The Brigade Leader understood the Gong family’s concerns; after all, Zhang Mazi was an unscrupulous man.
The reason he had so readily come along was also because Deng Xiaojie was an educated youth; if anything happened to her, it would be difficult for the village to account for it.
When the Brigade Leader saw the injury on Deng Xiaojie’s face, he was startled. "Educated Youth Deng, do you think we should find Zhang Mazi to accompany you?"
Hatred flashed in Deng Xiaojie’s eyes as she spoke urgently, "No need, Brigade Leader. My injury can’t be delayed any longer. I hope you’ll accompany me."
Although the Brigade Leader was a rough man, he could also be thoughtful. "How about this? Weimin, you make another run, tell Zhang Mazi what’s happened, and see what he has to say."
He turned to Gong Weimin’s wife. "Weimin’s wife, could you please go next door to the Women’s Director’s home and ask her to come over? It would be better if she accompanied us for this."
When Gong Weimin arrived at the Zhang Family’s home, Zhang Mazi was already dead asleep. Gong Weimin went in and called out for a long time, but Zhang Mazi just rolled over and went back to sleep.
Women’s Director Gao Ruhua arrived looking displeased, but after seeing Deng Xiaojie’s miserable state, she didn’t complain further.
The Brigade Leader himself made a trip to the breeding yard and brought over an ox-drawn cart.
Gong Weimin told the Brigade Leader about Zhang Mazi, "We can’t count on Zhang Mazi now."
The Brigade Leader sighed and frowned at Deng Xiaojie. "Educated Youth Deng, you brought money with you, didn’t you?"
Afraid they would delay further, Deng Xiaojie said, "I did. Don’t worry, Brigade Leader, I won’t be a burden to the production brigade."
The Brigade Leader glanced at Deng Xiaojie and Gao Ruhua, who were preparing to board the cart. "Weimin, you go with them. I’ll give you work points for it."
Although Ma Huihui was not too pleased, the prospect of earning work points meant she didn’t object.
The Brigade Leader thought of Qiao Yuxiang, who was still in the county hospital, and now Deng Xiaojie was another worry. He felt truly distressed.
When the ox-drawn cart arrived at the commune health center, the few staff members on duty took one look at Deng Xiaojie’s injury and said, "We can treat it, but our suturing skills aren’t good enough. This wound is on her face, after all. You should consider your options."


The Brigade Leader thought, What sins have I committed to deserve this? I only got back from the county this evening, and now I have to go again.

Verify captcha to read the content
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Rebirth: The Courtyard Bride Is Cool and Radiant