Chapter One: Jiang Jingzhu

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April, 1967. Huining Engineering School.

Thud! That was the sound of a head hitting the ground.

“Stop hitting! Someone’s been knocked down!”

“Jiang Jingzhu isn’t moving!”

“Ah! Blood! Jiang Jingzhu’s head is bleeding! Murder! Someone’s going to die!!”

“Everyone scatter! Rescue the injured!”

The cacophony of shrill screams and chaotic shouting faded into a single, deep, commanding voice—that was the last sound Jiang Jingzhu heard as she was dragged into a storm of unconsciousness, her mind plunging into darkness.

...

“It’s been seven days now, Zhu, why haven’t you woken up? Open your eyes and look at your mother. If I’d known this would happen, I would never have let you go to that university!”

“These damned little fiends, what are they doing, stirring up trouble? The country feeds and clothes them, gives them such good conditions. Instead of studying and making the most of it, they had to hurt our Zhu like this. I wish I could bite them to death!” Through stifled, low sobs, Tong Shufen’s voice was fierce and trembling, like a mother wolf’s low howl.

What mother could bear to see her healthy child now lying unconscious on a hospital bed, life hanging by a thread? It was unthinkable!

And Zhu was the youngest, the family’s precious little one, cherished and adored by all. She was always obedient and clever, never once had anyone in the family so much as raised a finger to her. Now, with her so gravely injured, at risk of becoming a living ghost or worse, how could anyone in the family accept it?

“I’m going to deal with those bastards...” On the other side, Jiang Jingping’s fists were clenched so tight the veins stood out. Day after day, his dearest little sister still hadn’t woken up. The last thread of his reason snapped, his eyes bloodshot as he ground his teeth, ready to rush out and rip those culprits apart with his bare hands.

He and his little sister were closest, having spent the most time together growing up. The elder siblings were older—his elder sister had started working early and was now married and settled in the city, his elder brother had left home at sixteen to join the army. Only he and his little sister had stayed at home together, even attending school as a pair.

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“Second, shut up! If you want Zhu never to rest in peace, if you want to bring down the whole family, then by all means, go. You think I don’t want to?” Jiang Jingnan grabbed her younger brother, holding him back. Taking revenge on those who hurt Zhu might feel good for a moment, but then what? Should the whole family pay with their lives for it?

Working outside, she saw more of what was going on than the others in the family. The world outside was in chaos.

“How could such a good child end up like this?” Jiang Jingnan pressed her hand to her mouth, trying to suppress the sobs threatening to break free. When her little sister was born, their parents were busy with work and she was already nine, old enough to help. She and her brother had practically raised the little one. She still couldn’t accept that her sister might never wake again.

They hadn’t even dared tell Jing’an, who was stationed with the army.

Jiang Baoshan’s eyes were bloodshot, suppressing his grief and worry. He glared at his impulsive third child and gently placed a hand on Tong Shufen’s shoulder, signaling her to be careful with her words. At a time like this, nothing could be said lightly—some thoughts had to be swallowed whole, never uttered. They needed to keep themselves whole in order to care for Zhu; another misstep could not be afforded.

Thankfully, their family came from oppressed, poor origins and had fought in the resistance. They were considered “red” and “upright,” so long as they kept their heads down and stayed out of trouble, the storm would likely pass them by.

“Except for Jing’an, since you’re all here, let’s have a family meeting. Jingnan, you’ve been working for years and have your own family. Jingping, you’re doing well at the Agricultural Machinery Factory. Jing’an is in the army, serving the country. Even without your mother and me, you’ll all be fine—we’re at ease.

From now on, your mother and I won’t be able to care for you all; let us be selfish this once. No matter what, your mother and I will never give up on Zhu. From now on, our focus will be on her. We haven’t finished raising her—we owe her that much...”

His youngest daughter was only eighteen, in the bloom of youth. She had always been smart and diligent, following her brother into school as soon as she could walk steadily. Everything her brother struggled with, she mastered easily, and even taught him in turn. She was so well-behaved they never had to worry about her. At fourteen or fifteen, she’d already gotten into the best university in the country—his greatest pride!

Back then, the news had caused a sensation in the regiment, county, and city. Old friends and colleagues were filled with envy; many wished his daughter were their own.

Not only was she a top student herself, she’d spurred her brother—who never liked studying—on to finish high school and get a job at the Agricultural Machinery Factory. Who wouldn’t envy a family with four children, all with bright futures, never needing their father to pull strings? For all his pride, his pain was just as great.

Now, they would devote all their care to their youngest.

The brain is the most delicate organ. The doctor said she might have struck a critical spot, but there was no way to determine the extent of the injury. All they could do was stop the external bleeding. If she didn’t wake in three days, the chances were high she never would.

Today was the seventh day. These days, he and his wife had suffered, their hope fading to near despair. Yet, he thought, perhaps if the country advanced, if better medical treatment became available, Zhu might one day wake up. As long as she had a heartbeat and breath, not one of them would consider letting her go.

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His youngest daughter was a pure victim of circumstance—she was only trying to protect her teacher, upholding respect for her elders, and this was the tragedy that befell her! He didn’t know if he should regret teaching her to be so kind and innocent, or if he should be proud of her character. Perhaps the times had simply left them behind—they could no longer understand the world.

Five days ago, when the regiment called with news of his daughter’s accident, he and his wife nearly fainted on the spot. But with her fate unknown, they dared not linger on their grief; they took leave immediately and rushed to her side.

“Dad, what are you saying? Are you saying the three of us are heartless, only thinking of ourselves? Who could give up on Zhu? She still has a heartbeat and breath—she can even swallow broth. She’s just tired and sleeping!” Jiang Jingnan protested, angry at the suggestion their parents should bear this alone. How could they be so underestimated?

“I won’t marry. I’ll take care of Zhu!” Jiang Jingping crouched by the bedside, resting his cheek against his sister’s still-warm hand. Zhu was fine, he told himself.

Such a small girl, always buried in thick tomes since she was little—she must just be exhausted, stealing a little rest. Once she’d slept enough, she’d definitely wake up!

Tears streamed uncontrollably from his eyes, falling onto the hand pressed to his face.

Beneath the vast, boundless night sky, as countless stars shimmered overhead, a faint consciousness began to awaken. Who was she? Where was this? As the thought flickered, a beam of starlight, soft as moonlight, gently enveloped her mind.

Oh, she was Jiang Jingzhu!

An orphan by birth, fiercely self-reliant, she’d been admitted as a doctoral student at National Defense University. What a pity—she hadn’t even graduated and served her country before her life ended!

Wait, she was born in ’49, the same age as the new republic. She had a father, mother, eldest sister, eldest brother, and younger brother who loved her dearly.

Yes, she was a lucky girl, born in the new country, growing up in the new society; though life was hard, it was sweet.

Her only trouble was that both her elder and younger brothers thought “second fool” and “blockhead” were terrible nicknames—neither wanted to be called “Second Brother.” For the sake of family harmony, this little girl truly had a big headache!