Chapter 3 : Slaughtering the Fat Sheep
A train screeched to a halt at the platform, and the crowd poured out, surging toward the exit.
Jiang Hongmei stood on tiptoe, scanning the crowd until she spotted a familiar army-green uniform amidst the bustling crowd. Excitedly, she called out, “Qi Shaoqiang!”
The man who turned at the sound was tall and powerfully built. He carried a backpack slung over one shoulder, his sleeves rolled up to reveal sun-kissed, muscular arms, the veins faintly visible under the taut skin. In his hands were two large bundles.
He handed the parcels to a middle-aged man carrying a pole and an elderly lady with bound feet, who followed closely. The old lady repeatedly expressed her gratitude.
“Thank you, young comrade, for looking after me and carrying my things. You’re so kind.”
“You’re welcome,” Qi Shaoqiang replied warmly. “The sun is hot you shold hurry home.”
After ensuring the two left safely, he turned and strode purposefully toward Jiang Li. His imposing figure cast a shadow over her, standing well over 1.85 meters tall.
“Comrade, is there something you wish to discuss with me?” he asked curtly.
Jiang Li didn’t say anything. Jiang Hongmei on the side was a little unhappy. As long as she and Jiang Li stood together, no one would notice her.
So she interrupted and said, “I’m the one calling you. I’m Jiang Hongmei, and this is my sister Jiang Li.
Hearing the mention of the Jiang family, Qi Shaoqiang frowned slightly. He recalled his mother’s letter, in which she mentioned arranging a marriage for him with a girl from a neighboring village named Jiang Hongmei. The idea of an arranged marriage, especially without meeting the bride beforehand, struck him as absurd. He had been about to write a letter declining the arrangement but decided instead to address the matter after returning home.
“I have something to discuss with you,” Jiang Hongmei interjected. “It’s too crowded here. Let’s sit down somewhere quieter.” She led the group into a state-run restaurant.
The dining hall was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of braised pork and rich stews. Jiang Hongmei walked confidently to the counter and ordered, “One braised pork elbow, a Yellow River carp, braised pork, and roast pigeon. Also, six ounces of rice and two plates of pork dumplings.”
The server, intrigued by the contrast between her rural attire and her familiarity with the menu, asked, “How much rice?”
“Six ounces,” Jiang Hongmei confirmed, then turned expectantly to Qi Shaoqiang, signaling him to pay.
“You ordered, you pay,” Qi Shaoqiang replied firmly, his expression calm and unyielding.
Though wealthy enough to cover the meal, Qi Shaoqiang found her presumptuous behavior off-putting. “A bowl of plain noodles,” he ordered for himself. Glancing at Jiang Li, who looked frail, he added, “And five meat buns.”
Angered, Jiang Hongmei snapped, “You’re so stingy! Can’t even treat me to a proper meal?”
Unperturbed, Qi Shaoqiang sat down at a table, ignoring her outburst. “If you have something to say, say it now. Otherwise, I’m leaving.”
Irritated but determined, Jiang Hongmei declared, “I’m here to break off our engagement. I don’t have feelings for you, and I won’t marry you. Tell your family the engagement is canceled.”
Qi Shaoqiang paused, surprised. He had intended to suggest the same. “Agreed. Blind marriages are outdated, and I support ending it.”
Relieved yet slightly humiliated, Jiang Hongmei added, “But you must tell everyone it was you who called it off. Our family won’t take the blame.”
He nodded, acknowledging the logic. Breaking an engagement could damage reputations, and as the man, it was easier for him to shoulder the blame.
Suddenly, a car horn blared outside. A military vehicle pulled up, and a young man with thick eyebrows and a square face exited. “Captain Qi, I’m Tang Huaimin. The county magistrate sent me to bring you home. Are you ready?”
Qi Shaoqiang corrected him, “I’m retired, just call me Comrade Qi.” Wrapping the buns in a piece of newspaper, he left the restaurant.
Jiang Hongmei, watching him drive off without offering her a ride, seethed with rage. “You can be so generous with strangers but not your fiancée!” she muttered. Turning to Jiang Li, she snapped, “Why didn’t you try to charm him like you do to other men?”
Jiang Li smirked. “What, you want me to seduce your fiancé? “
The nearby waitress burst into laughter, enjoying the drama.
Furious, Jiang Hongmei stormed off, leaving Jiang Li to fend for herself. It was a long two-hour walk home, and the scorching sun made it unbearable. Jiang Li, without money or energy, trudged slowly, pausing under trees for shade.
As dusk approached, a faint rumble of an approaching car echoed through the air. Moved by instinct, Jiang Li stepped aside, wary of the dust and strangers in the area.