As the two were selecting vegetables, several enthusiastic voices suddenly called out from ahead.
"Xiao Yun, you're out buying groceries too."
"Come, come, Xiao Yun, try my newly picked greenhouse melons today. No charge!"
"Hey, come try my freeze-dried food!"
Li Zhonglou looked up and saw a young man, no older than twenty-five or twenty-six, surrounded by vendors at another entrance. The vendors' enthusiasm was such that it was no exaggeration to say they treated him like a major celebrity.
"Uncle Qiu, who is this? Why does he seem so popular?"
Uncle Qiu Wan smiled and said, "Young man, he's the grandson of the person you're looking for. His name is Du Yun. He's a great person. He helped us, people from farming backgrounds, escape poverty. Don't mention them; if I were a vegetable seller, I'd be flocking to him too."
Though he said this, Uncle Qiu Wan still walked forward and enthusiastically pulled the young man, wanting him to return for a meal. The latter, perhaps unable to withstand the crowd's fervor, left without buying much, as if escaping. Before leaving, his arms were already full of various produce.
When Uncle Qiu Wan returned, Li Zhonglou couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Qiu, didn't you say his grandfather didn't have a single friend here? How could he..."
Uncle Qiu Wan chuckled, "Grandfather is grandfather, but little Du is different from his grandfather."
Li Zhonglou nodded impassively. It seemed Zhou Tong's investigation was accurate. Based on what he had just witnessed, it wasn't surprising that the elder Du would listen to his grandson. However, he wasn't in a hurry to act. This Wushan Town was more complex than he had anticipated, and he needed to investigate further before making a move. If nothing else, according to Uncle Qiu Wan, the people sent by the general bureau were also here. Li Zhonglou had to find out their reasons. Who knew if they were waiting for a big fish to bite?
Following Uncle Qiu Wan, Li Zhonglou, having finished his grocery shopping, soon arrived at a small stone house. The area was only about fifty square meters, a single-story stone house with a simple interior, containing only a hall and one room. However, outside the stone house, there were nearly a hundred square meters that belonged to Uncle Qiu Wan, with the toilet and kitchen located outside, making the overall space not feel cramped.
As Uncle Qiu Wan had said, his wife was the only other person at home. Like Uncle Qiu Wan, she was an ordinary woman who looked honest and had the same simple smile. She was also very enthusiastic towards Li Zhonglou, treating him as if he were their own son. As soon as he entered, she pulled him to sit down for tea and offered peanuts.
"Shall I help out too? I bought quite a bit of food just now."
The groceries were his, including chicken and fish. As he stood up, the aunt pushed him back down. "I heard from Lao Wan that you spent the money. Letting you work now would be disrespectful to us."
At this point, the aunt hesitated before addressing Li Zhonglou, her gaze drifting towards Uncle Qiu Wan, who had just returned and was busy preparing things. He blinked, surprised by her look.
"Uh, young man, I don't think I even know your name?"
Li Zhonglou smiled, "My name is Li Zhonglou. You can call me Zhonglou, or Xiao Li."
The couple were at least ten years older than him, so calling him Xiao Li felt more intimate. Both accepted this name. "Xiao Li, you just sit here for a bit. We'll be done soon, and it won't take up too much of your time."
Li Zhonglou waved his hands repeatedly, "Please don't say that. I'm not in a hurry. Take your time."
"How about this, Xiao Li, why don't you go for a walk outside? It should take about half an hour?"
Seeing Li Zhonglou sitting there bored, they offered this suggestion, which he didn't refuse. He also wanted to take this opportunity to survey Wushan Town. He had noticed earlier, while on the mountainside, that the roads in Wushan Town were laid out in a grid pattern, with many houses built on rocky slopes. Uncle Qiu Wan's home, for instance, was on a hilltop, and the street leading down sloped downwards, with residential buildings on both sides. The street wasn't very wide, only about three meters across, making it difficult for cars to navigate. However, when he reached another street at the end of the road, the view widened, and more people and vehicles appeared. But there was still something different; cars were rare here, with most people using electric scooters and motorcycles.
Li Zhonglou pondered and decided to first inquire about Du Tian. Most of the people were locals, and the shopkeepers were very friendly. From them, Li Zhonglou heard slightly different accounts of Du Tian. Compared to ordinary residents, shopkeepers were particularly welcoming to Du Tian. Wherever he went to buy things, he was never stingy! He would often buy hundreds or even thousands worth of goods. This was true even when buying groceries; while others bought food for a few days, he would buy enough for several weeks, and he visited at least once a week. Li Zhonglou heard this from a rice shop owner, who then appeared nervous.
"Can he even finish all the rice he buys?"
The owner suddenly became jittery and whispered, "I heard from others that this Old Du keeps some deity at home and listens to many things daily, like the mythical beast Taotie."
Li Zhonglou narrowed his eyes, but when he tried to inquire further, the owner said he knew nothing more. Li Zhonglou had just learned that this was not a secret locally, and many people would tease Du Tian when he went out to shop.
"So, about when does he usually come out to buy things?"
The owner thought for a moment and said, "Old Man Du seemed to have come out the day before yesterday. According to his habits, he'll probably be here next week."
It was only Tuesday now, and if it was next week, it would be at least five days. Li Zhonglou shook his head; it seemed he would have to visit Du Tian's home. Having made up his mind, Li Zhonglou timed his return to Uncle Qiu Wan's house. However, just as he reached the entrance, he heard Uncle Qiu Wan's wails from inside. The sound came from the backyard. Li Zhonglou's expression immediately changed, and he hurried around. He saw several young men in an open space pulling a large parcel, with Uncle Qiu Wan dragging the other end. Aunt Qiu was weakly trying to stop them. As Li Zhonglou saw the scene, Aunt Qiu was pushed to the ground by a young man.
"This is our lifeline! You can't take it!" Uncle Qiu Wan was still wailing, while two other young men were cursing and raising their hands.
"Stop!" Li Zhonglou finally shouted, and the actions of the group froze.
"Who are you?" As Li Zhonglou approached with a grim expression, the young man pulling the parcel looked at him with confusion. Li Zhonglou ignored him and walked directly to Uncle Qiu Wan's side.