Su Bailu’s clothes were torn in several places, and she had a bruise on her face. Li Dongyang, however, only froze for a moment before his expression returned to its usual indifference. He knew more about Su Bailu’s plight than anyone. He was merely surprised; he had assumed she would have frozen to death outside last night, yet here she was, back again.
Li Dongyang ignored her pleading eyes, bypassed her, and walked out the door. As the sound of weeping drifted from behind him, he silently pulled a cigarette from his pocket and stuck it between his lips. He could not afford to soften his heart toward Su Bailu again.
The sleet from last night had long since stopped. Although it was still early, it was clear that the day would be bright and sunny. Li Dongyang called for Zhang Jun, grabbed his gun from the haystack, and headed off toward the south of the village, full of excitement.
Chapter 29