Problems that can be solved with money are not real problems.
The real big problems are the ones money can't fix.
Zhang Zhengye understood this better than anyone.
It was a pity that Zhang Yining was a burden holding him back.
"Zhang Zhengye, if you dare give this money, I'll divorce you."
"Divorce then, who's afraid of who?"
Zhang Zhengye was utterly disappointed in Lin Yining.
He had given her chance after chance, but she never cherished any of them.
Those who are not on the same path simply cannot go far together.
The couple argued fervently, not even considering whether the person involved agreed.
Just as Shen Nanchu was about to speak, Pei Zhengnian took the lead.
"This matter has nothing to do with Zhang Zhengye."
"There's also no need for a salary deduction or an apology."
Hearing this, a sense of foreboding rose in Zhang Zhengye's heart.
He didn't believe Pei Zhengnian was being this reasonable.
A man who could become the regiment commander of the Fifth Regiment was not someone easy to deal with.
Sure enough, Pei Zhengnian's next words confirmed Zhang Zhengye's thoughts.
"Since Comrade Lin Yining believes she has done nothing wrong and is unwilling to apologize, then we'll proceed directly with a public reprimand!"
"Political Commissar Liao, Director Hu, what do you think?"
Pei Zhengnian's suggestion, it must be said, won the support of both men.
Trying to sweep a mistake under the rug after causing trouble simply wouldn't do.
Since you refuse the chance to make amends, then a public reprimand it is.
"No!"
Lin Yining panicked.
If there was a public reprimand, the entire military district would know.
What face would she have left to stay in the army?
And she was a teacher too!
"I... I'm willing to pay compensation."
Pay compensation?
Where was this willingness earlier?
Pei Zhengnian remained unmoved, Political Commissar Liao and Hu Ailan stayed silent, and Zhang Zhengye even lowered his head to look at his shoes.
What does it mean to be isolated and helpless?
This was it.
Shen Nanchu had lost interest in watching the drama.
Lin Yining was too foolish.
She had held a good hand of cards but played it miserably because of her own jealousy.
"I'm a bit tired."
Shen Nanchu tugged on Pei Zhengnian's sleeve.
Pei Zhengnian looked at Shen Nanchu with suspicion.
Hadn't she just gotten up?
Tired already?
Shen Nanchu blinked at Pei Zhengnian.
Pei Zhengnian understood instantly.
"Didn't sleep well last night, want to rest now?"
Pei Zhengnian's voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for the nearby Political Commissar Liao to hear.
"Since Comrade Shen Nanchu is tired, Pei Zhengnian, you should accompany her back first."
"We will handle the rest."
Political Commissar Liao had already made a decision by now and didn't need the couple to stay.
Anyway, the victim had stated they didn't want compensation, just a public reprimand.
How simple!
And they wouldn't have to see this vexing couple anymore.
One with water for brains, the other with straw.
Out of sight, out of mind.
After Pei Zhengnian and Shen Nanchu left, Political Commissar Liao directly issued an order for Zhang Zhengye and Lin Yining to leave as well.
"You two, go on now!"
"This matter ends here."
"I'm going next door to find Old Wu."
With those words, Political Commissar Liao stood up, took a notebook, and left.
Hu Ailan cursed under her breath, calling Political Commissar Liao a sly fox.
"Since the matter is resolved, let's all disperse."
To prevent Lin Yining from causing a scene, Hu Ailan also made a quick exit.
"I have work to do, I'm leaving."
"I need to go train as well."
Zhang Zhengye promptly followed and left.
The entire office was now left with only Lin Yining.
Lin Yining's face turned ashen.
...
Things were lively in the military district, and Wang Village was equally eventful.
Several large trucks stopped at the entrance of Wang Village.
The leader was an old acquaintance, Yu Zhen.
The news about Pei Zhengnian discovering a gold mine in Wang Village had eventually reached the ears of the Red Guards.
Yu Zhen was dispatched to investigate.
This time, Yu Zhen was smarter.
He split his forces into two groups.
As they neared the village, he sent Feng Kangping to lead a group quietly into the mountains.
Yu Zhen himself took people to the village entrance.
Knowing he didn't have to go into the village, Feng Kangping willingly led his men up the mountain.
If it meant going into the village, he wouldn't go even if beaten to death.
With that jinx Shen Nanchu around, forget about gaining any advantage; not having bad luck would be a blessing.
This time, when Wang Jianguo saw Yu Zhen arrive, aside from surprise, he had no other reaction.
After all, the comrades in the mountains had already withdrawn.
If they wanted to go up the mountain, let them!
The fully armed Red Guards, expecting to encounter resistance, were surprised when Wang Jianguo simply stepped aside and let them enter the village.
Many Red Guards remembered their last experience vividly.
They looked at each other.
No one dared to move.
Even Yu Zhen himself hesitated.
Such openness likely meant a trap.
Seeing the Red Guards trembling and shrinking back, a flicker of contempt passed through Wang Jianguo's eyes.
"Leader, do you need me to show you the way?"
"No need."
Yu Zhen hurriedly refused.
Who knew where that 'way' might lead?
Last time, after returning, Yu Zhen had pondered for a long time and finally realized he had been played for a fool.
If only he had proof, he would have arrested the entire village.
This time, he vowed not to be fooled again.
It was even better not to have a guide.
Wang Jianguo was happy to be free.
"Village Chief Wang, if you have things to do, please go ahead. No need to accompany us."
"Alright."
Wang Jianguo would much rather go check on the fields.
Who had time to accompany these idle bureaucrats!
After Wang Jianguo left, Yu Zhen led the Red Guards into the village.
Along the way, the Red Guards were jumpy at every sound and shadow.
They proceeded with extreme, excessive, and peculiar caution.
The ones leading the way were those who had explored the village last time.
They took tiny, tentative steps forward, as if landmines were buried underground that could explode at any moment.
One step, two steps, three little steps,
Turn, spin, jump,
Stop!
All clear.
Okay, continue.
One step, two steps, three little steps,
...
This strange way of walking
made the village children curiously follow and imitate them,
as if it were some fun game.
Wang Dabao and Wang Xiaobao, who had been squatting by the doorway playing with stones, stopped what they were doing.
Two little faces turned in unison to watch the bizarre procession.
Wang Xiaobao's eyes were full of confusion, "Brother, what are they doing?"
Wang Dabao thought for a moment, "A shamanic dance?"
Wang Xiaobao still didn't understand, "What's a shamanic dance?"
Wang Dabao thought again, "Driving away dirty things, probably."
Wang Xiaobao understood instantly, "Brother, like when Mom hits the 'little people' with her shoe!"
Wang Dabao nodded, "Exactly."
"Brother, let's help them then."
"No problem."
The two brothers took off their shoes together and started slapping them towards Yu Zhen and his group, thwack, thwack, thwack.
...
