Chapter Three: Has It Always Been This Way?
"Police Chief Wang Guodong, Wang Guodong!" Zhang Zhi Hua said, "You know that faction has always been pressuring your uncle. Although your uncle is a good official, he can't compete with them."
"No wonder," Zhang Qiu nodded thoughtfully.
"Since ancient times, the people have never fought against the officials. Just let it go. Don't get distracted by this matter; I'm fine. Focus on your studies and don't slack off." Zhang Zhi Hua had already understood that he could never win against them, so it was better not to stir up trouble. The most important thing right now was his son's college entrance examination.
"I will work hard," Zhang Qiu promised. Then, as if recalling something, she asked, "Why would the esteemed Police Chief Wang Guodong protect a thug?"
"Because he has relatives," He Mei pouted from the side. "Your uncle, the one who hit your dad, is Wang Guodong's brother-in-law."
"Oh really? So just because he's Police Chief Wang Guodong's brother-in-law, he can hit people? My uncle is a deputy director too."
Zhang Zhi Hua emphasized again to Zhang Qiu, "Don't get into any trouble. The most important thing right now is the college entrance exam, understand?"
Zhang Qiu held her father's hand. "Don't worry, Dad. I know what's most important."
She said that, but in her heart, she thought: The college entrance exam is the most important? Nonsense; family is what matters most. Zhang Qiu acknowledged her father's point that since ancient times, the people have never fought against the officials, but has it always been this way?
However, since even her uncle couldn't compete with Wang Guodong, she felt even more powerless. This grudge couldn't go unavenged; since there was no way to confront it directly, she would take her time. Even if it took a long time, Zhang Qiu would find a way to retaliate. For now, she would ignore Wang Guodong's overwhelming power but would not let those thugs who hurt her father get away with it. Her father had been beaten to the point of fracture; she couldn't swallow that anger! Soon enough, Zhang Qiu had a plan in mind.
"It's noon already; why don't you take your classmate out for lunch?" Zhang Zhi Hua gestured to He Mei with his eyes. She took out a bill from her pocket and handed it to Zhang Qiu with a smile. "Go ahead and eat something good."
Zhang Qiu hesitated for a moment before accepting the money. If she didn't take it, she really couldn't afford to treat Wang Jinghan to lunch. "Dad, Mom, we'll go eat first and bring you food afterward," Zhang Qiu said.
"Alright, hurry up and go; don't worry about us," Zhang Zhi Hua waved his hand.
Zhang Qiu left with Wang Jinghan. As soon as they stepped out the door, He Mei and Zhang Zhi Hua exchanged glances and smiled.
Once outside the elevator, Zhang Qiu lightly smiled at Wang Jinghan and asked, "What do you want to eat?"
Wang Jinghan stuck out her tongue and replied, "I still have to work; you'll have to wait for me. It's still ten minutes until lunchtime. But that's okay; I'll treat you."
Zhang Qiu smiled and said, "Since I'm bothering you today, of course I'm treating. Don't refuse."
"Aiya, you haven't made any money yet. Auntie gives you that money, and later you can buy Uncle a pork knuckle to eat. You need to nourish him. Alright, just sit here for a while. I'll go back to the front desk and come find you later." After saying that, Wang Jinghan quickly ran back to the front desk.
Zhang Qiu found a seat and sat down, watching Wang Jinghan from a distance. She stood there quietly, occasionally chatting with her colleagues, her every smile revealing her cuteness. Zhang Qiu suddenly recalled their middle school days when he sat behind Wang Jinghan in class and could see her hair swaying back and forth. Several times, he couldn't help but tug at it.
As time passed, they became familiar with each other. Back then, Zhang Qiu was not like he is now; he hated math. In middle school, his math skills were among the best in the class, while Wang Jinghan struggled a bit, so she often sought help from him. Whether it was due to growing feelings or other environmental factors, gradually, Zhang Qiu developed a vague affection for her. He even wrote her a love letter imitating what he had seen in movies.
"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Wang Jinghan interrupted Zhang Qiu's memories, smiling as she stood in front of him.
"Nothing much," Zhang Qiu replied as he got up to greet her.
Wang Jinghan said, "Let's go. I know a place nearby that serves really good food."
"Okay," Zhang Qiu followed Wang Jinghan outside.
Gathering Restaurant was right across from the county hospital. The place wasn't large and was quite busy during lunchtime with many people inside. Most of them were wearing white or pink coats; it seemed that the staff from the county hospital really liked coming here. Wang Jinghan surveyed the restaurant and sighed in relief, "Not bad, not bad. There are seats available."
The two found an empty table to sit down at, and the waiter brought over the menu. As soon as Wang Jinghan saw it, she said, "Alright then, what should we eat this time?"
"Scallion Omelette," Wang Jinghan said cheerfully before handing the menu to Zhang Qiu. "The Scallion Omelette is really delicious; I’ll take charge of this one. You see if there's anything else you want to eat—don't hold back."
Zhang Qiu took the menu and glanced at the prices; they were reasonable. After flipping through a few pages, he ordered a plate of Duck Egg with Green Beans.
"You know your uncle and aunt better; you order for them too so we can pack it up for them later," Wang Jinghan said with a smile.
Zhang Qiu felt warmth in his heart and thought for a moment before saying, "One serving of Three Fresh Vegetables and another Scallion Omelette." He smiled at Wang Jinghan and added, "Let my parents try your recommendation."
"Sure!" Wang Jinghan replied with a bright smile.
While waiting for their food, they chatted casually. Zhang Qiu looked at Wang Jinghan and said, "Just now in the ward, I noticed you seemed quite nervous. How come you're still nervous after being a nurse for so long?"
Wang Jinghan's face turned red as she said, "I don't know what's wrong. Anyway, standing next to you felt strange."
Zhang Qiu thought about the way his parents looked at Wang Jinghan and smiled helplessly.
Soon, a plate of scallion omelet was served on the table. The golden-yellow eggs filled the plate, topped with vibrant green scallions. Zhang Qiu picked up a piece and chewed it; the outer layer was crispy while the inside was soft, with the delicious taste of eggs mixed with the flavor of scallions. Zhang Qiu praised, "This is really delicious."
"If it's good, eat more," Wang Jinghan said as she picked up a large piece for Zhang Qiu and placed it in his bowl. "My colleagues and I often come here to eat; this dish is a must-order. The shop owner is great, and the food is delicious. People from our hospital call this place the second canteen."
Zhang Qiu looked at the doctors and nurses around them and smiled, "That's quite an apt description."
"Ah, my uncle is really brave, resisting evil forces all by himself," Wang Jinghan suddenly said.
Zhang Qiu chuckled bitterly and replied, "What can we do? We are the Zhang Family; the blood running in our veins is restless. How can we not fight?"
Back then, his grandfather didn't allow his father to practice martial arts because he feared that his father might act impulsively. In that era, living quietly was already difficult; causing trouble would be even worse. Zhang Qiu was grateful for his father's support in practicing martial arts; perhaps his father wanted to fulfill his dream of martial arts. Regardless, the benefits of training were evident. It helped strengthen his body and provided self-defense when needed.
More importantly, this time for revenge, all his martial arts skills would come into play. He wouldn't let any of those thugs who hurt his father get away!
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