What is the ultimate social embarrassment?
This is it.
Jiang Shuyi never dreamed she would encounter Pei Zhengnian in such a manner, in such a place, and in such a state.
Having no dignity left was bad enough, but looking like a disheveled beggar woman was the final humiliation.
She wished she could dig a hole in the ground and bury herself alive.
Jiang Shuyi desperately tried to hide her face, hoping Pei Zhengnian wouldn’t notice her.
Unfortunately, Feng Kangping had other plans. He suddenly came up with a brilliant idea to humiliate Pei Zhengnian.
"Regiment Leader Tian, these two are educated youths—Comrade Jiang and Comrade Song—also from Wang Family Village."
"Since fate has brought you together, why not give them a ride?"
The stench clinging to Jiang Shuyi and Song Qingyang was unmistakable to everyone in the car.
Pei Zhengnian kept his head down, lost in thought.
Tian Chengyi offered a polite but firm refusal.
"I’d love to be as hospitable as Captain Feng, but unfortunately, there’s no space left in the car. They’d be better off riding with him."
Feng Kangping hadn’t actually expected to force Jiang Shuyi and Song Qingyang into Tian Chengyi’s vehicle—he just wanted to be a nuisance.
"Well then, Comrades Jiang and Song, I’m afraid you’ll have to squeeze in with the chickens and ducks. How does that sound?"
How did it sound?
Could they just hurry up already?
Jiang Shuyi kept her face lowered and nodded hastily.
…
The journey passed without incident.
By late afternoon, the four vehicles finally arrived at the entrance of Wang Family Village.
The moment the tractor stopped, Jiang Shuyi leaped off and sprinted toward the educated youth dormitory. Anyone watching would’ve thought she was fleeing a pack of wild beasts.
Only one thought consumed her mind:
Hurry back, take a bath, change into the outfit she’d prepared for so long, and rush back to the village entrance to save Father Pei—thereby becoming Pei Zhengnian’s savior.
Faster, faster, faster!
The burly man driving the tractor was the same one who’d nearly had his foot chopped off by Shen Nanchu’s flying axe days earlier.
He stayed seated, unwilling to disembark.
"Captain, I’ll stay and guard the tractor."
The Red Armband officers who’d accompanied them last time quickly chimed in.
"Me too, Captain."
"And me."
"Count me in."
Feng Kangping himself felt a twinge of unease.
But then he reconsidered—he was just here to deliver people and humiliate that man a little. He hadn’t provoked that female demon, so he should be fine.
Besides, he was now working for a high-ranking official from the capital.
"Look at you cowards! Get out of the vehicle and show some revolutionary spirit!"
"She’s just a woman—what’s there to fear?"
The burly man glanced at Feng Kangping’s trembling pant legs.
"Captain, if you’re not scared, why are you shaking?"
"My legs are cramping from sitting too long!" Feng Kangping snapped, his face flushing with anger.
"Enough nonsense! Get them down here and let’s get started."
"Anyone who refuses to step out will have their wages docked!"
"Yes, sir!"
The sudden arrival of multiple vehicles drew a crowd of curious villagers.
When they saw the Red Armbands dragging out Father Pei, some immediately grasped the situation and ran to fetch Village Chief Wang Jianguo.
Wang Jianguo was currently at Shen Nanchu’s house, verifying the villagers’ wages.
"This is for Aunt Lanhua and you, Chief."
Shen Nanchu slid a ten-yuan bill toward him.
Wang Jianguo pushed it back without hesitation. "Comrade Shen, this is too generous."
"You supervised the construction and handled all the materials. Aunt Lanhua made all the curtains and quilts. This is what you’ve earned. If you refuse, I won’t dare ask for your help again."
With Shen Nanchu putting it that way, refusing would be ungrateful.
Wang Jianguo finally accepted. "If there’s ever a problem with the house, come find me. I’ll fix it."
"Thank you, Chief."
A lifetime warranty? Not bad. Shen Nanchu was satisfied.
Just then, hurried footsteps approached from outside.
"Chief! Trouble!"
"The Red Armbands are back!"
"And they’ve brought someone with them!"
Brought someone?
Shen Nanchu thought for a moment and immediately understood.
Given the timeline, the Pei family’s arrival was right on schedule.
She followed Wang Jianguo as they rushed toward the village entrance.
…
At the entrance of Wang Family Village, Father Pei stood restrained by the Red Armbands, surrounded by gawking villagers.
Feng Kangping launched into a passionate denunciation:
"Down with the counterrevolutionaries!"
"If reactionary ideas refuse to surrender, we’ll wipe them out!"
"You capitalist roader—confess your crimes!"
Father Pei remained silent.
He was innocent. He wouldn’t confess.
Feng Kangping loved breaking tough nuts like him—it made the game more fun.
"Give him the jet-plane treatment!"
Two Red Armbands seized Father Pei’s arms, wrenching them sharply upward and backward.
The infamous "jet-plane" position drained all color from Father Pei’s face.
He clenched his teeth and endured.
Pei Zhengnian’s expression darkened, his fists trembling with suppressed rage.
Pei's Mother stood nearby, tears welling as she gripped Pei Yunxi and Pei Yunzhou’s hands.
"Comrades! See this? This is the face of capitalist roaders! Still refusing to repent!"
Feng Kangping turned to the crowd.
"What should we do?"
"Crush them underfoot!"
Wang Daming’s voice rang out from the crowd.
He picked up a stone, ready to hurl it at Father Pei—but his grip loosened instantly.
A pebble had struck his wrist.
Clap clap clap
"Captain Feng, what an impressive display!"
"Just a few days apart, and you’ve already switched from the Red Armbands to the police station."
The teasing tone carried an undercurrent of icy menace.
That voice—could it be her?
Pei Zhengnian’s stormy eyes flickered with surprise.
Hearing that familiar voice, Feng Kangping’s legs began shaking uncontrollably.
Why was this she-devil here?
The other Red Armbands stiffened instinctively.
The crowd parted, clearing a path.
Shen Nanchu stepped forward, unhurried, into full view.
It really was her!
What was she doing here?
Pei Zhengnian’s mind flooded with questions.
The rest of the Pei family shared his bewilderment.
Shen Nanchu’s gaze immediately landed on Pei Zhengnian, who stood out like a crane among chickens.
As expected of the novel’s male lead—his looks were as striking as ever.
She allowed herself one second of appreciation before refocusing. Business first.
As Shen Nanchu approached, Feng Kangping’s knees knocked together.
"C-Comrade Shen! W-what a coincidence!"
"Very coincidental indeed."
Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.
Feng Kangping’s fear deepened.
She stopped beside Father Pei, scanning the area with feigned concern.
"What a dilemma."
"There aren’t any axes here."
A bamboo whip suddenly appeared in front of her.
Wang Tiezhu, blushing, offered it.
"Comrade Shen, this is for herding ducks."
"Will it do?"
…
