Chapter 08

He cast a calm glance at her, yet did not respond, simply resuming his journey

Presumably, the matter regarding the Hongyu Museum has already been communicated to him

When I hung up the phone, the laughter on the other end was particularly cheerful and lively: "Girl, we call this a father-daughter team in battle."

I understand what you mean. Yi Zirong averted her gaze and said, You can rest assured. Your father will be fine.

Zhang Xiaoxiao turned around not far from her, and her voice came over clearly and crisply: "Teacher, did you catch my dad together with them?"

Before Xiaoxiao could say anything, Aunt Zhang had already come out to greet her: "Oh, Teacher Du has arrived, come in quickly, come in quickly"

It seemed as though the healing of this wound had erased his good intentions. Du Weiyan quickly reached out and applied the brown ointment to the joint, smiling as he asked, "Did you buy this from Mingwu's pharmacy?"

She was unaware that Captain Wang was waiting for her at the intersection ahead. The car's lights were fully on, and she stood there, bowing her head to hear Captain Wang's admonitions. He mentioned that the local customs were fierce, advising her that it would be best not to stay here alone... His words were left unfinished when a small figure appeared behind them

This is what we produce here. Once it is dried, it can be sold for money. Xiaoxiao's mother, she slipped and fell while picking this. Aunt Zhang looked at her with satisfaction as she drank it down. Hearing footsteps at the door, she stood up with a beaming smile, "Jianmin is back. Old man, Jianmin is back."

His hands were exceptionally strong, and Du Weiyan could only feel a slight pain as if his knuckles were being bent, to the extent that whatever he said that day was completely overshadowed by this subtle yet persistent discomfort

At the entrance of Mingwu High School

Du Weiyan's mind was still focused on her father, her tone resembling that of someone seeking advice: "My father is quite fond of his work, but his health is not very good..."

A small black plastic bag, Du Weiyan took it, lowered his head to open it: "What?"

However, Du Weiyan did not dare, so he retreated step by step, almost shuffling his feet back to the school

Zhang Jianmin ... ... Zhang Afang. ... ... It turns out there was no mistake.

That robber, he only stole money and did not harm or kill anyone... His family is truly in difficulty, with his wife paralyzed and his mother suffering from severe rheumatism? Now that he has been taken away, isn't this family just adding insult to injury?

The road up the mountain remains the same winding path that Yi Zirong once drove. Looking out of the car window, wisps of smoke rise from the homes scattered among the mountains. Du Weiyan leans against the back seat, feeling somewhat carsick, or perhaps it is that the driver's skills do not match those of Yi Zirong? She thinks vaguely, her head growing heavier, her eyelids gradually closing.

He quietly replied to her: "No. It is a traditional remedy for centipede venom made from crushed broad bean leaves, fresh dandelions, and fishy herb applied topically."

Du Rufe repeatedly said: "An old bone still has its uses."

Du Weiyan pretended not to know and simply asked, "What is the reason for such happiness?"

Upon opening, one discovers a small box containing a peculiar medicinal paste. The scent is somewhat strange, lacking a refreshing aroma, instead carrying a somewhat pungent earthy smell that penetrates deeply into one's heart. Du Weiyan instinctively glanced at her fingers, which were already as smooth as before, likely indicating that the remedy from Aunt Zhang's family is indeed effective

The car drove down the highway, not along the small path that Du Weiyan had taken uphill. Du Weiyan felt a bit dizzy from the detour and recalled a question he had never asked: "How did you know I was here?"

The number was unfamiliar, but the voice was not entirely strange. Due to his sensitivity to voices, Du Weiyan immediately realized in the next moment: "Is it Captain Wang?"

Du Weiyan felt that she was wearing too little clothing, and her voice lowered: "Xiaoxiao, what is your father's name?"

There is no other way; my father is my only relative. We rely on each other for survival, " Du Weiyan said, slightly taken aback.

She responded decisively: "Perfect, I will take your ride down."

The old village chief came out from the inner room, hurriedly glancing towards the door

Entering the temporary office, Du Weiyan began to input the already organized data into the unit's computer. It was still early, and several colleagues had not yet finished work. After greeting each other, they returned to their respective tasks.

Zhang Xiaoxiao's mother accidentally fell while foraging for herbs in the mountains two years ago and has been paralyzed in bed ever since. Because of this, the family has to pay for medical expenses and has lost a labor force, resulting in an exceptionally tight financial situation. Xiaoxiao's father also works away from home. The household is left with only an elderly couple and one child

Du Weiyan gently clicked on the mouse, highlighting several key data peaks, and then took out her phone, speaking with slight impatience: "Hello. This is Du Weiyan."

The elderly man wore a joyful expression, pulled her into the house, and instructed his grandson: "Go to the intersection and see if your father is back."

Du Weiyan was breathing lightly, with both hands in her pockets. At this moment, she slowly took them out, seemingly at a loss for words, and paused for a moment. Her voice was dry: "How has your mother been these past few days?"

She was very grateful that Captain Wang pretended not to know her in that situation. Although she felt relieved for the moment, she also felt guilty, so she stopped when she reached the door. The sky was gradually darkening, and light was leaking through the poorly closed door.

Du Weiyan reached out to take it, catching a faint fragrance. She caressed the chipped teacup, standing there in a daze, seemingly not hearing Aunt Zhang's words

However, Yi Zirong did not quickly restart. With one hand resting on the steering wheel, she turned her head to look at her. In the flickering of her gaze, it seemed as if ancient and distant memories flowed, as if it were truly basalt, where the mottled rock pages bore witness to the changes of the vast sea, vividly present before her.

She made an effort to make her voice sound cheerful and relaxed: "Dad"

Captain Wang's voice still carried a hint of uncontainable excitement as he opened his mouth to ask, "Miss Du, you are in Mingwu, right?" He chuckled and continued, "Our Public Security Bureau's system records show that you have been living in Mingwu for more than half a month, haven't you? Just so happens, the last case has been solved; could I trouble you for a few minutes?"

The child could hardly understand the adult's explanation, tugging at her clothes, laughing as if she were a small sunflower in autumn: "My dad is coming back soon. Grandma has stewed the hen that lays eggs every day!"

What exactly happened that evening ... ... Du Weiyan only felt that the memory, which had always been clear, had encountered some minor malfunctions

"The list, you can take a look for yourself." Yi Zirong turned a corner, and at the end of her line of sight, the rising and falling skyscrapers were already visible, in a gray and bustling city

After completing the necessary tasks, Du Weiyan returned to the hotel to organize some items, exchanged a few words with colleagues, and then went out to take a taxi back to Bixi Tou

After finally arriving at school and having paid the fees, she took her belongings and headed towards her residence. Suddenly, a small dark figure bumped into her, startling her.

Du Weiyan could not resist him, so she went back to her room to put away her things and then followed him outside, asking, "Has your father returned already?"

The young man turned his face, his expression fluctuating, as if he were carefully pondering her thoughts. After a moment, the earlier tumultuous waves had subsided, revealing a calm and smooth beach surface. Yi Zirong smiled gently and said, "Is that so?"

He also smiled gently and said, "I am about to descend the mountain."

Du Weiyan quietly sat down in the room and gently cleared his throat

The store already has air conditioning. Du Weiyan felt a bit of nasal congestion due to the temperature change, so he casually rubbed his nose and bent down to compare several versions of the Chinese language exercise books. Perhaps having stayed in the warmth for too long, when he answered the phone this time, his hand was not as stiff and trembling as before

Aunt Zhang glanced at her, and a rough, thick, swollen hand reached out to touch her forehead. Frowning, she said, "Teacher Du, have you caught a cold?"

Du Weiyan did not avoid it, and his voice was somewhat muffled: "No. Aunt Zhang, Xiaoxiao said... is her father coming back today?"

Du Weiyan thought that this must be the most embarrassing moment of his life, the moment he was least willing to face

His voice was very pleasant, clear, and articulate, pronouncing each word precisely. The names of the herbs came out one after another, leaving Du Weiyan somewhat dazed. After a while, she slightly raised her face and smiled sincerely: "I see, thank you." She paused and then asked him, "You won't be staying here tonight, will you?"

He had already seen it, pressed his lips together, and asked noncommittally, "Is it already better so soon?"

She only feels it is somewhat difficult to weigh the options

Du Weiyan did not know how to set her mind at ease. At this moment, in her heart, there was a small balance scale. On one side lay the joy and passion her father derived from his work, which she could not bear to unilaterally deprive him of; on the other side was her pure concern for his health

Du Weiyan looked at the line of numbers on his phone; that car had already disappeared around the corner, and the name... several information symbols, seemed to have built an invisible bridge with electric currents, astonishingly crossing many chasms

So... it must be my own fault, right

Oh, isn't that so? It's been almost six months since I went out to work. I send some money back every month. Not long ago, his wife was hospitalized again, and I was worried that he would have to go door to door to borrow money. I didn't expect that this guy has been working hard from dawn till dusk outside, and he has really earned quite a bit... Aunt Zhang said while preparing tea for Du Weiyan in a large bowl, "This is water brewed with forsythia. Teacher Du, you should drink a few bowls, and take some back with you. Once you finish drinking it, I guarantee your health will improve."

Upon exiting the Public Security Bureau in Mingwu City on Sunday, Du Weiyan adjusted her jacket. In the floor-to-ceiling glass window by the street, amidst the cobalt blue shadows, a reflection of her own illusion emerged. Tall and slender, her face appeared as pale as white paper, and her icy fingers inadvertently brushed against her neck, causing her to shiver slightly. The weather was growing colder by the day, and it seemed time to wrap herself in the large red cashmere scarf at home. As she pondered aimlessly, she happened to notice a Xinhua Bookstore by the roadside. The weather was getting colder by the day, and it seemed time to wrap herself in the large red cashmere scarf at home. While lost in thought, she recalled that she should buy a few books to reference for her practice assignments, as sometimes the questions posed to elementary school students could be quite challenging. Over the past month, she certainly could not let her students down.

This time there were no rabbits, yet Yi Zirong abruptly slammed on the brakes with a force greater than before. If it weren't for the seatbelt tightly restraining him, Du Weiyan felt that his body would have easily flown out.

Du Weiyan was taken aback: "Are you also at Mingwu?"

Now, she and he are clearly visible to each other

Du Weiyan had no way to lie, so he could only nod his head

Zhang Xiaoxiao entered with her head down, followed by two or three men—while a young boy, with a crying tone, said: "My dad didn't come"

Yi Ziyong took a step back, not forgetting his purpose. He took out something from behind him and handed it to him: "Take this."

The eyes of the child are strikingly distinct in black and white, resembling the clearest jade.

After a long while, Zhang Xiaoxiao felt that there was no movement behind her. Hesitating, she stopped and tentatively called out, "Teacher?"

She wondered, is that the sound of Aunt Zhang crying? Or is it the sound of Xiaoxiao's mother crying? What are they crying about? ... Zhang Jianmin ... ... She had already seen him at the Public Security Bureau in Mingwu City, where she verified the accent and then looked at the suspect's family background report. ... ... She thought, the residents of Bixitou are so warm and friendly, how could there be a robber? It must be a mistake, right? She thought, the residents of Bixitou are so warm and friendly, how could there be a robber? It must be a mistake, right?

Zhang Xiaoxiao slowly walked over, placed the plastic bag into Du Weiyan's hand, and then turned to leave

The bright yellow color, however, appeared to Du Weiyan as a dark hue that was almost brown. Everything around was quiet, even the layers of stars were obscured. Suddenly, the sound of a woman's crying came from inside the house. It started as muffled sobs, gradually growing louder, each cry like someone was pressing against her chest and wailing loudly, all of it digging into her heart.

Du Weiyan slowly set down the large bowl, and unconsciously, her fingers pressed slightly, heavily scraping against the edge of the crack.

The little boy did not look back: "Zhang Jianmin."

She pondered for a while: "Forget it. If he knew I said these things, he would probably be unhappy again"

Du Weiyan felt as if her throat was blocked. She desperately tried to recall the conversation from earlier. Did the little boy hear it? Did he understand it?

Before leaving, Du Weiyan's phone rang. He smiled slightly and said, "My number"

Zhang Afang

What happened next seemed to unfold in slow motion as the little boy picked up a stone and hurled it with great force.

Forsythia

Separated by the microphone, Du Rufe's voice sounded exuberant, to use a popular term, it can be described as "reverse aging"

Zhang Xiaoxiao tugged at the hem of her clothes, her small face tilted upwards, her voice somewhat loud, echoing across the empty dirt playground: "Teacher Du, my grandmother wants you to come to our house for dinner"

He was driving with great seriousness, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly as he said, "It's a matter of asking."

The liquid is a pale amber color, shimmering with a jade-like luster under the light, exuding a kind of pure charm.

Where is your grandfather

Du Rufe is a quintessential traditional intellectual, dedicated to his academic pursuits. Since he has promised the other party, he will meticulously carry out the foundational work of organizing the materials. Du Weiyan knows that advising him is futile and can only remind him to take his medicine on time

A dull thud echoed heavily, reminiscent of the woman's cry she had just heard. Du Weiyan felt as if a part of her skull had been struck violently; aside from this heavy blow, there was also a tearing pain. She wanted to call out to the little boy, but felt dizzy instead, so she slowly crouched down, gently supporting her head, as warm liquid almost instantly soaked her fingers.

The little boy hopped along, occasionally turning back to glance at the young teacher: "No. The day before yesterday, I had an uncle from the village bring back a lot of things, filling half the room. That uncle said he would be back soon." He gestured earnestly, "And there is also a very large box of clay..."

Did it really break? Du Weiyan noticed the astonishment on Captain Wang's face the moment he entered, hurriedly lowering his head, seemingly very interested in the winding drops of blood. Following the smooth rim of the bowl, a thin trace appeared, as if a soft worm had crawled over it, stirring the transparent liquid in the bowl into a slight murkiness

In the world of children, there is right and wrong, with no gray areas

Zhang Xiaoxiao held a plastic bag in her hand, her tone hesitant: "Teacher Du... this is the forsythia that my grandmother asked me to bring you. She said you caught a cold..."

I know. " Yi Ziyong nodded slightly, " What happened? "

Du Weiyan hesitated for a moment, seemingly unable to make a decision

The first name made Du Weiyan hold her breath. After thinking for a few seconds, she whispered: "Du Rufe, my father."

Xiaoxiao

Du Weiyan suddenly recalled that last year the school had inquired whether he was interested in supervising a doctoral student. Du Rufei, without even having the chance to review the materials, took it upon herself to politely decline on his behalf. Because of this matter, the father and daughter had a prolonged cold war. Later, Du Weiyan reflected carefully and felt that her approach had been somewhat harsh. She resolved that, as long as it was within the limits of his health, she would not unilaterally make decisions for her elderly father regarding what he wanted to do.

Her gaze, for some reason, suddenly glided over a moment of astonishment, and then she smiled and said: "What is it? The teacher just returned..."

That day, Captain Wang excitedly shook hands with her, saying: "Miss Du, without your assistance, the progress of the case would not have been so smooth"

Du Weiyan let out an "oh" and continued, "Apart from me, which other experts have been invited? There must be those specializing in folklore and the history of ethnic minorities..."

A wild rabbit ran across the mountain and was startled by an oncoming car, stopping right in the middle of the road, completely motionless. She instinctively shouted, "Stop!" The sharp sound of the brakes caused the bodies of the two people in the car to lurch forward involuntarily, and the rabbit quickly darted into the grass.

Ke Duwei's memory has always been excellent; she has not forgotten the reason for her departure at that time

That strange light pierced her vision, as if it were gradually enlarging, slowly revealing several figures, it was Captain Wang and his team... The white and blue police car quickly drove past from the small road, disappearing from view... Should she go inside the house to take a look