Episode 22

1
Liao Qingwen, eyes vacant and utterly lost, wandered aimlessly along the road. The villagers along the way, upon seeing him, all hurled abuse at him, and some even spat at him.

Villager A shouted angrily: “Damn your mother, you informant who betrayed the villagers, what right do you have to be village chief?”
Villager B also cursed: “You caused the deaths of so many villagers, you’re truly wicked, truly inhumane!”
Villager C said: “Just let it go, he’s already gone crazy anyway. He’s basically getting his retribution.”
Villager B cursed again: “Damn, who knows whether he’s really crazy or just pretending?”
Villager A said: “If I knew he was faking it, I’d be the first to beat him to death!”

Yutang and Yuhui, brother and sister, anxiously searched for Liao Qingwen along the road. When they reached the Earth God Temple, they saw a crowd gathered. They hurried over and found that the person surrounded by the crowd was Liao Qingwen. A group of villagers were kicking and beating him, curses rising one after another: “Damn! Beat him to death!” “Murderer!” “Despicable informant!”

Seeing this, Yutang and Yuhui rushed forward and stood between their father and the villagers.

Yutang pleaded bitterly: “Please show mercy, our father has already become like this. Please don’t hit him anymore!”

Yuhui said: “Please spare my father’s life, please!”

The villagers looked at each other. Finding it pointless, they gradually dispersed. Yutang and Yuhui helped their father, whose face was full of terror, and left together.

2
Yutang and Yuhui left home to go to school. Along the way, villagers pointed and whispered at them. The two siblings kept their heads down and walked quickly. On the mountain road, they encountered Yuan’s ox cart. Yuan stopped the cart, and Wenyan signaled for them to get on. Yutang first waved his hand to refuse, but then he turned and saw Yuhui’s longing eyes to get on the cart and felt unable to bear it. So he brought his sister, and they both climbed onto the ox cart.

Yuhui said: “Wenyan, thank you.”
Wenyan said: “Mm.”

The ox cart moved along the road, drawing many strange looks. The five people on the cart remained silent.

Villager A shouted: “Wenyan! Have you forgotten who killed your father Lianfu?”
Villager B said: “You kids, don’t be friends with the informant’s children anymore!”
Villager C said: “The informant’s kids riding an ox cart? Living so comfortably? Tell them to walk to school themselves!”

Mocking voices rose one after another. Yuhui tightly grasped Yutang’s hand, both of them keeping their heads down in silence. Baofeng softly comforted the siblings: “Don’t worry. With Wenyan and me here, the villagers won’t make things difficult for you.”

Wenying said: “My brother will protect you. Don’t be afraid!”

Wenyan could not hold back and stood up shouting: “The one who committed wrongdoing is Liao Qingwen, not the Yutang siblings. They are innocent! The sins of the previous generation should not be borne by the next generation!”

After hearing this, the Yutang siblings were deeply moved, their eyes turning red. They tightly held Wenyan’s hand and could not speak for a long time.

3
During lunch break, Mingdao came to Yutang’s seat.

Mingdao said: “Yutang, let’s go study at the library.”

Yutang, sitting at his seat, looked out the window and saw Wenyan waiting for Mingdao in the hallway.

Yutang waved his hand and said: “No need, I’ll just study in the classroom.”

Mingdao went to the hallway to meet Wenyan.

Mingdao said: “I don’t know what’s wrong with Yutang. He actually didn’t come to the library with us.”

Wenyan said: “If he wants to stay in the classroom, then let him stay.”

Mingdao asked: “Are you two still angry about the fight at the library last time?”

Wenyan said nothing. He turned and walked away. Mingdao shrugged and followed after him.

4
Xiaoqiao and Baofeng came to the library and saw that only Wenyan and Mingdao were sitting at their usual group table. Xiaoqiao sat beside Wenyan.

Xiaoqiao asked: “Wenyan, why don’t I see the Yutang siblings?”

Wenyan remained silent.

Xiaoqiao asked again: “Wenyan, didn’t you hear me asking you?”

Wenyan suddenly stood up, startling Xiaoqiao. He turned to leave.

Baofeng asked: “Wenyan, where are you going?”

“To the bathroom.” Wenyan left like the wind.

Xiaoqiao asked: “Why is he acting so strange today?”

Baofeng sighed and said: “Sigh, you two better not ask about Yutang for now.”

Mingdao asked curiously: “Did something happen?”

Baofeng hesitated, then decided to explain everything. She briefly recounted what had happened in the village earlier. Both of them showed shocked expressions.

At the corner near the bathroom, Wenyan leaned against the wall, listening to Baofeng explain everything to the two of them. After a while, he turned and left.

5
Wenyan and Mingdao walked side by side in the school corridor, talking and laughing. Yutang walked toward them. When he saw Wenyan, he quickly hid around a corner, deliberately avoiding him. Wenyan also noticed Yutang’s reaction and froze for a moment.

Mingdao said: “Wenyan, are you listening?”

Wenyan snapped back to reality: “Yes, yes…”

The two continued their previous conversation.

Wenyan thought to himself: “Why is Yutang avoiding me…?”

6
Just as dawn was breaking, Wu Zu woke up and found that Liao Qingwen was not beside her. She hurried to Yutang’s room.

Wu Zu said anxiously: “Yutang, something bad has happened. Your father ran out again. Hurry and take your sister to bring him back. He’s wandering around outside everywhere. If the villagers see him again, he’ll surely be bullied again.”

Upon hearing this, Yutang quickly got up and put on his clothes: “I’ll go find Dad right away!”

Yutang knocked on Yuhui’s door, and the two siblings quickly left the house.

Yutang and Yuhui searched everywhere along the road for Liao Qingwen, shouting along the way: “Dad! Dad!”

Yuhui said: “Brother, what should we do? We can’t find him anywhere!”

Yutang thought for a moment and said: “Let’s go ask Wenyan for help.”

The siblings went to Wenyan’s house and knocked on the door. Laichun opened the door and looked at them with a surprised expression. Wenyan then appeared behind her.

Yuhui said anxiously: “Auntie, our father has run away again.”

Wenyan said: “Yutang, don’t panic yet. Calm down and think where your father might go.”

Yutang said: “Wenyan, my father is missing. You usually move around the village more often. Can I ask you to help me find him? Please!”

Wenyan said: “Alright! Wait for me a moment, I’ll put on a shirt and come out right away.”

The three of them went into the mountain area to search. The siblings kept calling along the way: “Dad!” “Uncle!”

Wenyan suddenly saw a figure lying by the creek in the distance. He pointed and said: “Yutang, look over there!”

The three of them ran to the creek. The person was lying face down in the stream, completely motionless. Yutang and Yuhui lifted him up. Yuhui immediately burst into loud crying: “It’s our father… Father, father…”

Wenyan stood frozen behind the Yutang siblings, not knowing how to react.

7
Wenyan, Baofeng, Xiaoqiao, and Mingdao came to Qingwen’s house to pay their respects. The entire mourning hall was empty and desolate; inside were only Wu Zu and the three siblings, Yutang and Yuhui. Wenyan and the others offered incense before Qingwen’s spirit tablet, and Wu Zu led her children to return the bows.

Yutang and Yuhui went with Wenyan’s group to the courtyard.

Yutang said: “Wenyan, thank you for helping me find my father.”
Wenyan said: “Actually, I didn’t really help with anything.”

The group stood in silence. After a moment, Yutang said: “After my father’s funeral is completed, our family will take his ashes and move away from Lukou Village.”

Mingdao asked: “Then will you siblings continue studying at Keelung Middle School?”
Yutang shook his head and said: “We plan to move to the central or southern part of the country.”

Baofeng asked: “Do you have any plans for the future?”

Yutang said: “I want to apply to a military academy. The reason such a tragedy happened in Lukou Village is because the military and police disregarded human life. I hope, with my own strength—even if only a little—I can bring reform from within the military system.”

Xiaoqiao nudged Wenyan with her elbow: “Wenyan, say something too.”

Wenyan said: “Yutang, no matter how many grievances existed between our fathers, all of that is in the past. We will always be good friends.”

Yutang’s eyes welled with tears: “Mm.”

Wenyan and Yutang embraced. Yutang said: “Goodbye, my brother.”
Wenyan said: “My brother, this time you’re truly leaving me behind.”

Yuhui cried uncontrollably, while Baofeng and Xiaoqiao hurried to comfort her.

8
Five months later, the university entrance exam results were released. Xiaoqiao and Baofeng went to the wall outside National Taiwan University to check the list.

Baofeng said: “Xiaoqiao! Xiaoqiao! I got into the History Department of the Normal University!”

Xiaoqiao said: “That’s great! Congratulations! You’ll be a teacher in the future!”

The two girls grabbed each other’s hands and jumped excitedly.

Baofeng said: “Now let’s look at the NTU list.”
Xiaoqiao said: “I… I’m so nervous!”

Baofeng said: “Your grades and Wenyan’s are so good—you’ll definitely get in.”

They followed the list name by name. In the Foreign Languages Department column of NTU, they saw Xia Xiaoqiao’s name, and the two of them rejoiced again.

Xiaoqiao said: “I got into NTU English Department!”

Then they checked the Law Department list, but did not find Wenyan’s name. Xiaoqiao could not hide her disappointment: “I don’t see Wenyan…”

Baofeng refused to give up and checked again from the beginning. She found that part of the list had been cut off and the remaining names were posted on another bulletin board. Among those remaining names, she finally saw Yu Wenyan.

Baofeng shouted: “I found it! Wenyan got into NTU Law Department, legal studies track!”

Baofeng and Xiaoqiao jumped and shouted with joy.

Xiaoqiao said: “Let’s hurry to Lukou Village and tell Wenyan this good news!”

9
Xiaoqiao and Baofeng came to Yu Wenyan’s home to congratulate him.

Xiaoqiao said: “Wenyan, congratulations on getting into NTU Law Department.”
Baofeng said: “Yes, Wenyan, congratulations!”

Wenyan said: “You two are also great—one got into NTU Foreign Languages, and the other got into Northern Provincial Teachers College. Future teachers!”

Baofeng asked: “Strange? You didn’t go check the list—how do you know?”

Wenyan said: “Aiyu saw it in the newspaper and just ran over to tell me.”

Laichun said: “You kids are all so good at studying. I’m very happy. Wenyan, go to the back mountain to pick bamboo shoots, and then go by the creek to bring back the shrimp traps. I’ll cook to entertain the two of them.”

Wenyan said: “Oh, okay.”

Laichun said: “You two sit here for a while. I’m busy in the kitchen.”

Xiaoqiao said: “Aunt Laichun, I’ll help too.”
Baofeng said: “I’ll help as well.”

Laichun said: “You’re all so good. Let’s go cook dinner.”

Xiaoqiao and Baofeng followed Laichun into the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Baofeng suddenly had an epileptic seizure. Laichun panicked and asked anxiously: “Baofeng, what’s wrong? What should we do?”

Xiaoqiao comforted her: “Aunt Laichun, don’t panic. Please quickly get a clean towel for me.”

Laichun said: “Okay, I’ll get it.”

Laichun quickly brought the towel: “Here’s the towel.”

Xiaoqiao took it and stuffed it into Baofeng’s mouth.

When Wenyan returned home, Xiaoqiao said: “Baofeng just had a seizure. I handled it urgently.”

Wenyan asked: “How is she now?”

Xiaoqiao said: “She’s resting now.”

At that moment, Zhou Tianmei came over and pointed at Xiaoqiao in front of Wenyan, saying: “Wenyan, if you want to find a wife in the future, you should find someone as healthy as Miss Xia.”

Yu Wenyan smiled and said: “She’s a wealthy young lady. Asking her to stay in our mountains and do hard labor would be too much, wouldn’t it?”

Xiaoqiao retorted unhappily: “You’re really underestimating me—I can do all those jobs.”

Baofeng, lying in the room, heard everything.

Baofeng thought to herself: “Xiaoqiao and Wenyan are the truly well-matched couple. I should fulfill them.”

10
Baofeng returned home. Huo Lu asked her: “Baofeng, where have you been? I didn’t see you all day.”

Baofeng said: “Wenyan got into NTU Law Department. I went with my classmates to congratulate him.”

Huo Lu was delighted: “Great! Great! It’s rare for our village to produce such a top student. I knew since Wenyan was a child that he would have a future. Since you two grew up together and are so close, I’ll go to Laichun’s house to propose marriage and marry you to Wenyan. How about that?”

Aijiao asked: “I heard Wenyan has a girlfriend. Is that true?”

Baofeng said: “Wenyan already has a very good girlfriend—Xiaoqiao, who has been to our house. So let’s not talk about this anymore.”

Baofeng said: “Grandpa, no. Wenyan already has a girlfriend he gets along very well with, so let’s not discuss this anymore.”

Huo Lu, seeing Baofeng’s determination, said no more: “Alright, alright, I won’t bring it up again.”

11
After returning home, Xiaoqiao told her parents the good news that Wenyan had been admitted to NTU Law Department.

Xiaoqiao said: “Dad, Mom, I’m telling you—Yu Wenyan also got into NTU with me. He’s in the Law Department.”

Zhai Jialing said: “That’s wonderful! Mom can see that Wenyan is an honest and reliable young man with great potential. He will surely achieve success. I already knew years ago that you secretly liked him, but at that time you were still in middle school, so I didn’t want you to be distracted.”

Xiaoqiao said: “Mom, so now you support me being with him?”

Zhai Jialing said: “Now that you’re both in university, of course I won’t restrict your friendships anymore.”

Xia Yi Tiao said: “That Yu Wenyan comes from a farming family, while our Xia family operates in business circles. Our backgrounds are not equal. Daughter, I don’t want you to marry into a farming family and suffer hardship with housework. You need to think carefully.”

Xiaoqiao said: “What’s wrong with being from a farming family? Unlike you, Dad, who is out socializing all the time and is never home.”

Zhai Jialing smiled: “What she said is quite sincere. In the future, I’d rather her husband be a steady farmer who stays home, rather than going out to socialize all the time.”

Xia Yi Tiao said: “What are you two talking about? Are you ganging up to criticize me? Do you think money will fall from the ceiling if I stay home every day?”

Zhai Jialing said: “What I’m saying is the truth. You’ve been traveling and on business trips all these years. I handle everything at home.”

Xia Yi Tiao said: “Alright, alright, I know you’ve worked hard, but I also don’t have it easy outside.”

Then he said again: “Xiaoqiao, if Yu Wenyan successfully becomes a lawyer or a judicial officer in the future, I will agree to this marriage. So I conditionally allow you to date him. But if I arrange a more suitable match later, you must go on a blind date first.”

Xiaoqiao immediately jumped up from her mother’s arms: “Dad, what era is this? You still want me to go on a blind date? Do you think I’m from ancient times?”

Xia Yi Tiao said: “I’ve already made a concession. Don’t be ungrateful.”

Jialing comforted her: “Xiaoqiao, blind dates are just a way of making friends. Just agree for now and don’t argue with your father.”

12
During the summer before the semester began, Xiaoqiao went to Wenyan’s family tea plantation to help pick tea. Some neighbors who were also helping could not help but feel hostility toward this clumsy outsider girl and whispered behind her back.

Neighbor Woman A said: “This mainland girl is so clumsy. How will she ever support the Yu family in the future?”

Neighbor Woman B said: “I heard her father is a big businessman. Since she’s a rich young lady, she’s willing to live like this in our village—I really can’t understand it.”

Neighbor Woman C said: “Laichun’s son Wenyan is good at studying, so he got into NTU Law Department. No wonder this girl is willing to be with him. But life here is hard. In my opinion, she won’t be able to adapt and will eventually move to the city.”

Axi couldn’t stand it anymore and said: “This is their family matter. Laichun has a good impression of Xiaoqiao. We outsiders shouldn’t gossip.”

Aiyu said: “Mom, I always thought Wenyan would marry Baofeng. I feel they are really well matched.”

Axi said: “I thought so too. But Wenyan went to Taipei to study and met other girls. That kind of situation is understandable.”

Not far away, Baofeng looked at Wenyan and Xiaoqiao picking tea together and silently thought: “Wenyan, you must cherish Xiaoqiao. She is sincere to you. I hope you will be happy together in the future.”

13
Mingdao came to Wenyan’s house to offer congratulations. Only Zhou Tianmei was in the living room picking tea branches. Mingdao was worried that he would not be able to make conversation with the elder, when he suddenly saw, not far away, two women wearing bamboo hats and dressed as village girls walking toward this place. Mingdao thought they must be Laichun and Xiaoqiao returning from the tea garden, so he smiled and said:

“Laichun aunt, Xiaoqiao, did you just go pick tea?”

Laichun said: “Mingdao, when did you arrive? We didn’t keep you waiting too long, did we?”

Mingdao said: “I only just arrived a moment ago. Hey, Xiaoqiao, was picking tea hard work?”

Xiaoqiao took off her bamboo hat, her face rosy, fanning herself with the hat:
“It was okay! It’s just that I’m a bit slow and can’t keep up with Aunt Laichun and Aunt Axi.”

Meeting Xiaoqiao here, Mingdao understood that her heart belonged to Wenyan. Although he felt a sense of loss, he still maintained his grace and chatted casually with Wenyan’s family.

Mingdao said: “I’ve been accepted into the Air Force Academy. In a few days I’ll be heading south to start school there.”

Xiaoqiao said: “Congratulations on achieving your wish. I hope one day I can see you become a pilot.”

Mingdao said: “Sigh, from now on, it won’t be easy for us to gather again.”

Xiaoqiao said: “During winter and summer breaks, you’ll still come back to Taipei, won’t you?”

Mingdao asked: “Yes. Where is Wenyan? I don’t see him.”

Xiaoqiao said: “Wenyan went to the creek to collect shrimp traps. You arrived just in time—you can stay for lunch.”

Laichun said: “I’m going to the kitchen to help. You young people chat first; lunch will be ready soon.” After speaking, she left the living room.

Xiaoqiao said: “Mingdao, after lunch I’ll invite Baofeng out. We’ll ride bicycles to a nearby scenic area.”

Mingdao happily said: “Alright! Great!”

14
In the afternoon, Wenyan and the group arrived at Heping Island. They paired up and rowed small boats to play in the water. Wenyan and Xiaoqiao were one pair, Mingdao and Baofeng the other. Mingdao and Baofeng watched Wenyan and Xiaoqiao getting along so well, laughing and chatting, and both felt a mix of emotions.

Baofeng said: “Wenyan and Xiaoqiao are truly a match made in heaven.”

Mingdao said: “Yes. I really envy Wenyan, having Xiaoqiao by his side.”

Baofeng cautiously asked: “Mingdao, haven’t you always liked Xiaoqiao?”

Mingdao gave a bitter smile: “So you already saw through it? Weren’t you also always in love with Wenyan? And you two even grew up together.”

Baofeng said: “We did grow up together, but Wenyan has always treated me like a younger sister. He has never seriously faced my feelings.”

Mingdao said: “It seems we are both wanderers of the same fate…”

The two of them confided their feelings on the small boat, and this seemed to subtly change their friendship.

Wenyan pointed at Mingdao and said: “Xiaoqiao, look! Mingdao and Baofeng—I think they actually match quite well.”

Xiaoqiao said: “Yes. But with Baofeng’s personality, Mingdao would probably be completely controlled by her.”

Wenyan said: “Then, Xiaoqiao, will you also end up controlling me in the future?”

Xiaoqiao said: “How could I? Besides, you’ve always been very independent, haven’t you?”

Wenyan said: “Of course. At home my mother respects me a lot, and I’m usually the one making decisions.”

Xiaoqiao said: “I already noticed that when I visited your home before.”

15
After university started, Wenyan and Xiaoqiao walked hand in hand along NTU’s Coconut Tree Avenue. They ran into Wenyan’s roommates and classmates, Li Qiwen and Chen Liangmou.

Li Qiwen said: “Boss Wenyan, this lady is…”

Chen Liangmou said: “Qiwen, you’re really slow. Can’t you see they’re already holding hands?”

Qiwen laughed awkwardly: “True! Boss, your girlfriend is really a beauty!”

Wenyan said: “Xiaoqiao, my roommates say you’re very beautiful.”

Xiaoqiao smiled happily: “Do boys in the Law Department all have such sweet mouths? Are you all so good at flattering girls?”

Qiwen said: “Not at all! I’m just speaking the truth. I never flatter people. Boss, your girlfriend is beautiful and elegant—you’re really lucky!”

Wenyan said: “Let me introduce you. This is Xia Xiaoqiao. We’ve been classmates since middle school.”

Liangmou said: “No wonder! Childhood sweethearts!”

Wenyan said: “Xiaoqiao, these two are my roommates and classmates. The three of us are close brothers.”

Qiwen said: “I really envy you having such a beautiful girlfriend. Liangmou and I don’t know when we’ll be like you.”

Wenyan said: “Have confidence. Qiwen, I believe you’ll find your partner soon.”

Liangmou said: “Qiwen, let’s go. Don’t you think being third wheels is rude?”

Qiwen said: “Not at all. I even want Sister Xiaoqiao to introduce girls from her department. I heard girls from the College of Liberal Arts are gentler and more elegant.”

Xiaoqiao smiled: “That’s not entirely true. Our class also has tomboyish girls.”

Qiwen laughed foolishly: “Really? But if you’re the standard, then that’s exactly my dream type. Please help me out!”

Xiaoqiao said: “Alright. Another day I’ll invite one or two friends I get along with. But you’ll have to treat them to a movie—I’ll act as a matchmaker.”

16
Wang Jun had a handsome, refined appearance and came from a wealthy business family. He was the undisputed campus prince of the English Department. Many girls admired him. That day, outside the department office corridor, he saw Xia Xiaoqiao for the first time and was instantly captivated.

Wang Jun asked his companion: “Baolong, that girl is really pretty. Is she a freshman?”

Wu Baolong said: “She’s the junior mentee of that tomboy Chu Yao. Her name is Xia Xiaoqiao. Judging from your look, don’t tell me you’re…”

Wang Jun muttered: “Chu Yao’s junior mentee… that might be tricky.”

Wu Baolong said: “I advise you not to go after her. Chu Yao isn’t someone to mess with.”

Wang Jun asked: “What did you say her name was?”

Wu Baolong said: “Xia Xiaoqiao, vice class representative of English Class 1A. She has excellent looks and temperament, and I heard she comes from a wealthy family.”

Wang Jun said: “Xia Xiaoqiao… I’m interested in this girl.”

Wu Baolong pushed his shoulder with a sly smile: “Your old habit again? Don’t you already have several girls around you?”

Wang Jun said: “Those are ordinary women. How can they compare to Xia Xiaoqiao?”

Wu Baolong shook his head: “Looks like you’ll have to get past Chu Yao first. I feel a storm is coming.”

Wang Jun took a deep breath and said confidently: “Don’t worry. I have my ways.”

17
Wang Jun stood waiting in the corridor outside English Class 1A, holding flowers and chocolates, with his follower Wu Baolong beside him. Soon the class bell rang, and students filed out of the classroom.

Xia Xiaoqiao and Lin Meidai walked out together. Wang Jun immediately stepped forward:
“Junior Xia Xiaoqiao, I am senior Wang Jun from year three. These flowers are for you. May I have the honor of treating you both to dinner and a movie?”

Xiaoqiao looked momentarily stunned, but quickly regained her calm and elegance:
“Senior, I’m sorry, I cannot accept these flowers. We are not familiar with each other yet.”

Wu Baolong added: “Junior Xiaoqiao, we are classmates with your senior Chu Yao and also members of the department student association. You should accept the flowers; there’s no need to be so formal.”

Xiaoqiao hesitated: “Alright then. The student association meeting room often has empty vases. I’ll thank you on behalf of the association.” She accepted the flowers and handed them to Meidai.

Wang Jun said: “Thank you both. Shall we go?”

Xiaoqiao asked puzzled: “Go? Go where?”

Wang Jun said excitedly: “First to a Sichuan restaurant, then to watch a movie!”

Xiaoqiao said seriously: “Senior, I never agreed to that.”

Wang Jun scratched his chin, slightly embarrassed.

Meidai said: “Senior, we have a meeting to attend at the department office. Thank you for your kindness.” She then pulled Xiaoqiao away.

Watching them leave, Wu Baolong mockingly said: “See? Quick work breaks the bowl—you can’t win her over.”

Unbeknownst to them, everything was seen by three English Department seniors standing in the shade of a tree not far away. They were dissatisfied with Wang Jun’s habit of switching affections, but instead of directing their anger at him, they turned it toward Xia Xiaoqiao. Their shared conclusion was: “It’s all because of that fox spirit…”