Braut mit Geisteraugen 2

Kapitel 25

"He's a fake—!"

"He's not a good person!"

The netizens' faces changed from doubt to anger, and spittle flew as they spoke:

"Where did this thug come from? Get out of here!"

"They must have hacked Shen Daxing's number, how despicable!"

"We're all close friends here, sharing our innermost thoughts and feelings. You're not welcome here!"

"Don't let this sugary chicken poop spoil the whole vat of sauce!"

"Go play somewhere else if you want to cause trouble!"

...

The female ghost stared intently at him, drawing closer. She looked strangely familiar; upon closer inspection, he realized it was clearly—

Ni--zi!

Xu Haibing trembled as he closed the QQ panel and shut his eyes...

The starry sky is tranquil and vast.

Xu Haibing opened his eyes, wiped his wet eyes, moved the mouse, and prepared to shut down the computer.

The finger that was clicking the mouse stopped.

A file icon labeled "Peach" on his desktop caught his eye. He clicked to open it; it was a letter.

Peach Sister:

Hello!

Don't look at the signature yet, even if you did, you definitely wouldn't recognize me...

Throughout my life, I've admired many outstanding figures—revolutionaries, scientists, artists, and so on. But they were, after all, unattainable idols, too far removed from my reach, too distant. What truly moved me, and made me feel so small, were two farm girls who never experienced the joys of youth, ordinary girls like myself, girls raised in hardship and misery.

One is you, the young girl who carried her paralyzed mother to university on her young shoulders. In that impoverished mountainous area where there was hardly any flat land and the harvest was meager, how resolute and tenacious you were, caring for your bedridden mother alone while bravely continuing your studies... I believe that anyone who doesn't respect you will never know what it means to live; anyone who doesn't honor you doesn't deserve to be called human...

The other girl I want to tell you about is also a tragic figure with a tumultuous life. To support her family, she left her hometown and went to the city alone to work. On her first day at work, she was drugged by her unscrupulous boss and served as the last dish at a banquet, where she was brutally assaulted by several men. After escaping one trap, she fell into another, ending up in prostitution, living a life of utter despair… If you are facing hardship or adversity, then she was in a state of utter despair, worse than death. No one can imagine or understand how she lived, not because she was afraid of death, but because for her, life and death made no difference! In fact, she faced death more than once. But she survived, miraculously surviving in hell, because her life was not an isolated existence; it was her unwavering love for her family that sustained her to this day…

You may already know that this woman is your sister, Nizi, and you've heard from others that she's engaged in the most despicable and contemptible profession in the world, leading you to sever ties with her and refuse her remittances. However, if I didn't tell you, you might never know that when you and your sister had to draw lots to decide which one could continue their education, your sister secretly wrote two "up"s on the lot slip, unhesitatingly giving you the chance; you might never know that your sister, to provide for you and your mother, lived a life of hardship, residing in a three-story basement for many years, afraid to come out during the day to avoid being killed by villains; you might never know that your sister's greatest pain wasn't her own miserable situation, but that her loved ones, who had already given everything and were willing to continue giving, were no longer acknowledging her…

Yes, throughout history, no woman has suffered a lower status and less dignity than one who sold herself into prostitution. But is it your sister's fault that she's ended up like this?! No, poverty is the root of all evil. And poverty is not a choice for us, but our destiny. I also come from a poor family; before going to university, I never wore a pair of socks or had a full meal. For a long time, poverty has been like sharp thorns piercing my self-esteem. When the granaries are full, people know etiquette; if even basic needs like food and clothing cannot be guaranteed, how can we talk about dignity? If we cannot even survive, where is the meaning of dignity...?

You may have heard this joke: In ancient times, a famine struck, and a minister reported to the emperor that the people had no rice to eat. The emperor, bewildered, retorted, "If they have no rice, why don't they eat meat?" This seemingly absurd situation hasn't disappeared in today's society. There are still some high-ranking, wealthy officials and nobles who speak without understanding the plight of the lower classes, ignoring the true extent of poverty. They exploit and squander the people's hard-earned money while simultaneously squeezing and destroying their living space. Are such people more noble than your sister? Are they cleaner than your sister...?

The inequality faced by lives as insignificant as ants in this world is not only manifested in the fact that the weak are always bullied, but also in the helplessness and despair they suffer after being bullied. No one listens to their grievances, no one cares to see their wounds. Your sister didn't give up on herself, she did fight back, but each time she fought back, all she got in return was more severe torment…

The accumulation of suffering can either make a person violent or resilient. Some say a true man is a wounded wolf that retreats to its den to lick its wounds. Then, as a weak and helpless woman, your sister is like a ravaged lamb, silently licking her bleeding wounds…

She showed a different kind of tenacity!

True courage isn't about dying a glorious death for something, but about living humbly for something. Nizi, who has suffered so much hardship and abuse, deserves to live well in this world more than anyone else!

QQ Lost, Chapter 36 (3)

I hope, I believe, that one day she will hear a loving call from her loved ones, see them living a good life, witness the wicked get their just desserts, smile happily with them, and step into her own bright and sunny day...

When joy is shared, it becomes two. When sorrow is borne by two, it is halved. Since we have the chance to meet in this vast world, I feel it is my duty to share your joys and sorrows! Let us join hands and face the road ahead together, no matter how bumpy or treacherous it may be…

Xu Haibing silently read the letter, and heavy, poignant images flashed before his eyes. He seemed to see the barren, desolate mountain ridge, where young girls Nizi and Taozi, wearing patched cotton clothes, struggled uphill carrying heavy loads of crops… He seemed to see the emaciated, frail parents in their low, dilapidated, and rickety house, giving their two daughters the only coarse rice and pickled vegetables in their bowls, which Nizi then passed to Taozi… He seemed to see the ruthless and domineering village cadre kicking Nizi's father to the ground and forcibly taking away their only valuable pig to pay off a levy… He seemed to see Nizi, carrying bedding and wearing mourning clothes, swept up in the surging tide of migrant workers… He seemed to see Nizi, disheveled and with a vacant look in her eyes, standing alone by the river, her bare feet soaking in the icy water… He seemed to see Taozi carrying her paralyzed mother out of the dark hut, walking towards the rising sun towards the mountains…

He looked up and let out a long sigh, then slowly looked back, reaching for the keyboard. The words he had typed appeared one by one on the screen.

Peach Sister:

Hello!

First, let me tell you that I am not Shen Daxing, but I am a kind and sincere person just like him, an older brother who admires you, cares for you, and blesses you just like him. Secondly, please focus on your studies and take care of your mother. From now on, I will support you in completing your studies, just like your older sister Nizi and older brother Daxing, helping you to hold onto the reins of life and overcome all the hardships on your path to welcome a new dawn! Please believe me…

The fiery red sunrise illuminated the beautiful riverside park.

Groups of men, women, and children exercise in the morning, some practicing Tai Chi, others fan dancing, some performing Yangko dance, and others kicking shuttlecocks, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Xu Haibing strolled along the riverbank, gazing at the mirror-like surface of the river and the ribbon-like water, letting the refreshing river breeze caress his face.

A chubby little boy stumbled toward him, and he quickly squatted down, stretching out his arms to welcome him. The little boy wobbled and fell into his arms.

Xu Haibing then lifted the little boy high and spun him around, making the boy giggle.

The little boy's silvery laughter startled the seagulls, and they all took flight.

The little boy's silvery laughter was infectious, and Xu Haibing smiled too...

QQ Lost Chapter 37

The new laboratory building of Dalian University, shaped like a large medicine bottle with a round top and a bottom, stands tall in the center of the spacious and clean campus.

Xu Haibing carried a plastic bag to the top-floor circular internet cafe, pushed open the door, and found it quiet and empty. He walked further in and called out loudly, "Is anyone here?"

He sensed movement behind him and turned around—

Zhang Wen stood up at the duty teacher's desk to the right of the door.

"Don't come in before opening hours next time," Zhang Wen coldly reminded him.

Xu Haibing walked over: "Oh, I didn't come here to use the internet. Last time, the general affairs office found that the computer they took from our dormitory was missing a hard drive, and they asked me what happened. I'm here to return it now." He took the hard drive out of the plastic bag, then walked a little towards the workbench, intending to put it directly on the table.

Zhang Wen hurriedly tried to close the drawer, but it was blocked by something silver-gray inside. At that moment, she peeked out and looked down at the ground. Xu Haibing followed her gaze and turned to look in the same direction.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Zhang Wen quickly pressed down the object blocking the drawer, closed the drawer, and then took the hard drive from Xu Haibing.

Xu Haibing turned around, gave Zhang Wen an apologetic smile, then bent down and picked up the plastic bag that he had just carelessly discarded and was now floating in the wind.

When he stood up again, Zhang Wen was no longer there, so he could only leave awkwardly, clutching the plastic bag.

Just as I reached the door, I heard a voice from the workbench: "Close the door properly."

Xu Haibing carefully closed the door...

QQ Lost, Chapter 38 (1)

The food street was brightly lit and filled with the aroma of cooking, with diners everywhere enjoying their food and drinks.

Xu Haibing, along with Da Yu, Xiao You, and the chubby security guard dressed in plainclothes, sat around a table at an open-air spicy hot pot stall, drinking draft beer and chatting.

Seeing the chubby security guard sweating profusely from eating, Xiao You urged, "Hurry up and take off your shirt!"

The chubby security guard shook his head vigorously, like a rattle-drum: "Uh-huh, no, no, I can't be polite or civilized. Besides, I've already been promoted to a regular position; I can't do anything that would tarnish the glorious image of a proper people's security guard..."

Xiao You unceremoniously ripped off the fat security guard's T-shirt: "Hey! What's with the shyness, you grown man?!"

The chubby security guard reached out to snatch it, but Da Yu stopped him, saying, "Forget it, forget it. That's all you've got. What's wrong with showing it off in public? Maybe some pretty girl will like it... what's that trendy saying again? Oh, cool!"

Upon hearing that the pretty girl liked it, the chubby security guard stopped insisting on not being naked and chuckled to himself while touching his plump belly.

Da Yu picked up a large, brimming glass and proposed, "Come on, let's celebrate our chubby brother's official hiring as a security guard at the security company, and wish him a speedy 'finding a partner'..."

"Huh?" The fat security guard reacted instinctively and quickly tightened his belt with both hands.

Dayu's commentary: "Get rid of being single! Cheers to shedding that single label that's been forced upon you!"

Xiao You added, "And a toast to Boss Yu's upcoming appointment as the head of Huangzhuang Police Station!"

Seeing the other three finish their work without taking a break, Xu Haibing felt apprehensive: "Oh dear, I can't do it, I can't."

Xiao You insisted, "Why not? Don't put on that intellectual airs. Everyone's equal before draft beer! Drink up!"

"We have our midterms in a few days, so we need to stay focused."

"Oh, what's the big deal? A high score isn't important, just passing is enough; deep learning isn't necessary, cheating works."

"As is customary, this first exam will definitely be strict, to give you a tough start. I'm afraid even provincial leaders will come to inspect it."

Xiao You pressed on, "Hey, Li Bai could write a hundred poems after drinking a bucket of wine. If you drink this cup of wine, you're guaranteed a 99 on the exam! Come on!" He picked up the cup and poured the wine into Xu Haibing's mouth.

"Mmm..." Xu Haibing was forced to tilt his head back and swallow.

Da Yu, his face flushed, began, "I said, Section Chief Xu..." Xu Haibing corrected him, "Don't flatter me. If you've already been drinking, then you'll just get even more dizzy. Just call me Xiao Xu, or address me by my first name; it sounds better."

The chubby security guard, munching on a smoked pig's trotter, chimed in, "Exactly! When I have a son tomorrow, I won't teach him to call me 'Dad,' I'll teach him to call me 'Mr. Fat'!"

Xiao You joked, "You're quite quick to catch up with international trends, but don't forget the Chinese characteristics. There's an old Chinese saying, 'All men, young and old, are brothers!' Why not just go all the way and have your precious son call you 'Fatty Brother'?"

Da Yu slammed his chopsticks on his bowl: "Don't interrupt. I said, little... hey, let's just call you Hai Bing, that's what the central leaders are used to calling you. Hai Bing, we really have to thank you. We didn't expect things to turn out so smoothly. We originally planned to solve Shen Daxing's death as a case, but we ended up busting a striptease club and cracking down on a major criminal gang, and it wasn't even in our jurisdiction. We get the credit, and the Huangzhuang Police Station takes the blame..."

Xiao You continued, "They probably can't handle this responsibility. Xiao Shunzi, who graduated from police academy with me, isn't he at their police station? He was summoned by the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection yesterday. I reckon he's going to get seriously in trouble this time."

"Isn't it obvious? When cracking down on organized crime, you have to take down the protectors first. If you pull out a radish, you'll bring out the mud too. Without a protector, how could that strip club have been operating half-openly and half-closed for so long? You're lucky you were assigned to my spot. If you had switched places with Xiao Shunzi, you might have been the one being talked about yesterday." Da Yu pointed at Xiao You with his chopsticks.

Xu Haibing disagreed: "Well, true gold fears no fire. Although we haven't had much contact, I dare say that Brother You, in terms of both character and intelligence, is not someone who can't distinguish right from wrong."

Xiao You said meaningfully, "This time you haven't misjudged the person, have you?"

Xu Haibing knew there was something more to his words and sighed, "Sigh, you really know how to bring up the sore spot... I'm ashamed to admit it. I originally investigated Shen Daxing as someone sneaky, but it turns out the real sneaky one was none other than myself, Xu Haibing... Now I understand what it means to judge a gentleman by one's own petty standards... I've already made up my mind. I'll go to Shen Daxing's house during winter break, spend the New Year there, and keep his elderly parents company..."

The three men couldn't help but sigh for the deceased, while the fat security guard, oblivious to their plight, was eating a skewer of quail eggs with his head tilted back. As he ate, his eyes rolled back, and his face turned a deep purplish-red.

"Oh no, he's probably stuck in the egg!" Da Yu judged upon seeing the situation.

Xiao You added, "Only 80%? It's more likely the egg is stuck."

Xu Haibing urged, "Get him to the hospital quickly, we can't let another Shen Daxing appear."

Xiao You was busy flagging down cars on the road, while Da Yu and Xu Haibing were busy carrying people.

Holding onto the chubby security guard's upper body, Da Yu struggled to back away, tripped over a stool behind him, and fell to the ground. Xu Haibing, still firmly supporting his legs, suddenly put the chubby security guard in a precarious position, feet higher than head.

*Thump!* A quail egg was automatically ejected from the fat security guard's mouth.

Da Yu just lifted the thigh that was pressing down on the fat head--

Thump! Another quail egg was knocked out of his mouth.

The chubby security guard was thus saved from danger and could finally catch his breath.

Da Yu finally breathed a sigh of relief: "Phew! If another murder had occurred at this juncture, my almost-secured position as police chief would have been lost!"

The moonlight was hazy.

I was tipsy.

After downing several pitchers of beer, Xu Haibing staggered to the tranquil lotus pond on campus. He stopped under a large weeping willow, stroking its scaly trunk. Moved by the scene, a touch of melancholy welled up within him, a bittersweet feeling reminiscent of the line, "I remember you most vividly when the snow, moon, and flowers were in bloom." His drunken eyes darted around...

Mengliu leaned against the tree trunk, her starry eyes slightly open, her red lips slightly parted, her soft breasts slightly exposed, her delicate body trembling slightly, yearning for his embrace...