Chapter 467 Bai Lao San, Who Possessed a Silver Tongue
A month passed in peaceful contentment. Chen Tangtang, watching her belly grow, missed her parents more than ever.
"Shenggo, it's been a month since we left. I haven't contacted home, and I fear they'll be worried."
"Mhm, I'm worried too. My dad has probably written me already."
Ye Shenggo understood their concern for their families. They had indeed left in quite a hurry. She herself was eager to know news of the three men at home. After a moment of thought, she called for A'can and the others.
"A'can, how do you keep in touch with Zi Yisheng?"
A'can and the others exchanged glances. They had been dreading this question from Madam, as they genuinely had no idea and no intention of inquiring. Any news they gathered, however small, could potentially be traced back.
"Madam, Young Master Zi has instructed us not to gather any information from Mingcheng."
"Then does Zi Yisheng know about us coming up the mountain?"
"Yes, he does. We have people watching us."
Ye Shenggo nodded. If they weren't allowed to ask for news, then she wouldn't.
"How about this, see if you can send a letter to Xue Li and Tangtang's families. At least let them know not to worry."
"That's easy. I can go down the mountain with the letters. But I can't go back to Bai Rong Village. I'll have to mail them from the county by the sea. I can also ask about the situation of the brothers who deliver goods to the Mingcheng black market."
"Alright, two of you go together. At least you'll have someone to look out for each other."
Chen Tangtang and Luo Xueli eagerly went to find paper and pens. They wanted to instruct their families not to send any more letters to Bai Rong Village, saying they had gone out to play. Whether the reason was plausible or not, as long as their families had some news, they wouldn't worry too much.
Luo Xueli was worried about her father. She wondered if the old man could hold his own against the three rascals at home, fearing he might be taken advantage of.
"A'can, could you help me make a call? Ask if my dad is okay. I'm afraid he'll suffer in silence."
"That's simple enough. If you're really worried, I can send a message to the Mingcheng black market and have them check on your father's situation."
"No, no, don't go to so much trouble just because of my worry. Forget it, no need to make a call. Even if he's wronged, I can't help. I'll just explain it in the letter."
Chen Tangtang's situation was much simpler. Her family wasn't in Mingcheng and was very harmonious. She just needed to tell them to wait for her letter and not to reply.
Ye Shenggo touched her five-month-old belly, her heart aching. Perhaps this child would be born without seeing his father for a long time.
Aunt Zhen, hearing that A'can and the others were going down the mountain, quickly prepared some dry rations and water for their journey. She made some flatbreads and fried salted pork, which were delicious when rolled up.
A'can and Wei Jiu left the mountain with only small bundles. However, they hadn't gone far when they heard movement behind them. Just as they were about to act, they saw Bai Chumo, the third child, running towards them, a water flask on his back, sweat beading on his forehead.
Bai Chumo, having been discovered, waved at them excitedly.
"Hey, I successfully snuck out!"
A'can's hand twitched, and he punched a nearby tree.
"Did you leave a note?"
"Hehe, I did. They'll definitely find it tonight."
He had placed the note on his mother's pillow, so it could only be discovered when she went to sleep.
But Bai Chumo completely forgot that his mother wouldn't be able to sleep soundly if he didn't return.
Thus, Bai Chumo happily escaped, while the mountain was thrown into chaos.
It was Xiao Hehe and Xiao Youyou, playing hide-and-seek in every bed, who found it. By the time Ye Shenggo and the others saw it, it had already been torn into several pieces.
"That scoundrel! If he has the guts to run, he should have the guts not to come back! If I see him again, I'll break his legs."
Grandma Bai no longer shielded her grandson. Enraged, she silently took out the ruler she had kept for a long time and waved it in the air.
Grandpa Bai, hearing the ruler swishing in the wind, silently joined Fan Lao and the others. He vowed not to go back to sleep until everyone was worn out.
Bai Chumo was the most skilled in martial arts among the Bai family. A'can and the others could barely keep up with his speed, their tongues lolling out as they panted.
The cave was even farther from the sea. The three rested in a cave they had visited before for a night. It took them a day and a half to reach the coast.
It was already evening when they arrived. A'can led them to the pier where cargo ships docked, where their brothers were stationed every night.
"Who's there!"
"It's me, A'can."
Two figures emerged from the darkness, shining flashlights towards A'can.
"Why are you here? Did something happen?"
"No, we're here to mail letters. Do you have any news from Mingcheng?"
"No, the Mingcheng black market has been shut down for a while. Our cargo is only being delivered to more remote areas now."
A'can sighed. There was nothing they could do about it.
"When is the next shipment?"
"There's a ship arriving tomorrow night. Should we set aside some for you?"
"What's on it?"
"Grain is a must, along with some dried goods, jerky, and pastries."
"Alright, besides the grain, give us three sacks of the rest. We'll pick them up tomorrow night."
"You got it! We'll make sure to prepare the best for you."
A'can and the others didn't linger and went to Zi Shao's house by the sea to stay for the night. They were utterly exhausted.
Bai Chumo was so tired that he collapsed onto a bed without even washing. His legs felt like they no longer belonged to him. He had walked this far before, but never at such a grueling pace.
The next day, Bai Chumo felt as if he were ascending to heaven when A'can slapped him awake. He felt light and airy.
"Let's see how you fare when we carry a sack of goodies back!"
"Brother Can, I feel like you're deliberately tormenting me. We weren't even in a hurry."
"Heh heh, why weren't we in a hurry? Wei Jiu and I have to protect our Madam and Little Youyou. Every extra day we're gone carries an unknown danger."
What else could Bai Chumo say? Once his cousin and little nephew were involved, he had no arguments.
"Alright, let's get moving. We can still have a hearty breakfast in the county."
Bai Chumo glanced at his watch. It was 6:30 AM. Of course, it was breakfast time. He ran his hands through his messy hair.
"My treat, let's have a big meal."
"Hahaha, don't worry, we'll definitely eat like the rich!"
Bai Chumo had brought a thousand yuan and many ration coupons. He had already hidden the substantial inheritance from his elder brother's marriage with his cousin.
Not only him, but all the Bai brothers did the same. Even Luo Xueli, upon hearing that Shenggo had a place to store money, gave all of her and her husband's savings to Ye Shenggo.
Ye Shenggo, in turn, had found six small organizers and labeled them with each person's name to store their valuables. She was already quite adept at organizing by person and category.
By the time the three arrived in Haizhu County, it was past 8 AM. However, the entire county seemed much less crowded. Even the people on the street were walking with a hurried pace, clearly different from usual.
"Be careful, we didn't bring any introduction letters. It'll be bad if we get caught."
"Mhm, let's go to the post office first and get things done."
The three hurried to the post office. Wei Jiu went to mail the letters, while A'can was responsible for calling Luo Xueli's father. This was an additional request from Bai Chufan, to hear his wife's voice on his behalf.
Bai Chumo, meanwhile, was looking at stamps. He wanted to buy something for his sister that she would like.
The staff, seeing Bai Chumo buying so many stamps, became much friendlier. After all, their clothes, worn after three days of travel, looked quite disheveled.
"Do you like collecting stamps too?"
"Hahaha, yes, I love beautiful stamps the most. If there are any new designs in the future, please keep some aside for me. I'll come to buy them every month."
The staff enthusiastically agreed. This was a big customer; how many people would it take to match his purchases?
"Okay, here's your bag!"
"Um, I wanted to ask why there are so few people on the street. I've been working overtime so much that I don't know anything. I thought something had happened."
The staff immediately lowered their voice and leaned closer to Bai Chumo.
"It's good that you haven't been out. There's a major inspection going on everywhere. They're checking introduction letters, your ancestors for three generations, and leaders above the section chief level in every factory to see if anyone has committed any illegal acts.
People are being arrested in the county every day. It's best to stay home if you can. Sigh! Haven't any of your factory workers been taken in for questioning?"
Bai Chumo grinned and scratched his head, looking embarrassed.
"I'm just a stoker. I spend all my time in the boiler room and don't interact much with others."
The staff member looked Bai Chumo up and down. A stoker who could afford to buy over twenty yuan worth of stamps every month?
Bai Chumo reacted quickly and continued his deception.
"There are three workers in our family, and I'm the only son. It's quite comfortable for me every month."
The staff member's eyes lit up. An only son, and all three family members working? Where could such good conditions be found? He immediately thought of his own sister; wasn't this the best potential brother-in-law?
"Comrade, how old are you this year?"
"Do you have a girlfriend?"
"Where do you work?"
"..."
"Let's go, what are you still chatting about!"
Bai Chumo was finally rescued by A'can's sharp rebuke. Under the expectant gaze of the staff member, he fled in a hurry.
"Look at you, you're so capable. Aren't you good at talking?"
A'can didn't hold back his criticism of Bai Chumo. These young masters of the Bai family were indeed too protected, lacking any social experience. Even after making several trips to the black market, they hadn't developed much.
"Hmph, I used my silver tongue to get the most useful information."
A'can couldn't be bothered to deal with this idiot. If he kept talking, the staff member might even arrange a marriage for him.
"Alright, you're amazing. Then tell me, can we still eat at a state-run restaurant?"
Bai Chumo touched his shriveled stomach, but still shook his head resolutely.
"Hahahaha, not completely stupid after all. Come on, let's go to the village and find the old village chief for a meal."
"Who's stupid? I understand everything."
The three walked back quickly. Meanwhile, Xue Li's father, after hanging up the phone, felt a deep unease.
After Leader Zi was reinstated, he knew things were not simple. This was followed by drastic reforms, and even within the factory, a sense of danger loomed.