like a broken doll—nothing about her was healthy, inside or out.

Even though it was midsummer, her hands were icy cold as if it were winter.

Jin Xiuzhu’s heart ached, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to start restoring her health.

Bai Jingzhi, feeling a bit embarrassed, withdrew her hands, worried her dirty ones might soil Jin Xiuzhu’s clothes.

The two children didn’t dare speak, keeping their heads down and timidly observing their surroundings.

Jin Xiuzhu didn’t ask Bai Jingzhi about her past. Instead, she talked about the future: “For now, come stay with us for a while. Later, whether you stay to keep me company or work in S City, it’s up to you. The worst is behind you now, and life is finally turning around.”

Bai Jingzhi lowered her head, her eyes reddening as she listened.

Until now, she had never dared to imagine such a day. She had written several letters home, but never received a single reply. She didn’t understand why her parents had abandoned her, even though she was their daughter.

Now she understood: she wasn’t their biological child, which explained their cruelty. She felt a mixture of hatred and grievance in her heart.

They had caused her so much suffering—especially hearing from her sister-in-law that her brother had been sending money to their parents all these years, but they had never spent a penny on her. They even told her it was hard to raise her, and when she went to the countryside, they still asked her brother for money.

How could they be so shameless!

Jiang Mingchuan’s eyes reddened as well. “It’s all my fault.”

Bai Jingzhi sniffled and shook her head slightly.

He Yan and Fu Yanyan obediently sat on the other side of Jin Xiuzhu. Seeing their young aunt and cousin in such a pitiful state, they suddenly realized how lucky they were.

After arriving in S City, Jiang Mingchuan took Bai Jingzhi to the police station while Jin Xiuzhu waited outside with the two children. During the wait, she told them: “You must always be cautious. See? Your aunt and uncle trusted the wrong people because they were too kind. Don’t believe everything others say. If something seems uncertain in the future, come back and tell us—we’ll figure it out together.”

He Yan and Fu Yanyan nodded obediently.

“Don’t ever sacrifice yourself for others. Your aunt got into college on her own merits—why give up a good job for someone else under threat? If they threaten you, let them. Don’t worry about it.”

The two children widened their eyes at Jin Xiuzhu.

He Yan whispered, “But what if she really dies?”

“Then we’ll bury her,” Jin Xiuzhu replied matter-of-factly.

He Yan didn’t expect such an answer. Though it sounded strange, he realized Jin Xiuzhu was right.

Bai Jingzhi’s situation was complicated. The police officer even asked about the house and money that the Liu couple had accepted as gifts from Ms. Bai. Those funds and property had all been used by Song Xiaoru’s younger brother to repay debts.

The officer asked Jiang Mingchuan if he wanted to recover the assets. The property given by Ms. Bai was conditional: it was meant to raise her daughter properly, and her daughter was one of the beneficiaries. But the Liu couple hadn’t followed through, using the property for themselves. There was a good chance it could be recovered.

This time, Jiang Mingchuan didn’t hesitate and demanded it back.

The officer worked diligently, knowing they were busy. By the third day, the property certificates and part of the funds were handed over to Jiang Mingchuan.

Not much money was recovered; much had already been spent. Jiang Mingchuan didn’t make things harder for the officer, understanding how hard it had been for them to retrieve what they could. Before leaving, he even bought candy and biscuits to thank the police for their effort.

As for Bai Jingzhi’s adoptive family, the outcome still awaited notification. The Liu couple and Song Xiaoru’s brother’s family were now at odds, each blaming the other. The family of the person Song Xiaoru’s brother accidentally killed was also causing trouble. One thing was certain: the results would not be favorable. Liu and Song Xiaoru could no longer keep their jobs; Liu Aihua was outright dismissed by the newspaper.

Regarding Bai Jingzhi’s employment, the newspaper said they would consider it. After all, she had voluntarily given up her previous position. Liu Aihua had poor work performance and caused several problems during her time there. After so many years away from school, it was uncertain whether Bai Jingzhi could even work there again.

Even if she couldn’t return to the newspaper, Jiang Mingchuan could arrange for her to work in a factory; he had comrades there.

At that point, Bai Jingzhi hadn’t yet reclaimed her name. Before going to the countryside, she had changed her name at the police station to Liu Aihua. Now that everything was settled, Jin Xiuzhu had Jiang Mingchuan take her to change it back.

The name change was quick. She was “Bai Jingzhi” again, though this new Bai Jingzhi was no longer the same person Jin Xiuzhu had known. She would likely have no connection with Ji Ling and wouldn’t live a sweet life with him, raising adorable twin children.

Having seen a happy Bai Jingzhi before, Jin Xiuzhu felt even more protective of the sister in front of her now.

Bai Jingzhi returned to the military camp with the children. When He Yan and Yanyan started school, she took the initiative to leave, saying she wanted to go back to S City.

Jiang Mingchuan didn’t have time to see her off and wanted her to stay longer; Jin Xiuzhu tried to persuade her as well. But Bai Jingzhi insisted on leaving.

Having experienced cruelty, she cherished the care from her brother and sister-in-law even more and didn’t want to trouble them by staying.

Jiang Mingchuan called a comrade in S City, a retired officer who had been placed as director of a flour factory due to his seniority.

Jin Xiuzhu didn’t know how he managed it, but a few days later, her comrade called back. When her sister arrived in S City, she could go directly to the factory. A job had been arranged, including a single dormitory where she could live with the children.

Jin Xiuzhu had originally wanted to see her off in S City, but Bai Jingzhi shook her head: “Sister-in-law, I can manage.”

Looking at Bai Jingzhi’s determined eyes, Jin Xiuzhu felt a complex mix of emotions. Perhaps because of her experiences, Bai Jingzhi had become more independent and decisive. Perhaps she knew that besides herself, no one could truly rely on her.

Just like Jin Xiuzhu had once been: alone and invincible because there was no one to depend on.

Once Bai Jingzhi left and settled in S City, she called Jiang Mingchuan to say the work was easy, the factory even had a kindergarten, and she could put the children there.

As for the two houses, she followed Jin Xiuzhu’s advice and planned to take the children over on Sunday to clean them up. Later, if there was a chance, they could rent them out.

One house had been compensated by her adoptive parents, and the other was given to her by Jiang Mingchuan before he left, the property certificate in hand, saying it was left to her by her mother.

Bai Jingzhi didn’t want it at first, but Jiang Mingchuan said he also had one.

Jin Xiuzhu had heard this too. After seeing someone off at the train, she went back and asked him, “What about your house?”

Jiang Mingchuan hesitated slightly, saying it was with his adoptive mother.

Jin Xiuzhu acknowledged with an “oh,” then said directly, “Remember to come back for it. After all, it’s something your mother left you. Even if it’s just a memory, you have to keep it well.”

Jiang Mingchuan thought for a moment, then softly replied, “Mm.”

On their way back, they passed through the county town and specifically bought some meat at the meat processing plant and flour at the supply and marketing cooperative.

The two of them didn’t talk much along the way. Mainly, Jin Xiuzhu felt a little awkward toward this version of Jiang Mingchuan. She knew he was Jiang Mingchuan, but she also knew he wasn’t exactly him—it was hard to treat them as the same person.

Jiang Mingchuan sensed it too. When she looked at him, it always seemed as if she was seeing someone else through him. That gaze made him uncomfortable, though he couldn’t exactly say why.

He walked behind her, quietly watching her back.

When they reached the apartment building, he unusually spoke up: “I might be busy these next few days. I probably won’t be back for dinner at night.”

Jin Xiuzhu responded with a nod.

Jiang Mingchuan added, “Jingzhi said I don’t need to send her money anymore, that the money she’ll get back will be enough for her living expenses.”

Jin Xiuzhu felt a pang in her heart. “Let her decide. Even if you give it to her, she wouldn’t want it.”

Jiang Mingchuan found it strange—her words sounded like she really understood his sister.

But he was surprised by how much Jin Xiuzhu cared about Jingzhi, helping all the way without a hint of resentment.

He wanted to say something more, but by then, they had already reached the doorway.

At that moment, the door next door suddenly opened, revealing a fair and gentle face. Zhao Yun, as if not seeing Jin Xiuzhu, smiled softly at Jiang Mingchuan. “Captain Jiang, you’re back.”

Jin Xiuzhu, hearing the voice, turned her head to glance.

Jiang Mingchuan didn’t reply. He instinctively looked at Jin Xiuzhu. In the past, she would have turned dark, shouted at Zhao Yun without distinction, and then scolded him too, disregarding any courtesy.

But this time, Jin Xiuzhu just calmly glanced at Zhao Yun and went inside, not even slamming the door.

Jiang Mingchuan felt a mix of emotions. He nodded to Zhao Yun and followed her in.

The door closed behind them, leaving Zhao Yun frozen in place, confused by Jiang Mingchuan’s sudden indifference.

Watching Jin Xiuzhu go to the kitchen, Jiang Mingchuan thought for a moment, then went to his room to change clothes. Afterward, he returned to the kitchen doorway and said, “I’m heading out for a bit.”

Jin Xiuzhu, kneading dough, responded with a “Okay” without lifting her head.

Seeing this, Jiang Mingchuan added, “It’s for work.”

Jin Xiuzhu glanced at him and nodded, “Alright.”

He pursed his lips and left.

Jin Xiuzhu watched his figure disappear from the kitchen doorway and let out a quiet laugh.

That night, lying in bed together, neither could sleep. Jin Xiuzhu stared at the moonlight outside, thinking about the other Jiang Mingchuan and the children elsewhere.

Lost in thought, a hand suddenly rested on her waist. Jin Xiuzhu stiffened.

Jiang Mingchuan tensed as well. He tried to speak, but Jin Xiuzhu’s calm voice interrupted: “I’m not ready yet.”

He paused, understood her meaning, and said softly, “Okay, I understand.”

Jin Xiuzhu said nothing more.

After a while, Jiang Mingchuan gently turned over.

Perhaps because of Jin Xiuzhu’s promise, a year later, He Yan was admitted to the county high school. That same year, Jiang Mingchuan was promoted to regiment commander, taking over from Commander Yan, who transferred elsewhere.

On the day he left, Jin Xiuzhu saw him off. She also saw Wang Ling, who now had a distant relationship with her, only exchanging a few polite words. Zhao Yun, however, clung to her hand, unwilling to let go, chatting endlessly.

Jin Xiuzhu didn’t mind and discussed dinner with her daughter.

Without Jin Xiuzhu’s strict supervision, Fu Yanyan’s grades improved steadily. She consistently ranked in the top three of her school and developed a love for painting and embroidery, learning many techniques from Jin Xiuzhu. For Jiang Mingchuan’s birthday, she even embroidered a red-flag handkerchief for him, which he proudly showed off for a long time.

It was Sunday. Both children were home, and Jin Xiuzhu prepared a large table of food. The family of four ate happily. Jiang Mingchuan, in rare high spirits, brought out plum wine sent by comrades, and everyone had a small drink.

That night, Jin Xiuzhu quickly fell asleep. In her dream, a few years later, Jingzhi’s factory suffered poor profits. She started selling goods at stalls, and after someone praised her flatbread as delicious, she went into the flatbread business alone, growing from a small stall into a fast-food chain.

She also dreamed of the two children: He Yan entered military school but injured a leg saving someone. Strong-willed, he repeated a year and later was admitted to the capital university to study physics. Yanyan had always been excellent academically. Though her college entrance exam results were not ideal, she didn’t repeat a year. She started a small clothing business during university, designing and drawing her own patterns. After graduation, she opened a clothing store using her savings, which thrived.

In her dream, Jin Xiuzhu saw many people—You Qianyu, Wang Ling, Yang Yingxiong, Zhong Xue… some fared well, some poorly, each changed in some way.

Finally, she saw Zhao Yun’s family. Zhao Yun’s daughter Tang Ying married Wei Ningqing, but the marriage didn’t last long. Yang Yao’s past replacement military service was discovered, affecting the entire family. Tang Ying’s brother Yang Chaoying was expelled from military school, and Zhao Yun’s hair turned white overnight, but she couldn’t divorce. Yang Yao refused.

Tang Ying, concerned for her mother and brother, threatened Wei Ningqing with divorce. Unexpectedly, Wei Ningqing, a principled man, agreed.

In the dream, Jin Xiuzhu sighed. Truly, the world is unpredictable—who could have imagined such upheaval in a family long envied by others?

Perhaps the dream was too vivid. Even after waking, Jin Xiuzhu lingered in thought. Lying in bed, she suddenly felt heat rising. At first, she ignored it, but gradually, it intensified. Feeling something, she pushed the man beside her forcefully.

Jiang Mingchuan opened his eyes sharply. In the darkness, he met Jin Xiuzhu’s eyes, filled with surprise and reluctance. He paused, asking, “What’s wrong?”

Jin Xiuzhu said seriously, “Take good care of the two children. Remember, respect their choices, support them no matter what—they’re good kids.”

Pausing, she added, “And take care of yourself too. Mind your health.”

Jiang Mingchuan’s heart tightened. He wanted to ask more, but Jin Xiuzhu had already closed her eyes and fallen asleep, her breathing even.

He frowned, reaching out to feel her breath, relieved by its steadiness.

Yet for some reason, a strong sense of loss lingered in his heart, as if he had lost the most precious treasure of his life.