356: Finding Another Way

Su Chanjuan returned home empty-handed, hung her bag on the wall with a thud, and plopped down on the bed, leaning back.

Her mother-in-law heard the noise and came out of her own room, knocking on Su Chanjuan's door. "Juan'er, how did things go today with what you were supposed to do?"

"It didn't work out," she snapped.

"Aren't you supposed to be quite capable? It seems you're just deceiving my son! You're supposed to have your ways to make my son obedient to you!"

"Don't complain," Su Chanjuan felt that this matter might not succeed. She needed to inform Li Baojun about it. "Where's Baojun? I need to find him!"

"He went to play mahjong at Yin Dazhao's house. Go find him there!" The old lady retorted irritably and went back into her room.

Muttering to herself as she walked away, "I thought things were settled. Turns out it's just a bunch of hot air!"

From the apartment building, Su Chanjuan crossed the courtyard and headed towards the row of bungalows.

She knocked on the door and heard movement in the courtyard, so she entered directly.

There was a mahjong table in the courtyard, and Li Baojun was sitting in the east position, playing mahjong with several men. They were bare-chested, cigarettes dangling from their mouths, deeply engrossed in the game.

"Baojun! Come out for a moment, I need to talk to you," she shouted.

Li Baojun lost the hand he was playing, feeling annoyed. He was too lazy to respond to his wife's call and stared fixedly at the cards, figuring out his next move.

"Brother Jun, your wife's calling you," Yin Dazhao, with a cigarette in his mouth, his eyes half-closed from the smoke, squinted and looked at him through the narrow slit.

"What's up?" Li Baojun slapped down a card impatiently, turned his head, "How's it going? Did things work out?"

"No," Su Chanjuan sat down on the steps at the door and said to Li Baojun, "It didn't go well. Stop playing, let's talk about it at home."

"Let's talk about it here, can't you see I'm busy?" Li Baojun didn't want to leave the mahjong table. "It's not some confidential matter that needs to be rushed home for, right?"

"Su Hanyan won't help! I went to her boyfriend and he won't help either! Sometimes I even doubt if she's my sister, treating me like an enemy! I think this matter is hanging, I can't handle it anymore! Think of another way!" Su Chanjuan said.

Li Baojun, hearing that things didn't work out and already frustrated from losing money, pushed his tiles away and stopped playing. "Did you bring something for your beautiful sister when you went there?"

"No! Why would I bring anything? She's my sister, why would I need to give her stuff? Besides, she doesn't lack money!"

"You don't understand a thing," Li Baojun stood up abruptly. "Forget it, I'll go myself."

Yin Dazhao chimed in, "Brother Jun, if I remember correctly, your sister-in-law is quiet and has a good temper, right? Why wouldn't she help you?"

"Good temper? That's in the past! Now she has a fierce temper. No one in the family dares to provoke her! I heard she's got a rich doctor boyfriend now, doesn't care about anyone." Li Baojun sighed.

Yin Dazhao became interested, "Brother Jun, do you want me to help you out?"

"You? Help?"

"Yeah."

"How would you help?"

"Don't ask about that," Yin Dazhao flicked the cigarette ash off his fingertip, "If I can help you get this done, how about you show your appreciation with a bit of money?"

357: Ill Omens

"How much?" Li Baojun asked.

"It depends on the nature of your business," Yin Dazhao stopped playing mahjong and got serious about discussing business. "Bro, I'm tight on cash lately and looking to make some money. We've known each other since childhood, I won't cheat you. Tell me about your business, and then we can negotiate the price."

Li Baojun thought for a moment. He didn't feel capable of approaching Boss Jin directly. Since his sister-in-law was unwilling to help, he figured it might be worth spending some money to find a reliable person to assist.

So, he explained his situation to Yin Dazhao.

After hearing it, Yin Dazhao felt the matter was feasible and could be resolved: "Here's the deal, give me five hundred bucks! I'll help you handle your sister-in-law!"

"Handle my sister-in-law?" Li Baojun was puzzled. "Are you going to help me connect with that big boss? Why handle my sister-in-law?"

"You don't understand, huh? Obviously, your sister-in-law isn't on your side. She's in sync with her boyfriend, right? You guys probably haven't treated her well on a regular basis, so she's not willing to help you! Think about it, if you want her to help, what should you do? Of course, you should make her owe you a favor!"

[that's not gonna work. you'll just end up getting beat up]

"Makes sense. So, what's your plan?" Li Baojun asked.

"Don't ask about that. It won't benefit you to know. Just prepare the money and wait for my call. I guarantee five hundred bucks will get this done!" Yin Dazhao assured him.

"Alright," Li Baojun agreed. A small expense now might save a bigger loss later!

"Deal. Wait for my good news!" Yin Dazhao gathered up the mahjong tiles, stood up, and said, "Bro, you head back. We've got some work to do here."

On the way home, Su Chanjuan asked Li Baojun, "Is Dazhao reliable?"

"Would he take money if he wasn't?" Li Baojun glared at Su Chanjuan discontentedly. "If you weren't useless, I wouldn't have had to spend money to get help."

"What do you think he'll do?" Su Chanjuan asked.

"How would I know?"

"Baojun! Let me remind you of something. Although Yin Dazhao is your childhood friend, he's not a good person! In the future, you should keep your distance from him. Once you start making big money, make sure to cut ties with these people, so they don't come causing trouble for you!" Su Chanjuan kept reminding him.

"Are you annoying or what? Dazhao isn't like what you're saying." Li Baojun didn't want to hear it.

"Fine. Yin Dazhao used to be alright. But after spending two years out of town, he's changed! I feel like he hasn't been up to any good during those years... You should really reduce your contact with him. If he gets into trouble later, he might drag you down with him! Two people ending up in jail together, wouldn't that be trouble for me?" Su Chanjuan rambled on.

"Shut up!" Li Baojun's head buzzed with anger. "You're like a jinx. You either curse me to death or curse me to jail! Can't you say something positive?"

"I'm just trying to remind you!"

"Get lost! Mind your own business. I don't need your reminders." Li Baojun pointed at her mouth, scolding, "Keep that thing shut, and if you keep saying things I don't like, go back to your parents' house!"

...

That day at the factory, a meeting was held specifically to encourage and motivate young workers who had enrolled in night classes, correspondence universities, and worker universities.

As a state-owned factory, the factory leadership hoped to have more knowledgeable and cultured individuals among its workforce.

Since the resumption of the college entrance examination in 1977, many people had registered for it. However, by 1980, the government had imposed age restrictions on the exam, so many young workers in the factory hoped to pursue further education and diplomas through night classes, correspondence universities, or worker universities.

There were quite a few registrations from the factory, around a hundred or so. If they could pass the university exams and gain education and qualifications, it would also enhance their work at the factory.

After the meeting, Su Hanyan, Zhu Lin, and Shao Yu planned to go to a photo studio to have their photos taken. With the exam approaching, they needed to submit their documents and apply for admission tickets.

"It's six o'clock now! I know there's a photo studio on Yongchun Road that's open until seven. After we get our photos done, we can grab a meal outside. It won't be too late when we get back." Shao Yu suggested.

"Okay! Let's go then, and make the most of the time." She had stopped attending evening classes last night to focus on preparing for the exam, and Jin Chen didn't have much to do tonight, so he came to help her review.

Therefore, she wanted to go back early.

358: Intentions to Reform

The photo session went by quickly. The three took turns posing, and the photographer at the studio told them to come back in three days to pick up their photos.

Coming out of the studio, just a few steps down the old street, there was a noodle shop famous for its authentic fried sauce noodles, with generous portions of braised meat. Shao Yu excitedly said to Su Hanyan, "This place's fried sauce noodles are really authentic, and they give you plenty of meat. My brother and I come here often. Let's give it a try?"

Su Hanyan and Zhu Lin agreed.

It was just the time when people were getting off work, perfect for dinner.

The small noodle shop was packed with people, men rolling up their sleeves, slurping noodles, drinking beer, and chatting loudly. Luckily, as soon as they walked in, a table was just vacated, so they quickly took that spot.

A waitress came over to take their order, holding a notepad and pen ready to jot down their choices.

In a hurry to get back, Su Hanyan quickly ordered, "Three bowls of vegetarian fried sauce noodles and three bottles of Beibingyang!"

"Alright." The waitress swiftly noted it down and tore off the menu sheet underneath for Su Hanyan to take to the cashier.

Since their friendship was strong and they often treated each other, Su Hanyan insisted on paying this time, and Zhu Lin and Shao Yu didn't argue, letting her handle the bill.

Despite the crowded shop, their noodles arrived quickly.

The waitress popped open three bottles of soda with a bottle opener and placed them in front of them. "Enjoy your meal, let me know if you need anything!"

Su Hanyan stirred the noodles and sauce with her chopsticks, about to dig in when she suddenly noticed the sauce was meat-based, not vegetarian. She quickly called the waitress over.

"Hey, you got this wrong, didn't you? I asked for vegetarian sauce, not meat!" Su Hanyan pointed out.

The waitress explained, "You did order meat sauce, but our kitchen assistant decided to add some meat sauce for you. He said you liked it with meat."

"Huh?" Su Hanyan was taken aback.

Curiosity flared up in Zhu Lin and Shao Yu, speculating on which admirer might have secretly switched it for Su Hanyan.

"Can you bring out the person who did this? I'd like to meet him," Su Hanyan asked.

"Just a moment."

Shortly after, a man emerged from the kitchen. When Su Hanyan saw him, a smile touched her lips.

"Did you request this change?" she asked.

"Yes." Su Jingrui wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Little sister, it's not easy. Who would've thought I'd run into you here! You came to my place for dinner, and I didn't even change the sauce to meat for you?"

[i just know he's gonna beat up that yin guy]

Su Hanyan pursed her lips. "Thank you! Why didn't you invite me to dinner instead of paying extra to change..."

Su Jingrui grinned. "Next time, next time I'll treat the three of you! Let it go this time, I've just started working. Besides, I still owe you money, so I need to pay that back first before anything else."

"Sister Jingrui, you promised that," Shao Yu quickly interjected, very quick-witted, "I don't know if they'll come or not, but I often come. Next time, you treat me!"

"Okay." Su Jingrui agreed.

"Thank you." Su Hanyan smiled. "You go back to work."

"Sure, no need for formalities, I'll give you extra for free." Su Jingrui exchanged a few more pleasantries and returned to the kitchen.

"I can see that your relationship with your brother has improved a lot!" Zhu Lin slurped her noodles, speaking vaguely, "Hanyan, your brother used to be a handful. But I can see he's really trying to change now. Aren't you thinking about forgiving him?"

359: Revenge? Kidnapping?

After finishing her noodles, Su Hanyan thought for a moment before saying, "Well, I don't dislike him now, but I can't bring myself to like him either. After all, what he did before was really crossing the line. Just thinking about it makes it hard to let go."

"And so you'll just go on like this with him?" Zhu Lin asked.

"Mm. It's fine to carry on like this. Besides, I've found a boyfriend now. Who knows when I might get married!" Su Hanyan smiled faintly. "It's better this way, less drama."

"Every family has its own problems," Zhu Lin sighed and didn't say anything more, lowering her head to continue eating her meal.

After leaving the noodle shop, it was already completely dark, and the city's street lamps were lit. After a gust of wind swept through, raising dust, it unexpectedly started raining.

A bus approached from a distance. Su Hanyan said to the other two, "You two should get on the bus. I'll just head back to my rented place!"

"Alright, be careful on your own!" Zhu Lin reminded her a few times, then pulled Shaoyu onto the bus.

As soon as they got on the bus, the rain suddenly grew heavier. Su Hanyan hadn't brought an umbrella, and if she waited for the bus, she would definitely be soaked like a drowned rat. She looked around and saw umbrellas hanging outside a nearby shop, so she hurried over to buy one.

"I'll take that umbrella!" Su Hanyan said to the shopkeeper, seeing that the umbrellas hanging outside were a bit worn out. "Please give me a new one!"

"Please wait a moment!"

"Sure." Su Hanyan took out her soaking wet money from her pocket and carefully separated the bills that were stuck together. Suddenly, someone grabbed her neck from behind and pulled her backwards.

Her heart jumped in alarm, and she struggled and shouted loudly, "Help! Help!"

But before she could finish shouting, a towel was stuffed into her mouth and taped shut. Then a large raincoat came down over her head, covering her face tightly. Two people, one on each side, grabbed her arms and dragged her away.

The rain was pouring heavily, and there were fewer and fewer pedestrians on the street. Those who were out were either rushing to find shelter from the rain or hurrying home in their vehicles, paying little attention to what was happening here.

Even if someone did see them, they wouldn't pay much attention because the three were dressed in oversized raincoats. From a distance, it looked like two people were helping a drunk person stagger along the street.

"Wuwuwu..." Su Hanyan couldn't make a sound, only whimpering from deep in her throat as she struggled wildly.

Her hands were controlled by someone, and only her legs and feet were free. She could only kick left and right, but it didn't solve the bigger problem.

Who were these people?

Where were they taking her?

"Don't move!" Finally, someone spoke, low and threatening in her ear. "Behave yourself, or I'll use the knife! Do you hear me?"

As Su Hanyan pondered whether to believe this, a cold light flashed before her eyes, and she saw a dagger. Yes, the other person had a knife!

Revenge? Or kidnapping?

Su Hanyan had no idea where they were taking her, just walking blindly in the rain...

Suddenly, footsteps approached from behind, "papapa..." Su Hanyan felt a force push against her, losing her balance and falling forward.

As she fell, her arms were suddenly freed. She quickly got up from the ground, tore off the tape covering her mouth, and threw away the towel that covered her head.

Finally, she could see the situation outside.

360: Don't Stir Up Trouble

In the pouring rain, several men were engaged in a brawl. One of them, like a wild beast, was outnumbered but swung his fists madly.

There were no streetlights here, the light was dim, and it was almost impossible to see clearly.

However, she knew someone must have saved her for this scene to happen. Her heart was full of doubts, pondering whether to escape or stay to help. The voices of those people untied the knot in her heart.

"Are you looking to die? Got nothing better to do, so you start a fight with us!"

"Who the hell are you people? Bored with life? Do you know this is my own sister? You dare to lay a finger on my sister, do you think I won't take action?"

Su Jingrui!!! This person was Su Jingrui!

Su Hanyan was on the verge of tears with joy! "Su Jingrui! Be careful! Those guys have knives!" Su Hanyan hurriedly reminded him. It was dark and pouring rain. If he got stabbed accidentally, it would be troublesome.

"I know!" Su Jingrui shouted loudly. "Don't stay here, hurry home!"

Su Hanyan didn't say a word. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness. After identifying the group struggling in the rain, she picked up a half-brick from the roadside and moved closer to Su Jingrui.

Just as a glint of a knife flashed in the darkness, about to strike Su Jingrui, Su Hanyan's brick struck the back of the attacker's head fiercely before the knife could land.

With a muffled groan, the person swayed and fell silently.

"Brother Zhao! Brother Zhao!" Seeing this, the others were frightened and dared not say another word, fleeing for their lives.

If a life was lost in the middle of the night, it would be troublesome.

"Damn it! You're something else, but don't you go killing someone with that brick!" Su Jingrui wiped his mouth and spat on the ground a couple of times, feeling somewhat relieved of the metallic taste in his mouth.

"This was self-defense! You were being heroic! What's there to fear?" Su Hanyan threw away the brick in her hand.

"Are you sure your knowledge of the law is sound?" Su Jingrui asked nervously.

He had spent some time in the detention center and was very familiar with it. It was not a place for people. If one spent a lifetime in a prison cell, it would be troublesome.

"What's there to fear!" Su Hanyan squatted down and checked the person's pulse. "He's not dead! He's perfectly fine!"

"You scared me!" Su Jingrui breathed a sigh of relief. "Why did those bastards want to kidnap you? What happened tonight?"

"I don't know." Su Hanyan was also puzzled. "Let's take him to the police station! This shouldn't turn into another gang incident... If it does, it'll be pure retaliation!"

"Let's go, take this guy to the police station." Su Jingrui finished and moved forward to pull the person up.

As he pulled, he felt a sharp pain in his stomach and immediately stopped.

"What's wrong?" Su Hanyan noticed his abnormality.

"It's nothing, just got punched by them, hurts quite a bit!" Su Jingrui said, bending over. At the same time, he felt something seemed to be flowing out of his body.

Because of the rain, he couldn't tell if it was something flowing out of his body or rainwater trickling down his clothes. He reached out and felt it, feeling that something was different.

"Hanyan, take a look at my hand... Is there something on it?" he asked. "Is it blood?"

"You didn't get stabbed, did you?" Su Hanyan guessed.

[ah im spoiling myself and u guys with my prophetic guesses! i swear im reading this along with all of u T^T]