Chapter 3, A Journey Far Away

The Fourth Master must have his reasons for not speaking, so I won't inquire further. Yet, in my heart, I am thinking, please tell me quickly!

In fact, since childhood, whenever he provided me with various forms of education, my only response to these commands and admonitions was simply, "Understood!" Fourth Grandfather is also a military man, having participated in numerous battles, yet he never enjoyed a smooth ascent in his official career. I used to hear my grandmother say that he was very loyal and overly indulgent towards his subordinates, always stepping in to take responsibility whenever they got into serious trouble. Perhaps it was because of this that he did not advance further in his career. Consequently, after retiring, Fourth Grandfather started his own building materials business, and his former subordinates also found success, contributing both financially and with their efforts. Within a few years, Fourth Grandfather's business grew increasingly larger. Our family's company also benefited significantly from his support. Every year during the New Year, he would host several banquet tables at his home, with a continuous stream of people coming to pay their respects. Most of them were former subordinates who had received his assistance, many of whom now hold significant positions, including some important leaders in the provincial and municipal governments.

"Where are we heading? Fourth Master, where are you taking me?" I asked eagerly

Grandfather Si has always been exceptionally strict with me since I was young, and being scolded or hit has become a daily occurrence. Now, when I see him getting angry, I dare not speak. I begin to observe the other people in the car. In the front passenger seat sits a bald man, constantly gesturing with a map from an unknown place while talking to Da Kai. The two individuals in front of us are both muscular, with arms that might be thicker than Da Kai's thighs. They occasionally turn around to ask Grandfather Si if he wants water or a cigarette, their imposing figures instilling a sense of intimidation. Next to one of them is a person of medium height who has been sitting silently, his head lowered as he tightly grips something. Out of curiosity, I tapped him and asked, "What treasure are you holding, buddy? You must be sweating from holding it so tightly, right?" He did not turn his head but simply tucked the item into his chest. At this moment, Grandfather Si opened his mouth and said, "Xiao He, do you want to know where we are going this time?"

What are you shouting about? What are you shouting about! Can you even sell yourself? Da Kai drove directly onto the highway.

Throughout the journey, everyone spoke little, with only the large fellow occasionally making jokes at his own expense. The bald man and Da Kai were discussing the direction of the road. Fourth Master kept his eyes closed, seemingly deep in thought. From time to time, he would ask me a few questions about my family. I was preoccupied with that strange photograph and the bizarre scene. I often wondered if 02359 had any significance. If Fourth Master hadn't suddenly taken me away, I think I would have investigated further. We did not stay in any hotels along the way and rarely left the car. We basically ate and slept in the vehicle. After several days of bumpy travel, on a rainy morning, we finally arrived at a small county in Yunnan. Upon getting out of the car, I felt like crying. Damn, this place is even more remote than the mountains! I had hoped for a decent shower, but that seemed like a luxury, let alone a nice meal. As soon as I got out of the car and stretched, I saw Da Kai rushing over with a bag of wrapped items, calling out to me, "Little Master, hurry up and get in the car, we are being watched..."

We are going to Yunnan on an important matter. I have arranged everything for you, so you need not worry. As the eldest grandson of the Li family, you should take on some responsibilities for the family; your responsibilities are the greatest, do you understand

How could I dare to not understand? I know that if I were to raise a question now, given Fourth Master’s temperament, he would probably hit me in the car, so I immediately said: "I understand, I understand, it is as it should be."

I was left bewildered by Fourth Grandpa's words. It seemed that throughout this afternoon, I had encountered all sorts of strange people, strange remarks, and strange phenomena. I didn't rush to ask any questions; instead, I immediately stepped forward to open the car door for Fourth Grandpa, inviting him to enter first, and then I followed him into the vehicle. Inside a Buick business van sat six people, including myself and Fourth Grandpa, along with his assistant driver, Da Kai. According to my father, this man was once a soldier under Fourth Grandpa, who had shown kindness to their family, and thus he had been following Fourth Grandpa ever since, never complaining a word. As I got into the car, he turned back to greet me and asked Fourth Grandpa, "Li Ye, shall we head out directly?"