Siheyuan: I just came across and wanted to chase me away

Chapter 1153 Going to see Li Jianjun

When I arrived at Zhang Li's house, the brass lock on the gate hung loosely, and the door was only slightly ajar, as if deliberately left open. Zhang Li was already waiting in the yard, sitting as usual on his small, peeling stool, smoking his pipe. The pipe was made of a worn-out old bamboo root, and the embers in the bowl flickered with his breath, dancing faintly in the deepening twilight. He wore a faded Zhongshan suit, the collar frayed, the cuffs rolled up twice, and the white hair at his temples was more abundant than the last time I saw him, like a layer of frost. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were also deeper, and his smile seemed to trap mosquitoes.

Seeing Zhu Tao push the door open and come in, he simply raised his eyes and nodded, his Adam's apple bobbing as he exhaled a bluish-gray smoke ring that slowly drifted into the air and dissipated into a wisp of mist: "Put your things down. Time is of the essence; we need to hurry."

Zhu Tao placed the net bag he was carrying on the bench by the door. Inside, two packets of steamed rice cakes wrapped in oil paper glistened with oil, making the chipped enamel mug on the bench look even more shabby. The mug's rim was stained with rings of brown tea. He replied, "Teacher, I'm all ready. The car is parked at the alley entrance. Just tell me which way to go."

Zhang Li picked up the military green satchel from the corner. The strap was worn smooth and the edges were frayed, clearly indicating it had been used for many years. The red star on the bag was almost invisible after washing. He stood up, brushed the cigarette ash off his trousers, his movements slow and deliberate, but his tone was serious: "Remember, you only have half an hour inside. I've spoken to the people inside; they'll say what needs to be said, and won't reveal a single word more. But staying even a second longer could cause problems, so don't cause any unnecessary trouble, understand?"

“I understand.” Zhu Tao nodded in agreement, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over Zhang Li’s slightly hunched back—back in the Party School, this teacher always stood tall while lecturing on Party principles, but now he seemed bent over by something. He added, “This time I didn’t call a driver; I rode my old bicycle here myself. I was afraid that too many people would cause gossip, and it wouldn’t be good for either of us if word got out.”

Zhang Li didn't say anything more, opened the courtyard gate and went out first. The evening wind carried a chill, rustling the leaves of the old locust trees in the alley, like someone whispering in the shadows. Zhu Tao quickly followed, the two walking one after the other on the uneven bluestone path, their shadows stretched long by the last rays of the setting sun, then gradually shortening and overlapping with each step they took.

Zhang Li knew perfectly well that he was no longer the all-powerful director of the Materials Bureau. His power had vanished, and he was now constrained in many ways. More importantly, Director Tong Ren of the Public Security Bureau was close to Gu Nan and had publicly praised Gu Nan as "young and promising" at the last meeting. He absolutely couldn't let Tong Ren know this, otherwise, not only would he be unable to meet Li Jianjun, but he would likely face a lot of trouble, and even Zhu Tao's newly secured position as factory director would be in jeopardy.

"Hurry up and try to finish before dark." Zhang Li quickened his pace, his voice low as if afraid the wind would hear him. "When you meet him, don't ask too many questions. He'll tell you what he wants to say. Just watch carefully and remember what he says. Pay special attention to his expression when he mentions Gu Nan—is it hatred, fear, or something else? You have to keep it in mind."

Zhu Tao responded with a "Okay," and followed closely behind. His leather shoes made a soft "thump-thump" sound on the stone slabs, particularly clear in the quiet alley. The evening breeze swirled the shadows of locust leaves across the mottled walls, flickering in and out of the light, like a pair of eyes peering from the shadows. He clenched his fist, his knuckles turning slightly white—no matter how much useful information Li Jianjun could provide, this trip couldn't be in vain. He had to at least figure out what flaws lay hidden behind Gu Nan's seemingly impeccable facade, so he could find a breakthrough and pull this thorn stuck in his flesh.

They walked in silence until the heavy iron gate of the prison came into view, at which point Zhang Li stopped. He glanced up at the armed sentry at the gate, his Adam's apple bobbing, but he ultimately didn't go any further. He simply handed the letter of introduction to Zhu Tao: "I'll wait for you outside. Go in and do as I say." His tone betrayed an indescribable weariness—he truly didn't want to see this useless son-in-law. If it weren't for helping Zhu Tao, and also for his own resentment, he would never want to set foot in this place again in his entire life.

Zhu Tao walked in the direction the staff pointed. The heavy iron door slowly opened, the hinges creaking. The rust on the door gleamed coldly under the pale overhead light, like a layer of ice. The corridor was long and dark, with mold spots on the walls. The air was filled with a damp, musty smell mixed with a faint smell of disinfectant, making one's nose sting.

At this moment, Li Jianjun was sitting on the hard wooden bed in the corner. He hugged his knees tightly, burying his face in his arms like a wounded, trapped animal. Hearing the approaching footsteps, he suddenly looked up, a barely perceptible glimmer of expectation flashing in his eyes—he didn't know who was coming, but he held onto a hope that perhaps a friend would remember their past friendship and come to rescue him.

Upon seeing the person's face, Li Jianjun jumped out of bed, his mouth agape in surprise, his voice trembling slightly: "Zhu Tao? What brings you here?" He never expected to see his old friend, whom he hadn't contacted in a long time, in such a place with high walls and dense nets. In his memory, Zhu Tao was always following behind the crowd; he never expected him to take the initiative to come looking for him.

Zhu Tao wore a perfectly measured smile, neither overly warm nor distant. He took a few steps closer and lowered his voice, saying, "You're one of the few friends I can really talk to. Back in the factory, you were the only one I got along with. Now that you're down on your luck, if I don't come to see you, who will?"

Li Jianjun's nose tingled, and his eyes instantly reddened. He had a lot to say—the grievances of being wronged, the resentment of his plans falling through, and the frustration of being locked up here—but he swallowed the words back. He glanced warily at the security camera in the corner, knowing that the walls in this kind of place might have ears, so he dared not say anything out of turn.

Zhu Tao seemed to see through his thoughts and didn't beat around the bush, saying directly, "Jianjun, we can talk about this later. I'm very busy right now. I just took over as the director of the steel rolling mill, and there are a bunch of reports and meetings waiting to be dealt with. It's not easy for me to find the time."

"Factory Director?" Li Jianjun's eyes widened in disbelief, his mouth agape for a long time. That position was one he had schemed and plotted for years, using every trick in the book—gifts, connections—to climb the ladder, only to fall flat on his face and end up in this predicament.