Qin Ye had arrived at the town’s police station.
"Are you saying that you found human phalanges on the mountain?" The on-duty officer was shocked, eyes widened.
Qin Ye nodded, "Yes. My wife and I went up the mountain to gather some medicinal herbs... I tripped over a small pit and then discovered it was a little finger bone..."
This was related to a potential homicide, so the police had to take it seriously. Hence, they said, "Okay, we’ll come with you now to take a look."
Qin Ye nodded, "Alright."
Since the only vehicle at the station was out on official duty, the on-duty officer called another colleague.
Three of them rode bicycles to the Qin Family brigade.
They were all robust men, so naturally, they cycled fast... By the time they reached Qin Family Village, some people were already eating under the old locust tree with bowls and chopsticks in hand.
When they saw Qin Ye passing by with two officers, they couldn’t hide their surprise. What had happened now? Why were the police coming to their village again?
Qin Ye: "Comrade, let’s park the bicycles at the entrance of my house. I’ll take you up the mountain."
The two officers naturally agreed, "Alright."
After parking the bicycles, Qin Ye didn’t even have time to explain to his family before he led the two officers up the mountain.
Madam Rong was a bit worried, "What’s the matter? What did you see on the mountain earlier?"
Rong Yan: "Mom, don’t worry about it. We’ll talk when Qin Ye gets back."
Hearing this, Madam Rong could only refrain from asking further questions.
Meanwhile, Qin Ye had led the officers to the initial spot.
His memory was quite good. Once he memorized a path, he could generally recall it.
The two officers had already spotted the small pit, as well as part of a finger bone exposed outside.
Just by seeing this, they knew it had been there for quite some time.
They knelt down and started to dig carefully... Qin Ye didn’t leave either.
Because it was getting dark, Qin Ye simply made a torch to light their way.
Two hours later, they uncovered half a body.
As for the other half, they couldn’t find it.
They concluded that it might have been torn apart by animals at some point, leaving only half behind.
Qin Ye only glanced at it before averting his eyes.
Fortunately, the police were already planning to return, "Mr. Qin Ye, thank you for your report. We’re heading back down the mountain now."
After inspecting the remains, they reburied them since it wasn’t feasible to remove them from the mountain at that time.
Qin Ye nodded, "Okay."
An hour later, the three men arrived at Qin Ye’s doorstep.
Madam Rong heard the noise outside and quickly came out. Seeing the two officers about to leave on their bicycles, she hurriedly said, "Comrade, it’s late. Have a meal before you go."
However, the two workers wouldn’t stay for dinner; they shook their heads quickly, "Thank you, madam, but we have to go now for urgent matters."
After seeing them off, they rode away fast.
Madam Rong then turned to her son-in-law in a rush, "Qin, what’s going on?"
Qin Ye didn’t hide the truth, "It seems that a set of human bones was found on the mountain. It might be a murder case; the police will probably come again tomorrow."
This was likely a serious matter. Even if he didn’t say anything, the police would still investigate around the village tomorrow, and his mother-in-law would find out eventually. He might as well tell her now.
Madam Rong was startled upon hearing this.
Goodness, it was that serious.
"Then you folks better not go up the mountain these next few days."
Coming across one thing after another on the mountain... It was just too much to handle!
"Okay." Qin Ye wasn’t planning to go up the mountain for the next few days anyway, as with people watching... it wouldn’t be convenient for him.
"It’s getting late. Wash your hands and have your meal. We’ve already eaten, but I kept yours in the pot. Let me get it for you."
Madam Rong was somewhat relieved that they had eaten earlier; otherwise, after hearing about such an incident, she wouldn’t have been able to eat at all.
Qin Ye nodded and then, as if remembering something, quickly said to his mother-in-law, "Mother, don’t be scared."
Madam Rong shook her head, "...I’m not scared."
She was just a bit panicked.
"Go wash your hands!"
Then she hurriedly walked toward the kitchen.
Qin Ye went to the well to draw water and wash his hands.
At this moment, Qin Yu and Qin Mei quickly darted out of the house.
The expressions of joy on the faces of the two siblings were clear. This was obviously the longest they had been separated from their eldest brother.
Of course, that didn’t include Qin Yu.
After all, his previous departure had been even longer.
Seeing his younger brother and sister, Qin Ye’s expression softened a bit.
"How have you been at school these past few days? Are you keeping up with your studies?"
Qin Yu’s smile froze on his face.
Did he have to bring this up?
Qin Mei quickly said, "Big brother, we had a test yesterday. The results haven’t come out yet, but I think it should be okay. I knew how to do it."
Qin Ye’s smile deepened, "Not bad."
Then he looked toward Qin Yu, and seeing guilt flash across his younger brother’s face, he knew the exam hadn’t gone well.
Qin Yu was a bit afraid of his brother’s gaze, "...Big brother, sister-in-law made you pancakes. Go eat them before they... get cold and aren’t good anymore."
Ah, it really wasn’t his fault he didn’t do well. The teacher’s test questions were all things he didn’t know. If the test had been on things he knew, he would have scored a hundred.
Qin Ye’s gaze was stern, "From now on, read for an extra half hour every night before bed."
Qin Yu gaped in dismay.
"...Big brother, sister-in-law said at my age I need to sleep more and go to bed early... If I sleep too late, I might... not grow tall..."
"Then stay short!" Qin Ye left this remark and walked straight into the main room.
Seeing his dejected look, Qin Mei comforted him, "Second brother, it’s just half an hour. It won’t keep you from growing tall, and besides, you’re taller now than you were before..."
You might as well not have said anything.
He had planned to go back to his room, but then remembered he hadn’t yet heard about the situation in the city from his older brother. So, after a moment’s hesitation, he too entered the main room.
But seeing his big brother eating meat-filled pancakes, he didn’t know how to ask.
Should he inquire if their grandfather was kind?
Does he like them, or not?
Does he also think they are jinxed?
"What are you still doing here? Go back to your room and do your homework, read a book," Qin Ye was not as gentle with his brother.
"...Big brother, is grandpa easy to get along with?" Qin Yu still asked, as he knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep without knowing.