In the two years after the news of Luo Xudong’s betrayal and murder spread, Qiao Xianhong would come three or four times a year. Gradually, it became twice a year, and in the past two years, it’s been once a year. This year, he came quite early.
Beisitian glanced at the things in the two net bags on the cabinet and then sat on the kang. She did not know why Mrs. Qin called her back, and it was not convenient to ask in front of outsiders.
"Comrade Little Qiao, our Little Tian’er has endured a lot of hardships with us. As your uncle just mentioned, maybe you could see if there’s anything suitable for her in the military," said Mrs. Qin with a smile, noticing Beisitian’s gaze. However, she felt somewhat guilty and avoided meeting her eyes.
Mrs. Qin and Luo Anguo had acted on their own in this matter, worried that Beisitian might be displeased. Yet, they were also afraid that she would be deceived outside. After much thought, they felt that only a soldier would be suitable for their Little Tian’er. If it worked out, they would have fulfilled a wish.
Beisitian sensed the shifting gaze of Mrs. Qin and smiled bitterly inside. Their sudden action was probably related to her staying out twice, and besides, it was also tied to their improved health condition.
Knowing that Mrs. Qin and Luo Anguo were doing it out of concern for her, despite their presumptuousness, made it impossible for her to be angry.
After all, in her past life, aside from her master, no one had ever taken so much trouble thinking about her.
"Mom, I have my own considerations for this matter, and now is not the time to discuss it," Beisitian directly refused.
Mrs. Qin and Luo Anguo exchanged a glance, then smiled bitterly. It really was as they expected.
"Deputy Squad Leader Qiao visits us every year, which is rare. Sitiang has always believed Deputy Squad Leader Qiao is a man of emotions and loyalty. Even the disgraceful reputation of Xudong hasn’t affected your friendship," said Beisitian.
Her direct speech was quite surprising, and both Mrs. Qin and Luo Anguo’s faces turned slightly pale. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹~𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮~𝚗𝚎𝚝
Qiao Xianhong’s face also showed a moment of embarrassment and awkwardness, which Beisitian caught while watching him closely.
"Oh, of course, Xudong and I were closest," Qiao Xianhong said with a forced smile.
"Yes, you were the closest, but unfortunately, you’ve become a deputy squad leader, and he has returned to his homeland in spirit. Without him, the family is utterly run-down," Beisitian sighed.
Qiao Xianhong fell silent. He had been watching the situation of this family over the years.
Seeing this, Beisitian started having some suspicions.
In the past, she wouldn’t have thought much of it, but Luo Xudong didn’t die. He not only survived but was a soldier who sacrificed for righteousness. To such a person, there would be compensations given secretly, even if not expressed openly, and definitely wouldn’t allow his family to live in such conditions.
But the fact was, Luo Er’s family had to save even their cornbread!
After learning of Luo Xudong’s identity, Beisitian thought of this problem. The military wouldn’t just sit idly, so why was Luo Er’s family living ?
The first person Beisitian thought of was Qiao Xianhong, who came every year. Previously, she truly believed Qiao Xianhong was a man of loyalty, especially considering Luo Xudong’s contemptible actions, he still came to care for the family of his comrade, which spoke highly of his character.
But after guessing the truth, she first started doubting Qiao Xianhong, perhaps it’s a kind of woman’s intuition.
Upon probing a little, it’s clear that Qiao Xianhong indeed had some issues.
The entire matter was Beisitian’s speculation. She assumed the military would compensate, which is a logical deduction, and if this assumption holds, then the subsequent speculations can stand.
Luo Xudong hadn’t explained anything, so she couldn’t do anything just by speculating.
Afterward, Qiao Xianhong chatted absent-mindedly. Originally, he didn’t have many topics in common with Mrs. Qin and Luo Anguo. After exchanging pleasantries, he prepared to leave.
Before leaving, Qiao Xianhong reached inside his jacket pocket, then touched his pants pocket, and collected some bills, totaling thirteen yuan, and handed them to Mrs. Qin.
"Uncle, Aunt, this is Xianhong’s token of appreciation." Qiao Xianhong said.
Mrs. Qin hurriedly waved it off, but before she could speak, Beisitian smiled and accepted it, "Thank you, Deputy Squad Leader Qiao, I’ll thank you on behalf of my parents and Xudong."
Looking at Beisitian, Qiao Xianhong seemed momentarily stunned before speaking. "No need to thank me, I have something else to attend to, so I’ll be leaving."
Beisitian escorted the guest out the door, closed the gate, and returned indoors.
The couple inside looked at her helplessly, clearly confused by her actions and words today.
"Little Tian’er, what’s going on?" Mrs. Qin asked first.
Beisitian couldn’t help but smile. They didn’t immediately question her about inappropriate remarks; instead, they asked for the reason, showing they greatly trusted her.
However, she couldn’t explain too clearly now.
"Mom, some things can’t be determined yet. Just accept the money without worry. Once I’ve figured it out, I’ll certainly tell you everything," Beisitian said, not planning to hide much, as doing so would betray their trust.
The couple exchanged a glance, both thinking about whether Qiao Xianhong was problematic, but since their son carried a negative reputation, they couldn’t understand why anyone would keep visiting yearly.
Mrs. Qin gathered the wrinkled thirteen yuan and handed it to Beisitian to save.
Beisitian didn’t take it, smiling, "Mom, use it as pocket money, you could go play cards or something."
Mrs. Qin couldn’t help but laugh. Who would’ve thought she’d have a day to go play cards with money, specifically ten yuan!
"Don’t worry, I’m saving money for Ping’an’s wedding," Beisitian laughed.
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Qin became even more delighted and laughed with Luo Anguo.
The quarantine station now had only three people left, their symptoms weren’t too severe, and their temperatures were beginning to drop.
The Guo Family’s young grandson, although recovered and returned home, Mr. and Mrs. Guo remained to help with cooking and keeping watch due to gratitude towards Beisitian.
Less than a week later, the remaining three also left smoothly. Some were skeptical and went to the town’s health center to check, and the conclusion was there was no pneumonia, meaning they had recovered!
By now, no one doubted and everyone was grateful to Beisitian.
This round of viral pneumonia lasted for a while, causing much panic, indeed claiming many lives. However, the epidemic wasn’t too serious, and after three months of school closures, classes resumed, and factories and enterprises were back to normal operations.
A wave gradually faded into invisibility, and Kao Village now had a ’Doctor Bei,’ more revered than the previous Doctor Bei.
On this day, Beisitian received a call from Ma Xiaoling, saying Mr. Zhou was asking her to come over.
Beisitian was silent, she had healed Luo Xudong’s wound but hadn’t figured out how to deal with his suspicions; would he tell her the truth?