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Zhang Fulin has been feeling uneasy these past few days.

When I'm working, I always feel like there's a pair of eyes watching me from behind.

When I turned around, there was nothing there.

During the meal, Zhao Tianshan glanced at him intentionally or unintentionally a few times, his gaze carrying a profound meaning.

He always had nightmares at night, dreaming that the police came to arrest him and the handcuffs were cold.

What unsettled him most was recalling the look Su Ning gave him before she left.

That look in his eyes was like a knife, as if it could rip out all the secrets in his heart.

"It's over." Zhang Fulin felt a chill run down his spine. "That Deputy Director Su must have noticed something."

He knew who Su Ning was: a former commander of the Volunteer Army Corps, someone who had fought and killed, someone who hated evil and acted decisively.

This kind of person is the most terrifying; nothing can be hidden from their eyes.

Zhang Fulin became increasingly frightened the more he thought about it.

He thought of his accomplice, Li Laosan, who was ruthless and killed the old man on duty without saying a word when robbing the museum.

Associating with this kind of person will inevitably lead to trouble sooner or later.

"No, we can't wait any longer." Zhang Fulin gritted his teeth. "We have to think of a way; we can't just sit here and wait to die."

He considered running away.

But Saihanba is so big that if you go into the forest, no one can find you.

But then I thought, even if the monk can run away, the temple can't. I still have relatives back home, and the police will find them as soon as they investigate.

Moreover, if you run away, you become a fugitive and can never see the light of day again.

I'm not even forty yet, and I don't want to live that kind of life.

After much deliberation, Zhang Fulin made a decision: to turn himself in.

That night, after everyone had gone to sleep, Zhang Fulin quietly got up and knocked on Zhao Tianshan's door.

Zhao Tianshan was still awake, writing work notes.

Upon opening the door and seeing Zhang Fulin, he paused for a moment: "Old Zhang? It's so late, is something the matter?"

Zhang Fulin knelt down with a thud.

Zhao Tianshan was startled: "Old Zhang, what are you doing? Get up!"

"Captain Zhao, I am guilty." Zhang Fulin didn't get up, and said with his head down, "I...I want to turn myself in."

"Confess?" Zhao Tianshan was stunned. "Confess to what?"

“Three months ago, there was the robbery at the Chengde Museum… I was involved.” Zhang Fulin’s voice trembled. “I didn’t kill anyone; it was Li Laosan who did it. But I was involved in the robbery, and I am guilty.”

Zhao Tianshan's mind went blank.

Unexpectedly, Suning's suspicions were confirmed so quickly, and even more unexpectedly, Zhang Fulin turned himself in.

Moreover, this happened right before Zhang Fulin was arrested, which left them completely bewildered.

"You...you get up first, and tell me slowly." Zhao Tianshan helped Zhang Fulin up. "Tell me clearly what exactly happened."

Then Zhang Fulin sat down on the stool and told the whole story.

He was a farmer from the outskirts of Chengde. His family was poor, and his wife was sick and needed money.

Li Laosan, a fellow villager, approached him and said there was a "quick way to make money" job: robbing a small museum, where the items inside were valuable.

He was hesitant at first, but Li Laosan said that there was only one old man on duty at the museum at night, and he could just scare him.

Unexpectedly, when they arrived, Li Laosan went too far and killed the old man with a single blow.

The two panicked, grabbed some things and ran.

Later, Li Laofen gave him three pieces of gold ingots and told him to hide away and avoid trouble.

“I took the things, and the more I think about it, the more scared I get,” Zhang Fulin cried. “I dream about the old man’s death every day. I know I was wrong. I shouldn’t have been greedy and shouldn’t have hung out with Li Laosan. Captain Zhao, please arrest me. I confess.”

Zhao Tianshan had mixed feelings after hearing this.

He both hated Zhang Fulin for his crimes and felt sorry for him.

Zhao Tianshan said, "Now you come back to the Forestry Bureau with me."

"Yes, Captain!"

Then Zhao Tianshan handed the camp over to Feng Cheng and took Zhang Fulin back to the Weichang Forestry Bureau.

The bureau immediately convened an emergency meeting.

Director Qu He, Deputy Director Su Ning, Chief of Security Wang, and two comrades from the Public Security Bureau all came.

Zhao Tianshan recounted what had happened, while Zhang Fulin bowed his head and confessed his guilt.

Qu He's expression darkened after hearing this: "Zhang Fulin, since you participated in the robbery, you are a criminal. It is right for you to surrender now, but it cannot be considered as meritorious service."

“Director Qu, I suggest this can be considered a confession,” Su Ning said.

Qu He looked at Su Ning in surprise, "Why?"

“Zhang Fulin confessed voluntarily before we arrested him, which meets the criteria for surrendering,” Su Ning said. “More importantly, his accomplice, Li Laosan, is still at large. If we can assist the police in capturing Li Laosan, it can be considered as making amends for our crimes.”

Old Lin from the Public Security Bureau nodded: "Deputy Director Su is right. Zhang Fulin's voluntary confession can help us solve the case and arrest people, so we can try to get leniency for him."

Qu He was still reluctant. "But he did commit a crime and managed to infiltrate our forestry system. If this gets out, what a bad influence it will have!"

“The damage has already been done; now the key is to deal with it.” Su Ning said calmly, “It’s easy to lock up Zhang Fulin, but Li Laosan is still at large and may continue to commit crimes. It would be better to let Zhang Fulin atone for his crimes by helping to arrest people; it would benefit everyone.”

Old Chen also said, "Director Qu and Deputy Director Su's suggestions are very pragmatic. Zhang Fulin comes from a peasant background and made a mistake in a moment of confusion, but he is not a bad person at heart. Giving him a chance is good for both society and himself."

Qu He thought for a moment, then sighed, "Alright! I'll do as you say. Zhang Fulin, are you willing to assist the police in arresting Li Laosan?"

Zhang Fulin quickly said, "I'm willing! I'm willing! I know where Li Laosan is; he's hiding at his uncle's house in the suburbs of Chengde. I'll take you to catch him!"

“Alright.” Old Chen stood up. “Zhang Fulin, you’re coming with us now. Remember, this is your chance to redeem yourself, so make the most of it.”

"Yes! Yes!" Zhang Fulin nodded repeatedly.

Just before he was about to take her away, Su Ning suddenly walked over.

When Zhang Fulin saw Su Ning, his heart tightened, and he lowered his head, not daring to look at him.

"Zhang Fulin," Su Ning said.

“Deputy Director Su…” Zhang Fulin’s voice trembled.

"Cooperate well with the police officers and tell them everything you know." Su Ning said calmly, "Reform yourself well in there, and if you behave well, you can get a reduced sentence."

Zhang Fulin was stunned; he hadn't expected Su Ning to say these things to him.

Su Ning continued, “You’re still young, you can still do things after you get out. Saihanba needs people, and afforestation is a cause that benefits future generations. If you truly repent, you can come back after you get out and atone for your sins through labor.”

After saying this, Zhang Fulin burst into tears.

He knelt down again with a thud and kowtowed to Su Ning: "Deputy Director Su, thank you! Thank you for giving me this opportunity! I... I will definitely reform myself properly, and after I get out, I will definitely plant trees to atone for my sins!"

"Get up." Su Ning helped him up. "Remember what you said today. A real man keeps his word."

"I will definitely do it!" Zhang Fulin said, wiping away his tears. "Deputy Director Su, don't worry, I will definitely do it!"

Old Chen patted Zhang Fulin on the shoulder: "Let's go! Think carefully on the way about how to help us catch Li Laosan."

So Zhang Fulin went with the police.

In the conference room, Qu He sighed: "Su Ning, aren't you being too lenient with him? He's a criminal."

“He committed a crime, but not one that warrants death,” Su Ning said. “Give him a chance; he might be able to save someone. Planting trees in Saihanba is difficult, but saving lives is even more difficult. Every life we ​​can save is a life we ​​can save.”

Qu He shook his head and said nothing more.

Zhao Tianshan asked, "Deputy Director Su, the people in Bashang don't know about Zhang Fulin's matter yet. Should we tell them?"

"Not for now," Su Ning said. "Just say that Zhang Fulin had some family matters to attend to and took leave to go back home. We'll decide whether to tell him or not after the case is closed, depending on the situation."

"understood."

After the meeting, Su Ning returned to his office.

He opened his work log and wrote a line after Zhang Fulin's name:

"He voluntarily surrendered himself to the authorities and is willing to atone for his crimes through meritorious service. He will be given a chance to reform and his future conduct will be observed."

After finishing writing, he closed the notebook.

Saihanba has one less hidden danger, but the battle continues. Wu Yansheng's problem, the difficulties of planting trees, logistical support... one thing after another is piling up like a mountain.

Suning believes that as long as one's heart is upright, one's path will not be crooked.

With persistence, the desert will eventually turn into an oasis.

In this process, saving even one person is a meritorious act.

……

At night, in the Saihanba camp, kerosene lamps were lit in the women's dormitory.

Meng Yue and Shen Mengyin were studying at the table. Meng Yue was organizing her seedling notes, while Shen Mengyin was looking at information on pests and diseases.

The table was covered with books and notebooks, making it look crowded.

Ji Xiurong had just finished work and was so tired that she couldn't straighten her back.

But she didn't rest; she filled a basin with water and started washing clothes.

Meng Yue looked up at her: "Xiu Rong, why are you washing Yan Xiangli's clothes again? Can't he wash his own clothes?"

“He dug a lot of holes today, he’s exhausted,” Ji Xiurong said while washing clothes. “I’ll help him wash them, it won’t take much.”

“You’re just too easygoing,” Meng Yue shook her head. “Look at Yan Xiangli, he always has a cold face and isn’t warm to anyone. You’re so nice to him, does he even appreciate it?”

"Whether he appreciates it or not is his business, whether I do it or not is my business." Ji Xiurong smiled. "I feel quite at ease washing his clothes."

Shen Mengyin leaned closer and said, "Sister Xiurong, are you looking for a boyfriend or a son? You look more like his mother."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Ji Xiurong blushed. "I just think that although Yan Xiangli is not talkative, he is honest and hardworking. In Bashang, a man like that is reliable."

Meng Yue sighed, "I think you're just smitten by his face. Yan Xiangli is handsome, but that doesn't put food on the table. You're so good to him, and he hasn't even said thank you. That's not right."

"What's wrong with it?" Ji Xiurong didn't care. "I'm happy with it."

Seeing her like this, Meng Yue knew she couldn't persuade her, so she stopped talking.

She turned to look at Qin Xuemei, who was sitting on the edge of the bed with a book in her hand, but her eyes were fixed on the kerosene lamp, clearly lost in thought.

"Xuemei, what are you thinking about?" Mengyue asked.

Qin Xuemei snapped out of her daze: "Ah? It's nothing."

"Are you thinking about Wu Yansheng?" Meng Yue teased. "I think Wu Yansheng treats you very well and always protects you. Maybe he came to Saihanba this time because of you."

"Don't talk nonsense." Qin Xuemei frowned. "Wu Yansheng came to Bashang in response to the national call, it has nothing to do with me."

"How can it not be related?" Meng Yue lowered her voice. "I heard that Wu Yansheng could have been assigned to Beijing, but he volunteered to come to Saihanba. Why? Wasn't it because you came?"

Qin Xuemei shook her head: "Meng Yue, you can't look at comradeship like that. Wu Yansheng has his ideals and pursuits, which cannot be simply attributed to personal feelings."

"Come on," Meng Yue said, unconvinced. "We're all women, who can't see it? Wu Yansheng looks at you differently. You should be nicer to him, don't always give him the cold shoulder."

"How I treat him depends on his character," Qin Xuemei said earnestly. "Wu Yansheng is highly educated, but his character is questionable. Look at what he's done these past few days—uprooting Feng Cheng's saplings, riding a horse and ordering others around. Does that seem like the behavior of a cultured person?"

Mentioning this matter, Meng Yue fell silent; Wu Yansheng's recent performance had indeed been disappointing.

Shen Mengyin interjected, "I think Wu Yansheng went a bit too far, but he is a college student after all, and he has the right to be proud."

"Mengyin, you're wrong," Qin Xuemei corrected her. "A person's level of education doesn't determine their character. Look at Feng Cheng, he's also a college graduate, and he's so reliable. And Deputy Director Su..."

When Deputy Director Su was mentioned, Qin Xuemei's eyes lit up.

"What's wrong with Deputy Director Su?" Meng Yue keenly sensed something.

“I think Deputy Director Su is a real man,” Qin Xuemei said. “Look at Zhang Fulin’s case, how complicated and difficult it was. But Deputy Director Su handled it so well, upholding principles while giving him a chance. When Zhang Fulin left, he cried so hard; he was truly repentant.”

Meng Yue nodded: "That's true. Deputy Director Su is efficient and decisive in handling affairs, but also humane. Unlike some people, who are either rigid or wishy-washy."

"And then there's his management style," Qin Xuemei said, getting more and more excited. "At first, I thought he was too strict, always making records and signing things, and that he was unreasonable. But now I think that's precisely his brilliance. In a place like Saihanba, nothing can be accomplished without rules. He established rules for everyone's benefit."

Shen Mengyin asked curiously, "Sister Xuemei, how do you know so much about Deputy Director Su?"

"I...I just heard about it." Qin Xuemei's face turned slightly red.

"I heard?" Meng Yue looked at her meaningfully. "I heard that you've been asking Captain Zhao about Deputy Director Su these past few days. You've been asking him where he's from, how old he is, and whether he's married..."

"I was just trying to find out about the leaders!" Qin Xuemei exclaimed anxiously. "We work in Bashang, of course we need to know who the leaders are."

"To understand a leader, you need to ask if he's married?" Meng Yue laughed. "Xuemei, be honest, do you have feelings for Deputy Director Su?"

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Qin Xuemei's face turned even redder. "Deputy Director Su is a leader, how could I possibly..."

"What's wrong with the leader?" Ji Xiurong, having finished washing the clothes, joined the discussion. "Deputy Director Su is young and promising, and not married yet. What a great catch. Xuemei, if you really like him, it's not impossible."

"Don't talk nonsense!" Qin Xuemei stood up. "I... I just admire Deputy Director Su's character, that's all. Besides, he's the director, and I'm just an ordinary technician, there's a big difference in rank."

"What's the big deal about rank?" Meng Yue said. "This is a new society that values ​​free love. As long as two people are in love, rank is not a problem."

“Exactly.” Shen Mengyin joined in the fun. “Sister Xuemei, you’re so beautiful and a college student, you’re a perfect match for Deputy Director Su.”

Qin Xuemei blushed and her heart raced at their words, so she quickly waved her hand and said, "Alright, alright, stop talking. Go to sleep, we still have work to do tomorrow."

She blew out the kerosene lamp, and the room became dark.

But none of them felt sleepy.

In the darkness, Meng Yue whispered, "Xue Mei, I'm serious. If you really like Deputy Director Su, you have to take the initiative. A man like that is sure to have many admirers."

"I...I didn't think that much about it." Qin Xuemei's voice was very soft. "I just felt that Deputy Director Su was different from others. He was decisive and responsible, and he was the kind of person who could accomplish great things."

"Isn't this just liking someone?" Ji Xiurong laughed. "When a woman likes a man, isn't it because she likes his sense of responsibility and courage?"

Qin Xuemei fell silent.

Actually, she herself was also confused.

At first, she did have a bad impression of Su Ning; he was too strict, too domineering, and unapproachable.

But through these experiences, she gradually realized that Su Ning's strictness was directed at the issue, not the person; behind his domineering nature lay a sense of responsibility; and beneath his seemingly cold exterior lay a deep sense of duty.

The Zhang Fulin incident, in particular, showed her another side of Suning...

It is principled yet humane; it upholds justice while showing leniency.

Such a man is indeed charming.

But Qin Xuemei also knew that the gap between herself and Suning was too big.

After all, Su Ning was the director of the Forestry Bureau and a combat hero; while she was just a recent graduate and nothing at all.

Such a distance cannot be bridged simply by liking someone.

"Go to sleep." Qin Xuemei turned over. "We still have to plant trees tomorrow."

The room became quiet.

But the thoughts of the girls were like the night wind in Saihanba, stirring ripples in their hearts.

Meng Yue was thinking about Wu Yansheng. Was it really worth it for him to give up his promising future and come to the arduous Saihanba for Qin Xuemei?
Ji Xiurong was thinking about what food to bring to Yan Xiangli tomorrow. He hadn't had a good appetite lately, so she had to find a way to get him to eat more.

Shen Mengyin was thinking about her home in Shanghai. Her mother had recently written to say she was sick, and she wanted to go back to visit her, but she didn't dare to ask for leave.

Meanwhile, Qin Xuemei was thinking about the man who was far away at the Weichang Forestry Bureau.

Thinking about the way he speaks, the way he acts, even the way he gets angry.

As she thought about it, her face turned red again.

I quickly shook my head, forcibly suppressing those thoughts.

"Stop thinking about it, go to sleep," Qin Xuemei told herself.

But some thoughts, once they arise, cannot be suppressed.

Just like the saplings in Saihanba, once they take root, they will grow vigorously.

The night is getting deeper and deeper.

The starry sky over Saihanba is exceptionally bright.

The girl's thoughts, like stars, twinkle and shimmer, hidden deep within her heart.

The sun will rise as usual tomorrow.

They still need to plant trees, work, and write their own chapters of youth on this desert.

But some things have already quietly changed; attitudes toward the same person have shifted.

When you start to see someone in a subtle way, an indescribable feeling arises in your heart.

...(End of chapter)