“There’s nothing major, but of course there’s always some minor stuff. The security office guys can handle your average petty thugs, but when it comes to real troublemakers, especially those from Guangjiaozi, they just can’t deal with them. It’s been like this for two or three years—how could the township not have complaints?” George Hughes didn’t hide anything.

“George, are you saying there are some tough characters in Daguan Kou and Tuling?” David Carter put on a look of disbelief.

“Heh, Brother Carter, you came from the criminal police, so of course you’re not afraid of anyone. But these guys are all local born and bred. As the saying goes, even a strong dragon can’t suppress a local snake. You can’t find these guys most of the time, but when something big happens, they pop up out of nowhere.” George Hughes seemed to realize he was saying a bit too much and started to hold back.

Looks like both Daguan Kou and Tuling townships have their share of trouble. No wonder Frank Quinn values me so much—seems like he wants to test me. David Carter pondered how to steer the conversation. Judging by George Hughes, he seemed like a straightforward guy. If he probed a bit and built some rapport, he might learn more.

He tossed over another Ashima cigarette. David Carter felt a twinge of pain—each cigarette was nearly three jiao, and there were only a few left in the pack.

“George, Director Quinn has already decided to station me at Daguan Kou and Tuling. You and Kevin Thompson will be running these two townships with me. You know the work in these two places hasn’t really gotten off the ground these past couple of years. The township government has complaints and often grumbles to the district committee. Director Quinn is under pressure too. How do we get things moving? I’m new here and don’t know a thing, so I’ll be counting on you and Kevin Thompson to help me out.”

“Don’t worry, Brother Carter. As long as you’re tough enough, I, Hu, have nothing to say. Over at Daguan Kou, I can still put in a word or two.” George Hughes tucked the cigarette behind his ear, reluctant to smoke it, and promised earnestly.

“Good, that’s what I like to hear. So tell me, what kind of trouble is there at Daguan Kou?” David Carter pressed.

“Sigh, Brother Carter, it’s hard to explain in a few words. It’s better if we go together a few times—you’ll see for yourself.” George Hughes stood up and shook his head. “Oh right, let’s call Kevin Thompson on Monday morning. The three of us can go together. Anyway, from now on, both Kevin Thompson and I will be following your lead, Brother Carter.”

Watching George Hughes’s figure disappear at the doorway, David Carter sat in the rattan chair, mulling things over. These guys seemed slippery, with a hint of waiting to see a joke.

Daguan Kou Township was the southernmost township in Jiangkou County. Further south was the border with Pingchuan County. It was also the second largest township in Jiangmiao District, second only to Jiangmiao Town, with a population of over twenty thousand and a market town. On the 2nd, 5th, and 8th of every month, there was a market fair, and it was said to be packed with people, almost as lively as the market in Jiangmiao Street.

Borrowing Gregory Hughes’s bicycle, David Carter hopped on and headed straight for the textile factory. The heavy-duty Phoenix 28-inch bicycle spun like a windmill under David Carter’s feet, the whistling wind bringing him endless joy.

Five or six li were left behind in just a few minutes. As he pedaled up Mashaliangzi, a large cluster of buildings came into view, the most prominent being two big water towers, one to the south and one to the north, standing on the highest ground. These were the landmark buildings of the textile factory’s two large residential areas. But in David Carter’s eyes now, they seemed more weathered and less imposing than they had in his middle school days.

Beneath the water towers was a sprawling area of buildings of varying heights. Compared to Jiangmiao Town, the textile factory’s complex was clearly a cut above.

As soon as he entered the factory grounds, David Carter could feel an atmosphere completely different from Jiangmiao Town. If Jiangmiao Town felt to David Carter like a wild country girl with a rustic charm, then the textile factory’s residential area was more like a shy, refined young lady—softer, but less wild.

The textile factory had always been a classic case of female dominance. David Carter squinted as he scanned the passing crowd. It was the peak time for the day shift to get off work, and a flood of female workers hurried out the factory gates back to their dorms, then grabbed their laundry and headed to the public bathhouse. The main road dividing the production and residential areas was packed with people.

The market was also seeing its last rush of the day, and the aroma from the marinated and cold dish stalls made David Carter realize his stomach was feeling a bit empty.

For the past half year, David Carter had been so busy in the criminal police squad that his head was spinning, barely having time to go home. In nearly a year, he’d only managed to visit home four or five times, always in the evening, and had to catch the first bus back to the county seat at dawn the next day. He hadn’t even kept in touch with his classmates. Now, it seemed he finally had some time to relax.

Chapter Six: Family Matters

Skillfully weaving through the crowd on his bike, David Carter savored the faint fragrance carried by the people around him.

It was a special scent—a mix of soap, shampoo, and body odor from countless women. Only in a place like the textile factory, filled with young, unmarried women, could you experience this unique sensation. David Carter could feel the gazes of many women—surprised, curious, and above all, intrigued.