Chapter Forty-two Return Journey

  Outside the window was a layer of bright clouds, the Boeing 737 cabin seemed slightly cramped, Lu Zhong sat in the window seat, silently holding a paper cup and staring off into space, the Coca-Cola in the cup looked like thick black blood to him.

  "Still thinking about that girl?" came Han Jing's concerned voice beside him.

  On the second day after the fight, Lu Zhong boarded a plane to return home with his mother and embassy staff. It was said that Bai Sha Bao was no longer in danger of losing her life, but she was still unconscious in the intensive care unit.

  The elder brother-in-law's operation was very successful, but he still needs rest and observation.

  The other party's family had reported the incident to the police, but a car from the Chinese Embassy arrived at the hospital quickly and took away Lu Zhen and Han Jing, leaving the Los Angeles police stunned. The military attaché of the embassy was extremely tough in his attitude, even scolding the other party for suggesting that Lu Zhen should accept an investigation interview.

  China and the US are now in their best honeymoon period in history, due to international strategic needs, they have joined forces to counter the powerful Soviet Red Empire. The current Sino-US relationship is more intimate and reliable than any future strategic xx relationship.

  Because China's proposed reform and opening up was more shocking to the world than Yugoslavia's split with the Soviet Union at that time, in the confidential files of the US high-level, there were great illusions about China at this time, hoping that China would be gradually assimilated and evolved into a democratic world through such external openness.

  But in this intimate atmosphere, many Chinese officials would not be too polite to the Americans either. They have been shouting "US imperialism" for so many years that some inherent concepts have already penetrated deep into their bones.

  The Chinese military attaché at the Los Angeles Consulate was a representative figure, who didn't care about diplomatic etiquette, scolded the Los Angeles police and directly took people away.

  The US side has judicial independence, and local police stations have extremely high autonomy, but when encountering such sensitive events, they can only ask for instructions from their superiors and watch the "perpetrators" leave.

  The old mother's identity is too special, even if it is the Soviet Union that is sharply opposed to China, it will not take the risk of detaining the leader or his relatives of the Chinese 8341 troops.

  It's just an ordinary civil dispute.

  Lu Zheng thought silently for a moment, then suddenly realized something and turned his head to say in a low voice: "Mom, it seems we're being escorted back home?" It's said that some people in the Military Commission are very dissatisfied with Old Mom's trip to America this time. The comrades at the embassy have been urging Old Mom to return home.

  Han Jing nodded slightly and said lightly: "Alright then, what's wrong? Are you scared?" Rarely would he joke with his son.

  Lu Zhong smiled and said, "Grandpa said that we revolutionaries must have an optimistic spirit. Grandfather said, 'The fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the bitter cold.' I've inherited the good bloodlines of both old men, so if anyone should be afraid, it's you, Mother, who shouldn't love me."

  Han Jing smiled and didn't say a word, apparently her son was being mischievous and playful again.

  Lu Zhong was already used to it, after a while, he said "Mom, don't worry, I will work hard and make progress from now on, I won't let you down." It seemed like he was talking to Han Jing, but also as if he was talking to himself.

  Han Jing murmured in agreement.

  Lu Zhong knew that his mother and father were different. She never had any expectations for herself, hoping only to live a peaceful and healthy life. His father, on the other hand, had high hopes for him and urged him too much. Seeing himself take the wrong path in business, he would stop at nothing. In his eyes, Lu Zhong was self-destructing, and there was no greater sorrow than losing one's heart. Finally, they became sworn enemies.

  "How about a drink?" Lu Zhong suddenly suggested.

  Two stewardesses wearing silver-gray double-breasted suits, both with high buns and excellent temperament, pushed the meal cart over. On the cart, among various drinks, was a bottle of Moutai liquor.

  Two flight attendants saw Han Jing wearing a green military uniform and both of them were stunned for a moment, then they saluted together and said in unison: "Commander!" The civil aviation had just been separated from the air force for a few years, and the two flight attendants who retained memories of special years completely reacted unconsciously. Although the military rank system was abolished more than a decade ago, and it is no longer possible to tell the rank from the uniform, the four-pocket cadre uniform, combined with Han Jing's strong and handsome appearance, made it clear that he was a high-ranking officer as soon as they saw him on an international flight.

  Han Jing stood up solemnly, returned a military salute and said: "Take a short rest." After sitting down, he smiled and said: "Pour us two cups of wine."

  Lu Zhong knew that although his mother would also think that such a situation and action were somewhat inappropriate, the military salute was so solemn, and his mother would also treat it with solemnity. He himself was also filled with mixed emotions.

  At what time was this the unshakeable national spirit of the Republic?

  "Mom, I wish you a smooth work." Lu Zhong raised his wine glass and lightly touched it with Han Jing's, then took a sip of the wine. These wines that might cost thousands of yuan per bottle in the future were now just free drinks on the plane. Of course, people who could take international flights nowadays were all domestic elites.

  "Guangning is developing very well now, are you used to eating and living here?" Han Jing asked slowly, at this moment, she finally revealed her maternal love.

  Lu Zhong smiled and said: "They're all fine, mom, don't worry about me."

  Han Jing nodded and didn't say anything else.

  ……

  A red-roofed white-bodied bus was bumping along the uneven highway, its engine roaring like an old ox. Some passengers inside were chatting in hushed tones, while others leaned against their seats and snored.

  This is a long-distance bus from Wushan to Guangning. It takes about an hour and a half, departing at 9:00 am every morning and arriving in Wushan in the afternoon.

  The car was packed with people, and those over 30 years old, whether workers or cadres, liked to wear neat gray Lenin suits or jackets when going out. Generally speaking, the upper pocket of the Lenin suit had a pen, which was mostly worn by cadres. Suits were extremely common in Wushan and Guangning, and on this train, several young people who loved to follow fashion trends wore suits, but their pants were bell-bottoms or jeans, looking incongruous.

  There were not many women and children on the bus, but the only two children got into a fight over a cookie. Their mother scolded them, yet couldn't help feeling sorry for them, then coaxed them saying: "Two little ones, don't make trouble, next time we go to Beijing, mom will buy you picture books."

  Someone lit a cigarette, and the already smoke-filled carriage had another heavily polluted area.

  Lu Zhong sat in the middle seat by the window in the train carriage, he took a two-hour train ride to Wushan and then boarded a public bus heading to Guangning.

  Guangning is actually the gateway to Beijing, a place that military families must contend for in the past. All trains from Beijing to outside the pass had to go through Guangning. However, Lu Zhuang went to Wushan to buy some local products and then took a car back to Guangning.

  The passengers who got on the bus later stood in the middle of the carriage, and Lu Zhong saw that there was an old man among them. He got up to give his seat to the old man, who declined a few times before sitting down.

  "Zhuangzi?" A surprised voice came from the back of the car, Lu Zhuang turned his head to see Liu Xiaohui and Qin Mingliang sitting in the last row, Liu Xiaohui was excitedly standing up and waving.

  Lu Zhong walked over to the two of them in three strides, and Liu Xiaohui told Qin Mingliang to move inside. Qin Mingliang unwillingly shifted his buttocks and said, "Two seats for three people? How are we going to sit?"

  Lu Zhong smiled and said: "You sit in your own way, it's too hot to squeeze together."

  Liu Xiaohui had already opened her beautiful eyes, seemingly ready to get angry. After listening to Lu Zhong's words and thinking for a moment, she said: "Let's switch seats." She stretched out her leg and kicked Qin Mingliang, who grunted silently without making a sound.

  Lu Zhong smiled and said, "A few hours of work, just a little slip-up and it's all over, what's the big deal, annoying to death." He secretly laughed in his heart, it seems that after not seeing each other for a while, Xiao Hui has got Qin Mingliang under her control.

  "Zhengzi brother, Xiaoguang is back, and he brought several classmates with him. What social survey report are you going to write? But I heard they couldn't find you." Liu Xiaohui let out a somewhat regretful sigh and said, "I don't know if they've left or not, we missed each other when we gathered, and he also didn't make it."

  Lu Zhong smiled and said: "I know he's back, whether we meet or not doesn't matter now. We're all busy with our careers, once things settle down, there will be plenty of time."

  Liu Xiaohui also said: "And, Tong Susu is back too. She was also because you moved house and couldn't find you. She left a letter for you at home. I'll look for it later and give it to you. Zhenzi Ge, are you very familiar with her? It seems like she borrowed money from you?" Liu Xiaohui just casually asked, Tong Susu said that she had an urgent matter and borrowed money from Lu Zhen, so she left a letter to express her gratitude. Thinking about it, it's also considered good luck for Zhenzi Ge. Otherwise, with Tong Susu's current situation, who would still write a separate letter to someone? It's impossible for Zhenzi Ge and Tong Susu to have a close relationship where they would exchange letters.

  "It's okay."

  Liu Xiaohui sighed with envy, saying: "Having a good father is great, she's no longer working as a host and has changed careers to become a star, playing Xue Baochai in the Dream of Red Mansions. She said filming will start soon and she won't be able to come back for a while."

  It seems that Liu Xiaohui didn't know about the trouble at Tong Susu's home, and Lu Zhong didn't expect Tong Susu to be really selected for the role of one of the twelve hairpins, and even one of the three golden hairpins with the most screen time. With a thoughtful expression, he said: "Opportunity is one thing, but mainly it depends on whether you have the ability to seize it."

  Liu Xiaohui nodded slightly and said, "Yes, Tong Susu is so beautiful, she should have been a star to begin with."

  "Ah, Brother Zhēnzi, I've been wanting to ask you, what do you actually do at the Public Security Bureau?" Liu Xiaohui curiously raised her head and looked at Lu Zhēn.

  Lu Zhong smiled and said: "Director."

  Liu Xiaohui pouted and said: "You're also so fond of joking around, honestly!"

  Lu Zhong just smiled and said, "Never mind if you don't believe me, anyway I didn't cheat you."

  Qin Mingliang, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up in a cold tone, "Are you the director? Then my friend has been caught, can you say something and get him out?"

  Liu Xiaohui frowned and said: "What are you talking about? Didn't you see that Zuozi is just joking?"

  Lu Zhong asked: "Your friend? What's his name? How did he get in?"

  Qin Mingliang was scolded by Liu Xiaohui, but he didn't make a sound and turned his head to look out the car window.

  Liu Xiaohui said: "His friend is called Lei Dajun, also a teacher, and I know him too. He's actually a good person, just likes to joke around. The other day at the department store buying a TV, he joked with a female sales clerk for a few sentences, but she didn't realize it was a joke. When moving the TV, Dajun accidentally bumped into her, and she thought he did it on purpose. She immediately called over the security guard, and that's how he ended up being taken away by the police! If you ask me, he deserved it, maybe this will teach him a lesson! But I heard that if things don't go well, he might be charged with hooliganism. Wouldn't that ruin his life?"

  Lu Zhong hummed in agreement and nodded slightly.

  Liu Xiaohui said, "Zhengzi brother, if you can help him, then help him. I saw his parents that day, they were quite cheerful, but now it seems like they've suddenly aged ten years, how pitiful! My heart aches...". As she spoke, her eyes reddened and she gently wiped away tears.

  Lu Zhong sighed and didn't speak.

  Qin Mingliang didn't dare say anything on the surface, but in his heart, he thought that Xiaohui and this rough man had nothing to talk about. What could he help with?

  The bus drove on and off, arriving at Guangning Long-distance Bus Station after 10 o'clock. Along the way, Liu Xiaohui and Qin Mingliang chatted, making time feel like it passed quickly.

  In the dirty and chaotic small square of the train station, there are three or four small cigarette stalls. The stall owners loudly hawk bread, melon seeds, cigarettes and other goods, making a strong effort to attract customers. It seems that individual businesses are becoming more and more numerous, and competition is already very fierce.

  Liu Xiaohui and Qin Mingliang took the bike storage card and prepared to go to the bike storage at the station to retrieve their bicycles. Lu Zhong bid them farewell, as this place was very close to the county government office.

  Lu Zhong left his phone number with Liu Xiaohui. Liu Xiaohui blinked and asked, "I'll deliver Tong Susu's letter to you tomorrow?"

  She didn't say anything, and Lu Zhong almost forgot, laughing: "No need, I'll have someone find you to take it. I'm too busy every day, it's better to find you."

  Liu Xiaohui nodded and bid farewell to Lu Zhong, then under Qin Mingliang's urging, the two merged into the crowd at the entrance of the parking lot.