Chapter 107: I Have a Feeling Something Big Is About to Happen at the Youth Labor Camp

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“What do you want to eat? I’ll make it for you.” Before Qian Liren even sat down, she was ready to start cooking.

“No need. I packed some food from the state-run canteen at noon, and I’ve been warming it on the stove since before I went to sleep.”

Xu Lin pulled out a small stool for Qian Liren and yawned. After sleeping, she felt even more exhausted.

“Really? Then wash up quickly and eat. Or should I head back first?” Qian Liren asked tentatively.

“If you’re not in a hurry to sleep, sit and chat for a bit.” Xu Lin took out a towel to wash her face.

“All right, let’s chat then.” Qian Liren sat on the small stool, glancing toward the door. After a moment, she lowered her voice and said, “Linlin, what should I do? I feel like Qin Fang is really hostile toward me.”

“How so?” Xu Lin replied vaguely while preparing to wash her face.

Actually, Qian Liren just needed someone to vent to; it didn’t matter if Xu Lin was really listening.

As Qian Liren spoke in fits and starts, Xu Lin finally understood. Qin Fang appeared innocent on the surface but was actually quite cruel.

She had been encouraging Qian Liren to get close to Xu Lin to pry into her secrets, but at the same time, she couldn’t stand seeing Qian Liren living well.

This woman was like a sadist, delighting in tormenting others.

Though Qin Fang hadn’t been around for long, and Qian Liren had only been forced to obey her under family threats for a short while, Qin Fang had already assaulted her twice.

The first time was a tentative strike, not too severe.

Seeing that Qian Liren didn’t complain, yesterday Qin Fang called her into her room again and beat her more severely.

Qian Liren lifted her clothes to show Xu Lin the bruises—blues and purples all over.

“She thought I was dressed too warmly and even made me take off my clothes before beating me.”

Rubbing her face hard, Qian Liren said gloomily, “If I didn’t know this wouldn’t last forever, I really don’t think I could hold on.”

“You really obediently took off your clothes and let her hit you?” Xu Lin asked curiously, handing Qian Liren an apple.

Seeing Qian Liren nod, Xu Lin sighed and said, “She’s only asking you to help her with tasks right now. Even if your parents or relatives are threatened, you don’t need to lower yourself so much. Otherwise, she’ll just keep pushing her advantage.”

Xu Lin took the lunchbox from the pot and set it on the table. Opening it, the rich aroma of meat filled the room. Xu Lin sniffed and showed a satisfied expression.

“Do you want some more?” Xu Lin asked.

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Qian Liren shook her head. “I’ve already eaten. You go ahead.”

She looked down at the apple in her hand. She had planned to save it for tomorrow, but the smell of the meat was irresistible, making her salivate.

So she shook the apple gently. “I’ll just have an apple before bed.”

“All right, then I’ll start eating.” Xu Lin didn’t bother with formalities; these days, having a little appetite was a rare blessing.

Qian Liren smiled and invited Xu Lin to continue eating. She took small bites of the apple, and after a few minutes, finally spoke.

“Do I really have nothing to fear from her?”

“No, you don’t. You can write to your parents. Even if they’re threatened, they won’t stand by and let you be bullied. Besides, they want you to help with their work, to develop you as an outer member, not to force you to resist.”

Xu Lin sipped her soup and continued, “I actually think Qin Fang’s superiors don’t know about her violence.”

Qian Liren lowered her head to think; Xu Lin’s words made sense. Qin Fang’s current behavior was clearly trying to provoke her into fighting back.

“Are you sure they won’t harm my parents or family?”

Xu Lin looked closely at Qian Liren’s face. Her expression hadn’t changed, suggesting she was someone destined for good fortune.

With emphasis, Xu Lin nodded, “They won’t. They might even try to reassure your parents.”

Thinking about the recent events in Qi County and the Ji family, if Qin Fang’s superiors knew about her sneaky moves, they’d be furious.

These days, everyone was on edge, wary of trouble. They’d rather keep their heads down and avoid any hint of conflict.

If they had to keep their heads low, why would they let Qin Fang stir up trouble?

Relieved by the confirmation, Qian Liren breathed a sigh of relief. She was really afraid that if this violence continued daily, she’d lose the will to live.

“Linlin, I think I’ve figured out their real target,” Qian Liren whispered.

Seeing Xu Lin look up surprised, Qian Liren leaned closer and lowered her voice further.

“Qin Fang went deep into the mountains probably searching for treasure.”

“The Xu family’s treasure?” Xu Lin asked, her eyes flickering with doubt. Didn’t she already seize that treasure?

“Yes, it should be the Xu family’s treasure. The Xu family is a famous wealthy clan in Qing County; half the town belongs to them.

I heard their family even has influence in the imperial palace. Their ancestors often took valuable items from the palace.”

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Qian Liren recounted all the information she had gathered about the Xu family to Xu Lin.

Although Xu Lin had said she didn’t need to be told everything, Qian Liren couldn’t help herself.

Her stress was overwhelming; she needed someone to confide in.

Xu Lin raised a hand to her forehead and interrupted when Qian Liren reached key points.

“Qian Liren, you can’t tell me important information like this. It’s not only your mistake but could also implicate me.”

Startled, Qian Liren covered her mouth, realizing she had overshared. She had only come to vent and seek advice.

“Oh, by the way, I’ve been helping Qin Fang with tasks these days and noticed something strange about Ning Xiaodong,” Qian Liren lowered her voice even more.

Previously, she hadn’t noticed any remarkable talents at the youth labor camp, but with early mornings and late nights, she discovered a big secret.

Ning Xiaodong lived like an invisible man, attracting no attention. Who would have thought he sneaked out at midnight?

And his direction was also into the deep mountains. Qian Liren suspected his goal was the same as Qin Fang’s.

“Linlin, be more alert when you sleep. If something feels wrong, run immediately. I have a feeling something big is about to happen at the camp.”

“Mm, I understand.” Xu Lin swallowed the braised pork she was chewing, which suddenly no longer tasted delicious.

She just wanted to hide away quietly in the countryside, but why were there so many demons and monsters around her?

She thought having Qin Fang was already troublesome enough, but now Ning Xiaodong was lurking in the camp as well.

“Oh, when you took leave, your letter was sent to the Youth Office. The team leader, Hu Changming, received it on your behalf. Do you want to go get it now?”

“Really?” Xu Lin perked up, wondering who mailed the letter. Could it be Aunt Guihua’s reply?

She was curious about what happened to the Xu family.

Xu Lin quickly finished her dinner. Knowing Xu Lin was tired and hadn’t slept enough, Qian Liren followed her when she suggested retrieving the letter.

When they reached the boys’ dormitory, Xu Lin knocked and called out. Not only did Hu Changming come out, but Han Hong and Zhang Qiang also appeared.