Chapter 144: The Comical Downfall of Huang Qiang

The waiter approached the service counter with the money. “Manager, the gentleman earlier gave an extra yuan...”
“An extra yuan?”
The manager took the money, glanced toward the door, and said, “Put it here for now. If he remembers, he might come back.”
“Right, these two officers have a task. Take a look at this photo, and if this person comes to eat, notify me immediately.”

The two officers showed the waiter a photo of Huang Qiang. The waiter immediately recognized him. “This is the same person who gave the extra yuan.”
“Where is he?”
The officers’ faces lit up with excitement at the lead.
“He just left.”
The waiter hurried to the door and pointed in the direction Huang Qiang had run off.

Without delay, one officer chased after Huang Qiang, while the other went to the police station for reinforcements.

That night, the entire town mobilized—military, police, and civilians—all conducting a thorough search. Initially, everyone assumed Huang Qiang was a kidnapper, but now with the added charge of sexual assault, the gravity of his crime was undeniable in these times.

With nowhere left to hide, Huang Qiang slipped into a pigsty. The stench was so overwhelming he almost vomited his supper, but he dared not leave.

Sun Liu had just finished dinner and was preparing to feed the pigs with his son.
“Dad, after feeding the pigs, I want to help catch that sexual offender!” Sun Xiao Wu carried a bucket of feed, trailing behind Sun Liu.
“Stay home and feed the pigs properly. Tomorrow morning the slaughterhouse will come to pull the pigs. If you go chasing criminals tonight, how will you get up in the morning?”
Sun Liu poured feed into the trough without looking up. Of course, he knew the whole town was searching for the sexual offender, especially since a reward had been announced by the police.

But since the offender was such a vile man, it would be dangerous to confront him alone. He didn’t want his son to take such risks.
“Dad, I will wake up early tomorrow, don’t worry.”
“I said no, so no!”
Sun Liu’s sharp shout startled Sun Xiao Wu, and even the pigs in the sty stirred restlessly.

Already nauseated, Huang Qiang’s face was splattered with filth as the pigs scattered in panic, causing him to vomit.
“Dad, someone’s here!”

Sun Xiao Wu’s keen eyes spotted Huang Qiang hiding behind a corner.
“How dare you come steal pigs from my home! Xiao Wu, shut the gate and release the dogs.”

The dogs at Sun’s were no mere watchdogs like those at Xia Yan’s place; these were genuine German Shepherds. The chains were loosened, and the two dogs shot toward Huang Qiang like arrows.

Terrified by the ferocious dogs charging at him, Huang Qiang tried to run but slipped on the mess of excrement and urine, falling hard. Covered in filth, his legs were caught by the dogs. Trying to scream, the foul liquid flooded his throat, causing him to vomit again.

Sun Liu looked at him with disdain, unwilling even to touch him.
“Dad, you go find the police, I’ll watch him here!”

When the police arrived and confirmed Huang Qiang was the wanted sexual offender, they laughed.

Neither Sun Liu nor Sun Xiao Wu had imagined that a pig thief would turn out to be the vile criminal they sought.

No one expected Huang Qiang to be caught in such a ridiculous manner.

Father and son Sun received commendations for their contribution.

Up in the mountains, Lin You returned home to inform Xia Yan that Huang Qiang had been caught.
“The pigsty? That Huang Qiang really knows where to hide.”
“Yeah, I heard when Sun Liu caught him, the guy ate a lot of filth.”

Hearing Lin You’s words, Xia Yan’s stomach churned. “That’s disgusting! How can you say such things at the dinner table?”

“Mom, I’m taking my younger siblings to the movies.”

Lin Hongzhe stood, picking up three small stools. Today, a film was being shown at the base, and many children had arrived early to save seats.

Xia Yan noticed that her eldest son had little other interests but was always happy when movies were shown. Unlike in the future world, where children had many extracurricular classes, here she needed to be attentive to discovering and nurturing his interests.

“Dress warmly, put on your hat!”
Xia Yan reminded him. “Save us and Auntie seats. We’ll come later.”

At the base, Xia Yan usually only listened to the radio daily, and the weekly film was her anticipation. Though black-and-white and old, the movies were quite enjoyable.

“Little sister, when is that commendation ceremony you mentioned last time?”

After the three children left, Xia Yan recalled the commendation ceremony Lin Ling had mentioned.

“It should be in a few days. Brother, did you receive any notice?”

Lin You had been busy with Huang Qiang’s capture and hadn’t paid much attention to the brigade’s announcements. However, Wang Baoguo had called from the mountains, saying he’d come down the day after tomorrow. So, the ceremony should be soon.

“Ah, I wonder when Zhu Yan will return.”

Xia Yan thought of her once rival, now close friend, Zhu Yan. It had been a while since she’d seen her and wondered how she was doing.

“Zhu Yan? The female doctor who used to chase after my brother?”

Lin Ling knew of Zhu Yan but noticed Lin You’s glance when she mentioned her and quickly covered her mouth.

Xia Yan smiled. “That’s her, but now we’re good friends.”

Lin Ling was surprised. Quietly, she asked Xia Yan, “Sister-in-law, how did you manage that? She was your rival.”

“I call it personal charm.”

“That’s just you having a big heart!”

Lin You retorted dryly from the side.

Xia Yan refused to back down. “What do you mean big heart? Zhu Yan and I are just not people who quarrel.”

Down in the military district, Zhu Yan had been discharged from the hospital. She sat in her room, gazing toward the mountains.

“Yan Yan, Uncle Ye is here to see you.”

At that moment, a woman entered—the mother of Zhu Yan, Liu Qin.

“Mom, I’m not feeling well...”

“Don’t talk nonsense. Uncle Ye is here, you need to show up, or it’ll look like you’re rude.” Liu Qin knew her daughter opposed the marriage but was very pleased with Ye Yun.

“Couldn’t you just say I was already asleep?”

“Your voice is so loud, how can you be asleep? Change your clothes and come out—don’t embarrass me!”

A man in military uniform appeared at the door, his tone harsh.

Zhu Zhengshan, division commander of the military district, Zhu Yan’s father.

“Your father’s angry. Hurry and get ready!” Liu Qin quickly whispered to Zhu Yan upon seeing her husband’s anger.

“Why do you all have to pressure me? I told you, I won’t marry Ye Yun!”

Zhu Yan’s voice rang out loud and clear, and downstairs, Ye Yun’s family heard every word. Ye Yun’s parents’ faces darkened noticeably.