Chen Yang felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing the gossip Zhao Wukang had gathered.
The spot where the victims' bodies were discovered, as described by Zhao Wukang, was precisely the road he had cycled past that very morning, in the area of Wanli Commune. Several communes passed through that stretch of road to get to the county town!
The thought of having ridden past a murder scene earlier that day made Chen Yang break out in a cold sweat.
"If I don't go back today, I'm afraid your sister will worry."
"She's the type who, the last time I was late, she took the child and met me halfway."
Chen Yang was suddenly reminded of the time he first went to Qinghe City to see Zhang Weiyang. When he returned, Shen Xue had brought their infant child to meet him halfway.
Last time, she had merely sprained her ankle, but now, who knew where the killer had gone.
What if he didn't go back today, and Shen Xue, worried, went to wait for him at the village entrance?
In this era, there were no telephones. If there had been a phone, he could have notified her.
For a moment, Chen Yang was at a loss.
It was not yet five o'clock, and the sky was not dark. But by the time he cycled all the way back, it would certainly be dark.
With such a major case having occurred, it was only natural for him to feel a bit scared at the prospect of taking the two children back alone.
But if he truly didn't go back, he would be safe, but he feared Shen Xue at home would worry and do something foolish.
Women were like that; when they worried and panicked, they lost their heads. It wasn't that they were inferior to men, but rather a matter of personality, often innate.
Sometimes, men were more decisive and, no matter the problem, wouldn't panic and be unsure of what to do.
Moreover, Shen Xue had already had a precedent. Now that she was pregnant again, her temper was even more erratic. Chen Yang feared that if anything happened to her, he would regret it immensely.
"That's true. My sister, she cares about you and the children more than herself."
"I still remember, when Uncle was drunk at home, he said my sister took a sweet potato given to her by the old village head to the fields. She couldn't bear to eat it herself and hid it in her embrace to bring back for you to eat."
"Back then, my sister was already carrying these two little ones."
Zhao Wukang looked at Chen Yang, sighing with emotion.
In the past, he had looked down on his brother-in-law and often felt indignant on behalf of his cousin.
What was the use of his cousin being so good to her husband? He was only focused on his college entrance exams and desperately wanted to return to the city, showing no concern for her well-being.
Who would have thought that his brother-in-law would suddenly have a change of heart, becoming like a different person, capable of caring and earning money?
His mother often said that his sister had a good eye for people, knowing that her brother-in-law was not a bad person, just that he hadn't understood things at first.
"How about this, brother-in-law? I'll call Xiao Gao from the factory's security department. He can cycle with me to escort you and the two little ones back."
"But, you'll have to provide us with food and lodging later. It'll be dark when we get there, and we won't dare to return until it's light the next day, then we'll head back to work."
Zhao Wukang thought for a moment and made a suggestion.
It wasn't dark yet, and with three grown men, they were unlike the previous victim. Most people wouldn't dare to harbor ill intentions towards them.
"Wukang, brother-in-law really has to thank you this time."
"Coincidentally, I brought back a pack of cigarettes after the banquet. Take it and explain it well to Xiao Gao."
"Today, when we get there, stay at brother-in-law's place. Not to mention anything else, there will be plenty of wine and meat tonight."
"I'll send you back tomorrow during the day."
Chen Yang patted his pocket. He had brought a pack of cigarettes from Zhang Weiyang's wedding. For men, carrying cigarettes in their pockets when out and about was a must. Passing one around occasionally was always beneficial, and now, it came in handy.
Not only that, but Chen Yang also took out two Da Tuan Jie banknotes.
At this time, only Zhao Wukang, his cousin, would dare to escort him home. Others wouldn't be so thoughtful.
When bothering others for help, Chen Yang wouldn't be stingy.
"Brother-in-law, why are you giving me money? I can't accept it."
Zhao Wukang took the cigarettes but refused the money. His monthly salary was less than thirty yuan, and what Chen Yang gave him was more than half a month's salary. How could he accept it?
"This is for you to give to Xiao Gao, not for you. Who said it was for you?"
"When you get married, brother-in-law will give you a grand gift. You brat, acting so distant with me."
Chen Yang playfully punched Zhao Wukang. Putting aside everything else, at a time like this, Zhao Wukang thinking of arranging for someone to escort him home was something Chen Yang would remember.
His aunt, following in the footsteps of selling radios, had made a lot of money recently and was already arranging Zhao Wukang's marriage. It probably wouldn't be long.
Chen Yang would have to prepare a good gift for Zhao Wukang then. He was this kind of person; if others helped him, he wouldn't let them suffer any losses.
"Brother-in-law, you said it. Then I'll strive to receive your grand gift soon."
Zhao Wukang had already learned from his mother that the family was arranging his marriage. If it weren't for this incident, they would likely have arranged for him to meet the girl these days.
He, Zhao Wukang, was determined to accept this gift from Chen Yang!
"Hurry up and go."
"Remember to bring a few tools, just in case we encounter anything on the way, so we have something for self-defense."
Xiao Gao was in the security department. In those days, the factory's security department had some tools for self-defense.
Chen Yang didn't expect them to bring guns, but two steel pipes at least wouldn't be a problem.
"Brother-in-law, rest assured, I'll handle it."
"Xiao Gao isn't married either, and he sleeps alone at night. We'll tell our colleagues later to inform their families on their way back, and then we'll come."
"Wait for me."
Gao Feng's family also worked at the fertilizer plant, which was why Zhao Wukang was so familiar with him. Having colleagues deliver a message home would save their families from worrying.
After all, they would be provided with food and lodging, and Chen Yang had given twenty yuan for their trouble. Gao Feng, carrying three iron pipes, left the factory gate without a moment's hesitation, riding the "28-inch" bicycle his parents had bought him.
With a Hongmei cigarette dangling from his lips, the one Chen Yang had given to Zhao Wukang, he looked like he was going to catch the killer with them.
"Brother-in-law, with me here, no one can get close to you."
Gao Feng patted his chest emphatically. He had taken the money and the cigarettes and immediately started calling Chen Yang "brother-in-law" along with Zhao Wukang.
Chen Yang, watching the iron pipes tied to the back of the bicycle seat by him and Zhao Wukang, felt much more at ease.
"When we get home today, brother-in-law will have a good drink with you two."
"There will be plenty of meat, and I'll let you taste my wine-soaked fish. This stuff goes well with wine."
Now that he had an escort, Chen Yang felt much more at ease. As usual, the infant sat in the back seat, Chen Hao in the front. He rode the bicycle with Zhao Wukang and Gao Feng to go home.
It was better in the city. The sky wasn't dark yet, and they could still see a few people going home from work on the road, although compared to usual, everyone was in groups.
When they reached the outskirts of the city, on the road heading towards the countryside, there were very few people. They didn't see anyone for a long time, which showed everyone was scared.
Chen Yang also secretly rejoiced that Zhao Wukang had called Gao Feng; otherwise, he would have been truly terrified going alone.