Chapter Nine: As Long as I Don’t Annoy Death, That’s Enough

Song Mingrui flicked the blood-stained whip behind him, his eyes cold and fierce as he stared at the man tied to the frame. He stepped closer and slammed his fingers onto the man’s open wound.

"Ah! You… if you have the guts, just kill me!"

"Don’t get ahead of yourself. A piece of trash like you doesn't deserve a quick death. You’re going to enjoy the rest of your life quite thoroughly. Zheng Li, take him to Old Shi."

"Understood, Captain Song."

Song Mingrui had been busy for two nights and was utterly exhausted. He returned to his room to wash up and was just about to close his eyes when a knock sounded at the door.

"Captain Song, a call from the Regimental Headquarters."

"Coming."

Song Mingrui quickly arrived at the office. After answering the phone, his expression shifted instantly.

"Political Commissar, what? Another year? You know I’ve been waiting to return to headquarters for two years now. I’ve barely set foot in my own home in that time. My wife is raising our child alone; she was pregnant when I left last year. Yes, I know the mission is urgent, but don't just squeeze me dry! As for my parents, I pay them to take care of my wife and children. They rely on me to support them in their old age, so they won't treat my family poorly. This is my final concession."

"Song Mingrui, you are a soldier."

The voice on the other end was stern. After a long silence with no response, the tone softened.

"Mingrui, it’s not that I don’t sympathize with you, but you have the experience and capability. If you want a replacement, can you name someone? If you can, I’ll swap you out immediately. I know your wife has been wronged, but headquarters has already arranged for people to look after your family. Just one more year. We’ve already assigned you a house at the regiment, with a large courtyard and even an indoor toilet—you’ll be satisfied. I heard your wife is from Yucheng; if she joins you at the post, it’ll be like returning to her hometown, won't it?"

Song Mingrui gritted his teeth and let out a bitter laugh.

"Commissar, looking back, I don’t know if it was a blessing or a curse that you allowed me to enlist. My wife used to be a strong woman who never complained about hardship. But now, every time I go home, she just argues and cries. Sometimes I think I’m a terrible person—I couldn’t take responsibility for her or treat her well, yet I still insisted on marrying her. I’ve failed her."

"That is a dangerous line of thinking, Song Mingrui. As a soldier and a military dependent, how can your political awareness be so low? Besides, if your wife knew you were an outstanding officer, she would surely be proud of you."

Song Mingrui: "..."

*Given how she’s been acting these past two years, I’d be lucky if she didn’t nag me to death!*

"Commissar, did you forget? When I married her, I kept my identity hidden. She doesn't know a damn thing!"

The Commissar: "..."

*He had forgotten that. How embarrassing!*

"Mingrui, just one year. One year is enough for you to finish off those bastards. The leadership and I have secured that courtyard for you, and we’ll arrange a job for your wife once she joins the post. I know you and your family have been separated for years, and your marriage and relationship with your child have suffered. Can you hold on a little longer? This isn't just an order; it’s a request. Think of the people driven mad by their torture, the innocent victims killed by these scum, whose families are now living like ghosts. We are soldiers; we must put the safety of the people first. You know that better than anyone, don't you? Song Mingrui, I’m not discussing this with you—you must complete this mission!"

Song Mingrui felt a lump in his throat and gripped the receiver tightly.

"Yes, Commissar. I guarantee the mission will be completed."

After hanging up, Song Mingrui felt as restless as if a cat were clawing at his heart. After a long while, he pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. His hands were shaking so badly that he only managed to extract one when he heard footsteps approaching.

Zheng Li’s throat felt dry; he coughed twice before daring to approach.

"Captain Song!"

"My son, Song Yang, will be five after the New Year. It’s time for him to start school. Sigh, that boy is such a stranger to me. Every time he sees me, he burrows into his mother’s arms—not a shred of his old man’s spirit. Dammit, I actually miss them."

"Captain, your wife and Yangyang must miss you too."

"Cut the crap. Your sister-in-law has no patience for my parents, and I can't stand those two old things either. But when I’m not there, she has to work and raise the child alone—how could she manage it all? Better to have those two old people look after him; at least for the sake of the money, they won't secretly mistreat Yangyang, which gives her some peace of mind. Tsk! These past two years, my wife has had plenty of complaints about me. Last time I went home, she scratched my neck. It hurt like hell! You tell me—I’ve been through gunfire and never felt pain, but a light scratch from her? Why did it hurt so much?"

Zheng Li didn't dare speak. He wanted to say that perhaps his sister-in-law’s fingernails were a bit sharp, but he feared the Captain would snap at him for being a bachelor who knew nothing about women’s nails.

"Forget it, you wouldn't understand. You're just a bachelor; it's a waste of time telling you this. I’m going to get some sleep; I’m exhausted. When Old Shi finishes, tell him to come see me. We need to speed up the plan; I don’t have the patience to keep dancing with those people."

*If I really stay another year, I might lose my wife and child for good!*

"Yes, sir!"

Working in the cotton mill workshop was tiring, but the benefits were good—there was a monthly subsidy, and the meals provided by the factory were excellent.

The next day, Wei Yao packed up and rode her bicycle, taking both children to the cotton mill’s daycare center. For employees, it cost only one yuan per child per month. For a baby like Song Hui, who was only a few months old, it cost fifty cents more, but Wei Yao understood that caring for an infant required more time and attention.

She paid the fees, gave Song Yang a few instructions, kissed Song Hui, and finally left after some hesitation.

Remembering the doctor's advice, she paid another five yuan at the factory’s milk order station. This was another perk of the cotton mill—employees could have milk delivered through the factory, saving them the trouble of going elsewhere.

She actually had milk in her private space, but the milk from this era was high quality. For five yuan, she could get two bottles a day, enough for both her and the children to drink.

In the past, Wei Yao had handed over her entire salary and all of Song Mingrui’s money for household expenses. The pittance she kept for herself wasn't even enough for daycare, let alone ordering milk.

Recalling the look the clerk had given her earlier, she felt a flush of shame. In the cotton mill, Wei Yao was known for being stingy.

After finishing her business, she went straight to the director’s office.

"What? You want to transfer? To the canteen? Little Wei, have you discussed this with your family? If you really want to transfer, you must be sure—once you move, it’ll be hard to go back."

"I’m sure, Director. I’ve moved out on my own now, and I have two children to care for; I don’t have enough time. Canteen work is tiring, but I can leave earlier. I just want time to look after my children. Please rest assured, I came to you first because I know you’ve been worried about your own family matters. Just arrange it for me."

The director’s eyes flickered as he thought of his niece, and he made his decision.

"Little Wei, I understand. I can’t give you a higher wage at the canteen—it’s 27.5 yuan—but I’ll instruct them to give you lighter work. You’ll be allowed to take home any leftovers. I’ll make it official, so no one will dare use that as an excuse to make things difficult for you."

The cotton mill canteen had great perks and plenty of oil and fat. Even without stealing, just being able to bring home leftovers was a huge advantage. Since the director had personally cleared the way, it was a very kind gesture, and Wei Yao thanked him repeatedly.