Zhao Qiang gulped down the wine in his glass and said, "Alright, it's getting late now, and it takes over two hours to get to the town. By the time we get there, everyone will have left work. Let's go tomorrow; I'll make sure you see the accounts."

Song Xiaodong nodded and said, "Fine, we'll check them tomorrow; it'll be better for me to go back sooner."

"Right, right, let's just drink today. Come on, Brother Song, Teacher Shen, Teacher Wang, let's toast." Zhao Qiang clinked glasses with everyone and drained his drink, though a fierce gleam flashed in his eyes when he raised his hand.

After dinner, Zhao Qiang and Zhao Changqing escorted Song Xiaodong and the others back to the village committee.

Song Xiaodong said, "Village Chief Zhao, Principal Zhao, you can go about your business; we'll just take a stroll ourselves later."

Zhao Qiang said, "Just a reminder, you three shouldn't wander around. Not only are there wolves in these mountains, but also bears. We see them from time to time; they're dangerous, so if you encounter them, it could be perilous. Don't go out after dark."

Shen Yue jumped in shock, exclaiming, "There are wolves and bears?"

Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, there are quite a few. This year, someone was bitten by a bear. If they hadn't played dead, they would've been eaten, but they still lost an arm."

Shen Yue's mouth twitched slightly, instinctively clutching Song Xiaodong's arm.

Song Xiaodong said at this moment, "Don't worry, we won't wander around; we'll stay at the village committee."

"Yes, try not to go out. If anything happens, you can call me, and I'll come over."

After a few more words, Zhao Qiang was about to leave. Zhao Changqing seemed to have more to say to Song Xiaodong and the others, but Zhao Qiang wrapped his arm around Zhao Changqing's neck and said, "Principal Zhao, let's go; I haven't drunk enough yet, come and have a drink with me." He forcibly dragged Zhao Changqing away.

Upstairs, Wang Yan sensibly went back to her room and didn't come out again, and Song Xiaodong followed Shen Yue into her room.

Shen Yue sat on the bed angrily and said, "Big Brother Song, there's definitely something wrong with Zhao Qiang. He's deliberately stalling time, probably going back to town now to mess with something."

Song Xiaodong smiled slightly and said, "That's for sure, but they probably didn't expect us to want to see the accounts. We definitely won't see them tomorrow either; they can say the accountant went to the countryside or on a business trip—various reasons to stop us from seeing the accounts."

"What should we do?" Shen Yue's face suddenly turned ugly.

Song Xiaodong shrugged his shoulders and said, "Dealing with people like them is really troublesome. They're remote, have little awareness of the law, and are especially bold."

"But that million was invested by you, Big Brother Song; it was for building a primary school, not for them to embezzle. They're truly despicable, even stealing money meant for children."

Song Xiaodong sighed and said, "People like them wouldn't think about it at all. They'd line their pockets wherever they go; seeing such a large sum of money, how could they not make a move?"

Shen Yue said angrily, "We absolutely can't let them embezzle this money. Big Brother Song, you must get the money back; don't let these people get away with it."

Song Xiaodong nodded and said, "Naturally, I'll definitely settle this matter before going back. Our basic education must not be ruined by these people."

Having received Song Xiaodong's assurance, Shen Yue felt better, but her expression turned somewhat awkward as she said, "Big Brother Song, sit down; I'm going out for a bit."

Song Xiaodong knew Shen Yue was definitely going to freshen up, so he nodded and deliberately went to the window to let her get her things.

After a while, Shen Yue came upstairs. Song Xiaodong smiled and said, "Conditions here are quite harsh, aren't they?"

"It's okay," Shen Yue said, her face looking somewhat uncomfortable. She had never used an outdoor toilet before in her life, so her first time doing so surely felt particularly unpleasant.

Song Xiaodong said, "I noticed for bathing here, you can only fetch water for a wash; there's no bathhouse."

"There's no choice; we just have to overcome it. I was mentally prepared for this," Shen Yue replied, quite calmly.

It gets dark early in the mountains, and the sky was already dim. Shen Yue turned on the light and looked at Song Xiaodong, suddenly saying, "Big Brother Song, it seems they didn't arrange a place for you to stay."

Song Xiaodong said, "Yes, they didn't arrange for me."

"Then... where will you stay?" Shen Yue's voice suddenly grew smaller, and her gaze avoided Song Xiaodong.

Song Xiaodong said, "I'll stay in Wang Yan's room; I'll let Wang Yan squeeze in with you later."

"Oh..." Shen Yue lowered her head without saying anything.

"What's wrong?" Song Xiaodong asked.

Suddenly, Shen Yue raised her head and grabbed Song Xiaodong's hand tightly, biting her lip, softly saying, "Big Brother Song, you... you... you can stay here with me tonight."

"This..." How can that be more obvious? Song Xiaodong couldn't fail to catch the meaning in Shen Yue's words. He wanted to refuse, but seeing Shen Yue's hopeful and flustered look, he knew that a rejection would hurt Shen Yue's heart.

If he agreed, what would it mean for him and Shen Yue? He truly couldn't be together with Shen Yue.

Not receiving a response from Song Xiaodong, Shen Yue's face quickly turned sorrowful, stammering, "Big Brother Song... you're... you're not agreeing?"

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