Chen Qiang’s residence was an inconspicuous adobe house, yet it was often a hub for thugs playing cards.
Xie Sui had visited twice. After losing all his money, with no more oil to squeeze, no one paid him any attention.
This was their usual tactic: they'd treat you like a king upon entry, but once they’d squeezed you dry, you’d become a nobody, and not being thrown out was considered polite.
“Young Master Xie, you’re here. Made some money recently?”
“Earned a little, just enough to get by.”
“Want to play a few hands?”
“No, I have important business with Brother Qiang.”
Seeing Xie Sui’s preoccupied demeanor, Huang San knew he had taken the bait. He looked down on Xie Sui but led him to Chen Qiang’s room.
“Brother Qiang, Young Master Xie is here.”
“Quickly, invite him in! How can we neglect Young Master Xie?”
This was a veritable god of wealth. Chen Qiang personally greeted him, acting as if Xie Sui were his own brother.
A young, inexperienced person would have instinctively trusted him and been led by the nose. But Xie Sui, who had navigated the ups and downs of business for a lifetime, found such tactics to be mere child's play.
“Brother Qiang, what’s the plan for tomorrow? Can I meet the buyers?”
Chen Qiang put on a sympathetic expression. “Don’t worry, they’re definitely from a wealthy family. They’re specifically looking for twins, which is why they contacted you. Otherwise, such a good opportunity wouldn't come your way.
Opportunity has arrived, seize it. You can trust Brother Qiang to handle this.”
Xie Sui cursed silently, thinking, If it’s such a good thing, why aren’t you selling your own son? You son of a b****, trying to scheme against me, you blind fool!
“They are, after all, my own flesh and blood. I’m not at ease.”
“If that’s how you feel, then I’ll find someone else. See yourself out.”
Chen Qiang suddenly changed his tune. He was spoiled and couldn’t be given a kind ear.
“No, no, I was wrong, Brother Qiang, please don’t be angry.
I have a small request. Please bear with me, Brother Qiang. Just keep the child’s head covered so he doesn’t see me. It will make me feel a little better.”
“Alright, I understand.”
Chen Qiang patiently persuaded him for a few more sentences and then saw him out.
Xie Sui lingered outside for a while before heading to the police station.
“Hello, I’m looking for Huang Tianliang. Is Officer Huang Tianliang in?”
“Huang Tianliang? Who are you to him?”
“His cousin. Thank you for your trouble.”
Xie Sui breathed a sigh of relief. The future director of the Caozhou City Public Security Bureau was now just a probationary officer recently discharged from the army, feeling uninspired. His family was large, and he was as poor as Xie Sui.
Huang Tianliang, smoking a cheap cigarette, his hair disheveled and beard unshaven, his uniform worn sloppily, didn’t look like a police officer. “You’re my cousin?”
He looked unfamiliar. He had many relatives, too many cousins to count, and the connections were convoluted.
“Hello, cousin. I’m the fourth son of the eldest son of your third aunt’s family. I visited your home a few years ago during the Lunar New Year, and we met. I was young then.
I heard you were transferred back, and I wanted to welcome you.”
Huang Tianliang started counting on his fingers, trying to sort it out, but ended up confusing himself. “No need to trouble yourself. Just tell me what you need directly.”
“Nothing, I just wanted to chat with you, cousin. It’s almost noon. I’ll treat you at the state-run restaurant. Since I’m here, it’s only right that I host.”
He enthusiastically dragged Huang Tianliang to the state-run restaurant. With good wine and food laid out, Huang Tianliang was a bit speechless. “Don’t do this. There are regulations at the station. We can’t take advantage of citizens, not even a needle or a thread.”
“Oh, cousin, I’m your brother. We’re family. Even if the director came, he couldn’t say that we, family, broke the rules.
Let’s drink. I’ll toast you, cousin.”
Xie Sui drank first. The aroma of the wine whetted Huang Tianliang’s appetite. He hadn’t had a drink in a long time and, being fond of alcohol, couldn’t stop.
After a bottle of baijiu, Xie Sui listened to him brag about fighting monkeys from the south on the border and knew the time was right.
It was the same in his previous life. Every time he got drunk, he’d tell the same story until Xie Sui’s ears were calloused. It was also on that occasion, seeking revenge for a teammate, that he broke regulations by killing a prisoner, which ended his military career.
Xie Sui, being a rogue himself, admired such spirited men. Otherwise, they wouldn't have become friends in his previous life.
“Brother Huang, you’re a great hero. If it were me, I couldn’t resist either. I’d charge into their lair and send them back home with a satchel of explosives. I’d give my all to prevent my brother from dying in vain!”
“Exactly! You understand me, little brother. From now on, you’re my real brother.”
“Brother Huang, you are my real brother.”
The waitress rolled her eyes, another two drunks. She was used to it. She’d seen father and son get drunk and swear brotherhood before.
“Brother, since you’re here and serving the country, you’re still a hero. I have a difficult matter, and I need your help.”
“Tell me. I’ll do anything for you, but I can’t violate discipline.”
“Absolutely.”
Xie Sui whispered about Chen Qiang in his ear. Huang Tianliang’s drunkenness subsided significantly. “Are you sure it’s true?”
“Brother, you can inquire around. These people are already a tumor on this town. Either someone is protecting them, or there’s no evidence. The people suffer immensely, beyond endurance.
It was one thing to cheat people at gambling before, but now they’re targeting children. Even a saint couldn’t stand this. For myself and for all the townspeople, please help me, brother.”
Huang Tianliang slammed the table. “What nonsense are you talking about? This is my duty. What do you plan to do?”
“Cast a long line to catch a big fish!”
“You rascal, that’s your own son!”
Xie Sui said with righteous indignation, “For the country, I’m willing to sacrifice.”
“Good. If this works out, I’ll request commendation for you.”
They talked for a while longer, finalized some details, finished the remaining food, and went their separate ways.
…
The next day was market day. Xie Sui had bought some peaches from a neighboring village yesterday and, after a night of work, made over a hundred jin of preserves. He took his wife and child to the market early in the morning.
“So much. I wonder if we can sell it all?”
Lin Wanwan hadn’t slept well all night, worried. If they couldn’t sell it, they’d be back to square one overnight.
“Don’t worry. Now that households are responsible for their own production, people’s lives are better than you think. In the future, these preserves will be everyday snacks, eaten in various ways. Trust your husband, and you won’t be wrong.
Also, the market is crowded. I’ll find Tie Zhu to help watch the child. If we lose them, we’ll have nowhere to cry.”
“Ah, let Tie Zhu help?”
“Is that not okay? Or who do you suggest, wife?”
“You decide.”
Unknowingly, Lin Wanwan felt that Xie Sui was becoming more thoughtful and considerate, willing to listen to his opinions.
“Tie Zhu, we’re going to the market.”
“I’m not going. I still have farm work to do. I’m not as carefree as you.”
Wang Tie Zhu was annoyed with Xie Sui, seeing him as someone idle who only thought about going to the market.
“Here’s one yuan. Help me watch the stall and sell the preserves. If you don’t go, I’ll find someone else.”
Wang Dama heard this and slapped him on the back of the head. “You child! Xiao Sui is going to do business. Your mouth is clumsy, and your brain doesn’t turn fast. Learn more from him. Hurry up and go!”