The public security officer took it and immediately bowed ninety degrees to Bai Jiu. "Comrade, the country thanks the Bai family for your help. Rest assured, we will never let bad elements destroy our internal unity."
With this document, whether it was Li Baoguo or the Wang family next door, they would all be brought down.
Bai Jiu had actually thought of this method halfway through. With this IOU in hand, the Bai family could rest easy—provided, of course, that the prominent figure behind it didn’t fall from power. If that person were to step down, the Bai family would truly be finished. However, she wasn’t afraid. The world was about to undergo a massive change very soon. That figure would only rise higher; falling from power was absolutely impossible.
The public security officers took over from there. Bai Jiu was escorted by a few female officers to rest on the side. They poured her water and handed her a towel, treating her with the utmost respect.
"Lock all these people up. Once the rest of their accomplices are caught, we’ll interrogate them together," the leader ordered, and all the officers sprang into action.
Meanwhile, the bystanders who had followed them never expected that someone who had contributed so much money and effort to the country had been bullied for so many years. They realized how reluctant the Bai family must have been to cause trouble for the state. Those who knew the Bai family also gained a newfound respect for them. Quite a few people even came forward to chat with Bai Jiu. In the past, they would never have taken the initiative to interact with the Bai family. Bai Jiu greeted everyone with a polite smile. Regardless of whether they would become friends in the future, it was always good to build positive connections.
After locking up the suspects, the officers personally escorted Bai Jiu back home. They were incredibly respectful along the way. Bai Jiu maintained a friendly smile the entire time, showing no signs of arrogance and acting exactly as she always had.
Xiang Gaoli was completely dumbfounded.
"Thank you, comrades. Please come inside for a cup of water. Our conditions are limited, but we at least have some sugar water," Bai Jiu invited the two officers who had escorted her back.
"No, no, we still have business at the bureau, so we won’t go in. Comrade Bai, if you face any difficulties in the future, come find us. We will definitely do everything in our power to help you," the two officers said respectfully.
"I don’t have any difficulties. As long as those bad elements don’t come to harm my family, we can get by." Bai Jiu was very grateful to them. She then took a few steamed buns out of her bamboo basket. "Since you don’t want to come inside, take two buns to eat on the way. It’s already noon; I’ve caused you to miss your lunch."
A trip back and forth had indeed taken up some time.
"No, there’s no need," the two immediately shook their heads and waved their hands. "Serving the people is what we ought to do." Seeing the plump, white buns and smelling the distinct aroma of meat, they naturally wanted them, but they truly couldn’t accept such a gift.
Bai Jiu didn’t care about their refusal. She shoved two buns directly into each of their arms, then pulled Xiang Gaoli through the open courtyard gate and turned around to shut the door behind her. "Comrades, if you don’t want them, just throw them away. Regardless, this is my token of appreciation."
The two men outside the door didn’t know what to say. Ultimately, they had no choice but to accept. "Then thank you, Comrade Bai."
On their way back, the two didn’t eat the buns. Instead, they took them straight to their leader to report the situation. Only after getting their leader’s permission did they take the buns back to their posts, feeling deeply grateful to Bai Jiu.
Back at the Bai family courtyard.
"You’re truly amazing, Jiu," Xiang Gaoli said, having just experienced a real eye-opener.
"You’re not bad yourself, Gaoli. You didn’t get stage fright at all," Bai Jiu complimented. She was very fond of Xiang Gaoli. Xingguo had a rigid personality, so the family needed someone flexible to manage the household.
The sound of their voices in the courtyard alerted the people inside Father Bai’s room.
Bai Xinghua carried Xiuxiu out and immediately saw his oldest sister, Bai Jiu, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time. His eyes turned red.
"Jiu." Looking at his sister, who felt both familiar and distant, Bai Xinghua teared up.
"Xinghua." Seeing her grown-up younger brother, Bai Jiu felt deeply moved.
The emotions of their reunion were something outsiders couldn’t comprehend. Fortunately, both of them were reserved, and after their initial excitement, they managed to calm down.
"Jiu, how come you came back with Sister Li?" he asked.
This wasn’t Xiang Gaoli’s first time visiting the Bai family. The family knew about her relationship with Bai Xingguo, but due to their special circumstances and Xingguo’s lack of a clear stance, everyone’s attitude toward Xiang Gaoli was rather ambiguous. Mother Bai actually wanted her son to marry Gaoli, but Xingguo was unwilling. Seeing Bai Jiu and Xiang Gaoli return together naturally surprised Bai Xinghua.
"Adult matters are none of your business, kid," Bai Jiu said, quickly finding her rhythm with this younger brother. Younger brothers had to be kept in line before they got married; otherwise, their future wives would have complaints.
"Jiu, I’m not a kid anymore. I’ve already graduated from high school." It was true—Bai Xinghua had just graduated from high school this year.
Whether it was the original owner of her body or the other children in the Bai family, their parents had ensured they all graduated from high school. There were no universities to attend right now, but finishing high school was a must. Despite their excellent upbringing, the Bai family was still ostracized everywhere. It was truly a case of the good being taken advantage of.
"Alright, hurry up and invite your Sister Li inside for some tea. I’ll put my things away and come right over," Bai Jiu said. She couldn’t let a guest stand in the courtyard forever.
"Mom, did you buy any delicious food today?" Xiuxiu climbed down from Uncle Xinghua and ran up to her mother, asking in a crisp voice.
Bai Jiu tapped her little nose. "What do you think? How could I not buy delicious food for my Xiuxiu? What if my Xiuxiu cries?" she teased. The intimacy between mother and daughter was truly enviable.
"Jiu, let me help you tidy up. It’s getting late, and we still need to deliver lunch to Xingguo later," Xiang Gaoli offered, feeling a bit uncomfortable sitting alone in the room.
Bai Jiu didn’t force her to rest. "Sure, having your help will save me a lot of trouble." She wasn’t one to shortchange herself, and lunch would consist of at least four dishes, so she more than welcomed the extra pair of hands.
"Then I’ll help tend the fire," Bai Xinghua volunteered, not wanting to part with his sister either.
"Forget it. Go check on Father. See if he wants to get up and take a walk. If he does, support him while he strolls around the main hall," Bai Jiu instructed. Having been sick and bedridden for so long, it would be best for him to get out of bed and move around.
Hearing this, Bai Xinghua agreed without a second thought. "Okay, I’ll go ask Father right now."
Inside the room, Father Bai had also heard his daughter’s voice. His fever had subsided after taking the medicine, but he still felt weak and his body was quite stiff. When his youngest son came in to ask if he wanted to get up and walk, Father Bai agreed without hesitation.
"Then help me up for a walk."
Zhengyang also helped from the side.
In the kitchen, Bai Jiu moved swiftly. There were quite a few things in her bamboo basket. Every item she pulled out gave Xiang Gaoli a start, until eventually, she grew numb to the surprise.
"You’re truly capable, Jiu. I can’t believe you managed to buy so many good things," Xiang Gaoli praised. Her own family’s financial situation was indeed quite good compared to ordinary people, but even they were severely lacking these items—especially the tightly packed cotton. There had to be at least ten catties of it.
"Gaoli, see if there’s anything you like and take it back with you later. I bought quite a lot today," Bai Jiu offered. It was true; she had purchased a substantial amount of fabric and cotton.
"No, no." How could she possibly have the nerve to take anything? These items were incredibly precious.