Rebirth in 1972: Redemption in Changbai Mountain

Zhou Rui was not disturbed by the news of Zhou Dashu's return. Zhou Dashu was just a third-level worker at a steel factory in the county town; he had no connections and no ability to stop the police from making arrests.

Back inside, I continued my sweet dream and slept soundly for another hour before getting up to prepare breakfast for my family. Everything proceeded at its usual pace.

Around eight o'clock, Zhou Rui took his family out, and Xiao Niangao was wrapped up tightly.

"There are a lot of people in the village today, so don't run around. It wouldn't be good if someone stepped on you," Zhou Rui instructed An'an, who was standing at his feet.

"I know. Second brother, can I take Mao Mao out? I want Mao Mao to carry me." An An looked up at Zhou Rui and gave him a big smile.

"No, Mao Mao has to stay home and guard the house today. We can't let bad guys break in and steal anything. You stay with Third Brother today and don't go anywhere." Zhou Rui turned to Zhou Ping: "You have to keep a close eye on him today."

"I understand. Don't worry, I'll always hold her hand." Zhou Ping nodded.

"Let's go." Zhou Rui, carrying the little rice cake wrapped up like a ball, strode out, with Zhou Ping following behind, holding An'an's hand.

Although it was still early, a lot of people had already gathered outside the brigade headquarters, all there to see how the police took the person away.

Some people even brought their own stools from home so they could watch the whole show. Judging from the sunflower seed shells on the floor, they've been here for a while.

"Ruiwa, over here, come here." Zhou Rui looked in the direction of the voice and saw Liu Jianguo, the leader of the third production team.

"Brother Jianguo, why are you here so early?" Zhou Rui asked as he walked up to Liu Jianguo. There were too many people and too much noise, so Zhou Rui didn't want to shout.

"I ate too much for breakfast, so I came out for a walk to digest."

Zhou Rui rolled his eyes, feeling that Liu Jianguo was not taking things seriously at all. His lies were completely unbelievable; who would go out for a walk in the middle of winter morning?

Seeing Zhou Rui's disdainful look, Liu Jianguo quickly took out sunflower seeds from his pocket to break the awkward silence.

"Come on, everyone, take a handful. My wife cooked this, it smells amazing."

Seeing that Liu Jianguo had a large handful of cash in his hand, which she couldn't possibly handle, An'an quickly opened her coat pocket.

Seeing this, Liu Jianguo wasn't stingy and filled An'an's pockets completely. An'an patted her pockets, looking satisfied.

Zhou Rui found An An's expression amusing and couldn't help but pinch her cheek. There was never a shortage of snacks for her at home.

An'an was startled awake by Zhou Rui's hand and looked at her second brother curiously. Did her second brother want to eat her melon seeds? So she grabbed a handful of them, and... there were six or seven of them, and generously stuffed them into Zhou Rui's hand.

"Here, second brother, have some."

Zhou Rui found it amusing to look at the sunflower seeds he was eating, but he didn't refuse An An's kindness.

Snap! Mmm, smells delicious.

Before long, Zhao Youzhi arrived, Zhou Shumin arrived, Yang Guilan arrived, and Zhao Changshan also arrived. Yesterday, someone was sent to notify the town's public security bureau, saying that they would come early this morning to take the person away. Naturally, these well-known village leaders had to arrive early to wait.

People greeted each other, and some gossipy people asked what would happen to Zhou Chen and his friends, whether they would be paraded through the streets with placards or go to jail.

Several village officials all denied knowing or being clear about the matter, saying they would wait for the police to arrive before discussing it further.

While they were chatting, instead of the police, Zhou Dashan arrived with a group of Zhou family members, and they headed straight for Zhou Rui.

Zhou Rui suppressed all expression on his face, his expression becoming indifferent.

"Pingwa, take Xiaoniangao and lead An'an to the back."

"Second brother, be careful."

"Don't worry, don't you trust your second brother? From now on, no one in this village will be able to bully us, not even a single person."

Zhou Rui's voice was soft, but even An'an could feel the determination in his tone. This time, she was very obedient, taking Zhou Ping's hand and being led to the back of the crowd by him.

"Ruiwa, can you just let this go? After all, we share the same surname. If the Zhou family loses face, you won't look good either."

The first to speak was Zhou Rui's grandfather's cousin, the third oldest in his generation, who was sixty-eight years old this year. In the rural areas of this era, that age was considered quite long-lived.

"Third Grandfather, what are you saying? This is a criminal offense, not child's play. It's not something I can just decide not to pursue."

Zhou Rui looked down on the old, frail Uncle Zhou's appearance and demeanor, but he was still very polite. With so many people in the village, he had to at least pretend.

Zhou Yiye was a step behind, winking at Zhou Rui to indicate that he was on Zhou Rui's side, but had been pulled over by others.

Grandpa Zhou slammed his cane down, poking a hole in the snow. He's so old, yet he's still got some energy.

"Are you really going to send your cousin to jail and give the Zhou family such a bad reputation? You should know that there are many Zhou family children, including yourself, who are not yet married. If their reputation is ruined, they won't be able to find wives."

Zhou Rui narrowed his eyes. This old guy was trying to use the entire clan to pressure him.

"Third Grandfather, what you're saying is a bit alarmist. First..."

Zhou Dashan trembled slightly upon hearing this. Zhou Rui loved to argue his point, and once he started, no one could out-argue him. Zhou Dashan felt a bit jolted.

"First of all, I didn't make the Zhou family bear this bad reputation. Zhou Chen did something wrong and ruined the Zhou family's reputation. If you want to talk to Zhou Chen about this, you can also talk to my uncle."

"Secondly, whether Zhou Chen goes to jail or not is not up to me, but up to the police and the laws of the country. You think I, Zhou Rui, can send Zhou Chen to jail? You overestimate me. I don't have that kind of power."

"Besides, even if Zhou Chen doesn't go in, will the Zhou family's reputation be preserved? The whole village was here yesterday, including our outstanding educated youth comrade. I bet what happened yesterday will be known for miles around by tonight."

Master Zhou didn't react much. He knew this kind of awful thing couldn't be hidden, but he hoped that since the person hadn't been arrested, there was still a chance to explain. As long as I didn't admit it, it could be as if nothing had happened.

"Third, Zhou Chen's reputation won't affect other people's ability to find wives. Just because he went to jail for stealing doesn't mean other people can't get married; at least it doesn't affect me."

"Whether or not someone can get married depends on their own abilities. If they have a skill, are willing to work, and can earn money, they can get married. If someone like Zhou Chen has neither the ability nor the willingness to work honestly, even if he doesn't go to jail, he still won't be able to get married."

"Anyway, my family isn't afraid. Not just me, but also Pingwa and An'an, my family has the dowry and bride price we need. I don't believe we won't find partners."

As soon as these words were spoken, the surrounding crowd immediately became lively.

"Zhou Rui, are you looking for a partner? My niece is also looking for one. Should I ask her to come to the village tomorrow?" an older woman shouted at Zhou Rui.