When Chu Xia submitted the college application form, the class teacher, looking at the application form, could hardly believe her eyes, just like Jiang Zhida.
"Is this what you've decided to fill in?"
Chu Xia nodded, with a natural expression and a determined look, "The major I want to pursue in this school is the best."
The homeroom teacher looked again at the list of medical schools below, all of them in the capital, and especially wanted to take a pen and make changes for Chu Xia. With such high scores, she could possibly be the top scorer in the city! It's a pity to fill in these schools!
But she could only respect Chu Xia's decision.
"Once you've made up your mind, it's fine."
At this moment, the director came running back, sweat on his forehead. He didn't even bother to wipe it and went straight into the classroom. Behind him was the headmaster.
"Chu Xia, have you filled out your application yet?"
The director, panting heavily, wiped away some sweat and bent down to look at the college application form placed on the desk.
"It's filled out."
As soon as Chu Xia finished speaking, she saw the director widen his eyes as he stared at the application form on the table. He couldn't believe it and hesitated to rub his eyes, afraid that he might be mistaken.
"The Imperial Capital Medical University?!"
The director looked at Chu Xia, "You didn't make a mistake, did you?"
Because the director's voice was loud, other students who were discussing their volunteer choices also looked at Chu Xia in surprise.
If they had scored what Chu Xia did, they would undoubtedly have confidently chosen either Jinghua or Jingyan, the two prestigious universities in the capital. Surprisingly, Chu Xia didn't choose either of them!
Although the Imperial Capital Medical University was also a prestigious university, it was still considered a lower tier compared to Jinghua and Jingyan. They couldn't understand Chu Xia's choice.
At this moment, the headmaster walked over, took Chu Xia's application form, and carefully examined each school and major she had written. Except for the schools being different, all the majors listed were the same.
She put down the application form and looked at Chu Xia. "You want to study traditional Chinese medicine?"
Chu Xia nodded, "When I decided to go to college, it was specifically to pursue this major."
The headmaster could see the seriousness in Chu Xia's eyes and could tell that she was someone who wouldn't easily change her goals once determined. She responded with a thoughtful "Hmm."
"With your estimated scores, you could go to a better university. Don't you feel like you're missing out by choosing this?"
Chu Xia shook her head, "No, because I'm studying the major I want. If I went to a prestigious school but studied a field I don't like, then I would feel like I'm missing out."
The headmaster's mouth seemed to curve slightly, but because her expression changed too quickly, Chu Xia didn't see it clearly. She only heard her say, "As long as you've thought it through, the school supports each student's choice."
"Headmaster!" The director's face showed a worried expression, as if he couldn't wait to stop the headmaster from speaking and persuade Chu Xia to choose a different school immediately.
The headmaster, however, did not let the director speak and asked him to follow her out of the classroom.
"Principal, why not let Luo Chu Xia change her choices? She has the potential to get into Jinghua or Jingyan!"
"She won't change," the headmaster said in a flat tone, without any fluctuation. "Even if she didn't apply to Jinghua or Jingyan, when the college entrance exam results come out, if she truly has this score, it won't affect her contribution to the school's reputation."
The director sighed, but he couldn't change anything. The headmaster had spoken, and there was nothing he could do.
Chu Xia's estimated scores and the schools she applied to quickly spread among the students who came to estimate scores and fill out preferences today.
Who doesn't know students from other classes, some of whom are even fellow townspeople? Chu Xia's high estimated scores, coupled with her choice of schools, seemed strange and unfortunate to everyone.
Wang Chaoxi was also filling out her preferences in the class. Her estimated scores would easily qualify her for Jinghua or Jingyan, but if she followed the director's advice to deduct twenty points before applying, she stared at the admission lines of these two schools from last year, her brow furrowed tightly, unsure if she should take the risk.
As she pondered the two individuals in her mind fighting over whether to take the risk, she overheard classmates discussing Chu Xia's scores and the schools she had applied to.
Wang Chaoxi thought she had misheard, so she turned her head and stared directly at the person speaking, "What did you say about Luo Chu Xia's estimated scores and the school she applied to?"
The person, looking at Wang Chaoxi's face, somewhat strangely repeated what they had just said and asked, "Is there a problem?"
Wang Chaoxi ignored the two discussing individuals, immediately turned around and ran out. The two classmates she had questioned were left bewildered, watching her running out and finding the situation even more peculiar.
Unable to comprehend, they dismissed the thought and resumed discussing Chu Xia's situation.
After running out of the classroom, Wang Chaoxi headed straight for Class Three, where Chu Xia was about to leave for the residential area. Wang Chaoxi intercepted her at the door.
With her hands on her knees, gasping for breath, Wang Chaoxi called out to Chu Xia, "Wait... huff! Wait a moment!"
Chu Xia stopped, looking down at Wang Chaoxi with confusion. She didn't understand why she was being stopped; after all, the college entrance exam was over, wasn't it?
Finally catching her breath, Wang Chaoxi lifted her head, her eyes fixed on Chu Xia's face. Her voice was somewhat husky as she asked, "Did you estimate a score of 578?"
Chu Xia nodded.
"You didn't apply to Jinghua or Jingyan University?"
Chu Xia nodded again, raising her eyebrows, waiting for Wang Chaoxi to continue speaking.
"Why?" Wang Chaoxi's eyes were filled with puzzlement as she looked at Chu Xia. Chu Xia easily obtained the university she desperately wanted to get into, but she chose not to apply. Wang Chaoxi genuinely couldn't comprehend it.
Confusion was evident in Wang Chaoxi's eyes.
Chu Xia only knew Wang Chaoxi at No. 9 High School, and even though Wang Chaoxi considered her a rival, Chu Xia had never seen her in the same light.
"I like a major that isn't offered at those two universities," Chu Xia explained.
Wang Chaoxi hadn't expected this reason. "If Jinghua and Jingyan had the major you like, would you apply to them?"
Chu Xia replied, "I would consider it."
Wang Chaoxi looked deeply at Chu Xia. "I understand now."
Then she quickly ran off, leaving Chu Xia somewhat bemused. Wang Chaoxi, who specifically came over to ask about her preferences, seemed surprisingly concerned about her.
Jiang Zhida watched as Wang Chaoxi ran off, stroking his chin as he asked, "Is she your friend, or your competitor, sister-in-law?"
"Neither," Chu Xia replied. "Just a fellow student from the same school."
Moreover, they had graduated, and their paths would likely diverge, possibly never to meet again.
Jiang Zhida gave a casual "Oh," not paying much attention, and urged Chu Xia to take him to the carp and noodle restaurant.
It was the same place recommended by Chen Chen's mother. Somehow, the interior of the restaurant was much cooler than outside, with green ceiling fans overhead, blowing refreshing air.
Jiang Zhida, putting down his hand that had been constantly fanning himself, ran to stand beneath the fan, his face showing an expression of enjoyment. "Finally a bit cooler. Why is it so hot today?"
Chu Xia pulled out a chair and sat down. "It's the hottest time of the year during the three dog days. Of course, it's hot."
three dog days [三伏天] (sān fú tiān) This is a Chinese term referring to the three periods of hot weather that usually occur in July and August. It's considered the hottest time of the year in the traditional Chinese calendar.
She was hot too, and it was a kind of heat accompanied by a stifling humidity that made people very uncomfortable.
Chu Xia still remembered the delicious dishes she had ordered last time. Considering her and Jiang Zhida's appetites, she ordered four dishes, and of course, the carp and noodle dish was indispensable.
When the dishes arrived, and Jiang Zhida tasted the long-awaited carp and noodle dish, his eyes instantly lit up. "The noodles are sour, sweet, and crispy, the fish is fragrant, tender, and juicy. No wonder it's a famous dish, truly well-deserved!"
Chu Xia remained silent, but the passing waiter proudly added, "The customer indeed has good taste." Then, another pot of good tea was placed on their table.
Chu Xia also ate contentedly but felt a bit regretful for not being able to bring Cen Huai'an along.
Before leaving Liangzhou, Chu Xia packed up everything at home that needed to be arranged with Jiang Zhida and sent it all to the capital.
Some items that couldn't be sent to the capital, such as beds, cabinets, and coal stoves, she first asked Bangzi and Sister Li if they wanted them.
If they did, she sold them at a depreciated price; otherwise, she sold them to others.
Sister Li took a small bed and a cabinet, while Bangzi took everything else. Chu Xia didn't know how much Bangzi made, but she knew he wasn't short of money now.
All the belongings at home were cleared out. Even Cen Zhengnian's box of books was sent to the capital by Chu Xia. Except for her luggage, there was nothing left in the house.
Jiang Zhida simply followed Chu Xia's instructions without asking for reasons. After everything was packed, he looked at the empty house and clapped his hands, saying, "Sister-in-law, you don't plan to come back here in the future?"
"Yeah, I'm going to study in the capital. I don't know when I'll be back. I plan to return the house to the factory."
Actually, this is just one reason.
The Luo family is currently in chaos because of Luo Xiao Mei.
Chu Xia's smooth progress in the college entrance examination is due to the ongoing turmoil caused by Luo Xiaomei insisting on being with the person she wants to be with.
The several textile factories are originally close to each other, and Luo Xiao Mei, engaging in hunger strikes and attempting to elope, has made the nearby residents well aware of the issues in the Luo family.
Chu Xia didn't inquire much, but walking down the street, she could hear people discussing it. Sister Li also told her the complete version of the story.
After resolving Luo Xiao Mei's situation, the Luo family once again wanted the house that Chu Xia was allotted. Chu Xia didn't want any further involvement with them, so she directly returned the house to the factory. The Luo family didn't dare to create trouble with the factory.
When Chu Xia went to see the factory manager, she handed over the keys. The factory manager, with a hint of surprise in his eyes, didn't accept them.
"The house has been allocated to you. You let your relatives take over the job, so there's no need to return the house."
Actually, everyone knew who took over Chu Xia's job, and Chu Xia wouldn't say that the person taking over was not a relative.
She just smiled and said, "I won't be living in the residential area in the future. The house sitting there would be a waste. It's better to allocate it to workers who need it more."
The factory manager looked at Chu Xia and found that she was serious, which was somewhat incredible.
Among the houses allocated by the factory, unless an entire family is dismissed by the factory, doesn't belong to the factory's employees, or the entire family is transferred elsewhere, it is rare for the houses to be taken back.
Most veteran workers who pass on their positions to their children still live in the allocated houses, and the factory doesn't reclaim them.
Someone voluntarily returning a house, like Chu Xia, was a first.
However, having more houses wasn't a bad thing for the factory. There were plenty of young married couples in the factory eagerly waiting for house allocations.
The factory manager chuckled and said, "Comrade Luo has a high level of ideological consciousness! If every employee in the factory had your awareness, the issue of housing wouldn't be a concern for the factory."
Chu Xia smiled but didn't respond.
In the end, the factory manager accepted the keys. He chatted with Chu Xia, advising her not to forget about No. 3 Textile Mill, even if she left.
Chu Xia nodded and exchanged a few more words before taking her leave. She had to catch a train in the afternoon and couldn't afford to delay.
When Chu Xia and Jiang Zhida boarded the train back to the capital, the Luo family had finally pacified Luo Xiao Mei and hurriedly arrived at Chu Xia's family home.
Only to discover that Chu Xia had already left. Looking inside through the window, the house was empty, devoid of anything.
Wang Yulan was both shocked and anxious, almost unable to maintain a composed expression.
Sister Li, standing at her own doorstep, smiled with a mocking expression, saying coolly, "Don't bother looking. Chu Xia left early, and the house has already been reclaimed by the factory."
Wang Yulan's eyes revealed anxiety. "How can the factory take it back? This house was allocated to Chu Xia."
Sister Li sneered, "The residential area's houses all belong to the textile factory. Why can't the factory take them back? If they don't take them back, should they give them to you?"
Wang Yulan didn't want to argue with Sister Li. Right now, she just wanted to find Chu Xia and ask her why she didn't give the house to the Luo family.
If it went to the factory, the Luo family would truly get nothing.
Next to her, Eldest Brother Luo furrowed his brow tightly, frustration in his eyes. "Second sister is determined to separate from the family. If it weren't for Xiao Mei's situation, we wouldn't be coming here now."
Wang Yulan shared the same thoughts, but she couldn't say that out loud. "I'll think of a solution. Sister Li..."
Sister Li instantly entered the house, closing the door. Her voice came from inside, "Don't ask me. I don't know where Chu Xia went, and I don't know how to contact her."
Wang Yulan asked around the residential area but couldn't find anyone who knew. The only person who knew was Sister Li, and she was unwilling to disclose the information. Others genuinely had no idea.
The Luo family couldn't gather any information and had to return empty-handed.
Unlike in later times, where some unscrupulous elders might seek the media's help when they couldn't find their children, using public opinion to pressure them, it was different now.
With underdeveloped transportation, even if you knew where someone went, a long train journey wasn't something everyone was willing to spend money on.
Chu Xia didn't know if the Luo family had come looking for her again, and even if she did, she wouldn't care. The house had already been returned, and their efforts would be in vain.
The train rattled along, and as Chu Xia watched the distance to the capital getting shorter, she couldn't help but feel an urgent desire to return home and see An'an.
Now that her college entrance exams were over, and she had filled out her choices, she was just waiting for the results and the admission notices. She felt relaxed, gazing at the scenery outside and awaiting her arrival in the capital.
By now, Cen Huai'an was on summer vacation. When Chu Xia came out, she was still wondering if he would come to pick her up. As she raised her eyes, she saw Cen Zhengnian and Cen Huai'an standing at the exit.
Cen Zhengnian was holding Cen Huai'an's hand. He was wearing a white shirt with dark blue trousers and a pair of breathable leather shoes.
His entire attire was still as tasteful as ever, unlike many men who might be wearing tank tops, shorts, and flip-flops at this time. Chu Xia had never seen Cen Zhengnian dressed so casually.
However, he would wear knee-length shorts, but they were made of the same fabric as dress trousers, not like the flashy shorts Jiang Zhida was wearing now.
Sometimes Chu Xia wondered if Cen Zhengnian felt hot dressed so formally in the summer.
However, it seemed that Cen Zhengnian genuinely didn't feel hot; there was hardly any sweat on his face. He looked at Chu Xia with a gentle gaze, and a smile appeared on his previously emotionless face.
Cen Huai'an's expression was more varied than Cen Zhengnian's, showing a mixture of excitement and joy.
As soon as Chu Xia walked out, he ran over in a few steps and hugged her. Looking into her eyes, he said with sparkling eyes, "Mom! I scored full marks in my final exams."
When Chu Xia saw the two of them, her eyebrows and eyes unconsciously curved up. At this moment, her smile at the corner of her mouth grew even larger. "An'an is amazing. Mom is proud of you!"
Cen Huai'an, feeling a bit embarrassed, lowered his head, and his earlobes turned slightly red.
But after bowing his head for a moment, he raised it again, looking at Chu Xia, as if expecting something.
Unfortunately, Chu Xia didn't notice. She was busy talking to Cen Zhengnian. "How come you have time to pick me up today?"
This was something Chu Xia hadn't considered at all. Cen Zhengnian's work was too busy. Not to mention him picking her up at the train station, she wouldn't even have thought about it if he came home.
"I happened to have the day off today."
Jiang Zhida couldn't stand Cen Zhengnian's gaze, which had not left Chu Xia, finding it too affectionate.
He quickly inserted himself between them and said, "On such a hot day, let's hurry home and not stand here."
Cen Zhengnian bypassed Jiang Zhida, took Chu Xia's hand, and with Chu Xia holding An'an, the family of three walked towards the parking area where Cen Zhengnian had parked.
Today, Cen Zhengnian borrowed Jiang Zhida's car to pick up Chu Xia. Besides picking her up, he had other plans as well.
Seeing his mom walk away without kissing him like last time, Cen Huai'an's expectant gaze dropped.
However, it didn't matter if there were no kisses; both his mom and dad were by his side, and he was still very happy.
Jiang Zhida watched the three of them walk happily ahead, and then looked at the luggage he was carrying, as if silently mocking the situation.
Unable to contain himself, Jiang Zhida blurted out a curse.
"Dazi, keep up."
Chu Xia did notice that Jiang Zhida hadn't followed them. She turned and called out to him, and Jiang Zhida quickly responded with a cheerful acknowledgement, rushing over.
His sister-in-law was better than his second cousin; at least, she hadn't forgotten him, the hero of the day.
When Chu Xia got into the car, she was delighted to find Huangzi and Heizi inside.
She reached out to pat the heads of the two dogs. Huangzi and Heizi excitedly stuck out their tongues, wagging their tails incessantly, and tried to nuzzle against Chu Xia.
Cen Huai'an's childish voice chimed in, "Dad, I told you Mom would want to see Huangzi and Heizi."
When they were at Grandpa Jiang's house, Cen Zhengnian originally hadn't planned to bring the dogs. After all, waiting for someone and bringing the dogs back would be inconvenient for them during the car ride.
However, Cen Huai'an insisted, saying that Huangzi and Heizi missed their mom, and Mom must also miss Huangzi and Heizi.
In the end, Cen Zhengnian decided to bring them along.
Listening to his son, he smiled and said, "Yes, An'an understands Mom the best."
Cen Huai'an's mouth curved upward. Of course, Mom said he was the most considerate son!
Chu Xia turned to see An'an lifting his head slightly, a slightly proud expression on his face, looking adorable. Unable to resist, she hugged him and gave his little rosy cheek a kiss.
Cen Huai'an's face turned even redder, but his eyes sparkled even more.
After Jiang Zhida got into the car, he noticed that Cen Zhengnian was already sitting in the back. He, being both the luggage carrier and the driver, had no energy left to say anything.
Well, forget it. He originally came to accompany his sister-in-law for the exam, and now with two more tasks, his second cousin and An'an, it wasn't a big deal.
Turning his head again, he saw two dog heads appearing in the front passenger seat, staring at him with their big eyes. Jiang Zhida was startled.
"Why are Huangzi and Heizi in the car, and how did they suddenly appear?"
Chu Xia, in the back, patted the heads of Huangzi and Heizi again. "An'an brought them for me."
Jiang Zhida was familiar with Huangzi and Heizi as well. He reached out and rubbed the heads of the two big dogs, then turned to Chu Xia, asking, "Sister-in-law, are we going to Grandpa's or your home?"
Chu Xia and Jiang Zhida took the train in the afternoon, so their arrival time in Beijing was in the morning, with plenty of time before noon.
Rubbing her forehead, she said, "Let's go to my place first, tidy up, and then head to Grandpa's."
Jiang Zhida looked at Cen Zhengnian and had no other objections, saying, "Listen to your sister-in-law."
"Okay!" Jiang Zhida started the car.
Cen Zhengnian noticed Chu Xia's exhaustion. He didn't ask about the exam but was concerned about her well-being.
"Are you tired? Lean on me and take a rest," he said.
Chu Xia was indeed tired. Even with Jiang Zhida around in the car, it was not as comfortable as sleeping at home, especially in the hot train compartment.
She replied with a yawn, "It's hot."
Instead of leaning on Cen Zhengnian, she noticed him taking out a straw fan. Surprised, she asked, "You're still prepared for this?"
Cen Zhengnian didn't deny it. He had thought that Chu Xia or An'an might feel hot, so there was more than one straw fan in the car.
An'an also took one out at this moment, saying, "Mom, I'll fan you too."
Jiang Zhida felt a bit uneasy up front and sarcastically said, "Is there no one to fan me?"
In An'an's eyes, a look of hesitation appeared. Uncle usually treated him well.
At this moment, Cen Zhengnian calmly remarked, "You can open the windows wider."
Actually, the windows were already open, but they weren't large, and the wind blowing in was hot.
However, some breeze was better than none.
Jiang Zhida directly rolled down all the windows, allowing more wind into the car. Chu Xia felt the heat on her face subside a bit.
Feeling truly tired, she didn't say much more. Yawning again, she leaned on Cen Zhengnian's shoulder and closed her eyes.
Cen Zhengnian indeed did as he had said, fanning Chu Xia with the straw fan, directing the wind to places the window breeze couldn't reach.
Most of the time, Cen Huai'an fanned Chu Xia, occasionally giving a few strokes to Jiang Zhida. He felt satisfied that he had taken care of both his mom and uncle.
Upon reaching the doorstep, Cen Zhengnian opened the courtyard gate. As the group walked towards the yard, just past the entrance screen, Chu Xia noticed that something was amiss.
She stopped Cen Zhengnian and Jiang Zhida, who were about to continue walking forward, hand in hand with An'an, her heart on high alert.
In a hushed voice, Chu Xia said, "I didn't put any stools in the yard, and I closed all the doors in the room. The broom isn't in its usual place."
Even before Chu Xia finished speaking, the others became vigilant. Cen Huai'an tightly grasped Chu Xia's hand, his little face tensed.
"A burglar?"
Jiang Zhida whispered in suspicion.
Chu Xia shook her head; she wasn't sure.
Cen Zhengnian frowned, looking at the yard, also sensing that something was amiss.
He had come out of the research institute this morning because he knew Chu Xia's train was in the morning. Instead of going home, he borrowed a car from Jiang Zhishu, picked up An'an at his grandfather's house, and went straight to the train station.
The yard had been empty for as many days as Chu Xia had been away. No one should be staying here.
Just as Chu Xia was thinking of making some noise to see if the intruder had left, a burly man walked confidently out of the main room, coming face to face with Chu Xia's group.
Seeing Chu Xia and the others, the man's face showed panic, and he hurriedly ran towards the wall, attempting to escape.
In a rush, Chu Xia quickly patted the two dogs still circling at her feet, "Huangzi! Heizi! Go!"
The two dogs shot out like arrows. Just as the man reached the wall, not yet climbing up, one dog bit his foot, and the other pounced on his back, forcefully pulling him down.
The man let out a miserable scream that echoed through the entire courtyard.
He struggled frantically, attempting to strike the two dogs. At this moment, Jiang Zhida and Cen Zhengnian also realized what was happening and immediately rushed over to help.
Chu Xia looked around, ran to the side, lifted a wooden board, instructed Cen Huai'an to quickly go to the door and call for help, saying there was a thief.
Holding the wooden board, she ran towards the intruder. Furious that someone dared to steal from her home in her absence, Chu Xia was seething with anger.
Jiang Zhida was skilled in fighting, and Cen Zhengnian had learned some techniques from military personnel during his time in the army. With the assistance of the two men and the two dogs, they easily subdued the burly intruder.
Feeling there was no need for her involvement, Chu Xia, still angry, used the wooden board to give the man a few solid hits.
When she started hitting him, Cen Zhengnian briefly showed surprise in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. He even made sure to expose the man's most vulnerable area for her to strike.
Jiang Zhida kicked the man a few times on the side, saying, "Do you even know whose house you dared to steal from? Ever heard of my name, Dazi?"
Except for the moment when he was bitten by the dogs, the man remained silent, only casting a fierce and vengeful look at Chu Xia and the others.
Especially when Chu Xia was hitting him with the wooden board, his eyes seemed to be filled with the desire to kill her.
Chu Xia swung the wooden board and struck him again, saying, "What are you looking at? Stealing and still trying to justify yourself?"
The man's expression seemed to change, suddenly appearing pitiful, and he started saying, "Oh, oh."
"Please spare me. I haven't stolen anything yet. I haven't had a chance to steal anything from your house. You can beat me however you want, just don't send me to the public security bureau. My mom is old, and if she finds out I've been taken by the police, her health won't bear it."
Chu Xia squinted at him without speaking, then looked at Cen Zhengnian. Cen Zhengnian showed a pensive expression and shook his head slightly.
Jiang Zhida glanced between the two and pressed the man down again, saying, "You better behave!"
At this moment, the neighbors that Cen Huai'an had called arrived. Each of them held tools - brooms, shovels, wooden sticks - and someone even had a knife.
"Where's the thief?"
"Where's the thief?"
"Huh? Caught, indeed doesn't look like a good person."
Chu Xia threw away the wooden board in her hand, went into the house, and found a sturdy hemp rope. With Cen Zhengnian using military-style binding techniques, they quickly tied up the burly man securely, and the more he struggled, the tighter it became.
The thief lay on the ground, constantly begging for mercy, saying that as long as they didn't take him to the public security bureau , they could do whatever they wanted.
However, he had a smug face, with downward slanting triangular eyes. His attempt at looking pitiful was too off-putting, giving an unsettling feeling.
The neighbors gathered around, kicking him left and right, cursing with each kick.
After a while, Chu Xia smiled and stopped the neighbors, "Everyone, don't beat him to death; it won't be good later."
The man was in pain all over his body. There was a hint of cunning in his eyes, but he continued wailing, pleading with everyone to let him go.
Chu Xia walked over and kicked his leg, "Stop howling. Tell me, when did you come to my house? How did you get in?"
The man's wailing paused, and he looked at Chu Xia, "If I tell you, will you let me go?"
Chu Xia smiled, "Right now, you don't have the bargaining chips. You only have the opportunity to choose whether to speak or not."
The man gritted his teeth, "If you promise to let me go, I'll talk."
Chu Xia replied, "Forget it then. You don't need to say. Does anyone know the way to the public security bureau?"
"I'll talk, I'll talk!" The man gritted his teeth and quickly spoke, "I happened to pass by here last night and saw that the door was locked. Moreover, no one came back until this morning. I was tempted and climbed over the wall. But I really haven't had the chance to steal anything. Please, let me go."
Chu Xia chuckled, "Discovered it last night and jumped in to steal this morning. You scouted it pretty well."
The man wanted to plead some more, but Chu Xia didn't want to talk to him any longer. Regardless of when he entered, she had no intention of letting him off.
She pulled Zhengnian into the house to take a look. She didn't find anything missing, but the main bedding was pulled apart, with signs of someone sleeping in it.
"This person is lying. I don't think he's a real thief."
Cen Zhengnian frowned, looking at the messed-up bedding, and nodded, "His eyes are too fierce, and he exudes an aura of having killed someone."
Cen Zhengnian had seen what soldiers returning from a mission looked like in the army, and the man's demeanor resembled that, but while a soldier's aura was sharp, this man's was ferocious.
No matter how he pleaded, in the end, the man was taken to the public security bureau.
On the way, the man struggled desperately, and in the end, he cursed loudly, even uttering threats to kill everyone.
Teacher Fang's mother gave him a fierce slap with her shoe, saying, "Talking about killing people? Say one more word, and I'll beat you to death!"
The man glared at her, and Aunt Fang struck him again with her shoe, scolding, "What are you looking at? You deserve to be beaten for stealing!"
At the public security bureau, when the police saw the man's appearance, they were dumbfounded, wearing expressions of disbelief. One of them asked, "Where did you catch this guy?"
Cen Zhengnian stepped forward and calmly said, "He came to my house to steal, and we caught him."
The police officers gave a thumbs up to Chu Xia and the others, expressing admiration. "Do you know who he is?"
Chu Xia and the others shook their heads.
"He's the owner of the human flesh bun shop in Xidan."
The crowd gasped in shock, and everyone instinctively took a few steps back.
Aunt Fang looked at the shoes in her hand, quickly threw them far away, feeling a bit regretful for her worn-out shoes, thinking they could still be worn when doing chores later.
However, hitting the face of a murderer is considered unlucky. If she had known, she would have brought a wooden stick when he came running over.
"But how did he manage to escape?"
In the rumors Chu Xia heard about the owner of the Xidan bun shop, he was always taken to the public security bureau. So how did he end up in her house?
The police didn't provide these details to Chu Xia and the others. They only mentioned that their assistance in catching the criminal was commendable and asked them to make a statement together, advising them not to inquire further.
"The specific handling of the case is the responsibility of the police. You don't need to worry about it, and don't inquire too much."
After all, it was not a pleasant matter, and the murderer was so fierce that no one wanted to have more contact with him or know the details of the case. Listening to too much of it was not only nauseating but also frightening.
Thinking about the human flesh buns, it was enough to make one feel disgusted. This man had the audacity to sell such things to customers with a straight face; he was truly perverse!
Those who had just beaten the criminal quickly threw away what they were holding, thinking about going home and crossing a fire basin or something to dispel the bad luck.
Chu Xia had the same idea.
How did the murderer end up choosing their house? Probably because he noticed that there was no one at their house these days. Tired of fleeing, he just hopped into their house to rest.
Chu Xia's only relief was that the murderer didn't go to the west wing to sleep but went directly to other rooms.
Otherwise, she wouldn't dare to stay in the west wing anymore.
After returning home, all the bedding and such were thrown away, and she planned to fumigate the entire house with mugwort.
Chu Xia didn't ask the police how the criminal got to her house. Even if she asked, it wouldn't change anything; he had already been there.
After Chu Xia, Cen Zhengnian, Huai'an, and Jiang Zhida finished making statements with the police, they headed home. The police were curious and asked who had bitten the marks on the criminal's body.
"My two dogs at home."
The police praised, "The dogs are good, knowing how to protect their owner."
Chu Xia remembered that the dogs had bitten the criminal too. No, she needed to clean Huangzi and Heizi's teeth as well to dispel any bad luck.
After returning home, Chu Xia didn't let Zhengnian and the others enter the house first. Instead, she found a basin, lit a fire, and asked everyone to step over it before entering.
Jiang Zhida commented that Chu Xia was superstitious.
Chu Xia asserted confidently, "This is not feudal superstition; it's the wisdom of our ancestors!"
In reality, she wasn't superstitious about these things, but the incident with the murderer from the Xidan buns shop made her feel uncomfortable both mentally and physically. She felt the need to use the method of stepping over the fire basin to dispel the discomfort and fear.
Chu Xia didn't dare to think about what might have happened if, like last time, she and Huai'an were the only ones returning home at night.
If the criminal had heard the noise and hid inside the house, waiting for her and An'an to enter—a woman and a child—what might have happened?
Even with the two dogs, the outcome wouldn't have been good.
Whenever Chu Xia thought about this, shivers ran down her spine, and her body trembled.
Cen Zhengnian noticed Chu Xia's fear. In fact, he was also frightened. Whatever Chu Xia could think of, he naturally could as well.
"I'm not comfortable with you and An'an staying here anymore." Zhengnian embraced Chu Xia's shoulders and gently patted her back. "I've found a house in the research institute. You and An'an should come with me to the research institute."
Even if the incident with the murderer hadn't occurred, Zhengnian had already planned to suggest that Chu Xia and An'an move to the research institute.
Whether it would be a permanent move depended on Chu Xia and An'an's wishes.
Now that the incident of a murderer entering the house had happened, Cen Zhengnian was completely uneasy about Chu Xia and An'an continuing to live in the east city area.
Chu Xia was delicate, and An'an was only six years old. Even if the intruder wasn't a murderer, the presence of any thief was still frightening.
At this moment, Huai'an held Chu Xia in his arms. Although he was young and didn't participate in the recording process, he was smart and had overheard what the police said at the beginning. Looking at Chu Xia's face, An'an pursed his lips. He wanted to become a young man and learn martial arts to protect his mom.
Jiang Zhida's face looked grim, and he bit his teeth hard, saying, "Sister-in-law, listen to my second cousin. The research institute has military protection, and it's safer than here."