Yunyi hadn’t expected to uncover such a juicy piece of gossip by following them. She had only suspected an affair, never imagining that the Qiu Family’s son and daughter were actually Xu Wenchang’s offspring. Upon closer reflection, she realized there were indeed shades of Brigade Leader Xu Wenchang in Qiu Baolin and Qiu Baojuan’s features, though the siblings more strongly resembled their mother, the widow Qiu. No wonder Qiu Baojuan had privately bragged about using Snowflake Cream, the kind popular with city folk; everyone thought she was boasting, but now it all made sense.
Yunyi instantly had an idea. It seemed she wouldn’t have to lift a finger herself, just give a slight push from the shadows. Still, it was necessary to secretly investigate Brigade Leader Xu Wenchang’s house to understand her adversary thoroughly and prevent him from causing her trouble again.
Just then, she heard the widow Qiu say, "You talk a good game, but isn’t it always Xingwang, your son with Ma Jiuxiang, who comes first? He needs a house for his wedding, so you designated those two small courtyards built by the Educated Youths for him. But have you ever thought that Qiu Baolin isn’t getting any younger? They’re both your sons! Don’t you know how much he and his sister have suffered all these years?"
Hearing this, Yunyi wanted to curse aloud. So, the Brigade Leader’s image of prioritizing the commune members’ welfare was a complete sham! His true intent was to seek personal gain—a sanctimonious hypocrite through and through.
But she hadn’t expected Xu Wenchang to be even more shameless. "Haven’t we planned it all out?" he said. "That Chu Zhiqing is attractive and wealthy, and she also possesses excellent medical skills. Once we win her over, how could our son’s future be anything but bright?"
The widow Qiu finally relented. "Fine, fine, I can’t win an argument against you. Oh, and remember to bring back a box of Snowflake Cream for our daughter."
Brigade Leader Xu Wenchang kissed her. "I knew you’d understand me best. Don’t worry, how could I only remember our daughter? I’ll get a box for you too. I adore your face and figure the most."
But the widow Qiu replied languidly, "You’re just saying sweet things. What’s the use if you like me? This relationship still can’t see the light of day." ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ novel·fıre·net
Hearing this, Brigade Leader Xu Wenchang’s tone turned cold. "Didn’t we agree from the very beginning not to bring this up again?"
The widow Qiu knew Xu Wenchang was angry. "It’s only because I care about you," she said, her voice softening. "And because I’m envious that Ma Jiuxiang can stand by your side openly and proudly, yet you scold me."
Brigade Leader Xu Wenchang said impatiently, "Alright, alright, I know you’ve been aggrieved these years. Rest assured, whatever Xingwang and the others have, Qiu Baolin and Qiu Baojuan will also receive. I’ll treat them equally."
This was exactly what the widow Qiu wanted to hear. "You’d better remember what you said. Otherwise, we’ll see if I let you near me again."
Seeing she was being sensible, Brigade Leader Xu Wenchang said, "Alright, I have other matters tonight. You should rest. I’ve already been delayed here for quite some time, so I won’t come over to your place again tonight, to avoid stirring up more trouble." The "trouble" he mentioned naturally referred to the risk of Ma Jiuxiang finding out.
Since she had Xu Wenchang’s assurance, the widow Qiu didn’t try to keep him any longer. She personally saw him to the door and then went to bed.
Yunyi trailed Brigade Leader Xu Wenchang from a safe distance, observing his cautious demeanor. What could a mere village brigade leader be so busy with in the dead of night? And he’s being incredibly careful on his way—his caution almost rivals the counter-surveillance skills of a seasoned criminal.
Suddenly, the word ’criminal’ echoed in her mind. Considering the current political climate of the era, a chilling thought struck her, and she was deeply alarmed. Fortunately, I have my martial arts skills, and my senses are sharper than most people’s; otherwise, that cunning Brigade Leader might have discovered me long ago.
She continued to follow him until he reached a cemetery. When he stopped moving, she quickly slipped into her interdimensional space to hide.