80 village women marry military officers; it was supposed to be a fake marriage.

And you, Lin Mei, do you really think nobody knows what you've been doing in town? Should I go find your teacher and have her explain things to you? And that Shen Rong, how did you meet him? At the dance hall or the movie theater?

One by one, you all spout nonsense and make things up without thinking. You've repeatedly caused me trouble, trying to pin the blame on me. Do you really think I'm easy to bully?

Shen Rong seduced a married woman. So what if he's from town and his family is powerful and influential? Shouldn't he be punished?

It is because of people like you who change their tune with the wind and distort the truth that he has become increasingly audacious, and that's why he dares to put the green hat on your heads.

The back slope is such a small area, what can't you see or hear? Are you all blind? Or deaf?

Who can't see it? Who can't hear it? They're all just bullies who prey on the weak and fear the strong, only knowing how to bow to money and power.

I've been digging for wild vegetables and collecting herbs on this hillside since I was a child. I've seen everyone in the village. Do you want me to list them all out?

I may be illiterate and illiterate, but I'm not blind. I can remember faces, can't I, Mother?

Lin's mother listened to Lin Yue's words with trepidation. Years ago, when she and the secretary had a secret rendezvous on the back hillside, Lin Yue had seen them. She had always felt that Lin Yue looked down on her, which was why she had grown to hate her daughter more and more.

Lin's mother wanted to cover Lin Yue's mouth and say, "Shut up, don't talk nonsense."

The secretary's wife looked at the secretary who had rushed over and the person behind him, fearing that Lin Yue would say something else and stir up trouble for everyone. "Quickly arrest this girl and gag her so she can't go around biting people."

Chang Jingxiang grabbed Lin Yue's hand and shouted angrily, "Let's see who dares to touch her!"

"Hurry up and do it! He's all alone, but there are so many of us, how can we not catch him? Let's all attack together!"

People felt that Lin Yue had the secret and couldn't let her go easily, so they all rushed forward.

With a loud "bang," everyone was startled and crouched down on the ground, covering their heads.

Three cars drove up, and the people inside were wearing military uniforms. One soldier was holding a gun, and he must have been the one who fired the shot earlier.

After the car stopped, eight soldiers got out, along with a middle-aged man in a Zhongshan suit and a young man in a white shirt.

The soldiers lined up in two rows and jogged forward rhythmically, while the gathered crowd made way for them.

They ran up to Mr. Chang, saluted, and said, "Sir, we have received orders from our superiors to bring you and your wife back."

Upon seeing the person approaching, the Party Secretary quickly ran over, "Mayor, what brings you here?"

Town Mayor Lü Mingze frowned, his voice authoritative, "Are you inciting a disturbance?"

The Party Secretary quickly explained, "No, no, the villagers are just here to watch the fun."

Mayor Lü then walked up to Mr. and Mrs. Chang and said, “I’ve been meaning to come see you for a long time, but you wouldn’t let me. Now look what’s happened, you’re leaving as soon as we meet.”

Mother Chang replied with a smile, "These are turbulent times, it's better to avoid trouble. We'll have a proper get-together after we return to the capital."

Mayor Lü looked at Chang Jingxiang and said, "This must be Jingxiang. Last time I saw you, you were just a little kid. You've grown up so much. And this is your wife?"

Just as Chang Jingxiang was about to introduce her, Lin Mei interrupted him, pointing at Lin Yue and saying, "Mayor, it's her. She's having an affair and spreading rumors. Arrest her immediately."

We must destroy her!

Chang Jingxiang is hers!

Everything in the Chang family belongs to her!

Lin Yue saw the jealousy and resentment in Lin Mei's eyes, but pretended not to see it and stood silently beside Chang Jingxiang.

Chang Jingxiang instinctively grabbed her hand and shielded her behind him.

Mayor Lü merely glanced at Lin Mei out of the corner of his eye. "Lin Changfeng, I have already understood the situation. Since you are not capable enough to take on the job of secretary, you should go home and retire."

The new Party Secretary will take office tomorrow and will thoroughly investigate this matter. All relevant personnel will be questioned at the brigade office tomorrow; everything will be handled according to regulations.

"Company commander, why don't you come back with us too?"

"I'm not going back yet; I still have things to take care of here."

When Chang's parents came, they didn't bring much with them. The only precious things they brought were their books, which their subordinates had already moved into the car for them.

Reluctantly holding Lin Yue's hand, Chang's mother said earnestly, "Little Yue, Jingxiang is a straightforward boy who doesn't know how to say nice things. You should give him more opportunities."

Your father and I will go back to Beijing first, and then come back after you've finished your business. We'll be waiting for you at home.

Lin Yue knew this was the last time they would meet, and she threw herself into Chang's mother's arms.

Although they didn't spend much time together, Lin Yue experienced a maternal love from her that she had never felt before, and she sniffed reluctantly.

When Lin Yue stepped out of her mother's arms, her eyes were already red. She forced back her tears and put on a smile, "Dad, Mom, have a safe journey."

Before getting into the car, Chang Jing pulled Chang Jingxiang aside and said, "Let me tell you, if you like Xiaoyue, bring her back to me. If you want to divorce her, make it up to her and arrange her future life properly."

Chang Jingxiang nodded. "I understand, Mom."

Lin Yue watched the car drive away, then glanced at Chang Jingxiang and asked, "Why didn't you go back with Mom and Dad?"

"I still have things to take care of."

Lin Yue knew he was referring to the divorce, and nodded. "Okay, then let's get the paperwork done quickly so you don't miss your trip home."

Upon hearing this, Chang Jingxiang's face darkened. He was referring to handling matters, not divorce.

Lin Yue seems to want to divorce him as soon as possible.

Back inside, looking at the pile of things on the table, Lin Yue anxiously called out to Chang Jingxiang, "Did they forget to take these things? Quickly tell them to go home and get them, or they'll wander off."

Chang Jingxiang glanced at Lin Yue and said calmly, "These are all for you. I had them brought them from Beijing."

"What are these?" Lin Yue looked at the words on them. She didn't recognize some of the words, and they looked like food.

Chang Jingxiang explained each item to her one by one. Most of them were ready-to-eat cooked foods, packaged in plastic, and could be stored for several months.

There were also milk candies, chocolates, and cookies, with crooked foreign words written on them.

There were also cigarettes and face cream, which looked different from the ones bought at the supply and marketing cooperative. You could smell the fragrance even through the box, and Lin Yue even put them to her nose to smell them.

Chang Jingxiang took out several books from a file folder and handed them to Lin Yue, saying, "These are junior high school textbooks. I can teach you. Once you've learned these, I'll get you high school textbooks."

Lin Yue hugged the textbooks like a treasure, and in her excitement, she kissed Chang Jingxiang on the cheek. "Thank you. I need these textbooks. I'll ask you if I have any questions."

Lin Yue was overjoyed, even happier than if she had received money. These books were something money couldn't buy. Lin Mei used to have them too, and Lin Yue wanted to see them, but Lin Mei burned them all and wouldn't let her see them, saying she couldn't understand them.

Chang Jingxiang was overjoyed and hummed in agreement with a smile.