Chapter 136: Because My Fists Are Harder

As for Zhu Qingqing, after creating such a scene at the entrance of the canteen, the Zhu family found they could not force her to comply and had no choice but to head home. On the way back, both the father and mother of the Zhu family looked utterly defeated. Neither of them could fathom how their once obedient and sensible youngest daughter had turned into the person she was today.

Seeing her parents so heartbroken, Zhu Damei felt a deep ache in her own heart. "Dad, Mom, maybe my sister is just confused for the moment. She will see reason later; you don't need to worry." Zhu Damei offered these hollow words of comfort, though she didn't even believe them herself. Her sister had become obsessed with love, and she wouldn't be coming to her senses anytime soon.

The parents clearly realized this as well. Both sighed in unison, their faces etched with anxiety. "How can we not worry? Your sister is still young; she has no idea how much trouble being involved with a former convict will bring."

"That’s right. This will affect our entire Zhu family. It will even make it difficult for you to get married later on."

"It doesn't matter if I get married or not; I can support myself," Zhu Damei replied with a careless shrug. Although her family was well-off, she was somewhat rugged in appearance. Many men she went on blind dates with would flee upon the first meeting, showing no interest in pursuing a relationship. There were, of course, some unsavory types or men from destitute backgrounds who wanted to marry into the family, but she had no interest in them. At twenty-two, she was the only one left among her peers, most of whom were already married with children. Having been through so many failed setups, she had become indifferent to it all.

"Dad, Mom, please don't worry about me. The priority now is my sister. She is so naive—what if she does something stupid? Dad, you really should speak with Director Hu about this." Even though she was disappointed in her sister's behavior, she did not want to see her come to any harm.

Zhu’s father nodded. "Tonight, I’ll buy some things and pay a visit to Director Hu’s home."

That evening, the father arrived at Director Hu’s home bearing a carton of quality cigarettes and a bottle of liquor. Upon hearing his purpose, Director Hu sighed in frustration. "I’ve already spoken with Qingqing, but she is completely unreachable. She won't listen to any reasoning, and I’m at my wit's end."

"I know," the father said. "I just wanted to ask if that former convict, Xu Mo, could be transferred somewhere else. If the two of them are kept apart, their feelings might fade, and Qingqing might come to her senses."

"It’s usually impossible to transfer someone," Director Hu said, pondering for a moment before looking up. "Unless Xu Mo shows exemplary behavior. I could apply to the higher-ups to see if he could be transferred to the village to work as an educated youth."

Zhu’s father’s eyes lit up. "That’s a good idea; it would be better for both of them." If he couldn't sway his youngest daughter, at least the title of an "educated youth" sounded better than "convict."

"Xu Mo has only been at the pig farm for half a month. I’d need to see at least three months of performance records," Director Hu added. "I’ll go talk to him tomorrow and see what he thinks."

Zhu’s father nodded. "That would be fine. I’m sorry for the trouble."

Director Hu patted his shoulder. "We’ve been friends for years; don't mention it."

***

The next morning, as soon as Director Hu arrived at work, he summoned Xu Mo. At first, Xu Mo was unsure of what was happening. But once he heard what the director had to say, he masked his excitement and promised fervently, "Director Hu, don't you worry! I will work hard and not let you down!"

When Lin Xiaodou arrived at their designated area, she saw Xu Mo shoveling manure as if he were possessed, moving at a speed that could rival a sprinter.

Lin Xiaodou: "..." No, wait. How did this lazy, green-tea-loving donkey suddenly change his tune?

It didn't take long for her to find out why. Zhu Qingqing, having shed the gloom of the past few days, appeared before her, looking triumphant. "Lin Xiaodou, I actually have to thank you. If you hadn't made my relationship with Xu Mo public, my parents wouldn't have found out so quickly..."

From Zhu Qingqing, Lin Xiaodou learned the whole story. Her parents had tried to force her to quit her job and come home, but she refused, making a scene in public until they eventually compromised, telling her not to go too far. They even promised to talk to Director Hu, suggesting that if Xu Mo performed well over the next few months, they might be able to get him moved to the countryside as an educated youth.

Listening to this, Lin Xiaodou felt a headache coming on. She hadn't expected her interference to accelerate the plot of the original novel, which was supposed to happen months later. She was even more surprised that the parents loved their daughter so much that they would swallow their pride to beg Director Hu again. If they knew their real daughter was already gone, how heartbroken would they be?

If Zhu Qingqing were a reasonable person, it might be fine, but she clearly wasn't. People like her were a disaster for their families, and the future for the Zhu household looked grim. However, none of that had anything to do with her.

"Well then, congratulations," Lin Xiaodou said. "You finally got what you wanted."

Let the two lunatics be locked away together; they shouldn't be out here causing trouble for everyone else. She wondered what Director Hu was thinking. After Zhu Qingqing spent some time learning from Dr. Zhang, she was unexpectedly assigned to the same area as Lin Xiaodou.

"From now on, the two of you will be responsible for this area together," Director Hu stated. "Zhu Qingqing will be your assistant."

Lin Xiaodou raised an eyebrow. "Director Hu, do you think I have too much free time, so you’re deliberately saddling me with a huge headache?"

Director Hu rubbed his nose, looking guilty. "Not at all. It’s just that this girl is too flighty, and I’m afraid no one else can keep her in check. You’re the most suitable; after all, you’ve beaten her up so many times that she wouldn't dare act out in front of you."

Zhu Qingqing certainly didn't dare act out, but she was still capable of being disgusting. Perhaps because their relationship was now known to the entire farm, she decided to be bold and openly flirt with Xu Mo right in front of everyone. Of course, Xu Mo’s task of shoveling manure had been changed to cutting pig grass, a change facilitated by Director Hu.

Every time she finished her own work, Zhu Qingqing would run over to watch Xu Mo cut grass. One day, upon returning, she flaunted a wildflower tucked into her hair in front of Lin Xiaodou. "Xu Mo gave this to me. Isn't it pretty? Heh, Lin Xiaodou, no matter how pretty you are, it doesn't change the fact that no one loves you."

Lin Xiaodou chuckled and smacked the flower right off her head. She then stepped on it and ground it into the dirt. "Cheap trash given to a cheap idiot—a perfect match!"

Zhu Qingqing shrieked in anger, "Lin Xiaodou, you’ve gone too far! Pay me back for the flower!"

Lin Xiaodou kicked her over. "Pay your mother!"

Xu Mo rushed over to help her up, glaring at Lin Xiaodou with venomous eyes. "What right do you have to hit her!"

"The right of having a harder fist," Lin Xiaodou sneered, stepping forward and delivering two swift punches. Xu Mo ended up with a black eye, clutching his face in agony. Terrified, Zhu Qingqing quickly dragged Xu Mo away.