Chapter 71: Zhang Lian Is Dead, Lin Xiaodou Is Suspected

A journey into the deep mountains in search of treasure not only allowed Lin Xiaodou to gather many useful medicinal herbs but also resulted in her acquiring a furry little brown bear. Truly worthwhile!

Lin Xiaodou named the little brown bear “Little Dazed” because the creature did everything slowly, appearing clumsy and absent-minded—except when it came to eating. Whether intentionally or not, this fellow often snatched food from the little golden monkey, sparking frequent quarrels between the two. Although they fought, it was mostly the monkey’s one-sided tantrums; every time, the little golden monkey would stomp its feet in fury, while the brown bear stood there, looking bewildered as if it had no idea what was happening.

The scene was reminiscent of a quick-tempered girl arguing with a slow, straightforward man. As it happened, the little golden monkey was indeed female—a detail Lin Xiaodou hadn’t noticed before. One night, after bathing and donning a skirted nightdress, Lin Xiaodou was approached by the bored little monkey. Seeing her in a skirt, the monkey was curious and chirped incessantly at her side. Once Lin Xiaodou understood, she took out a yellow, frilly little skirt from her space and dressed the monkey in it. The little creature was overjoyed, dancing with delight, making Lin Xiaodou laugh.

The little golden monkey not only liked wearing skirts but also enjoyed being groomed. Whenever Lin Xiaodou combed her hair, the monkey would ask for the same treatment. It particularly loved the look of two braided pigtails, staring at its reflection in the mirror for ages. This creature really loved showing off. Sometimes, it would even pick a wildflower from the roadside and wear it on its head for display.

However, whether dressing up or grooming, the monkey only indulged in these activities inside the wooden cabin. Once outside, it reverted to its natural state lest anyone catch a glimpse and reveal Zhou Qinglang’s whereabouts. If the villagers learned Lin Xiaodou was frequently associating with a man, she would never be able to explain herself.

Unlike the lively and adorable little golden monkey, the male brown bear was entirely different. Aside from begging Lin Xiaodou for food with its charm, it spent most of its time sleeping. The monkey liked to provoke it, often flaunting delicious treats as it slept, sparking food battles between them. Despite their apparent discord, there were moments of unexpected harmony, especially in front of the eldest, the jumping spider—Jump-jump. Whenever Jump-jump commanded them to perform the “Subject Three,” the two would deliberately play dead, refusing to participate. Jump-jump, infuriated, would wave its claws in a blur, slapping their faces, but they remained unmoved; after all, the boss lacked any real intimidation. Its claws were no harsher than a tickle.

Several days had passed since their last treasure hunt in the deep mountains.

The corn in the field had already been harvested, and now the tedious work of peeling husks and separating kernels began. Not only was this task laborious, it took a toll on everyone’s hands, especially their thumbs, which became red, swollen, and painfully sore from prolonged exertion.

Lin Xiaodou suffered as well. After each day’s work, she would soak her hands in icy water before spraying them with Yunnan Baiyao to relieve the discomfort.

When peeling corn, a crowd would sit together in the warehouse, and with so many people, idle gossip flourished. Thanks to her close friendships with the team leader’s wife and the carpenter’s wife, Lin Xiaodou easily integrated into the circle of village women. Each time she went to peel corn, she would sit beside these two, gaining access to more gossip than anyone else.

The hottest topic in the village was currently the pair—Zhang Lian and Three Scabs. After they were discovered bathing together by the river late at night, they were forced to marry. Three Scabs was quite pleased; though Zhang Lian was a bit dark-skinned, she had a good figure and decent looks. Securing a wife for free, he was overjoyed. Zhang Lian, however, felt differently. Despite coming from a Beijing slum, she was ambitious and had high standards. She wouldn’t so much as glance at someone like Three Scabs on the street, let alone marry him.

Zhang Lian despised Three Scabs and refused to share a room with him, which incited his dissatisfaction. Having a wife he could only look at but not touch was not his style. So, the two quarreled daily, their conflicts escalating until they even resorted to violence—though it was always Three Scabs abusing Zhang Lian. In the end, he forced himself upon her, subduing her completely.

Zhang Lian had once been a gentle and understanding flower, but just a few days under Three Scabs’ torment transformed her into a resentful woman who lashed out at everyone and everything. Anyone who dared upset her would be met with a barrage of harsh insults. The village women were astonished by her change.

“The city educated youth is really crazy. Yesterday my dog barked outside her door and she beat it with a stick.”

“That’s right. My Dog Egg was playing far away, and she rushed over to curse, saying it disturbed her sleep.”

“Three Scabs doesn’t work, Zhang Lian doesn’t either. The two of them lie around sleeping all day. If they keep this up, they’ll starve!”

“Ah, how did Zhang Lian turn into this? It’s truly baffling.”

Lin Xiaodou wasn’t surprised by any of it. Zhang Lian had always pretended to be a delicate lotus, but her heart was dark. Now, marrying Three Scabs had destroyed everything for her, causing her true nature to emerge and making her reckless. Such a person was rather frightening; Lin Xiaodou knew she’d have to be careful.

But regardless of how cautious Lin Xiaodou was, trouble still came knocking. One day, the old educated youth, Lin Yang, approached her.

“You newcomers have been here a while now. It’s fate that brings us together in Blackstone Village. I’d like to organize a gathering in the Educated Youth Courtyard, so everyone can get together for a meal and chat. I hope you’ll come.”

Lin Xiaodou had a good relationship with the older group of educated youth. Even though they didn’t live together, she would greet and chat with them whenever they met during work. She didn’t refuse Lin Yang’s invitation.

The gathering was set for that evening. Lin Xiaodou sent the little golden monkey to relay a message to Zhou Qinglang, telling him she wouldn’t be cooking tonight and that he should fend for himself. Zhou Qinglang still had some potatoes left, enough for several meals.

That evening, Lin Xiaodou arrived at the Educated Youth Courtyard on time. Upon seeing her, many people greeted her with smiles. Chen Guang didn’t dare join the crowd. After being thoroughly beaten by Lin Xiaodou previously, he’d kept a low profile. Later, when he couldn’t resist pestering her again, Lin Xiaodou beat him up once more, which finally made him behave.

Chu Ling and Zhang Lian both attended. Chu Ling was all smiles, her face powdered white, clearly the picture of a happy young wife. Zhang Lian, however, looked gloomy, with bruises at the corners of her eyes and mouth—a clear sign of frequent domestic abuse.

The two women reacted differently upon seeing Lin Xiaodou. Chu Ling completely ignored her, refusing to speak, while Zhang Lian glared viciously as though she meant to kill her.

Lin Xiaodou paid their attitudes no mind. It was a festive gathering; everyone was happy, and she had no intention of ruining the atmosphere. However, her tolerance only emboldened Zhang Lian, who deliberately opposed her at every turn. Especially during the meal, whenever Lin Xiaodou reached for something, Zhang Lian would snatch it first. She nearly poured a bowl of hot soup over Lin Xiaodou’s head.

Finally, Lin Xiaodou’s patience snapped. She grabbed Zhang Lian and gave her a thorough beating. Zhang Lian wailed, tears and snot blending together as she cried for mercy. The others, unable to watch any longer, separated the two. Zhang Lian fled in disgrace.

What should have been a warm gathering was thus ruined. Lin Xiaodou returned to her cabin on the hillside in low spirits. She ate a little in her space, washed up, and went to rest.

The next morning, the cabin door was knocked loudly.

Lin Xiaodou opened the door to find two uniformed police officers standing outside.

“Comrade Lin Xiaodou? Comrade Zhang Lian is dead. You were the last to see her yesterday. Please cooperate with us and come to the police station for investigation…”