Close up, Lin Yi discovered that Ma Biao not only appeared somewhat dull, but even his speech seemed lacking in logic like ordinary people.
According to Lin Yi’s analysis, it might be the result of living alone for many years, but fortunately, it didn’t affect communication.
“There’s nothing major, just came by for a look.”
Lin Yi said with a smile:
“Have you lived here alone all these years?”
“Hmm.”
Ma Biao didn’t say much, just nodded and didn’t give any extra response.
“Your family has land and raises three cows. The living conditions should be good. Why not get yourself some finer clothes?”
Lin Yi was not in a hurry to get to the point, planning to chat casually with Ma Biao first.
“It doesn’t matter what you wear. As you get older, you don’t mind so much.”
“That’s true.” Lin Yi nodded with a smile and said:
“Why haven’t you thought about finding a companion? Living alone can be lonely.”
“I used to have one, but she ran off with someone else.”
“So you became disheartened and gave up on that idea?”
“Hmm.” Ma Biao said:
“Do you guys have other matters? I need to start working.”
“No problem, what chores do you have at home? We can help you.”
“It’s all rural stuff, you city people can’t handle it, just stay aside.”
Ma Biao stood up, picked up a nearby shovel, and seemed unwilling to continue chatting with Lin Yi.
But he didn’t show any intention of sending them away, just minding his work as if treating the three of them like air.
“I always feel he’s a bit abnormal, not sure if it’s just my illusion.” Xiao Bing said.
“Being confined inside for ten years greatly impacts a person, perhaps since then, his mind hasn’t been normal.” Lin Yi said:
“Did you find out any specific information? Did he return directly here after coming out?”
“I don’t think so.” Xiao Bing said:
“I heard he behaved well inside. Though his sentence wasn’t reduced, the guards saw him as docile and pitiable, afraid he couldn’t fend for himself outside, so they found him a security job. But it seems he was fired within three months.”
“What was the reason?”
“They said he stole something.” Xiao Bing said: “But the specifics are unclear.”
“If released for three years and couldn’t resist relapse, it’s possible, but stealing just three months after release isn’t logical.” Luo Qi said.
“Indeed.” Lin Yi said:
“After spending ten years inside, he’d be worn down; wherever he goes, he’d likely be bullied, maybe someone set him up.”
“That’s society, kind people get bullied, good horses get ridden.” Xiao Bing tidied her hair, sighed, “People like him have been left behind by this era.”
“Alas…” Lin Yi sighed, unsure of what to say, so he changed the topic:
“Did he return to the village after quitting?”
“This is his hometown. It seems nobody knows he served time. According to the data, he’s been living in the village all these years.”
“If I hadn’t checked his data, it would really be hard to associate someone like him with a tomb robber.” Luo Qi said.
“Ten years of repressive life is enough to change a person’s temperament; it’s the price he has to pay.”
Luo Qi nodded, agreeing with Lin Yi’s opinion.
“Lin Bro, what do we do now? Just keep waiting for him?”
“Yes, this can’t be rushed, take it slow.”
After a while, Lin Yi checked his watch, noticing Ma Biao didn’t seem to be stopping, then instructed Xiao Bing:
“Drive to town, buy some snacks to go with drinks, and buy good liquor and cigarettes, also get some good tea.”
“Got it.”
Tasked by Lin Yi, Xiao Bing drove off.
Lin Yi and Luo Qi stayed there, watching Ma Biao work.
Trying to find some clues in his every move.
About an hour later, Ma Biao finished cleaning the cowshed.
Then worked in the vegetable garden for over half an hour, finally ending his tasks.
By then, Xiao Bing had returned with the purchases.
“Brother Ma, I bought some snacks for drinks, let’s have a bite.”
“I, I don’t drink.”