Chapter 240: “report To The Police”
Uncle Song replied: “A few days ago, I had something to go back to Dongfeng Brigade, chatted with your parents for a bit, and heard them say it.”
“Why are they going to Haicheng?” Lin Zhao asked.
She had no intention of stopping her parents from going; she was just purely puzzled.
“It’s related to your dad.” Uncle Song explained.
Lin Zhao understood instantly.
She guessed something.
Her peripheral vision swept over the four kids, a flash of regret in her eyes.
She couldn’t go with her parents, boo hoo.
Uncle Song had watched Lin Zhao grow up, and he knew what his close niece was thinking.
He reached out and patted Zhaozhao’s head gently, “If you want to go along, then go. We’ll help you take care of the kids.”
Aunt Song glanced at her husband, thinking of her sister-in-law’s couple planning to go in early spring, and nodded along, “Your uncle is right. If you want to go, go. We’ve got the kids.”
Lin Zhao shook her head, “Forget it. A trip there would take at least a month, and in early spring I still want to take Yu Baoheng Bao to visit relatives.”
The twins looked at her eagerly; could she say she’d go?!
With kids, how could she just up and leave? She wouldn’t feel at ease going out to play.
Aunt Song sighed, comforting Zhaozhao, “There will be plenty of opportunities later.”
“Mm.”
Yu Baoheng Bao’s attention had been here all along. Hearing that Mom wouldn’t leave them behind, the two little brothers let out a long sigh of relief.
Heng Bao squeezed to Lin Zhao’s side, smiling ingratiatingly: “Mom, when I grow up, I’ll drive and take you to Haicheng, and even to the capital. Wherever you want to go, I’ll take you.”
Kids are small, but they also understood that Mom had given up quite a few opportunities for them.
A trace of guilt appeared on Yu Bao’s little face. After hesitating several times, he suddenly said: “Mom, if you want to go, then go.”
He looked at Lin Zhao, “Send us back to the brigade, and I can take care of the younger brother and sister, and also Grandpa and Grandma. We can manage.”
Heng Bao looked at his older brother in shock.
He almost burst out screaming: Bro, are you crazy!!
The expression on the little friend’s face was too easy to read. Lin Zhao laughed and closed Er Zai’s mouth, hugging Yu Bao’s little shoulders, and asked with a smile: “You’d be okay with me leaving for a month?”
“I wouldn’t.” Yu Bao shook his head, then said seriously: “But I don’t want Mom to be unhappy. If Mom wants to go, then go. We can wait for you at home.”
As a little friend who sticks to Mom, one could imagine how hard it was for Yu Bao to say this.
Lin Zhao’s heart warmed to the point of burning. She kissed Yu Bao and said softly: “It’s fine. We can go anytime. You guys can’t bear to part with me, and I can’t bear to part with you either. We’ll go together next time.”
Seeing her son’s heavy thoughts, she added: “Have your grandmother bring the camera and take a few more photos.”
Yu Bao squeezed into Lin Zhao’s bosom, looking up at her, “Mom, is taking care of kids super annoying and bothersome?”
“Yes.” Lin Zhao didn’t deny it; it really was pretty bothersome.
But.
Her tone turned again, “It’s sweet trouble. You four kids aren’t hard to manage, so I can relax, and it’s okay.”
Having four kids made the days very fulfilling and lively; otherwise, she’d inevitably get bored.
Heng Bao heard that “yes,” and his heart cooled by half. He lifted his hand to cover his chest, with a heartbroken little expression. Then hearing Lin Zhao say it was “sweet trouble,” he immediately smiled like a flower.
“Mom~~”
His little voice even had waves, as cloyingly sweet as could be.
Aunt Song laughed until her belly hurt, pinched Heng Bao’s little face, and said: “See how much your mom values you all. Be good at home, help with what you can, and let her relax a bit.”
She had watched Zhaozhao grow up; she didn’t want her to live too hardship-filled.
Yu Bao nodded solemnly, “Mm mm, we do chores, and we’re good and listen.”
Aunt Song knew Zhaozhao’s kids were all well-behaved. Adults always want to dote a bit more on good kids. “Yun Jin, open a can of canned food for the four kids. It’s cold; warm it with hot water so it’s not so cold when they eat.”
“Got it.” Song Yunjin called the four kids and took them to open the canned food.
Inside the room was very lively.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Uncle Song was closest to the door and casually pulled it open.
Outside was the neighbor.
She got straight to the point: “I saw Zhaozhao come, so I came to take a look.”
Hearing the voice, Aunt Song called out: “Come in if you have something to say.”
The neighbor surnamed Zhang entered the room, sat down unceremoniously, stuffed the candy she brought to Lin Zhao, “For the kids to eat.”
Lin Zhao didn’t refuse, accepted it and thanked her, “Thanks, Aunt.”
Seeing her accept it, Zhang Shenzi’s face was full of smiles. “Zhaozhao, Aunt won’t beat around the bush. You came bringing quite a few mushrooms?”
Lin Zhao was stunned for a moment, “Yes, what’s up?”
“Of course I want some.” Zhang Shenzi said directly. “You know, after it gets cold, the veggies you can buy are just those few kinds. Not just for kids, adults want to eat something fresh too. If you brought a lot of mushrooms, share some with Aunt. Aunt won’t let you lose out…”
Her eyes were expectant, her voice lowered, sincerely wanting some.
Lin Zhao hadn’t expected Zhang Shenzi’s intention; she was a bit surprised and laughed: “Zhang Aunt, on such a cold day, aren’t you curious where I got fresh mushrooms from?”
Zhang Shenzi froze, hesitating: “…Is that something you can ask?”
She had deliberately avoided it, but Zhaozhao specifically pointed it out. Could it be… from a proper channel?!
“What’s not to ask.” Lin Zhao was amused by Zhang Shenzi.
She explained: “It’s from our brigade. The supply and marketing cooperative will sell them in a few days.”
“Since Aunt asked today, and I brought a lot, I can share some with you. Later you can keep an eye on the supply and marketing cooperative.”
Zhang Shenzi asked happily: “Your brigade grows them? I remember you married into… Fengshou Brigade, right? Fengshou Brigade people can even grow mushrooms? In this cold weather.”
“When will they sell them? Give Aunt a heads-up, so I can have the kids at home watch, or it might sell out.”
Her words were straightforward, but her tone wasn’t righteous and forceful; it carried a sense of seeking opinion, which was very agreeable.
Lin Zhao chuckled lightly, “I’d love to give you the scoop, but I really don’t know. My brother-in-law came to deliver mushrooms today and only said a batch can be collected in a few days; I really don’t know the exact day.”
“Oh, like that. No problem, we’ll watch.” Zhang Shenzi was disappointed inside but didn’t show it on her face.
Thinking of having an extra dish for New Year, she was happy inside.
“You do have to watch; if you can buy some… New Year’s Eve dinner can have an extra dish.”
Aunt Song agreed, “Yes, I’m also telling Yun Jin to watch.”
“Our two families can take turns watching and share news.” The neighbor surnamed Zhang said.
“Sure.”
The neighbor left happily carrying the mushrooms.
Uncle Song said: “Mushroom cultivation is a good source of income. Do it for a few years, and our commune could become a mushroom base.”
Yu Bao slightly raised his chin, “My mom gave my grandpa the mushroom cultivation guide. Grandpa worked a long time to grow them. Grandpa and Grandma both said it was my mom’s credit.”
“My mom helped the brigade get rich; everyone praises my mom.” Heng Bao said proudly too.
Yao Bao clapped her hands, “Mom is awesome!”
Qian Bao: “…Awesome!”
Lin Zhao beamed with joy.
She said: “I just gave some materials, didn’t do anything. How is it all my credit? It’s your grandpa’s credit.”
Gu Fu was patient and meticulous, that’s how he grew them.
Yu Bao insisted: “It’s Mom’s credit. Grandpa said without that mushroom cultivation guide to learn from bit by bit, he couldn’t have grown them. Grandpa also said there are many ins and outs to mushroom cultivation; a slight mistake leads to failure. That thick thing Mom gave saved a lot of trouble.”
Heng Bao happily ate the warm canned food and said: “Right, just like Grandpa said.”
Uncle Song and Aunt Song looked at Lin Zhao with gentle gazes; their eyes were proud and gratified.
The little girl knew how to serve the people now!
Lin Zhao’s expression was slightly awkward.
She had drawn it and didn’t know what to do with it. Knowing her father-in-law was good at planting, she simply gave it to him. She really hadn’t thought too much.
“Sis, what mushroom cultivation guide? Where’d you get it?” Song Yunjin asked curiously.
“I know.” Yu Bao spoke up. “Mom found it at the recycling station.”
Lin Zhao: Right, no other origin.
Song Yunjin sighed with a bit of envy, “Sis, you’re so lucky.”
Aunt Song strongly agreed with this, “Your sis is lucky.”
She stood up, planning to go make food. Lin Zhao planned to follow, but Aunt Song pressed her shoulder.
“Don’t get up. Not many dishes; I’ll do it myself. The kitchen is small, and there are others; don’t bump into you.”
With that, she grabbed an apron and took the mushrooms out.
“Song family, you got mushrooms? Fresh ones?! Where from? Can you share some with me?!!” Vaguely from outside came such a voice.
Aunt Song laughed and said: “Zhaozhao brought them for her uncle and me, to add a dish. Can’t share; only this much, not even enough for us…”
Inside the room.
Song Yunjin made a funny face and nodded toward the corridor, “Listen, showing off.”
Lin Zhao swatted his arm, “Don’t make weird faces.”
She couldn’t help laughing, “When you graduate and find a good job, Aunt will be even more smug, definitely telling everyone.”
Song Yunjin imagined what his sis said, his mouth nearly splitting to the back of his head.
“Heh heh, yeah.”
As a son, who doesn’t want to be his parents’ pride.
…
The next day.
Song Yuncheng arrived at his workplace and was called over by his master. After hearing a few words, he deeply realized—male comrades’ reputations can’t have blemishes either.
“Master, I didn’t…” He protested.
The middle-aged man patted his shoulder, “How could I not know you? I’m not saying it’s your problem. You need to take this seriously and resolve it ASAP.”
He instructed his reliable and capable apprentice, “Your time is precious; don’t waste it on this. I suggest reporting to the police.”
Song Yuncheng was shocked, “Report to the police… isn’t that too exaggerated?”
And would the police even handle it?
Such a small thing, wasting national resources isn’t good, right?!
“What’s exaggerated.” Song Yuncheng’s master slanted a look at him. “How can you handle this yourself? No way you handle it is right.”
Eye for an eye?
That Comrade Qiao had the upper hand; whatever Yun Cheng did would be disadvantageous to him, and he might get smeared again. Better to report to the police for a permanent solution.
“This is the most trouble-free method.”
Song Yuncheng wasn’t good at handling such things but listened to advice, so he said: “I’ll follow Master’s advice; I’ll go right away.”
“What wait? I’ll give you an hour; go now.” His master, who couldn’t rub sand in his eyes, said.
During this time Yun Cheng worked with him, eating such a hidden loss in a corner he didn’t notice; he was already furious.
“Got it, thanks Master.” Song Yuncheng smiled and planned to leave.
“Wait.” His master remembered something, stopped him, and shared good news: “Next month’s permanent position list has you on it.”
Song Yuncheng stood in place, stunned for a long time.
His dark eyes slowly lit up.
“Master!? You mean—!!”
The man rubbed his ears, “Lower your voice, undignified brat! Keep it secret for now; celebrate after the announcement.”
If not for seeing this kid suffer undeserved disaster, he wouldn’t have spilled the news.
Song Yuncheng grinned from ear to ear, “I get it.”
See, serious work pays off!
He got permanent!!!
The middle-aged man understood his apprentice’s mood but was too lazy to hear him babble, waved him off, and buried himself back in work.
“Master, I’ll get you lunch at noon.” Song Yuncheng laughed happily and left with light steps.
Passing the factory building, he vaguely saw Qiao Lu laughing and chatting with another female worker.
Spotting Song Yuncheng, the smile on her face instantly vanished cleanly. The female comrade beside her followed her gaze; seeing it was Song Yuncheng, undisguised disgust flashed in her eyes.
Song Yuncheng: “…?”
No wonder Master told him to report to the police quick. Indeed he should; if left unchecked, he’d get sacked walking down the road.
Song Yuncheng didn’t argue with Qiao Lu and simply ran off. After leaving the motor factory, he went straight to the police.
He explained his grievance, appropriately embellishing, emphasizing that the factory rumors had seriously interfered with his work…
The importance of the motor factory project went without saying; the police had some knowledge. Learning a project team member was affected, they took it seriously and immediately sent people to investigate.
Two police arrived at the motor factory; the matter wasn’t hard to investigate.
In less than half an hour, the source clearly pointed to Qiao Lu.
Seeing the police come for her, Qiao Lu blanked out, nervously defending: “I-I didn’t do anything…”
The police comrade’s attitude was fairly mild, but his tone carried official seriousness, “Whether you did or not, your word doesn’t count; we need evidence and investigation results.”
Qiao Lu was choked speechless, her face flushed red.
As she was about to open her mouth to defend, another police cut to the point, eyes sharp: “You privately spread untrue remarks about Comrade Song Yuncheng, seriously damaging his reputation and already affecting his normal work. Do you admit this?”
In front of so many people around, how could Qiao Lu easily admit it.
She shook her head hurriedly, pretending calm: “I didn’t! I’m not familiar with him; why would I gossip about him.”
“I suggest you tell the truth.” The police comrade said earnestly, “Us coming to you means we have ample evidence. Whatever is done leaves traces. Leniency for confession; recognize the mistake and apologize now, and there’s still room to salvage.”
They saw the reporting male comrade just wanted his honor restored.
If you offend someone to death, a reprimand is the least of it.
A reprimand isn’t minor; the police suggested making a big thing small.
Qiao Lu remained stubborn, “…I didn’t do it; what mistake to recognize.”
The police got annoyed too and presented evidence.
“Multiple female comrades confirm the untrue remarks about Comrade Song Yuncheng originated from you; what are you still quibbling!”
“Know what you’re doing? Spreading rumors and slander, can be deemed disrupting public order, punishable…”
Actually, the current legal order was severely impacted; this penalty clause wasn’t that enforceable, but scaring timid people still worked.
Hearing she’d be punished, Qiao Lu’s face paled instantly, not daring to stay stubborn, and hurriedly said: “I admit it; don’t punish me…”
This was admission: all those factory rumors about Song Yuncheng were spread by her.
Many female comrades she had used as tools stood stunned.
A hot-tempered girl incredulously said: “Qiao Lu, you were making it up?!”
“You misled us?!” The female comrade who had glared at Song Yuncheng earlier had a burning face, wishing time could reverse.
“You’re so bad!”
Several girls close to Qiao Lu broke down and immediately fell out with her on the spot.
Qiao Lu had no way to defend; inside, she nearly hated Song Yuncheng to death.
This person was cunning; she wasn’t wrong.
Such a tiny thing and he reported to the police; too black-hearted!!
The matter quickly spread through the whole factory.
Soon, everyone knew: the broadcast station had a black-hearted female comrade. Failed to date someone, spread rumors to harm him, got reported to the police by the other party…
The matter wasn’t big but ugly, later used as a “typical” by various units.
Even Lin Zhao heard about it.
She heard it from Wang Ju.
“This matter actually got police to handle it?!” Lin Zhao expressed surprise.
