"Brother Lan, where are we going?"
Stepping onto familiar land once more, this time they could see how they crossed the strait with their own eyes—unlike the last time when they had been blindfolded.
"You’ll take Rourou to the capital. Someone will meet you there. I still have business to take care of here, so your tracks won’t be discovered. The tickets have already been bought—you leave tonight."
Brother Lan handed a travel bag to Shen Xianjun.
After several tests, Brother Lan had come to fully trust Shen Xianjun. With Rourou as leverage, he was confident Shen Xianjun would follow his orders.
This sabotage mission was critical. If they could disrupt the mainland’s National Day parade, the higher-ups would surely reward him, and he’d no longer have to live under a false name.
---
Research Institute’s Residential Compound
"Mom, don’t take Dabao and Erbao out these days. I might not be home for a while. I’ve already arranged for them to start at the nursery school—they can go on August 10th. That’ll give you some rest at home. I’ve left some money for household expenses—use it as you see fit."
After dinner, Qin Nian spoke solemnly to Yang Yufen.
"Work keeping you busy again? You’ve just started putting on a little weight… Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the kids. August 10th—I’ll remember. Pack extra clothes and daily necessities. Do you need me to help you pack?"
Yang Yufen secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that her daughter-in-law would be away—she wouldn’t run into him.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want to help her son, but until she understood the situation better, it was best not to interfere—she might only make things worse.
"No need, I can pack myself. But could you pack some of your homemade pickles for me? I love your pickles."
Qin Nian made a small request.
"Of course."
Early the next morning, Qin Nian left with her belongings—before the children woke up.
At first, the kids didn’t notice their mother’s absence, but when bedtime came and she still wasn’t home, they burst into tears.
Yang Yufen spent a long time soothing them until, exhausted from crying, they finally fell asleep.
It took three days for the children to adjust, but eventually, they regained their usual energy.
---
Under the Banyan Tree
"Hey, have you heard? The parade this year will be broadcast on TV! You’re lucky to have a television—they’re impossible to get these days, even if you have the money!"
Under the banyan tree, the women gathered to chat while minding their children.
"It’s a national celebration! And besides, we’re right here in the capital. Others have to watch from afar on TV, but we can see it live—how much better is that?"
Yang Yufen smiled as she joined the conversation.
"Exactly! I heard they’ve already marked out viewing spots. Who knows where we’ll end up standing? Just seeing it in person would make my life complete. They say this parade will showcase all kinds of new military equipment—proof we’re no longer the ones being pushed around!"
"Right! To see it with my own eyes—I could die happy!"
"Our generation suffered so much. Back then, it was just millet and rifles, so many lives lost for the peace we have today. These good times didn’t come easy."
Yang Yufen nodded in agreement.
"Hey, do you think spies might try to sabotage such a big event? I bet they will. My Qin Nian told me not to take the kids out these days—maybe she’s worried someone might try to pry information out of us. What if something terrible happens?"
Just as Yang Yufen spoke, Zhao Lian, who happened to be passing by, stopped in his tracks.
"Elder Sister Yang is right. Everyone should stay alert. There might be bad elements hiding among us. If you notice anything suspicious, don’t act rashly—report it immediately."
Zhao Lian seized the opportunity to reinforce the message. His own assignment from higher-ups was along these lines, so he took the chance to explain the kinds of things spies might do, urging everyone to stay vigilant.
"Oh, and I’ve got good news—the viewing area for our research institute’s families has been assigned. But space is limited, so not everyone can go. Each household can nominate a representative—make sure you discuss it among yourselves."
With that, Zhao Lian walked off, leaving the group to chatter excitedly about the parade.
"They’ll definitely give us time off, but I wouldn’t dare leave my two little ones alone. If we can’t go, we’ll just watch on TV. I’ll bring my set outside—if anyone wants to join, just bring a stool!"
Yang Yufen made the offer, and the others happily agreed.
Not every household in the compound had a TV, so those who went would naturally be the ones closest to her.
---
A Small Courtyard in the Capital
The two newcomers were led to a modest courtyard.
"You must be extremely careful. Security is tight everywhere, and as unfamiliar faces, you’ll draw attention. Act like a couple who’ve struggled to conceive—go to the hospital first to establish your cover."
"Lay low for now. October is still over two months away."
---
August 10th
The nursery school opened early, accepting children between one year and four months to five years old.
Since it served both the research institute and the agricultural academy’s families, they had initially planned for just two teachers. But with more children enrolled than expected, they hired four teachers and split them into three classes.
"Grandma, we’re going to play!"
Dabao happily slung his little satchel over his shoulder and waved at Yang Yufen.
He’d been eyeing the toys in the nursery for ages—finally, he could go play with them.
Like a pack of puppies let off the leash, the children dashed into the nursery, full of excitement.
The kids would have lunch there too. Watching them go in, Yang Yufen felt a sudden emptiness.
Back home, she busied herself cleaning, but the house was already tidy. With the washing machine handling the larger items, she was done before noon.
When she started cooking, she realized the kids weren’t home.
After a simple meal, with nothing left to do and no bamboo to craft furniture from, Yang Yufen decided to visit the hospital.
Standing at the entrance of Third People’s Hospital, she scanned the crowd coming and going.
"Auntie, what brings you here? Are you feeling unwell?"
Zhou Ang’s voice rang out. She had come for a meeting and, spotting Yang Yufen, approached to greet her.
"Ah, Zhou Ang! No, no, I’m fine. With Dabao and Erbao at school, I had nothing to do at home, so I thought I’d go shopping. But then I couldn’t remember what to buy, and somehow ended up here."
Yang Yufen snapped out of her thoughts and exchanged a few words with Zhou Ang. She didn’t notice the couple leaving the hospital, walking away in the opposite direction.
Not seeing who she was looking for, and realizing the kids would be out of school soon, Yang Yufen headed home with Zhou Ang.
