The story of a person

Author: Pan Qi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: There are many uninhabited islands in Xingdao Lake. Recently, local fishermen reported seeing smoke rising from an island and a small thatched hut. Someone called the village police station, and Chief Zhang decided to take two police officers to investigate. The island was overgrown with weeds and shrubs, with a patch of pine forest in the middle. That day, as soon as the sun peeked out, Chief Zhang and his team boarded a small boat and headed toward the hut, lying down in the grass to observe the hut's activity. Soon, a woman carrying a bucket came to the lake to fetch water, and smoke rose from the hut as well. Chief Zhang concluded that the hut was inhabited by a couple who might have come to clear land and farm, not necessarily criminals. So, they walked boldly toward the hut. The people inside heard the noise and came out. Ah! It turned out to be a young man and a young woman, dressed like rural youth, both in their early twenties. The woman was pretty and slim, while the man was short but strong, with a square, dark face and sharp, clever eyes. They looked educated. "Where are you from, and what are you doing here?" Chief Zhang asked before they could reply. "We're from Guizhou. We want to clear land and farm on the island, and later we plan to move here to live!" the man replied calmly. "Do you have ID cards?" "Yes." The woman took out two ID cards from the hut and handed them to Chief Zhang. He carefully examined their IDs and found them genuine. "It's fine for you to come here to clear land and produce, but you need to go through the proper procedures so we can manage it!" "We're only here temporarily. Once conditions are ready, we'll handle the formalities then, okay?" "Alright! When you officially move in, you must follow the rules to complete the relocation. For now, while staying on the island, be careful with fire and don't cut down trees recklessly!" "Okay! Okay!" The couple replied in unison. For safety, Chief Zhang went into the hut to inspect. The furnishings were very simple—plastic sheeting on the floor, a towel blanket on top, another floral blanket, a small radio by the pillow, a stone-built stove with two pots, and an iron bucket holding bowls and chopsticks. Based on these household and cooking items, Chief Zhang concluded that they hadn't been there for long and wouldn't stay on the island for long. He reminded them to be careful and left.
People who live around Xingdao Lake still felt a bit mysterious about these two outsiders, as they rarely interacted with others. Although the two had dug some land and planted a little vegetables on the island, they rarely went out and spent most of their time hiding in the hut. Someone else reported this situation to Chief Zhang. Chief Zhang also found it strange and decided to visit the island again to find out.
"Hey, what are you really doing here? If you don't tell the truth, I'll take you to the police station to sort it out." Chief Zhang, a straightforward person, said directly. The two young people lowered their heads and didn't say a word. "Speak up!" Chief Zhang said sternly, "We're here on official business!" "We'll tell you, but we hope you won't kick us out or call our families! Okay?" The man spoke up bravely. "Alright, as long as it's not illegal and doesn't affect public order, we'll keep it confidential!" Chief Zhang and the two police officers held their breath, staring at the young man's face as he recounted their story: "We were classmates in high school. After failing the college entrance exam two years ago, we went back to farming. Later, we were both hired as substitute teachers. She's very good at singing and teaches music, while I teach Chinese. We had feelings for each other in high school, and after working at the same school, it was truly a match made in heaven. We taught diligently—classes during the day, preparing lessons and grading homework together at night. The living conditions in rural schools were poor, but neither of us cared. We thought as long as we were together, living in a thatched hut or sleeping on the floor, it would be fine. We saved and lived frugally for a year, planning to get married once we had some money saved."