Chapter 7, Joy and Sorrow in Freedom

When students skip classes or workers take leave, it is one of life's great pleasures. After four consecutive days of legitimately not going to work, Jianfan is almost grinning from ear to ear

I will step forward immediately, with a powerful stance and a piercing gaze, making her willingly embrace me. The basic premise is that I can casually touch her hand, then caress her beautiful hair, and afterwards ask for her phone number, perhaps even arrange a date or something. What do you think? I bet 500!

"Oh, really, Brother Guo! What is there to doubt about my judgment?" Fei Shiqing said eagerly in defense, "These past few days, my mother has been forcing me to get up early to exercise and lose weight. Early in the morning, I went out and saw people dancing in the park by Wulong River. Oh my, you should have seen it, dancing gracefully, dressed in white like a fairy descending to earth! It made one feel all tingly inside. But then, upon closer inspection, I realized it wasn't dancing; it was yoga... Do you know what yoga is? It's that kind where, with a whoosh, one flips backward and their head touches their butt; then with another whoosh, they flip forward and can squeeze their head between their legs; and when they lift a leg, wow, it rests on their shoulder. It made one feel all tingly inside. But then, upon closer inspection, I realized it wasn't dancing; it was yoga... Do you know what yoga is? It's that kind where, with a whoosh, one flips backward and their head touches their butt; then with another whoosh, they flip forward and can squeeze their head between their legs; and when they lift a leg, wow, it rests on their shoulder... Oh dear..."

Nothing much happened at the police station; once the armed police and criminal police began their search in the mountains, the local officers were no longer involved. Hao Jianlei, Tan Wuyi, and Li Zhiguang, three young lads, hung their heads in shame the day after, secretly cursing "Narcissus doesn't bloom but pretends to be a garlic!" while listening to Instructor Tai Shuixian's scolding. However, after the reprimand, they took up their posts.

I will take a look ... ... give it to me, give it to me, chubby one, give it to me ... ...

Watching beautiful women from behind the fence during university days was like a group of wolves in the dormitory. Friends would share their hobbies, commenting and fantasizing while watching. Although we could only touch but not possess, it still felt immensely pleasurable. In those university days, we were full of energy, even taking a few bus stops to see the legendary art schools, the so-called car models, and the mythical body painting! When there was nothing to do, we could spend an entire day squatting on the street watching passing beauties. Fei Fatzi was particularly skilled at this; in summer, he loved to sit on the street, watching beautiful women and drooling.

The food is too hot, let it cool first; the matter is difficult to handle, set it aside for now

Oh, beautiful lady? Where? ... ... Scrap, what are you getting all worked up about? You wouldn't have developed a crush on that cleaning lady, would you? Hehe ... ... "Jian Fan looked up and saw that there were more than ten cars parked in the courtyard of the guesthouse, with people coming and going, yet he did not notice any beautiful women present, although there was indeed one cleaning lady.

The only difference between my father and me is that Jianfan saves money to spend, while my father saves money for the family

More than a dozen meters away, a graceful lady in a light green blouse and casual long pants, carrying a beige shoulder bag, emerged from the foyer, waiting in front of the car, as if she were preparing to go somewhere

The government guesthouse, which is meticulously decorated, is the best hotel in the county town and has been renamed Wulong Hotel. However, the locals still habitually refer to it as the government guesthouse. This designation is replete with official and commercial connotations, and staying here signifies the highest status in the county. The guesthouse features a spacious courtyard with a smooth white marble floor, at the center of which is a rockery fountain, surrounded by green iron railings. Behind it stands a ten-story white building, the most magnificent structure in the county. Yet, in front of the railing, there is a person who greatly detracts from the aesthetics of the area—a very overweight man, leaning forward and gripping the railing, seemingly peering at something. One does not need to look closely to know it is Fei Shiqing, as his exceptionally large backside is prominently displayed, unmatched by anyone else in Wulong County.

Fei Shiqing's words were not without mockery. Jian Fan wore a loose-fitting T-shirt, a non-mainstream cultural T-shirt bought during his university days, emblazoned with the four large characters "I am a bachelor." He paired it with a pair of faded jeans. His spirit was good, and he looked decent, but he appeared a bit shabby. The brand-conscious Fei often used this topic to ridicule Jian Fan for being stingy and miserly.

The mischievous spirit returned, as Jianfan quietly approached Feishiqing from behind, suddenly shouting loudly and then delivering a kick to his ample backside

How to gamble

Others may not have gained much, but Jianfan has achieved significant gains

Scenery is a person, and a person is a scenery

Wulong County is quite small; it takes about twenty minutes to cycle back and forth from the hotel to the county town. The greenery in the county town is quite nice. Under the scorching summer sun, the locust trees, poplars, and weeping willows along the roadside are lush and vibrant. On one side there are mountains, and on the other, a river—the still clear and unpolluted Wulong River appears particularly lively in the summer. These are precisely the aspects that bring a sense of pleasure to Jianfan. In the city, no matter how good the greenery is, it always feels artificial; the flowers are man-made, lacking the natural fragrance; the water is purified, devoid of the raw scent of natural water; and as for the grass, it goes without saying that each blade is robust, clearly cultivated with excess nutrients. These are precisely the aspects that bring a sense of pleasure to Jianfan. In the city, no matter how good the greenery is, it always feels artificial; the flowers are man-made, lacking the natural fragrance; the water is purified, devoid of the raw scent of natural water; and as for the grass, it goes without saying that each blade is robust, clearly cultivated with excess nutrients.

It has always been like this in the unit. Director Jian has not returned, and the instructor is somewhat in a difficult position. There are five individuals: one is Jian Fan, who is the director's nephew; another is Xiao Chenggang, whose uncle is the head of the Legal Affairs Section at the municipal bureau. None of them are capable of managing things on their own. The remaining three are all young adults. Among these five, they either do not dare to act or are reluctant to do so. The criminal investigation team of the municipal bureau knows that these are auxiliary police and remains silent. The county bureau is also helpless, as they all know what kind of people these are. If they hear gunfire, they won't run; that would truly be an accident.

This black pot is still hanging, and it remains to be further studied whose head it will ultimately fall upon

"Tsk..." Fei Shiqing disdainfully smacked his lips, and as soon as this topic came up, he became animated. Leaning against the wrought iron fence alongside Jian Fan, he said with a very gossipy expression: "Brother Guo, this beauty is extraordinary. Don't boast about having seen all the beauties in the world; I guarantee you have never encountered such a beautiful and graceful woman! No, a heroine! Wow, you haven't seen her? I've been watching her for two days now..." No, a heroine! Wow, you haven't seen her? I've been watching her for two days now..."

Upon hearing this, Jian Fan noticed Fei Pangzi's great enthusiasm, which piqued his interest: "It's not just about wanting a bed, it's about wanting to share a bed with a beautiful woman, you fool! ... ... So ... ... where is that person? You speak so beautifully, I should also take a look myself."

Director Mao did not pursue the matter much, only stating that he would await further handling This statement is difficult to articulate clearly, as it would be embarrassing for subordinates or peers who are relatives

During the report by Instructor Tai, it was only mentioned that all five individuals were suspended from work to conduct a thorough self-reflection, without further elaboration.

Fei Shiqing patted Jian Fan's back and exclaimed proudly: "Are you dumbfounded?! Are you stunned?! Do you feel like you've wasted your life? With your little woodcutter sister, and this celestial beauty, the difference is like heaven and earth!"

Fei Shiqing's two chubby cheeks trembled nervously as he quickly pulled out a miniature telescope to observe. It was as if he were savoring the first pot of delicacies, smacking his lips in admiration: "Oh my, look at that figure, the peaks above are striking, and below must be unfathomably deep... Oh my, look at that face, let me touch it, even if my hand gets chopped off, I wouldn't feel a thing... Oh my, look at that face, let me touch it, even if my hand gets chopped off, I wouldn't feel a thing..."

In the first year after graduation, I more or less just drifted through life. Although to others I seemed like an unemployed drifter, Jianfan actually felt quite content with this little life! These past few days, calculating both my salary and savings, I found that I had nearly 3,000. Jianfan was really considering whether to go into the city with Fatty Fei this Saturday for some fun!

Jianfan was taken aback upon seeing the face, his back stiffened and his hands trembled, nearly dropping the telescope to the ground

Whistling and singing all the way, in the past few days, Jian Fan had completely forgotten about the matter at the police station. After all, the worst that could happen was being expelled, and honestly, he wasn't keen on continuing anyway! Riding his bike all the way to the county government to check the notice board, he passed by the government guesthouse and was suddenly captivated by a peculiar sight! Upon further reflection, he couldn't help but laugh!

Haha ... the more you belittle me, the more it shows your insecurity! I know you are afraid to gamble, so forget it!

As the leader mentioned, this achievement is ultimately the most important! If there have been incidents that undermine the image of the police, how can this be publicly celebrated?

Nonsense, am I supposed to be afraid that you will go back on your word? If you lose and don't pay, I'll just come over to your house to eat!

Jian Fan was stirred up by Fei Shiqing, squeezing against him to snatch the telescope from his hands! At a distance of several dozen meters, it was indeed difficult to see clearly without this guy; it seemed that Fei Shiqing had been well-prepared for this!

The two individuals pointed at each other, caught in a standoff! Jian Fan was selecting a shirt, while Fei Shiqing remained unconvinced. The two had been betting against each other since childhood, each having their share of victories and defeats, neither fearing the other!

Regrettably, the municipal and county criminal police, along with the armed police, searched for three consecutive days. Aside from discovering the suspect's abandoned vehicle, there were no new findings. After three days, they returned exhausted, and the municipal police also reluctantly made their way back home

Instructor Tai noticed that the superiors did not pursue the matter further, so he simply decided to let it go, contemplating that he would deal with these two troublemakers once Director Jian returned. If things went a bit better, and the criminal police or armed police actually managed to apprehend someone in a blunder or capture a few suspects, then one success would overshadow a hundred failures, and there would surely be no scrutiny of these trivial matters

It will be out soon. Get ready, saliva can flow from above, but make sure not to let pus flow from below! Hehe... Yo yo... Look, it's coming out!

The pursuit is still ongoing. On the night of the incident, the first criminal investigation team of the municipal bureau made a mistake during an arrest operation in the county town, mistakenly apprehending a relative of the suspect as a suspect. Dozens of police officers surrounded the community, and even the mice in the holes became alert. The two suspects, having nowhere to hide, took a desperate risk and, just before dawn, hijacked an SUV and charged through the city gates. The county criminal police team failed to stop them, while the municipal bureau followed closely behind. At the Wulong checkpoint, a few individuals abandoned the vehicle and fled, allowing the two robbers to escape into the mountains right before their eyes. It is indeed difficult to assign responsibility; the municipal bureau's criminal investigation team made an error in their approach, the county bureau's team failed to intercept them, and the last checkpoint at Wulong Zhi Kou also bears some responsibility for allowing the suspects to abandon the vehicle and escape.

Fei Shiqing was provoked by these words, so much so that he forgot to look at the beautiful woman. He turned around and pointed at Jian Fan, sneering with even more disdain than Jian Fan: "Are you saying you're handsome? In this rural place, are you the most handsome one? Who are you trying to scare? ... I'll bet 5,000! Do you dare?"

Jianfan leaned against the fence and smiled, saying: "Five hundred! I'm afraid you might default on five thousand! Let's bet five hundred."

Continue to engage in the necessary discussions and proceed with the tasks that need to be accomplished

... ...

Jian Fan crossed his arms in front of his chest and said with a hint of disdain, deliberately provoking Fei Shiqing with his words. The two had loved to bicker since childhood, neither willing to concede to the other

Fei Pangzi was so frightened that he covered his rear and let out a startled cry, nearly fainting. When he turned around and saw Jian Fan, he huffed angrily and said: "What are you messing around for? You're disturbing me from admiring beautiful women, get lost!"

However, Jian Fan appeared to be fully prepared, confidently patting Fat Fei on the back and striding quickly towards the courtyard of the guesthouse

When there is cargo, driving is labor-saving; when there is leisure time for strolling, riding a bicycle saves fuel

Fei Shiqing held the telescope without turning back: "Could you please be a bit more refined? Don't be so impatient like a cat scratching an itch, alright? With your current demeanor, standing next to a fairy would be a desecration!"

Jian Fan chuckled, put down the telescope, turned his head to glance at Fat Fei's lewd expression, and a thought struck him. Smiling, he said: "Trash, I can charm this girl in five minutes, do you believe it?"

... ...

Praise is extravagant, while the words are merely spittle!

Xiao Chenggang has not made an appearance; he usually behaves in a carefree manner, relying on his uncle's position in the municipal bureau, and looks down on the ordinary officers in the police station. He might be off having fun somewhere again; Jian Fan has also not shown up, seemingly preparing to take the blame home.

What is there to be happy about? The pockets have become quite full. Although the business of the first pot in Wulong County has never been booming, it has never been poor either. Located by the roadside, there are often passing customers. These days, I have been watching over the restaurant all day, catching a few tables of new customers. When it comes time to settle the bill, I assess the situation and skillfully negotiate, adding quite a bit of silver to my pockets.

Jian Fan chuckled in silence, then retorted to Fei Shiqing's words: "And then you followed them to spy! Old fool, it's one thing to be lewd, but must you be so despicable?"

"If you are going to gamble, then gamble!" Fei Shiqing no longer believes in the supernatural

Jianfan also set out on the road riding that old heavy bicycle with its already mottled paint

Jian Fan laughed mockingly and said: "Beauty? A heroine? ... Are you out of your mind?"

Ah! We are indeed a charming breed, how can this be considered vulgar? Admiring beautiful women is not vulgar; it is those who seek to bed them that are vulgar! ... I am merely appreciating! Who is like you, who thinks of the bed upon seeing a beautiful woman!" Fei Shiqing said presumptuously.

On that day, while watching the pot boil in the late morning and noticing that no customers had arrived at the table, I realized that it was the date for the unified announcement of the township civil servant examination results. I told my father that I was going out to take care of some matters and left the shop. I didn't dare to mention the police station issue to my family, fearing it would worry my parents; I also kept quiet about the examination results, wanting to see how things would unfold and prepare myself mentally for the impending storm

As the two spoke, their spirits were lifted. When the topic of beautiful women arose, it is likely that even men would feel a hint of curiosity

Fei Shiqing spoke animatedly, gesturing with both hands and feet, his excitement evident as he flipped back and forth, nearly losing his balance with his enthusiastic movements

Jian Fan smiled lightly, yet provocatively said: "I have been cultivating for a year now, and my skills in attracting girls have improved somewhat. Virgins, nuns, and saintly women are all within my reach. These past few days, I have been focusing on the secrets of wooing fairies, and I have gained quite a bit of insight. Are you willing to bet on it?"

Fei Shiqing disdainfully said: "Hmph, you? You can't even keep your own woodcutter girl in check."

Alright, make sure you understand! If you want to touch my hand or hair, just ask for my phone number, and I will take care of it immediately. Don't play tricks later!

Jianfan has never taken a salary from his own shop, yet his monthly income is certainly higher than what he would earn as a salary. He learned the principle of accumulating wealth from his father, that small amounts can add up to a significant sum. Although he may not make much every few days, by the end of the month, he can still earn one or two thousand, which is more than the salary of a community police officer at the police station. After saving for two months, Jianfan would look for an opportunity to go to the provincial capital to have fun with Xiangxiang, indulging in food and entertainment for a few days until his pockets are empty, and then he would return to Wulong.