Chapter Twelve: A Fellow Countryman

Afterward, I reviewed her medical examination report. She was in good health, free from any illnesses. Most notably, her eyesight was exceptional—both eyes at 2.0. Reflecting on myself, with my 0.5 vision and 800-degree nearsightedness, I felt like a failure.

Soon after, I provided logistical officer An Mingshan’s measurements. The logistics department informed me that they already had uniforms ready in her size and would deliver them shortly. With this assurance, the two of us returned to collect our household registration booklet, my ID card, and her personal file, then headed to the local police station. An Mingshan seemed reluctant about this place but eventually relented. After much effort, we finally completed all the necessary procedures. Leaving the station, we began walking back, awaiting the collection of her ID card.

As we walked, An Mingshan said, “Shu Cheng, I’ve come to a realization. Today marks a new beginning in my life. From now on, I vow to reform and start anew. In the past, I was forced into many wrongdoings by them; from now on, I will do more good and turn over a new leaf. You know, from today, the sky in my heart is truly clear.”

I replied, “I didn’t expect you to be so poetic.”

She said, “I heard it said like that on TV.”

However, as time passed, I gradually noticed that An Mingshan became withdrawn, hardly interacting with others, almost resembling someone with autism. I realized a new problem had arisen.

Of course, I couldn’t just stand by. Yet, I discovered that although An Mingshan was reluctant to speak, her memory was incredibly sharp. She herself was unaware of this, simply believing she could remember many things instantly.

With the year’s end approaching, I did the math: it had been eleven years since I left my hometown at sixteen. Since I now had some rare free time, I decided to visit my hometown—to see how it had changed.

On the morning of the twentieth day of the twelfth lunar month, at Sui Yi Residence.

Wearing formal attire, I went downstairs to the living room and saw An Mingshan engrossed in a book.

I said, “Well, look at you studying. What’s got you so captivated?”

I peeked at the book and said, “The Three-Body Problem? Interesting.”

An Mingshan looked up and said, “Did you know? Ye Wenjie is so tragic. Her father and sister died after being publicly denounced...”

I interrupted, “Whether she’s tragic or not, keep reading and see what deeds she actually did. You know, you can’t judge a person by first impressions alone. As the saying goes, ‘One trusts what the eyes see, yet even eyes can deceive; one trusts the heart’s judgment, yet the heart too can err.’ In other words, it’s not easy to truly understand a person.”

An Mingshan pondered and said, “Got it. Oh, are you going out?”

I said, “Yes. I need to ask the director for leave. I’m going back home. It’s been ten years since I left; now that I have some free time, it’s time to see home.”

Her innocent eyes fixed on me. “Your hometown... where is it?”

I replied, “I share a hometown with the author of The Three-Body Problem.”

She asked, “Are you from Henan?”

I said, “Guess again.”

Tentatively, she said, “Shanxi?”

Suddenly, An Mingshan exclaimed, “That’s wonderful!—”

I cut her off, “Hold on! How do you know you’re from Shanxi?”

She replied, “Wasn’t that the result of the Paranormal Bureau’s investigation? Since joining the Bureau, I’ve come to trust its rigorous nature. I remember my file saying I’m from Shanxi! I glanced at it once and haven’t forgotten.”

I said, “Hold on, hold on! Even if you are from Shanxi, is it worth getting so excited?”

She said, “Well, I have no family left now. You’re from my hometown, so of course I’m thrilled.”

I said, “Don’t think like that. Remember, the director, Fatty, Weiwei, and I—we can all be your friends, even your family.”

Suddenly, tears welled in her eyes. “Thank... thank you. Um, can I go with you?”

I said, “How could that be?”

She asked, “Do you dislike me?”

I said, “No, not at all. I just mean people might misunderstand if we go together.”

She teased, “You’re feeling guilty? That means what Deputy Director Liu said is true. You must have feelings for me, right?”

I said, “Who would have feelings for you? What are you thinking all day? As the saying goes, ‘There are plenty of fish in the sea; why fixate on one flower?’ You little girl, I—”

She said, “What... what are you trying to do?”

I whispered, “I... really can’t do anything to you.”

She said, “Fine, then let’s go to the Paranormal Bureau!”

I noticed she was very sensitive when talking about home, so I agreed. Together, we went to the director’s office.

At the Paranormal Bureau, director’s office.

I said, “Director, I’d like to apply for...”

He interrupted, “Alright, alright, I know. Approved. Shu Cheng, we’re all men here. Men need to relax sometimes; I understand. You two come back to report at the end of the month, don’t be late!”

We handed over the leave forms and left.

The director added, “Don’t overdo it, or you’ll hurt yourselves, you understand? Oh, and keep a close eye on her. Don’t lose her! You know what happens if you do! Now go, return by month’s end to report.”

I said, “Got it, got it. Even if I’m lost, I’ll make sure she comes back alive.” Then I left.

What I didn’t know was that just hours before our arrival, the director had received that mysterious phone call again.

The voice on the other end, disguised, said, “Their trip to Shanxi is a near-death experience—one in nine chance of survival. But you must approve their leave.”

The director said, “Isn’t this sending them to their doom? If they perish, how am I to explain to the Master? I can’t do it.”

The mysterious person said, “That’s the Master’s intention—it’s a trial for them.”

The director said, “He’s your disciple, and you say he’s your most accomplished apprentice. I regard him as my own son. If you don’t care for them, I do. As I said, I can’t do it.”

The mysterious voice sneered, “Don’t think I don’t care. But don’t forget who was the talent scout, and who was the groom.”

The director said, “You—...”

The mysterious person said, “Don’t worry too much. I’ll personally protect them this time. Surprisingly, our agents reported that others know about this matter—and they’re in Shanxi.”

The director said, “You mean...”

The mysterious voice said, “Exactly. I can’t appear in person, so I want you to secretly follow them with your team. Once you find them, quietly bring them back to the bureau. You know who should and shouldn’t be on the team.”

The director said, “But Shanxi is vast, and I don’t know them. Where am I supposed to look?”

The mysterious voice said, “They’ll be where Li Shucheng is going. My agents are waiting there. Just find them when you arrive.”

As the director was about to hang up, the mysterious voice added, “You must bring your director’s credentials to meet my agents. I’ll send your information to them.”

The director said, “Alright, alright, you have the final say.”

After hanging up, the director appointed Liu Shan as acting director—a position he had long dreamed of. This was enough to keep him excited and sleepless for days. Shortly after we left, the director and two trusted aides bought train tickets and joined us on the journey to my hometown.

Author’s Reflection.

Question: Mr. Author, if you were away from home, would you feel homesick?

Answer: Certainly. Everyone has a home; everyone longs for it—it’s only natural. But I choose to think of home only after I have accomplished something worthwhile. That, too, is only natural.