Su Xiaotian's heart tightened, and she quickly turned her head.
She saw someone sneakily following her.
Even though the person instinctively tried to dart into the cornfield when she looked back,
Su Xiaotian had seen him clearly!
Li Zhiguo!
Why was he following her?
They had only met once, what reason could Li Zhiguo have for following her?
Su Xiaotian didn't believe it was a coincidence, after all, this was not a path frequently taken by people from the brigade.
Only those going up the mountain or to the cowshed would pass by.
And Li Zhiguo would not be going to either of those places.
Su Xiaotian's mind raced, thinking of ways to escape the predicament.
In that instant, she even considered if Li Zhiguo might be the one kidnapping children.
She also thought if Li Zhiguo was a vicious abuser.
She even considered the possibility of murder and disposing of the body.
She wanted to run home quickly, believing she would be safe there.
However, she was so scared that her legs felt weak, and she couldn't run.
Su Xiaotian felt that she was not well at all.
A fear from the depths of her soul dominated her.
Su Xiaotian panicked, unable to even make a move to escape.
But deep down, she was an adult soul, not a real child.
After a brief moment of panic, Su Xiaotian calmed down.
When Su Xiaotian looked over, Li Zhiguo had intended to hide.
But in an instant, he also calmed down. What was there to fear from a mere child?
Reassured, he saw Su Xiaotian looking at him in a flustered state, and a smile spread across his lips.
Looking at the little girl's flawless, jade-like face, he almost couldn't help but drool.
This little girl was indeed a beautiful child, so captivating.
Even though he had seen many cute girls, they paled in comparison to the one before him.
In that moment, Li Zhiguo felt a noticeable change in a certain part of his body.
He desperately wanted to hold the little girl in his arms and comfort her.
This small path was perfect, with cornfields on both sides.
The corn grew best at this time of year, capable of hiding all sins.
Doing something here, he believed, no one would know.
Su Xiaotian's expression was one of terror, especially as Li Zhiguo approached her with a seemingly kind demeanor, which made her even more frightened.
"What's your name? Su Xiaotian, right? Good child, come here and let Uncle have a look!"
Li Zhiguo's face was full of smiles, but Su Xiaotian saw the undisguised lust in his eyes.
A girl around ten years old might not understand male lust.
But Su Xiaotian had lived a lifetime, and she was too familiar with such gazes.
She became even more afraid.
At this moment, Li Zhiguo's image perfectly merged with that of a creepy uncle.
His target today was her, this underage little girl!
Thinking of this possibility, Su Xiaotian couldn't help but feel disgusted!
Not human!
As Su Xiaotian realized this, her feet involuntarily moved backward.
"Don't come any closer, don't come any closer!" Su Xiaotian tried her best to put on a natural expression.
However, her trembling voice betrayed her fear.
"Little girl, I'm not a bad person, I'm a big shot from the county, a good person! I want to cherish you! Come here, I'll give you cake, I'll give you candy!"
Su Xiaotian thought to herself, if you were a good person, there would be no bad people in this world!
This beast-like thing, not even letting a child go.
"I want to go home! I don't want candy!" Su Xiaotian said in a panic.
Her eyes scanned the surroundings, but all she heard was the rustling of corn leaves in the wind, and no one was around!
Su Xiaotian was almost despairing.
As a ten-year-old girl, she could never escape an adult man.
But Su Xiaotian was unwilling to just sit and wait for death!
Li Zhiguo naturally saw Su Xiaotian's actions. He had already checked, and there was indeed no one around.
This little girl was his for the taking today.
After he got what he wanted, a few pieces of candy would appease her, and there would be nothing to fear!
If she was still difficult to appease, he could just kill her and throw her in the river, she was just a little child!
Perhaps it was the power of survival that gave Su Xiaotian a moment of courage. She suddenly turned and ran quickly, trying to escape his clutches.
But no matter how fast a little girl ran, how fast could she be?
Li Zhiguo was determined to catch Su Xiaotian, so he strode after her.
Soon, Li Zhiguo caught up to Su Xiaotian.
In this moment, Li Zhiguo had become a slave to his desires.
This desire even made him forget that this was Hongxin Brigade, where most of the residents shared the same ancestors.
If he were caught by these villagers, they might tear him apart.
Su Xiaotian never felt that this road was so long, the road was endless.
Just then, Su Xiaotian suddenly saw a figure.
It was Su Taohua.
Aunt Taohua...
Su Xiaotian wanted to call out, but could not make any sound.
Su Taohua also saw Su Xiaotian running in front of her in a panic, and someone closely following behind.
What was going on?
Comrade Li?
Why was he chasing Xiaotian so closely?
"Comrade Li, why are you chasing Xiaotian?" Su Taohua quickly stepped forward, shielding Su Xiaotian behind her.
Su Xiaotian tightly clutched Su Taohua's arm, afraid that Li Zhiguo would snatch her away at any moment.
Li Zhiguo was just one step away from catching Su Xiaotian, when suddenly someone appeared from the side.
"This girl is not behaving well!" Li Zhiguo's eyes darted, and he immediately found an excuse, shifting all the blame onto Su Xiaotian.
Su Xiaotian didn't expect Li Zhiguo to say such a thing.
However, what couldn't a beast say?
She wanted to say something, but perhaps due to extreme shock, she was speechless, unable to utter a single word.
When she realized she couldn't speak, she quickly shook her head vigorously.
Su Taohua had watched Su Xiaotian grow up, how could she not know what kind of person Su Xiaotian was?
This child had been well-behaved and obedient since she was young, a good child, how could she not behave well?
"Comrade Li, is there some misunderstanding? I know this child, she's a good one, she couldn't possibly not behave well!"
Su Taohua didn't know what had happened, and her attitude towards Li Zhiguo was still respectful.
After all, he was a cadre from the county, someone she couldn't afford to offend, nor did she want to.
But she had to protect Su Xiaotian, and would never let anyone harm her.
Li Zhiguo looked at Su Xiaotian's confused, deer-like eyes, and the flutter in his heart became even more uncontrollable.
He glared fiercely at Su Taohua.
It was this old woman who ruined his good deed.
Su Taohua was glared at by Li Zhiguo, but she didn't understand why.
"Comrade Li, if Xiaotian has done anything wrong, I apologize on her behalf."
"Scram!" As soon as Su Taohua finished speaking, Li Zhiguo rudely reprimanded her.
Su Taohua dared not speak further, only holding Su Xiaotian tighter.
Li Zhiguo stepped forward, intending to grab Su Xiaotian and pull her into his embrace.
Even if he couldn't do anything substantial today, he had to hold her and touch her!
Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to sleep tonight.
Su Xiaotian quickly retreated.
Su Taohua also immediately used her body to shield Li Zhiguo's grasping hand.
"Xiaotian, hurry home, I'll block him!" Su Taohua whispered to Su Xiaotian.
Li Zhiguo also heard this.
He sneered and scoffed, "With one woman and one child, I'd like to see how you escape."
Su Taohua was indeed strong and capable when she was young, and she did have some strength.
But Li Zhiguo was a man, and he was also quite strong. Su Taohua did not succeed in blocking Li Zhiguo.
Although Li Zhiguo couldn't completely suppress Su Taohua, he managed to grab Su Xiaotian's arm.
"Let go of me, let go of me, you're a bad person! You're a bad person!"
Perhaps out of extreme fear, Su Xiaotian suddenly found her voice and screamed heartbreakingly.
This not-so-straight small path, with corn on both sides that could hide figures, could still carry sounds.
Indeed, someone soon arrived.
It was none other than Shen Zizhen.
After eating, Shen Zizhen suddenly remembered that the leaves of the corn in two patches of cornfields were starting to dry out, and he didn't know why, so he came to take a look.
Who knew he would hear Su Xiaotian's voice.
Since arriving at Hongxin Brigade, Shen Zizhen had treated Su Xiaotian like his own child. Hearing Su Xiaotian's voice, he rushed over immediately.
"Who are you, and what are you doing?" Shen Zizhen shouted, and then shielded Su Taohua and Su Xiaotian behind him.
Seeing a man arrive, Li Zhiguo knew that he couldn't do anything today and intended to leave.
However, Shen Zizhen saw Su Xiaotian crying miserably and was heartbroken, so he naturally refused to let Li Zhiguo leave.
After being blocked by Shen Zizhen, Li Zhiguo's expression grew colder, and he began to think about how to deal with this man.
He was from the county, how could he be afraid of a country bumpkin?
He wouldn't let either this woman or this man go.
"Which brigade are you from? Why are you blocking a woman and a child here?" Shen Zizhen demanded.
Li Zhiguo snorted, "If you know what's good for you, get out of the way, or I'll make you regret it."
Shen Zizhen insisted on not moving.
Li Zhiguo's face darkened further. This person was stubborn and wouldn't move.
"Believe it or not, I'll have you paraded through the streets tomorrow!"
When Li Zhiguo said this, Su Xiaotian clearly felt Shen Zizhen's body stiffen.
Before coming to Hongxin Brigade, Shen Zizhen had suffered a lot, often being paraded through the streets and made to clean toilets.
She worried that Shen Zizhen was afraid and would move aside.
Like Su Xiaotian, Su Taohua was also very worried that Shen Zizhen would back down.
If Shen Zizhen left, she, a woman, and Su Xiaotian, a child, would certainly not be a match for the man in front of them.
"Teacher Shen..." Su Taohua couldn't help but call out softly.
But this one sentence exposed Shen Zizhen's identity.
Since Li Zhiguo was coming to Hongxin Brigade, he had naturally done some research on Hongxin Brigade beforehand.
He had especially researched the educated youths in the brigade and the "black five categories" living in the cowshed.
He had been too busy these past few days to go and "greet" those old geezers in the cowshed, but who knew someone would come to him?
Before he came, he had been specifically instructed to take good care of the people living in the cowshed during this period.
He knew, of course, that there was someone in Hongxin Brigade living in the cowshed named Shen, a university professor from the capital.
Judging by his age, it should be the man in front of him.
He was truly fearless, daring to meddle in such matters.
Since he was someone living in the cowshed, he was no longer afraid.
In fact, at this moment, a cold smile flickered across Li Zhiguo's lips.
"Ah, so you're someone living in the cowshed. I advise you to be sensible, or don't blame me if you don't survive three days!"
He said this not in a loud voice, but the threat was unmistakable.
He didn't believe that someone living in the cowshed, whose survival was uncertain, would not be afraid of such a threat.
Shen Zizhen was somewhat shaken at this moment, his complexion even paled by three points.
He knew what Li Zhiguo's words meant. He had experienced such torment before.
The heart-piercing pain and the torment of the soul had once made him wish for death and despair.
Did he really want to fall into such suffering again for a matter that did not concern him?
For Shen Zizhen, such a decision was too difficult!
But when he looked at Su Xiaotian and Su Taohua beside him, he felt that such thoughts were sinful.
Since coming to Hongxin Brigade, Su Xiaotian had helped him a lot.
The people from the Su family had also given him much assistance.
The members of Hongxin Brigade were also very kind people, all with good hearts.
If he betrayed such people, he would have a lifetime of guilt.
If he betrayed such people, what would be the difference between him and someone who betrayed his wife and children for selfish reasons?
In that case, could he still be considered human?
He thought a lot, but in reality, it was only a fleeting moment.
When he saw the two pale faces beside him, he finally made the choice a man should make.
At this time, he should protect them, even at the cost of his life.
"I won't argue with you, you should leave yourself!" Shen Zizhen said, taking a deep breath.
He hoped that this person would choose to leave voluntarily out of guilt, as this would be the best outcome.
But clearly, Shen Zizhen didn't understand Li Zhiguo at all.
Li Zhiguo felt emboldened now. How could he let go of someone within his grasp?
He cast a sinister glance at Shen Zizhen, just someone living in the cowshed, yet daring to be so bold.
He then looked at Su Xiaotian again.
This little girl was too endearing. Today, he had to have her no matter what.
If he missed this opportunity today, the little girl would surely be on guard, and the chance to get her again would be slim.
It must be said that Li Zhiguo, perhaps, had too much freedom to do as he pleased in the county town.
Even at this point, he hadn't given up.
Shen Zizhen saw Li Zhiguo's intentions and knew he wouldn't give up easily.
At this moment, Shen Zizhen thought that the object of Li Zhiguo's ill intentions was likely Su Taohua.
Even though he wasn't very familiar with Su Taohua, he didn't want to see her in a difficult situation.
He made a gesture, signaling Su Taohua to take Su Xiaotian and find help.
Seeing Su Taohua turn to leave with Su Xiaotian, Li Zhiguo immediately rushed forward to grab them.
Shen Zizhen stepped forward to entangle Li Zhiguo, holding his waist tightly.
Su Taohua had intended to take Su Xiaotian and leave immediately, but in just a moment, she realized that Shen Zizhen was no match for Li Zhiguo.
After one move, Shen Zizhen became the one being beaten!
It must be said that Li Zhiguo, despite his refined appearance, was not refined in either his psychology or his skills.
In fact, his attacks were fierce, and Shen Zizhen, a truly weak scholar, was no match for him.
Su Taohua watched as Li Zhiguo landed several punches, and blood flowed from Shen Zizhen's mouth.
But even while being beaten, even while being severely beaten, Shen Zizhen still held onto Li Zhiguo's waist tightly, preventing him from breaking free.
"Hurry and go!" Glancing at Su Taohua and Su Xiaotian still standing nearby, Shen Zizhen shouted these words with all his might.
He knew he couldn't hold on for much longer, he was no match for the man in front of him.
Su Taohua, however, at this moment, decisively lowered her head and said to Su Xiaotian, "Xiaotian, go back and find someone, I'll help Teacher Shen!"
Shen Zizhen had gotten involved to save her and Su Xiaotian, she couldn't just stand by and watch him get beaten and injured.
After saying this, Su Taohua actually charged forward, clenched her fists, and struck Li Zhiguo's head.
Su Xiaotian finally reacted and quickly started running towards her home.
She had to find someone quickly, as Aunt Taohua and Uncle Shen might not be able to defeat this beast Li Zhiguo.
If she ran too slowly, Aunt Taohua would be at a disadvantage, and Uncle Shen would be beaten to death.
She hadn't run far when a group of people came towards her.
Leading them was the brigade leader, followed by many people, including her own father, Su Laosan.
Su Xiaotian cried out and threw herself into Su Laosan's arms.
Su Changjiu was about to ask something, but seeing the sobbing girl,
"What happened?" Su Changjiu demanded.
He had only heard that there was a commotion here and had rushed over with people, not knowing the specifics of what had happened.
But when he saw that Su Taohua was hitting Li Zhiguo, his eyebrows twitched violently.
How could she hit someone from the work team? Was this acceptable?
When he saw that the other person being beaten under Su Taohua was Shen Zizhen, Su Changjiu felt even more that today was doomed.
Someone living in the cowshed fighting with someone from the work team, regardless of who was right or wrong, the person living in the cowshed would be at a disadvantage!
In fact, with one wrong move, they could be utterly ruined.
But Shen Zizhen was a good person, and he didn't want Shen Zizhen to have any problems.
And Taohua, why was she fighting with these people?
How old were they? Their tempers still hadn't changed!
Su Changjiu felt truly troubled.
But no matter how troubled he was, he had to do what he had to do.
"Comrade Li, Taohua, Shen Zizhen, why are you fighting? What's going on?"
Before the other two could speak, Su Taohua suddenly spoke, and what she said surprised everyone into disbelief.