A Girl Traveling Through Troubled Times

“Let’s go together, I’ll go too,” Chen Zhongyu said.

When Gui'er heard that Chen Zhongyu was also going, she was even more surprised, but it was inconvenient to say it directly in front of Lin Peishan, so she could only nod and say with a smile, "Okay, let's go together then."

The next day, after school, Gui'er knew that Lin Peishan had something to do that day and would be going home early, so she quickly asked Acheng to drive her to the bookstore.

She waited until most of the customers had left the bookstore before approaching Chen Zhongyu and saying, "Brother Chen, what happened yesterday? Is it appropriate for us to participate in such public activities? I think underground workers should prioritize secrecy. If we participate in these activities and our identities are revealed, it's very likely that we'll leave an impression on the Hong Kong British authorities or secret agents, which will make it inconvenient for us to work."

Chen Zhongyu said, "It's okay. This is a big march, and I estimate that many students from your school will participate. How can they possibly screen who participated and who didn't? Major newspapers will also send people to take photos and write news articles. I'll introduce you to a part-time job at a newspaper, and you can participate as a reporter. Don't wear your school uniform, okay?"

"And what about you? You're just a bookstore owner; you have no reason to participate in this event."

"I have discovered several student leaders who are very enthusiastic about the student movement and who may be my former superiors whom I have lost contact with. I hope to reconnect with them through this event."

"That's too dangerous. Why don't you tell me who they are, and I'll go and strike up a conversation with them to see if they really are them? I happen to have a journalist's identity."

“No, we have a one-way communication relationship. Have you forgotten what I said before? Let’s just leave it at that. Oh, by the way, the organization has entrusted me to pass on a letter to you. It might be great news for you.” Chen Zhongyu said, glancing around before quickly pulling an envelope from his pocket and handing it to her.

Gui'er was a little confused. She took the letter and read: "To my dear sister Gui'er."

Her mind went blank, and she looked up at Chen Zhongyu in shock. Chen Zhongyu smiled and said, "That's right, this is a letter Sha Yanxiao wrote to you. Your servant came over earlier and said that someone in the city said he had joined the revolutionaries. It's true. There must have been eyewitnesses. He's now a guerrilla fighter in the mountains with Lao Song."

"That's wonderful." Gui'er only managed to say this one sentence before tears welled up in her eyes like a burst dam. During this time, she had been on tenterhooks, and had even mentally prepared herself for the worst news. This was undoubtedly a piece of great joy.

"Alright, alright, control your emotions and don't let anyone notice anything amiss. I believe you can take a look when you get back. The demonstration is settled then. Be careful when the time comes," Chen Zhongyu instructed.

“I’m fine with it, but I still think it’s too risky for you to participate. You have neither an identity nor a reason, and you are our organization’s core contact person in Hong Kong. There can’t be any mishaps.” Gui’er was suddenly pulled back to reality, but she was still worried and tried her best to persuade her.

"The danger is ever-present, but we can't abandon our comrades because of that. Go back now. Don't come back here after you finish the demonstration. I'll keep an eye on things to see if anyone is following or monitoring you. If it's safe, I'll write on the blackboard next to this door: 'Kangxi Dictionary has arrived.' Then we'll reconnect."

Gui'er had no choice but to nod and agree.

As soon as Gui'er got into the car after leaving the bookstore, A-Cheng asked curiously, "Miss, what happened? You seem so happy."

At this moment, Gui'er wished she could announce to the whole world that there was news of Sha Yanxiao and that he was still alive, but she knew she couldn't do that, so she smiled and said, "It's nothing. I suddenly remembered that the pastries we bought last time were quite delicious. Let's go buy some more and eat them together at home."

Afterwards, he went to the pastry shop in high spirits, picked out a big bag of pastries, took them back to the villa and shared them with everyone. Everyone asked curiously if something good had happened.

Gui'er smiled and said, "No, it's just that life is like this, whether you're happy or unhappy, it's still a day, so it's always better to be happier."

Wu Mingqiang picked up a chicken biscuit, took a bite, and said with a smile, "Miss, that's the right way to think. Who cares about war? We're not going to starve or get cold here. Isn't it great to be happy?"

It wasn't until evening, when it was time to go to bed, that Gui'er finally felt relieved. She took out the letter, opened the envelope, pulled out the letter, and began to read it.

My dear sister Gui'er Qingjian:

Months have passed since we parted, and I have heard nothing from you. This thought fills me with unease. The news of the fall of Wuhan must have reached Hong Kong by now; when you heard it, you must have felt the same anguish as I have. These past days, I have tried daily to contact you, but the flames of war have blocked our way, and postal routes have been severed. Even with a thousand words, I cannot send them by mail.

On the day the enemy pressed in, my troops fought to the death. The streets and alleys were piled high with corpses; my brothers shed their blood on their homeland, but ultimately we could not hold the city. Later, I received orders to retreat with the main force to Nanjing to establish defenses. However, what I saw along the way was chaotic command, utterly disorganized. Their so-called "resistance" was like the blind men and the elephant. I pondered deeply; if we blindly followed, we would only send more brothers to their deaths in vain. Jiangcheng was my father's life's work, the home I was born and raised in. Now it had fallen from my hands; this guilt gnawed at my heart day and night. Therefore, I resolved to lead the remaining brothers into the mountains, even if it meant becoming outlaws, to fight the invaders to the bitter end.

Just then, Director Song found him in the mountains and talked with him all night, only to discover that their goals aligned. He mentioned your previous cryptic remarks, and I suddenly realized: although you are young, you have already seen through the situation, far more clear-headed than those of us who have been immersed in worldly affairs for years. These days, I've met many comrades; their breadth of vision and conviction far surpass those of ordinary bureaucrats. Being with them, I've come to understand what "hope" truly means. During lulls in the fighting, Mr. Song often organized study sessions, teaching the brothers to read and understand principles; even in this remote mountain village, the sound of reading aloud could be heard.

Life in the mountains was tough; going hungry was common, and there were no warm clothes to keep warm. But having grown up in bandit dens, what were these hardships? My brothers and comrades were like family, and their eyes shone with light as they spoke of China's future. We had only one thought: to drive the wolves from our homeland and ensure that our descendants would never again suffer this torment.

This letter from the trust organization has gone through many twists and turns, and I don't know how many risks it has taken. You don't need to worry about me. Focus on your studies. If you have some free time, I hope you can send me a letter to tell me about the situation in Hong Kong and how you are doing. I always wonder if you are doing well and if you are still as bright and courageous as before.

Remember, my feelings for you have never changed, no matter what.

Brother Sha Yanxiao's handwritten letter