Chapter 367: with translation of chapter title

Sunday morning, the sunshine was unusually good.

Golden light streamed through the Siheyuan's old windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor inside.

In the front courtyard, Yan Bu Gui, as usual, squatted before his Chrysanthemum Stamp pot, narrowed his eyes, and with a tiny pair of tweezers, matched wits with the aphids on the underside of the leaves, invisible to the naked eye.

From the Central Courtyard, the Jia household carried Jia Zhangshi's nagging as she ordered Qin Huairu to do this and that, occasionally interspersed with the playful roughhousing of Bang Geng and Xiao Dang.

The rear courtyard was quiet; Liu Haizhong was probably still stewing over yesterday's gossip that Xu Damao might have turned misfortune into blessing.

But in the Xi Kua Yuan, the scene was quite different.

Li Ping'an stood in the middle of the courtyard, wearing an old, everyday undershirt.

Five-year-old Li Yaozong assumed a small horse stance before him, his little face flushed red as he strained to maintain the posture of the Eight Extremes Fist's Supporting Hammer.

Sink the waist, loosen the shoulders, draw power from the feet, and don't wobble.

Li Ping'an's voice was not loud, but carried a calm authority.

He reached out, lightly patted his son's back, and then adjusted the son's slightly trembling little arm.

His eyes lacked the factory's usual harsh sharpness, holding only a father's particular focus and patience.

Li Yaozong grunted, clenched his teeth, and strove to adjust his stance according to his father's pointers.

Sunlight shone on his sweaty forehead, making it glisten.

Hold for ten breaths.

Li Ping'an stepped back and watched his son.

He himself also slightly adjusted his breathing, feeling the rare tranquility in the morning air.

The shadows of secret agents, the City Bureau's haze, the factory's tension—at this moment they all seemed to be shut out by this little courtyard.

Only sunshine, breeze, and his son's striving figure remained.

He's a fine seedling for martial training.

Just his temperament still needs tempering.

When the ten breaths ended, Li Yaozong exhaled, trotted over to drink the plain water cooling on the stone table.

Li Ping'an's face showed the faintest hint of a smile.

Go, run through the little set I taught you yesterday from start to finish so I can see.

Li Yaozong answered loudly, set down his cup, and returned to stand in the center of the courtyard.

Each move and posture, though immature, already hinted at some steadiness.

Li Ping'an stood with his hands behind his back, watching silently.

Inside, however, he was calculating other matters.

The shopkeeper's lead had gone cold for now; the bureau's investigation team was operating at a higher level, leaving him little he could do here.

But the more times like this, the less he could let his guard down.

The factory's safety, the protection of relevant personnel, and… the boundaries with those around him.

Li Pingle's family is coming over today.

Chen Jianghe is his brother-in-law and also a backbone of the Security Section.

Some things need to be brought up casually, using a family occasion to hint at him.

After finishing a set of punches, Li Yaozong looked at his father, panting.

Li Ping'an nodded. Not bad, you're improving. Go wash your face; your aunt and uncle will bring your younger siblings over soon.

Li Yaozong's eyes lit up, and he happily ran into the house.

Li Ping'an turned and walked toward the inconspicuous cellar entrance in the corner.

He lifted the heavy plank, and a cool, damp breath mixed with earthy smell rose up.

He descended along the wooden ladder.

The cellar wasn't large, stacked with overwintered cabbage, potatoes, and a few jars of pickles.

But in the innermost part, under a corner covered with old oilcloth, lay some different things.

He lifted the oilcloth.

Below was a small wicker basket lined with clean dry grass.

On the dry grass lay two strips of pork belly, marbled with fat and lean, their color bright red, with an even layer of snow‑white fat spread throughout.

There was also a small piece of tenderloin, juicy and plump.

Beside them were several paper‑wrapped, plump wild hazelnut mushrooms, giving off their distinctive aroma.

In these days of coupon‑rationed meat, when each person gets only a few ounces a month, these items stood out starkly.

Li Ping'an naturally took out the meat and mushrooms, placed them in the prepared bamboo basket, and replaced the oilcloth.

Everything in the cellar returned to its original state.

These were all taken from the Spiritual Spring Space.

This is his deepest, most secret reliance, and also a secret he has never told anyone, not even his wife Lin Xueqing.

He lifted the bamboo basket and returned to the surface.

The sunlight was a bit glaring.

Lin Xueqing just pushed her bicycle through the door, the handlebars bearing a full net bag filled with greens, tofu, and a few eggs.

She had the day off today and had specially queued at the subsidiary food store.

Seeing Li Ping'an's basket, especially those two tempting strips of pork belly, she froze for a moment, then broke into a gentle smile.

You've pulled more good stuff from the cellar? Perfect, Ping le's family is here—let's have a good meal, give you and Jianghe some nourishment. You've both been exhausted lately.

Li Ping'an nodded and handed the basket to her.

Lin Xueqing took it and got ready right away.

She didn't ask further about the meat's origin.

Over the years, her husband always managed to obtain some scarce items at crucial moments.

She trusted him as she trusted her own hands on the operating table.

As noon approached, laughter and chatter came from outside the courtyard gate.

Li Ping'an held his daughter Li Anning, Chen Jianghe held his son Chen Anbang, and the family of four walked in.

Both little ones were over a year old, delicate as carved jade; with Li Anning babbling and Chen Anbang curiously observing, the courtyard instantly became lively.

Li Yaozong ran over excitedly, wanting to tease his younger siblings, but afraid his hands were too heavy.

Aunt! Uncle-in-law!

Li Ping'an laughed in response, handed his daughter to the coming Lin Xueqing, rolled up his sleeves, and went into the kitchen to help.

Sister-in-law, I'll pick the vegetables.

Chen Jianghe placed his son on the small bamboo cart in the courtyard, then walked over to Li Ping'an's side.

Big brother.

Li Ping'an pointed to the nearby stool, sit. How's the factory been these two days?

Chen Jianghe sat down, his expression relaxed a bit, but there was still some fatigue in his eyes.

Everything proceeded as usual, vigilance not relaxed. Xu Damao's side added double posts; Lao Sun Tou and Su Xiulan kept tight watch. …However, the investigation team from the ministry hasn't sent any new news down, and some of the brothers feel uncertain.

Li Ping'an picked up the teapot and poured Chen Jianghe a cup of water.

No news sometimes means good news. It indicates the investigation is deepening and not convenient to disclose. At such times, we must stay even steadier.

He paused, looking at Chen Jianghe.

Jianghe, you are the Security Section Team Captain and also my brother-in-law. I have some things I need to remind you of.

Chen Jianghe immediately sat up straight.

Big brother, go ahead.

First, regarding the case under investigation, especially the parts possibly involving problems with the City Bureau, not a word should be spoken to outsiders, including Ping'an.

Li Ping'an's voice was very calm, but each word carried weight.

It's not that I don't trust her; for such matters, the less known, the safer. Emotions may leak unintentionally; the speaker means nothing, but the listener may take it to heart.

Chen Jianghe nodded heavily, I understand. Ping'an asked, and I only said the factory's security duties are heavy, without mentioning anything else.

Second, for the brothers below, we must enforce strict requirements while also giving appropriate reassurance. We can clearly tell them that superiors have deployed; we just need to do our own duties well, guard the factory, protect those who need protection—that counts as merit. Don't go around probing, don't spread rumors.

Li Ping'an took a sip of water.

Especially, do not show unnecessary attention or… resistance toward people from the City Bureau or anyone from above. Just act as usual—report what should be reported, cooperate where cooperation is needed.

Chen Jianghe seemed thoughtful.

Big brother, you are worried that…

Li Ping'an raised his hand to stop him.

Don't say it out loud. Just keep it in mind. As those of us in security, our eyes must be sharp, but our mouths must be tight. See what should be seen, never ask more than necessary about what shouldn't be asked. Do what should be done thoroughly; never overstep what shouldn't be touched, not even half a step.

His gaze fell on Li Yaozong, who was trying to poke his younger brother's face on the bamboo cart with his finger.

It's like teaching a child to punch: stance must be correct, foundation solid. Strikes must be fierce, but more importantly, one must know when to pull back and when to defend. Brute force and retreat both cause trouble.

Chen Jianghe followed his gaze and understood clearly.

Big brother, I understand. I know what to do.

Hmm. Li Ping'an's expression eased; today I called you over just to have a home-cooked meal, relax. You've also been wound too tight.

At that moment, Lin Xueqing's call came from the kitchen.

Ping'an, Jianghe, come help serve the dishes! Meal's ready!

The rich meat aroma had already filled the whole small courtyard.

The fragrant sauce of the red-braised pork, the fresh aroma of the mushroom stewed chicken, mixed with the crisp scent of stir-fried greens.

It makes one's mouth water uncontrollably.

The dishes were set upon the stone table in the courtyard.

The sunlight was just right, the breeze not harsh.

The pork belly was cooked to a reddish shine, crisp and tender, melting in the mouth.

The hazelnut mushroom stewed chicken: broth golden, chicken tender and smooth, mushrooms soaked up the broth, supremely delicious.

The simple stir-fried greens and mapo tofu, thanks to these rare fine ingredients and good mood, became especially appetizing.

Li Ping'an fed the two little ones mashed egg yolk mixed with rice paste.

Lin Xueqing kept serving dishes to Chen Jianghe and Li Ping'an.

Eat more, look how thin you've become.

Li Yaozong ate with oil dripping from his mouth, his eyes narrowing.

Chen Jianghe was initially a bit restrained, but in this warm, relaxed atmosphere he gradually loosened up, his appetite opening wide.

He sipped the delicious chicken soup, watching his wife gently care for the children, watching his big brother's calm yet concerned gaze; the tight string in his heart finally relaxed a little.

At the dinner table they chatted about everyday matters.

The children's amusing incidents, the courtyard's trivial gossip, the hospital's observations.

They absolutely avoided mentioning the factory's turmoil, or those shadows hidden beneath the sunshine.

It seemed like just an ordinary, peaceful Sunday.

Central Courtyard, the Jia family.

Bang Geng sniffed the air, inhaling hard the meat fragrance drifting over, swallowing his saliva.

Grandma, it smells so good! It's meat!

Jia Zhangshi also heard it, pursed lips, a flash of jealousy passed through his triangular eyes.

Hmph, isn't it just that he became a minor official? What's the point of showing off! Who knows where that meat came from! Perhaps, it was plundered from the people's flesh and fat!

Qin Huairu was hanging out laundry; hearing that, she paused, didn't reply, and silently spread out an old garment patched all over.

In the back courtyard, Liu Haizhong paced inside the house with his hands behind his back; the scent of meat drifted in thread by thread, making him feel even more irritated.

In the front courtyard, Yan Bu Gui set down the tweezers in his hand, took a deep breath, shook his head, and continued battling his aphids.

In Xi Kua Yuan, laughter and chatter filled the air.

Li Ping'an gave Chen Jianghe another piece of meat.

Eat more. When you're full, you'll have the strength.

Li Ping'an's words carried hidden meaning.

Chen Jianghe understood and nodded vigorously.

The sunlight gradually tilted westward.

A sumptuous and warm home‑cooked meal came to an end.

Li Pingle helped Lin Xueqing clear the dishes, while Chen Jianghe cradled his already drowsy son.

Li Ping'an escorted them to the courtyard gate.

Watching his sister's family walk away, Li Ping'an's gentle expression gradually receded.

Beyond the courtyard wall, the world remained complex and dangerous.

But at least on this Sunday afternoon, the aroma of meat and family bonds temporarily dispelled the gloom.

It also filled the weary with the strength to keep moving forward.

Li Ping'an turned and returned to the courtyard.

His gaze swept over the Jia family's tightly shut door in the central courtyard, Liu Haizhong's window in the back courtyard, and Yan Bu Gui's flower pot in the front courtyard.

This Siheyuan is just like that Steel Rolling Mill.

Beneath the calm surface, each harbors its own thoughts, each runs its own abacus.

And Li Ping'an must see clearly both battlefields at once.

For these days scented with meat and fireworks.

Also for those shadows stirring in darker places.

The setting sun stretched Li Ping'an's silhouette long.

Steadfast.

And lonely.