He Xianghua refused outright. "Since you're from the neighboring brigade, I'll have your captain come and collect you."
"Captain He, I'm an orphan, all alone in this world. I just got out of the joint last year. If I go back in, my life is over. I'm begging you, please let me off just this once."
As he spoke, Zou Zhonggui turned to Lin Lan and Yang Liying. "Ladies, I beg you, I promise I'll never come back. I swear on my life—if I ever come back, may I, Zou Zhonggui, die without any heirs!"
Everyone present knew the real reason he was there cutting grass, but nobody wanted to blow the matter up.
Seeing him swear such a heavy oath, He Xianghua decided he didn't want to make a mortal enemy out of someone like this. He shot a meaningful look at Yang Meihua.
Yang Meihua pulled Lin Lan aside. "Lin Lan, there's an old saying: 'Always leave yourself an out.' It means you shouldn't burn your bridges. Of course, it's not like we'd ever want to see someone like him again.
