allendalepharm Chapter 345 Walking on Thin Ice
Chapter 345 Walking on Thin Ice
However, Li Youquan did not let down his guard because he knew very well that in such an environment full of unknowns, any small negligence could lead to disastrous consequences.
Therefore, he always remained highly alert and paid close attention to everything happening around him.
The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the treetops and shone on everyone's face, they woke up from their sleep one after another.
After a simple wash, everyone sat together to enjoy breakfast, some dry food and water that they brought with them.
Although simple, it is particularly precious in this wilderness.
After breakfast, they set out again, heading towards their target mountains.
Because they took turns to keep watch, everyone's mental state was very good, and they walked with vigor and energy.
They encouraged and supported each other and moved forward with difficulty on the rugged mountain road.
However, as they gradually went deeper into the mountains and forests, the road ahead became increasingly difficult to travel.
The originally fairly flat path gradually disappeared, replaced by rugged rocks and dense bushes.
Sometimes they even need to use their hands and feet to climb over.
Despite numerous difficulties, they did not give up, but moved towards their goal more firmly.
While they were hurrying on their way, undercurrents were surging in the courtyard and the atmosphere was extremely tense.
Because he stood up to defend Xu Damao, Yi Zhonghai was unfortunately severely punished by the steel mill.
He tried to keep a low profile these days and reduce his presence to avoid more attention and discussion, but the development of the situation far exceeded his expectations.
The incident spread like wildfire, and eventually inevitably reached the ears of everyone in the courtyard.
When the residents in the courtyard learned the news, the expressions of those who had followed Yi Zhonghai to discuss the matter suddenly became complicated.
Some of them were shocked, some regretful, and more were in disbelief.
No one could have imagined that just a few careless words would lead to such serious consequences and cause Yi Zhonghai to suffer such a heavy blow.
"This... How is this possible? I just said a few words casually, how could it end up like this?"
An auntie spoke in a trembling voice, her face looking solemn and frightened.
She knew very well that she and Yi Zhonghai had the most intense discussion on this matter, and at this moment she couldn't help but start to worry about her own situation.
She thought to herself, Yi Zhonghai has suffered such misfortune, how could I remain unscathed?
The people around were also looking at each other, conveying uneasiness and anxiety to each other.
None of them had expected things to develop to this point, and for a moment no one could answer the aunt's question.
Just as everyone was immersed in panic and anxiety, Yi Zhonghai appeared at the door of the courtyard.
He looked dejected, as if he was carrying a heavy burden.
In the past few days, he has been ridiculed and looked down upon countless times because of the punishment.
The rumors in the factory made it impossible for him to defend himself. People equated him with an enemy spy and kept their distance from him.
Even those who were originally close to him chose to stay away from him at this moment.
This sudden indifference and alienation made Yi Zhonghai feel lonely and helpless.
He knew very well that he had become the target of public criticism and lived every day like walking on thin ice.
And the moment he stepped into the courtyard and saw those people sitting by and looking at him anxiously, an indescribable bitterness and helplessness surged in his heart.
He understood that he had become the center of this storm, and he could only endure it all silently.
"Old Yi..."
The aunt finally couldn't suppress her inner fear and anxiety. She stood up suddenly and grabbed Yi Zhonghai's arm.
"We have been neighbors for many years. I have never done anything harmful to others. You have to tell me the truth. Will those things in the past involve us?"
There was a hint of trembling and despair in her voice, as if she was seeking the final comfort and shelter.
Because she was too nervous, she didn't pay attention to the strength of her hands, nor did she catch the painful expression that flashed across Yi Zhonghai's face.
At that moment, she was immersed in her own thoughts and became numb to everything around her.
Yi Zhonghai was already upset by this incident, and his heart seemed to be shrouded in dark clouds. How could he have the mood to pay attention to other people's words and entanglements?
He gently, almost imperceptibly, shook off the aunt's hand that was tightly grasping his arm, and a hint of obvious impatience and fatigue appeared in his eyes.
"How can I know the reason behind this?"
There was a hint of helplessness and indifference in Yi Zhonghai's words, as if he was telling everyone that he was unwilling to be involved in this endless dispute again.
After saying this, he turned around without hesitation and stepped into his own hut which was a little shabby but could give him a moment of peace, isolating those who wanted to continue asking questions, as well as their hesitant and complex expressions, outside the door.
Originally, there was a sense of sympathy among the people.
However, Yi Zhonghai's move was like throwing a stone into a calm lake, causing ripples, and feelings of dissatisfaction and indignation quickly spread among the crowd.
"What on earth does he mean by this? We all discussed this together, so why is he blaming us in the end?"
Some people's tone was filled with confusion and anger.
More importantly, this matter can be said to be all Yi Zhonghai's fault, and they should not be blamed in any way.
"That's right. It's really incomprehensible. No wonder he was punished by the steel mill. He asked for it."
Another person echoed, his words full of accusations and disdain for Yi Zhonghai.
What's worse, they began to threaten to retaliate, as if they wanted to vent all their dissatisfaction and resentment on Yi Zhonghai.
"If we are really implicated by him, I will never let him go. I will make him feel the pain of revenge!"
These words from the crowd were like sharp blades, cutting into Yi Zhonghai's heart one by one.
Even though he had closed the door and tried to isolate himself from it all, the harsh sounds still penetrated the crack in the door and reached his ears.
His face became even paler, and his eyes lost their former luster. He felt as if his life had lost all hope and meaning in an instant.
After this incident happened, he went through countless struggles and hesitations in his heart.
He had considered looking for Li Youquan, hoping to find a glimmer of hope.