The system had originally intended to intimidate its unruly host, but it was shocked to find itself intimidated instead. After mulling it over and finding no more viable options, it had no choice but to feign a disconnection and remain as quiet as a mouse. It would wait, observe carefully, uncover Tang Ning’s weaknesses, and then strike with a single blow.
Tang Ning’s body was recovering quickly; the only thing that caused her discomfort was a burning sensation in her stomach. It was a lingering side effect of long-term starvation, but she didn’t dare eat too much. The thin rice porridge and the thick-skinned, scantily-filled buns from the hospital cafeteria served to soothe her stomach well enough. Thin as the rice was, it was still rice; thick as the bun skin was, it was still flour.
In the past, this body had subsisted on coarse-grain buns mixed with a heavy amount of chaff. The ratio of flour was shockingly low, and she could only manage half a bun at a time; it scratched her throat going down and was difficult to digest, frequently leading to constipation.
She stayed in the hospital for one more day, choosing the moment Lin Shengwen arrived to propose her departure.
"What are your plans?"
Lin Shengwen was also troubled by this question. In his view, the young girl was truly pitiable. Even if she had harmed someone, it had been a desperate act of instinct. What was to become of her? He had been sent to the countryside and had deep experience in these villages; he knew that, more than the law, these villagers prioritized conventional rules, human favors, and the interests of their own kin. Tang Ning had not only wounded people but had also reported her own parents and the Zhu family. It was unlikely she would be able to live in the village.
Just as he was struggling to find a good solution, he heard Tang Ning speak.
"I’m going back to the village."
Lin Shengwen looked at the gaunt girl before him, a flash of surprise in his eyes.
"Have you thought it through?"
"Yes. I belong to that village; it is only right that I return."
The criminal facts against Zhu Changling and Tang Xingfa were indisputable, and they were awaiting sentencing. Zhang Miao and Li Guilan would likely receive suspended sentences, as one had a month-old nursing infant, and the other had a simple-minded son who would starve to death without her care. Lin Shengwen had shared this outcome with Tang Ning immediately.
"It’s just that I’ll have to trouble Officer Lin to accompany me," Tang Ning requested.
Lin Shengwen nodded naturally. "It’s no trouble at all. I was planning to visit your village anyway to understand the situation and see if there are any similar vicious crimes."
Zhu Fugui had been frantic these past few days. Every day, members of his extended clan would block his door, demanding he go to the county seat to get their people out. He was merely a small village secretary; he could barely keep his own skin intact, let alone bail anyone out! Was he supposed to just die? He was so stressed that a large, painful blister had erupted at the corner of his mouth.
He had just applied some sesame oil and closed his eyes on the heated brick bed when he heard someone pounding on the door.
"Uncle Fugui! The police are here again!"
He scrambled off the bed, running two steps before realizing he hadn’t put his shoes on. By the time he had composed himself and opened the door, he found himself face-to-face with Lin Shengwen.
*Good heavens!* Were they here to arrest him? Zhu Fugui’s legs trembled.
"Uncle Fugui."
A girl stepped out from behind Lin Shengwen—it was Tang Ning.
"Oh... it’s Da Niu. You’re back, everything is fine, right?" Zhu Fugui forced a stiff, ingratiating smile.
"My name is Tang Ning."
"...Tang Ning, is it? Uncle knows now. That’s a nice name."
"Uncle Fugui, Tang Xingfa and Zhu Changling won't be coming back anytime soon. They tried to buy and sell me like livestock, which makes them my enemies. I certainly cannot return to their home. I came to see you today because I want you to allocate a plot of land for me. I intend to register separately, build a house, and fend for myself."
After Tang Ning finished, not only was Zhu Fugui stunned, but even Lin Shengwen’s eyes widened. So, this was the girl's plan all along! Lin Shengwen had assumed Tang Ning was simply afraid and wanted him there for moral support; he hadn't expected her to have such a clear goal in mind. This earned her an extra measure of his respect.
A fifteen-year-old girl asking for a homestead was something Zhu Fugui had never heard of in all his years. He let out a dry laugh. "Tang Da... Ning, what are you talking about? Ever since there has been a Zhu Family Village, nothing like this has ever happened. Not just in our village, but in all the surrounding towns—what girl has ever had her own homestead?"
"And if it were a son?" Tang Ning asked.
"When a son grows up, he needs to take a wife and have children; if the old house can't hold them, then of course a homestead is granted. Or if a family splits up, that can be granted too," Zhu Fugui said as if it were common sense, thinking to himself that a dog that bites doesn't bark. The Tang girl had always seemed obedient and tame, but she had big ambitions. And she was ruthless, too. He would have to be careful of her in the future.
Before Tang Ning could respond, Lin Shengwen spoke up.
"Chairman Mao himself has proposed gender equality. Is your Zhu Family Village still clinging to the 'men are superior to women' mindset?" Lin Shengwen put on a stern, intimidating face. With his cold, austere temperament, the weight of his words left Zhu Fugui bewildered.
"Tang Ning is a girl of your Zhu Family Village. Everyone in your village, especially you, the village secretary, bears responsibility for her current plight!"
Zhu Fugui’s knees went weak; he tried to argue.
"Don't bother making excuses. Don't think we don't know the situation in this village; we've already investigated it thoroughly." Lin Shengwen pointed to Tang Ning. "She has deeply offended her biological parents and the Zhu family. You tell me, how is she supposed to live? How can her personal safety be guaranteed? I am here today to resolve this matter. If your village can't come up with a proper solution, then our Public Security Bureau will have to handle it!"
Tang Ning raised an eyebrow, thinking that this Lin Shengwen was quite efficient. He was also very tactful; since he had already built the bridge, why shouldn't she cross it?
"Uncle Fugui, I don't want to make things difficult for the village," Tang Ning said, lowering her head with a pained expression. "It doesn't matter what corner or abandoned place it is; just mark off a plot for me. As long as it’s enough for me to build a shack and get through the winter, that’s enough. I’m not picky. I can work, grow my own vegetables, and earn work points in the fields. I’ll be able to survive."
At this point, Zhu Fugui felt that if he didn't relent, he simply wouldn't be human.
"Sigh, Uncle knows you're a good child. It’s all the fault of your parents—those good-for-nothing wretches!" Zhu Fugui let out a long sigh. "Since you've put it this way, there is a ready-made shack at the foot of the back mountain, left over from when we used to raise pigs and sheep. The village won't charge you anything; we'll just give you that plot. If you have any difficulties in the future, just come to Uncle."
The back mountain?
Tang Ning sneered inwardly. Zhu Fugui thought he was making things difficult for her, little knowing that it suited her wishes perfectly.
"Then let’s go measure it today, write everything down, and get the paperwork done. Brother Lin can be our witness. How about it?"
Zhu Fugui took out his hand-rolled cigarette and lit it. "Since you insist on doing it, then let’s do it!"
Lin Shengwen felt a stir in his heart, realizing that this young girl was not as fragile or pitiful as he had first thought—she was, in fact, incredibly strong.