Chapter 069: Toiling and Rushing About

This story is purely a work of fiction.

After much thought, Fan Wei simply could not bring himself to lose his staunch companion. Though his abilities were limited at the moment, after hearing what Zhang Chi had to say, Fan Wei realized he still had the means and capacity to help his friend. Not being a key player was one thing, but there was still a wealth of valuable information within the team worth paying attention to. If these tidbits could be of use to Zhang Chi, then it would indeed be a worthwhile endeavor.

Turning to Zhang Chi, Fan Wei pleaded, "Alright, I really can't say no to you. After all, we've been friends since childhood. Just wait for my news. But you have to promise me one thing: once you pay off your thirty thousand in debts, you'll stop gambling on the side. Deal?"

"Deal, I promise," Zhang Chi replied, though deep down he was reluctant to give up the addiction he'd developed. Still, he offered this as a delaying tactic, reluctantly agreeing to Fan Wei's request.

"Here's what we'll do. The head coach just left, and dinner's not finished—there's still a whole table of food. Come back with me and help me take care of the leftovers. Otherwise, it'll all go to waste. Come on, you have to help me!" said Fan Wei.

"Alright, I'm a bit hungry myself," Zhang Chi replied contentedly, following Fan Wei toward his aunt's house.

The two of them drank and chatted in Aunt Fan's house, talking late into the night...

At the market in Dahe, Mingyue's four years of selling vegetables from a street stall were drawing to a close. Mingyue and Situ were busy packing up their belongings in their small room. They hired a little minivan; despite their modest means, there was a surprising amount to take, filling the vehicle to the brim.

Far away in another city, Chi Zhaoming lay on a hotel bed. Upon hearing that Mingyue was going home, he called her to say he was away, which left her a little disappointed. He asked Zhengzhe to see her off in his stead.

Thinking of Mingyue, who had been working in Dahe for four years, Chi Zhaoming's heart was unsettled. After calling Mingyue, he also phoned Dujuan. Their conversation was brief.

Dujuan noticed he sounded listless and asked, "You sound out of sorts. Are you unwell?"

"No, it's just that I'm not quite used to the northern climate," Chi Zhaoming replied.

With Mingyue and her family about to leave, Zhaoming was filled with reluctance. During her four years of selling vegetables in Dahe, he, as her elder brother, had paid her little heed. Work kept him busy, and after finishing up at the TV station, he would shuttle Xiyu to and from school. He never thought to help his sister secure a stall or anything of the sort.

If it hadn't been for Wu Zhengzhe's help at the police station, even her days selling vegetables from a street stall might have been fraught with trouble. After Wu Zhengzhe had a word with those concerned, the local thugs no longer dared to cause trouble at Mingyue's stall, and at least she was spared any more arbitrary fees.

But, alas, such days were coming to an end.

Wu Zhengzhe had also arranged for Situ Cong's kindergarten admission, with the government actively implementing policies to help migrant workers' children get into school. The issue had been well resolved.

Just two days prior, when Wu Zhengzhe informed Mingyue of the good news, she had been elated the entire evening.

But now that they were leaving Dahe, the kindergarten plans had to be abandoned.

"Brother, please thank Brother Zhengzhe for all he's done regarding Situ Cong's schooling. Now that we're moving, I'll have to stay in Xiaohe for a while. From here on, we can only take things a step at a time," Mingyue said, her voice tinged with sorrow and reluctance.

No sooner had she spoken than Wu Zhengzhe's voice rang out from afar, "Leaving for home without even telling me? Am I so easy to forget?"

Everyone turned their gaze to him, delighted but also a little embarrassed. They hadn't wanted to trouble him because of his busy work schedule, but with Zhaoming away, he had told Zhengzhe about Mingyue's impending departure. None of them had expected Wu Zhengzhe to appear at that moment.

"A few days ago, a friend told me that Situ Cong could start kindergarten, no sponsorship fee required. But now you're heading home. How about letting him stay with me? I'll make sure he gets to school," Wu Zhengzhe offered.

"That wouldn't work. He's a handful, and you're swamped with work as it is. It's better if I take him home with me. You just focus on your cases—solve them quickly and make your mark," Mingyue said to him with a smile.

"Promotion isn't my goal. I've never done things just for that. To be a police officer is to honor this uniform and badge, to serve the people and rid the community of harm. That's my calling," Wu Zhengzhe replied, giving them a crisp salute.

Mingyue, embarrassed, waved him off. "No need for such ceremony, Brother Zhengzhe—we could never accept such honor!" At that, they all burst into laughter.

Mingyue continued to move their belongings. Seeing her struggling with something heavy, Wu Zhengzhe hurried over to help and carefully loaded it onto the van.

The van was packed with daily necessities. To secure everything, Situ fetched a rope. Wu Zhengzhe, proud of his knot-tying skills—a specialty learned at the police academy—rushed to help.

"Rest assured, the way I secure things, nothing will budge—not even on the bumpiest road. It's a secret technique from police school, nothing ordinary vibrations can undo," he boasted with confidence.

Once everything was packed, the minivan driver grew impatient to leave. But Mingyue, standing there, felt as though she was leaving something important behind. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her eyes red, looking like a lost girl without a home, rooted to the spot, silent.

Zhengzhe, too, was heavy-hearted, watching Mingyue and her family.

Situ Cong, not understanding what was happening, tugged at Mingyue's sleeve and said, "Uncle didn't buy me Wahaha yet."

Wu Zhengzhe, suddenly recalling Zhaoming's instructions, ran across the street to buy Wahaha drinks.

He called out to the shopkeeper, "Give me a few boxes—ten, please."

The shopkeeper asked, "You're Mingyue's little brother, right? She often talks about you—the officer at the station. These are for Situ Cong? They're on the house."

"Yes, thank you. But there's no need for that," replied Zhengzhe.

"We've been neighbors for years, no need to be so formal. Mingyue always looked out for me, bringing me fresh vegetables when she had them—I owe her plenty. The Wahaha is a parting gift for Situ Cong," the shopkeeper insisted, calling across the street to Mingyue.

Hearing him call her name so loudly, Mingyue was overwhelmed, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'll come back to visit you," she promised.

"You must come back to see us, Mingyue," the shopkeeper replied, moved as well.

Seeing there was nothing left to do, Mingyue turned to the driver. "Let's go, sir."

The minivan started up. The usually bustling alley fell silent. Zhaoming handed Situ Cong, who he was holding, over to Mingyue, who got into the van and sat down, gazing silently at Zhengzhe standing outside.

The van rolled slowly away. Wu Zhengzhe waved until the van disappeared around the corner, reluctant to leave.

After seeing Mingyue off, Wu Zhengzhe walked through the busy streets, feeling downcast, making his way back to the police station to resume his unfinished casework.

The minivan rattled along, moving slowly. The driver was constantly pestered by calls from his employer.

Glancing at his phone, the driver said, "See that? The nag's at it again."

"Friend, there's no need to rush me so much! I'm driving. I promised to help, and I will. I'm stuck in traffic, but give me half an hour and I'll be there," he assured, then hung up.

"Is the matter so urgent that he has to keep pushing you?" Mingyue asked in puzzlement.

"That's how he is. He's like a father to me, always asking me for favors. If I'm slow, he gets upset. But what can I do? We've been friends since we were in split pants—a bond for life, you know?"

"I understand. The kind of friend you'd lose your head for, right?" Mingyue replied, deadpan.

"Ha! I know Mingyue didn't have much schooling, but after a few years in the city, you know these deep idioms? Impressive! Dahe is like a university itself," the driver exclaimed in surprise. The ride was filled with laughter, helping them forget their sorrows for a time.

In truth, the night before leaving Dahe, the Situ family had settled their plans. Situ Kong would go help out at his brother-in-law’s fish farm for now, while Mingyue would take Situ Cong back to her own family home.

When the van reached the county station, Situ Kong gathered his belongings and got out to head for the fish farm. As he stepped down, Situ Cong asked, puzzled, "Why is Dad getting off? Isn't he coming home with us?"

"He's going to help raise fish at the farm, to earn money—so he can buy you lots and lots of Wahaha!" Mingyue explained.

The van started off again. The boy leaned out the window, shouting, "Dad, Dad, come home soon!"

Tears welled up in Mingyue’s eyes once more. She patted Situ Cong and said, "In a few days, I’ll take you to visit the farm. There are lots of big fish, and even turtles!"

"Great! Take me soon. I want to catch turtles," said Situ Cong.

"Alright, as long as you behave, I’ll take you," Mingyue promised, sealing the vow with a pinky swear. The boy’s happiness was utterly endearing.

Situ Kong hailed a motorcycle taxi, slung his bag over his shoulder, and was swiftly whisked away to the fish farm.

(To be continued)