Chapter 300

"Secretary, there's a special admission letter here..." The post office clerk carefully handed over the envelope.

The county party secretary didn't even look up. "Let the recipient come pick it up themselves."

"It's for the provincial top scorer," the clerk added in a hushed voice.

"What?" The secretary shot to his feet, papers scattering across the floor. His face turned ashen, fingers trembling slightly. If the city officials found out their county had withheld the top scorer's admission letter, how could he possibly keep his position?

"Who did this?" he demanded through gritted teeth.

The police chief wiped sweat from his brow. "We've already detained the suspects. They're being interrogated."

The secretary took a deep breath. "Tomorrow, I'll personally deliver the letter. And bring the county's reward along."

"Understood."

Michael Stone finished his errands in town and bought a pack of cigarettes to thank the friend who'd helped him. By the time he caught the last bus back to the village, dusk had fallen. He quickened his pace toward home, warmth blooming in his chest at the sight of their lit window.

"Emily, I'm back!" he called as he pushed open the door.

Emily Johnson was busy at the stove. Her eyes brightened when she saw him. "Hungry? I'll make you some noodles."

"I'll tend the fire." Michael crouched by the hearth, adding firewood as he spoke. "We got to the bottom of it. A post office supervisor and clerk were working together. Several students in the county never received their admission letters. Someone reported it, and that's how they got caught."

Emily stirred the pot, a small smile playing on her lips. "I knew I passed."

"Of course you did!" Michael shoved another log into the fire. "When your letter arrives, I'll go hunting for wild boar to celebrate."

"That's too dangerous..."

"I'll take Charles and the others with me."

Emily recalled how delicious the last wild boar they'd caught had been. "Then I'll prepare some candy to share with the neighbors."

"Deal."

Children's laughter drifted in from outside. David and Tommy burst in, covered in dirt, their faces sunburned, clutching handfuls of rice stalks.

"Go wash up," Emily frowned at the two mud-covered boys.

Michael hoisted them up. "No straw hats again? How are you going to look presentable when we go to the city like this?"

"The city?" Their eyes widened instantly. "Dad, are you taking us to the city?"

"Not if you keep getting darker." Michael pretended to scowl.

"We'll wear them tomorrow!" they chorused.

After their bath, the brothers drank their milk obediently and went to bed. Emily and Michael tidied up quietly.

At dawn, Emily headed to the communal kitchen to prepare breakfast while Michael shouldered his sickle and went to the fields.

"Michael, what were you doing in town yesterday?" Daniel River sidled up to ask.

"Tried to get some meat. Didn't work out." Michael shoveled porridge into his mouth.

Daniel waggled his eyebrows. "I thought you went to check on Emily's admission letter!"

Michael shot him a look. The kid had certainly become livelier since calling off his engagement. "Eat more. Talk less."

"The food's especially good this year. Heard Emily's been doing the cooking?" Daniel grinned.