Li Qiang agreed with him, realizing that he wouldn't be able to handle any problems alone. Moreover, despite Zhao Xingwang's thin and small frame, his demeanor and efficiency were clearly superior to his own. Even though it was Zhao Xingwang's first time doing this, he might have to rely on him later.
He nodded. "Alright, it's good we have each other."
Although relations between the two countries had eased slightly, customs checks remained stringent. It was impossible to leave through official channels, so they had to stow away on a train.
The next night, they quietly boarded a freight train with their carried goods.
This was Zhao Xingwang's first time doing something like this. He had been nervous while evading patrols, but once the train started moving, the rhythmic clanking sounds of the train calmed his anxious heart.
"I'm glad I came with you; otherwise, I don't know how I would have managed alone," Li Qiang said, pulling his cotton jacket tighter and moving closer to Zhao Xingwang.
The temperature outside was minus thirty degrees Celsius, and the freight car was full of drafts. After staying in one place for a while, their bodies felt frozen.
"Have a drink to warm up," Li Qiang said, fumbling in his pocket and pulling out a small metal flask of white liquor.
Zhao Xingwang was also finding it unbearable. He took the flask and took a swig. Before long, a warmth spread through his chest, and his body felt much better. Da Feng Novel Network.
The next day, the train finally came to a slow halt.
"We're here. The train stops here for a very short time, so we need to hurry."
Li Qiang grabbed a bag beside him, grabbed Zhao Xingwang, and quickly jumped off the train. They then swiftly darted into the nearby woods. Their movements were seamless. As soon as they hid, they saw the train slowly pulling away.
As the train departed, several men with guns began patrolling the area.
Seeing this, Zhao Xingwang broke out in a cold sweat.
If they hadn't hidden quickly, they might have been riddled with bullets.
Meanwhile, Chen Lishu, after washing up, casually tied her hair into a bun at the nape of her neck. She then picked up a powder compact from the table and lightly dabbed it under her lower eyelids to cover the faint bluish tint, instantly improving her complexion.
Because she was breastfeeding, she avoided makeup as much as possible, apart from a moisturizing cream.
However, attending a banquet today required a slightly more polished appearance. After some thought, she picked up lipstick and applied a light touch.
She didn't like heavy makeup; she just wanted to enhance her complexion.
Turning around, she saw Gu Xingdong leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, looking at her. She walked over to him and smiled, "What are you looking at me like that for? Don't you recognize me?"
"A little," Gu Xingdong praised her without reservation. "You're already stunning normally, and now I just want to carry you around in my pocket."
Chen Lishu let out a giggle, then playfully chided, "You're exaggerating."
They went downstairs together. The two children, wearing identical woolen sweaters and pants knitted by Zhao Qiuyue, were lying side by side on the sofa.
Having already eaten and drunk their fill, they were playing by themselves, not crying or fussing.
"Mom, we're going to pick up Aunt Sun later, so Xingdong and I will leave first."
Chen Lishu didn't disturb the children. After bidding farewell to her mother-in-law, Li Xiulan, she and Gu Xingdong left.
Today was the full moon banquet for Han Shengquan's grandson. After picking up Sun Yongmei, Gu Xingdong drove them to the restaurant.
"I don't know when it will end. You go ahead. I'll go back with Aunt Sun then."
Gu Xingdong nodded upon hearing her words. After bidding farewell to Sun Yongmei, he turned the steering wheel and drove towards his company.
Lin Ying greeted Sun Yongmei with a smile as she entered.
"Please, come in and sit."
Sun Yongmei congratulated her, "Congratulations! Such a healthy baby boy. I heard he weighed eight pounds and eight ounces at birth. That's truly enviable."
"A large baby means more hardship for the mother. That's why I didn't let my daughter-in-law come today. She needs a few more days to recuperate."
Chen Lishu listened to their conversation and remained on the side. Soon, they were led to a table inside.
More people arrived shortly after. After informing Sun Yongmei, Lin Ying busied herself with greeting them.
Noticing Sun Yongmei had brought a young and beautiful woman, a woman at the same table asked, "I don't recognize this young lady."
"She's a junior from our family, Chen Lishu," Sun Yongmei replied, then proceeded to introduce the others at the table to Chen Lishu.
They were mostly wives of government officials, such as the wife of a director and the wife of a bureau chief.
"Little Chen, what do you do?" a woman in her forties opposite them asked curiously.
Chen Lishu recalled that Sun Yongmei had introduced her as being from the tax department. She smiled and replied, "I'll be graduating from university in a little over a month."
"A university student?"
Upon hearing Chen Lishu's words, the gazes of those present shifted from casual indifference to noticeable warmth.
Graduating this year meant she had successfully passed the college entrance examination shortly after its reinstatement.
University students were considered talents in those years. Before even graduating, many units would be vying for their skills, especially bachelor's degree holders, who were even rarer.
Another person inquired, "Which school are you from? What's your major?"
Chen Lishu answered truthfully, "English major from the Provincial Normal College."
"English is a good major. Many places are in need of such talent nowadays."
"Indeed. English is now included in the exam syllabus. My son will be taking the college entrance exam next year. Little Chen, do you have any tips for learning English well?"
Everyone was increasingly valuing education, especially those present with good family backgrounds who placed great importance on their children's education.
"I think the most important aspect of learning English well is persistence. As long as you..."
Chen Lishu then shared her summarized learning experiences with everyone, who listened attentively and took notes.
Watching her converse animatedly with the other ladies, Sun Yongmei simply listened from the side without interjecting.
Not long after, Han Shengquan's wife, Lin Ying, brought two more people over. Chen Lishu turned her head to look, and her expression subtly changed.
These two people were none other than Jiang Yuchi and her mother.
Jiang Yuchi had clearly recognized Chen Lishu as well. If it weren't for this woman, Jiang Chengyi wouldn't have been arrested, her father wouldn't have been demoted, their family wouldn't be in this state, and Wan Liansheng wouldn't have almost divorced her due to demerits.
Although she was furious, she knew that such an occasion was not the place for a major scene. However, she could still make things difficult for Chen Lishu.
Thus, after sitting down, she smiled and said, "What are you all talking about? It seems lively?"
Those seated at this table were generally sharp individuals.
They were all aware of the Jiang family's scandal. However, firstly, Jiang Huai'an was still in office, and secondly, Jiang Yuchi's in-laws were influential, being relatives of the provincial leader, the Li family. Even if they had thoughts, they kept them hidden.
"Little Chen, I find the dress you're wearing quite beautiful. Where did you buy it?" Director Zhou from the tax bureau, who had taken a liking to Chen Lishu's attire since she entered, couldn't help but ask.
Her question voiced the thoughts of everyone, and they all turned to look.