The Space-Time Boss: 1970s Revolution

Chapter 5

"What happened to your uncle? Just tell me!"

Fu Weibao, still crouching, didn't move.

"Xiaoxiao called from Uncle's house and said that Uncle and Aunt had an accident a while back," he explained, gripping his father's hand tightly when he saw his father's eyes reddening. "Now, Xiaoxiao is the only one left in Shanghai. Shouldn't we send someone to bring her back?"

"That poor girl must be terrified," he continued softly, watching his father's face. "Dad, she's just a teenage girl. If we delay any longer, what if something happens to her?"

With eyes reddened and voice choked, Old Master Fu struggled to hold back tears. "I'll go with Third Brother. We'll leave right away," he said resolutely.

He was going to bring his brother... back home!

Fu Weibao helped his frail father up. "Dad, you shouldn't go. I'll go with Third Brother. We'll bring Uncle and Aunt back. You're not young anymore, and if anything happens on the way, what will we do?"

He helped his father back into the house and poured him a glass of water. "Don't worry, I'll bring them back for you. If you don't trust me, you can trust Third Brother, right? You know he handles things well."

Old Master Fu knew his own health and understood that he wasn't fit to travel long distances; insisting on going would only cause more trouble.

He waved his son off. "Go on, and take care of Xiaoxiao," he said, his voice choked. "Make sure to bring her back safely. People in the city can be cunning. Don't let her get tricked."

After saying this, he shut the door, pushing his son out.

Hearing the muffled sobs from inside, Fu Weibao felt a pang of sadness in his heart but knew he had more important matters to attend to.

With that thought, he left the house and saw his youngest son playing with a group of children. "Fu Kai, come here. Go and call your mother home."

After his son ran off, he went to the village office to call Third Brother back:

"It's me. Yes, I'll come to find you soon. Get two tickets. Yes, let's talk in person."

After hanging up, he turned to the village secretary, who had been watching him. "Uncle Qi, I need to take a few days off."

Secretary Qi patted his shoulder. "Xiaobo, if there's anything going on at home, just let us know. The village can manage without you for a few days. Don't worry."

As he spoke, he took out a treasured cigarette and handed it to Fu Weibao.

"Uncle, something happened to my Uncle. I need to go to Shanghai. Please look after my father for a few days with your brothers."

Upon hearing this, Secretary Qi's hand trembled, causing the cigarette to drop. "Your Uncle? Brother Qinshan...?"

Fu Weibao picked up the cigarette and handed it back to him, then hurried out.

Secretary Qi lit the cigarette with shaking hands, holding back his coughs as he took several deep drags.

"Brother Qinshan, he was such a good man. How could he go so soon? I still haven't repaid him for the steamed buns he gave me when we were kids."

"Ah..."

The smoke-filled room blurred his face, hidden in the shadows.

A series of choked sighs echoed in the room.

From afar, Fu Weibao saw his wife, Li Xiufen, and quickly approached to explain the situation. "Wife, I need to go to Shanghai. Please take care of things at home for the next few days. Keep an eye on Dad, okay? I'll go to the school to ask for leave for our eldest son so he can come home to help you."