Sharpening the Blade Against the Red Wall: From Hong Kong to Handong

Chapter 13 A Sudden Thunderclap, A Parallel World

In the summer of 1987, the summer vacation in Kyoto was hot and long.

Fifteen-year-old Zhou Jin had just finished the college entrance examination and was waiting for his admission notice from Huaguo University. Every day, besides helping his grandfather tidy up his study and helping Chen Panpan review her lessons, he would occasionally go back to the military compound to visit his maternal grandfather, Su Tian. At this time, he had shed the immaturity of high school, his figure had become more upright, and the composure between his brows had gained a touch of youthful spirit. However, deep in his eyes lay the profound wisdom accumulated from two lifetimes.

That afternoon, Zhou Jin rode his bicycle back to the military compound. As soon as he entered the gate, he saw two black sedans parked in front of the office building, and several men in Zhongshan suits were standing at the entrance talking. Leading the group was a middle-aged man in his fifties, his hair neatly combed, his face humble yet exuding the composed aura of someone long accustomed to a high position; beside him was a young man in his early twenties, tall and straight, broad-shouldered and with a resolute face, especially his eyes, sharp as an eagle, radiating an imposing and dignified air—this face was strikingly similar to Zhang Fengyi's portrayal of Sha Ruijin in his previous life when he was young!

Occasionally, local officials or old comrades-in-arms would come to visit her grandfather in the compound. Zhou Jin didn't pay much attention to it at first. Just as she was about to ride her bicycle to her grandfather's residence, a gust of wind blew by, and the middle-aged man's voice came clearly: "Ruijin, this time when you come to visit Commander Su, you must be sincere..."

Her words were interrupted by the staff's greetings, but the name "Ruijin" struck Zhou Jin's mind like a thunderbolt!

Ruijin? Sha Ruijin!

Zhou Jin slammed on the brakes, the wheels screeching against the concrete. His heart pounded, blood rushed to his head, and his hands and feet turned icy cold.

He instinctively hid behind the old locust tree next to him, peeking out half his head and staring intently at the young man—yes! That profile, that aura, was clearly Sha Ruijin from "In the Name of the People," the one who was parachuted into Handong to rectify the political environment! Only now he was still young, lacking the maturity and composure he would later display, with a touch of youthful sharpness in his brows, yet already exuding an aura of righteous indignation.

Judging from his attire and tone, the middle-aged man was clearly a senior or leader who had brought Sha Ruijin to visit his maternal grandfather, Su Tian.

It was like being struck by lightning!

Zhou Jin stood frozen in place, her mind blank, with only the sound of her own heart pounding in her ears.

How could this happen?!

He was a time traveler, reborn into this era with memories of his previous life. From his birth in 1972 to 1987, over fifteen years, he experienced the turmoil of the Sino-Vietnamese War, witnessed the wave of reform and opening up, felt the love of his family, and the dependence of Chen Panpan. Everything around him was so real and tangible—the old books in his grandfather's study, the gunshots on his maternal grandfather's training ground, the braised pork his mother made, the fruit candy Chen Panpan handed him, and the first-class merit medals on his uncle's and Chen's chests. None of this was fiction!

But the name "Sha Ruijin," and the young man in front of him who looked just like a younger version of Zhang Fengyi, made him think of the popular TV series "In the Name of the People" from his previous life.

Could it be... that he didn't travel to real history, but rather to a parallel world of "In the Name of the People"?

The thought sent a chill down Zhou Jin's spine, a nameless fear washing over him. He pinched his arm hard, the sharp pain reminding him this wasn't a dream. He watched as the young man, Sha Ruijin, followed the middle-aged man into the office building, his steps steady, his back straight—the very image of a promising young cadre, not some fictional character.

But if it's a parallel world, will the future plot develop in the same direction as the TV series? Will the political storm in Handong Province, Li Dakang's radicalism, Gao Yuliang's scheming, Qi Tongwei's ambition, and that thrilling anti-corruption storm all unfold as scheduled?

He recalled his future plans—to graduate with a doctorate at 22, start from the grassroots, and dedicate himself to the country's economic development. As for where he would work or what position he would hold, he had never deliberately planned it; he only wanted to do his best in everything. But now, Sha Ruijin's appearance made him think of Handong Province from the TV series. Could his future life trajectory intersect with that province full of power struggles?

What about the people around them? Grandfather Zhou Jianguo, maternal grandfather Su Tian, ​​maternal uncle Su Weidong, Chen Panpan's father Chen Dashan, and childhood sweetheart Chen Panpan—are they also "characters" in this parallel world? Were their fates already predetermined?

The thought made Zhou Jin feel suffocated. He got on his bicycle and practically fled the military compound, without even going to his grandfather's place.

Back home, Zhou Jin was distracted, and a key name suddenly flashed through her mind—the Zhong family!

Since Sha Ruijin is a real person, could the Zhong family, behind Hou Liangping's wife Zhong Xiaoai in "In the Name of the People," also exist in this world? As a prominent family in Beijing, if the Zhong family exists, they must have a place within the system. This speculation made him increasingly anxious, and he even absentmindedly brushed off Chen Panpan when she came to him for help with her workbook.

"Brother Jin, what's wrong? Are you suffering from heatstroke? Your face is so pale." Chen Panpan reached out her small hand worriedly and touched his forehead. "I'm not hot, why do you look so listless?"

"It's nothing," Zhou Jin forced a smile, avoiding her hand. "I probably didn't sleep well last night. I'll be fine after a rest. You should go back now. I'll teach you the exercises tomorrow."

Seeing his distant expression, Chen Panpan's eyes dimmed slightly. She whispered, "Then you should rest well. I won't bother you anymore." With that, she left, clutching her workbook and turning back to look at him repeatedly.

As soon as Chen Panpan left, Zhou Jin rushed out the door and headed straight for her grandfather Zhou Jianguo's study. Zhou Jianguo was organizing old documents at the time. When he saw his grandson burst in so hurriedly, he was taken aback for a moment: "Jin'er, what's wrong? Why are you in such a panic?"

"Grandpa, I have a question for you," Zhou Jin said, catching her breath and looking at her grandfather with eager eyes. "Is there a family with the surname Zhong in Kyoto? The kind that... is a family of veteran comrades within the system?"

Zhou Jianguo put down the documents in his hand, frowned and pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "The Zhong family you mentioned does exist. However, their family background is much less than your grandfather's and mine; they are a family of veteran comrades who grew up after the founding of the People's Republic of China." At this point, Zhou Jianguo's tone became more serious, "But this family is conservative in their thinking, does not support reform and opening up, and has always been relatively isolated in their circle. Now they are marginalized and have little real power."

After a pause, Zhou Jianguo added, "However, their eldest son, Zhong Ming, is quite capable and hardworking, but due to the family's influence, his promotion hasn't been smooth. Why are you suddenly asking this? Did you run into one of the Zhong family's kids and get bullied?"

Zhou Jianguo's words were like a key, instantly unlocking Zhou Jin's doubts. He suddenly realized that the Zhong family really existed! No wonder Zhong Xiaoai chose to go to university in Handong in the TV series of his previous life. It must have been around this time—the Zhong family was on the margins, eager to change their situation but with limited influence in Kyoto. If Zhong Xiaoai stayed in Kyoto to study, she would not only not receive much support, but might also be dragged down by the family's stance; but going to Handong would be different. Handong was one of the provinces at the forefront of reform, far from the established circles of Kyoto, where she could accumulate experience and expand new development space for the family.

As for Zhong Xiaoai's later choice to marry Hou Liangping, it was probably related to the Zhong family's situation at the time. The marginalized Zhong family found it difficult to find a suitable marriage partner in Kyoto who could help the family rise, while Hou Liangping, who came from a commoner background, was outstanding in ability and upright in character. He was both a promising prospect and (at the time) wouldn't make outsiders think that the Zhong family was engaging in factional marriages, which perfectly met the Zhong family's need to change their image and consolidate their position.

Having figured these things out, Zhou Jin felt a bit of the fog in his mind clear up. He suppressed his turbulent thoughts, shook his head at his grandfather, and said in as calm a tone as possible, "No, no, Grandpa, you're overthinking it. I just overheard someone mention it and asked out of curiosity, that's all. I didn't mean anything by it."

Seeing that he didn't seem to be lying, Zhou Jianguo didn't ask any more questions, but simply advised, "No matter which family the children are from, they must be careful with their words and actions when interacting with each other. Our family doesn't form factions or cause trouble; we just need to be honest and down-to-earth."

"I understand, Grandpa." Zhou Jin nodded, chatted with her grandfather for a few more minutes, and then turned and went back to her room.

After closing the door, Zhou Jin slumped into a chair, her mind in turmoil. The existence of the Zhong family once again confirmed that this world was indeed a parallel world that blended real history with the plot of "In the Name of the People."

He recalled watching "In the Name of the People" in his past life: Sha Ruijin's integrity, Li Dakang's reformist spirit, Gao Yuliang's cunning, and the hidden influence of the Zhong family behind Zhong Xiaoai—these characters and forces were vividly clear in his mind. And now, all of these were truly appearing in his world; this was no coincidence!

He recalled his experience of rebirth—dying in a terrorist attack at the International Financial Summit in his previous life, only to be reborn into a powerful family—a miracle beyond scientific explanation. If rebirth could happen, why couldn't parallel worlds exist?

But if it's a parallel world, is his life also controlled by a "script"? Are his hard work in studying and his desire to serve his country and people all part of a pre-written plot?

For the next few days, Zhou Jin fell into a complete daze. He locked himself in his room, neither eating nor drinking, repeatedly recalling his past life's history and the plot of "In the Name of the People," comparing them with the development trajectory of this world.

He discovered that the general historical framework of this world was basically the same as that of his previous life—the reform and opening up, the Sino-Vietnamese War, and the construction of special economic zones were all real events; however, there were differences in the details, such as the existence of his family, his own appearance, and the early appearance of Sha Ruijin and the Zhong family.

This is not a simple historical reenactment, nor is it purely a TV drama world; rather, it is a parallel world that blends real history with TV drama plots!

Having figured this out, Zhou Jin's fear did not lessen; instead, it intensified. He feared that he was merely a manipulated "pawn," that the fates of those around him could not be changed, and that his initial aspirations and efforts were meaningless in the face of the "script."

Until that night, he had a dream.

In his dream, he returned to the financial summit of his past life. Terrorist gunfire erupted, and he instinctively protected the "Asian Financial Market Risk Forecast Report." The excruciating pain of the bullet piercing his chest felt incredibly real. He recalled his regrets from his past life—not being able to witness the rise of his motherland's financial market, and not being able to contribute more to the country.

After waking up from the dream, Zhou Jin was covered in cold sweat, but suddenly felt a sense of clarity.

Yes! The fact that he was reborn with the memories of his past life is a kind of luck in itself. Whether this is real history or a parallel world, whether there is a "script" or not, everything he experienced is real, his emotions are real, and his original intention to serve his country and people is real!

Grandpa's teachings, maternal grandfather's expectations, mother's love, Chen Panpan's dependence, and his own efforts for his dream—none of these are fake!

Even if this is a parallel world, even if there is a predetermined "plot" in the future, he can still change those bad endings with his wisdom and hard work! He can avoid risks in advance and protect his loved ones; he can use his financial knowledge and political foresight to stay true to himself and do things for the development of the local area and the well-being of the people, no matter where he is in the future; he can make this world a better place and enable more people to live a happy life!

"Since I was able to come here with my memories, it means I'm not a pawn, but a changemaker!" Zhou Jin clenched her fist, her eyes becoming more resolute than ever before. "So what if it's a parallel world? So what if it's a script? My destiny, the destiny of those around me, is in my own hands!"

The confusion and fear in my heart vanished instantly, replaced by an unprecedented sense of pride and fighting spirit.

The next morning, Zhou Jin opened his door, and the sunlight shone on his face, warm and dazzling. He regained his usual composure and took the initiative to find Chen Panpan, teaching her the homework he had missed one by one. He even bought her favorite orange-flavored candy, making the little girl beam with joy.

"Brother Jin, you're finally getting better!" Chen Panpan peeled a candy and held it to his lips. "Here, have some, it's sweet."

Zhou Jin opened his mouth and ate the candy, the sweetness spreading from the tip of his tongue to the bottom of his heart. Looking at Chen Panpan's innocent smile, he secretly vowed: no matter what this world is like, he will protect the people around him, stick to his original intention, and walk his own path in this parallel world!

A few days later, the admission letter from Huaguo University arrived at my home. The red envelope was emblazoned with the school emblem in gold, making it particularly eye-catching.

"Jin'er, you got accepted! Economics major at Huaguo University!" Zhou Chengbang shouted excitedly, holding the acceptance letter.

The whole family gathered around, their faces beaming with joy. Zhou Jianguo patted him on the shoulder with a smile: "Good lad, you haven't let Grandpa down! In university, continue to focus on your studies, acquire real skills, and make greater contributions to the country in the future!"

Su Tian also made a special trip from the military compound to see Zhou Jin. Looking at her, his eyes were full of satisfaction: "Jin'er, well done! In the future, in university, you must not only learn knowledge, but also cultivate your mind and become a responsible and accomplished man!"

Zhou Jin received the admission letter, feeling its weight, his heart filled with anticipation for the future. He knew that university life was about to begin, and new challenges and opportunities awaited him. The appearances of Sha Ruijin and the Zhong family, however, did not break him; instead, they made him more clearly aware of his mission.

As the sun set, its golden rays bathed Zhou Jin's face, reflecting the unwavering light in his eyes. The thunderclap from the parallel world had reborn him from the ashes, further solidifying his beliefs.

His life journey continues. And his legend will continue to be written in this magnificent era, in this special parallel world.