Chapter 63: Xu Damao Seeks Help

Yang Qing saw that Xu Damao had something to discuss; otherwise he wouldn't have voluntarily mentioned bringing him game.

As the old saying goes, if one offers kindness without reason, it's either treachery or theft.

Yang Qing didn't expose him, continuing to weave his basket while chatting idly.

"Nowadays, game is hard to come by, and the countryside is tough too, Brother Xu, you'd better be careful—try not to bring anything if you can."

Xu Damao could tell Yang Qing's concern, but as Yang Qing's life improved, he felt a growing distance between them (there was no way to gain his own sense of presence through charity).

"When I go to the countryside I always bring a gun; a bit of game isn't worth them robbing me once."

Yang Qing didn't want Xu Damao to risk himself just to bring him game; if word got out, it would be bad for his reputation.

It seemed as if Xu Damao's wrongdoing was because of him, just the same.

Moreover, Xu Damao thinks too much, cannot be deeply associated with, so such matters must be avoided.

If mishandled, he might even be caught with a handle.

Even knowing he wanted to use game to draw their relationship closer.

"No need, Brother Xu; families like ours can't eat game—having some steamed corn buns is already good."

His refusal was blunt, but to avoid making Xu Damao lose face, he then spoke up voluntarily.

"Brother Xu, do you have something?"

He directly stated his purpose, pulling the topic away from game.

When someone pointed out he had a request, Xu Damao indeed felt embarrassed and said:

"It's like this: my mother introduced me to a marriage prospect just recently."

"But you should know what's going on in our compound, especially regarding Sha Zhu—you understand."

Yang Qing stopped working and looked at Xu Damao.

"You mean someone wants to cause trouble? Like Sha Zhu?"

Yang Qing hit him where it hurts, striking his heart.

Xu Damao nodded embarrassedly.

"One must always be on guard against others; it's better to be careful. Please keep an eye out for me, let me know if anything happens, and if it's urgent, just block it for me."

"After I get married, I will definitely repay you, brother."

Yang Qing felt embarrassed.

"Brother Xu, I might not be able to help much."

"I finished my work at the cotton mill the day before yesterday; tomorrow I have to go to the steel mill canteen to help temporarily for half a month."

"The timing might not work out."

"But if I notice anything, I'll surely tell you—what do you think?"

Upon hearing Yang Qing would go to the steel mill, Xu Damao said happily:

"The canteen? That's great—just right for me to have you watch Sha Zhu."

Yang Qing said embarrassedly.

"Brother Xu, I heard Sha Zhu is at the second canteen, while I'm going to the third canteen."

(In a factory of tens of thousands, having several canteens is normal.)

Xu Damao got a little angry, thinking, "You ask me for a favor and then bring up all these complications."

"Otherwise, you don't go—I'll hire you?"

Upon hearing that, Yang Qing pretended to be angry.

"Brother Xu, what do you take me for?"

"Am I doing this for money?"

"This job was arranged by the Jiedao; if I don't go, I'll sour relations, and then I won't find any odd jobs later."

"Brother Xu, regarding your matter, I guarantee I'll do my best; at the slightest sign, I'll notify you."

"You, too, should look after yourself and try not to come to our compound."

"Also have your aunt slip some money to the matchmaker and say a few good words."

"Or, if you want to check on home, try to go see your uncle."

"How does that sound to you?"

Xu Damao had originally planned that, but still feared something might happen in the compound, so he asked Yang Qing to look after him there.

This is also karmic retribution—having done wrong to others, he now worries they'll do the same to him.

It makes him feel anxious inside.

"Ah, when discussing such a big matter as marriage, others will naturally come to the house to inquire."

"I'm afraid someone will cause trouble at that time."

The current Xu Damao still isn't that despicable; he remains a victim of oppression.

Although his reputation isn't good, it's not terrible either; his status as a projectionist is only two years old, he hasn't yet encountered a disastrous year, and hasn't had time to cause too many mishaps.

Compared to Sha Zhu, he's relatively clean.

But just fearing someone might frame you, turning good into bad—this is the Spring and Autumn brush method, misattributing things.

Seeing Xu Damao's anxious gains and losses, it seems he values this marriage prospect greatly.

If Xu Damao manages to marry Lou Xiao'e, he must have put in effort as well.

Yang Qing pondered whether to lend Lou Xiao'e a hand.

Afterwards he rejected it, because the Lou family could still flee with their belongings, showing their connections run deep—exactly what he needs.

Perhaps he can latch onto this line and escape to Hong Kong.

(Escaping to Hong Kong isn't that simple; many die unjustly, and those who succeed are either southerners nearby or have deep personal connections.)

(There is a TV drama about the dam, in which someone was shot dead, and it was a woman.)

(Ordinary people fleeing to Hong Kong face a near-death situation; first, the introduction letter is a major problem, plus identity checks on various transport, all requiring others' help.)

(If you go on foot, it's not easy either; along the way, ordinary people seeing sneaky strangers will report them; back then it was an era when everyone was a soldier.)

(If it were that simple, he would have already run away.)

So, this favor can only be helped if Lou Xiao'e marries in; then he can find a chance to ingratiate himself.

Thinking this through, Yang Qing also made a decision.

"Brother Dam, I actually have a suitable candidate here."

Xu Damao said excitedly.

"Who?"

Yang Qing said softly.

"San Da Ma and Gu Ning."

"At San Da Ye's house, guarding the gate, when a stranger enters, she would be the first to see them."

"Moreover, you occasionally give some dried goods to San Da Ye when you return from the film screenings; that's the relationship."

"You put up five dollars, give two first, then later give three; that's enticement."

"Out of consideration for the money, San Da Ma will likely wholeheartedly help you get it done."

"Furthermore, there's Gu Ning's family; you know how hard it is, and Old Li has also been staying at home."

"They really lack money; if you entrust this matter to them at this time, they will surely cherish it."

"Besides, it's not doing anything bad; just saying a few kind words to stop others from ruining your reputation, such a small matter."

"Five dollars, one person's ration money; Gu Ning's family has no reason not to do it, nor any reason not to do it wholeheartedly."

"Moreover, with two people, they can supervise each other, and there's no need to fear someone shirking work."

Xu Damao, upon hearing Yang Qing say this, also suddenly understood.

"The best way to defeat the enemy is to let the enemy strike himself."

"Hahaha, a genius idea."

"Brother, you really have something; this plan is simply great."

"It's far better than making you stare at the wall in the courtyard a hundred times."

"It's not that Xu Damao is exaggerating; rather, Yang Qing's authority is indeed small."

"This is the sense of identity brought by one's status."

"People will naturally believe the words of someone like San Da Ma and Gu Ning."

"As for Yang Qing, everyone says his background is bad and he's not trustworthy."

"Yang Qing, seeing this, also breathed a sigh of relief; he really didn't want to offend Xu Damao, this petty person."

"Success may not be possible, but failure—doing the wrong thing—could achieve twice the result with half the effort."

"We need to maintain a good relationship, but not be too close."