Chapter 22

The prison was very cold and damp.

The chill seeped into the bones along with the dampness.

My mother took off her outer garment and wrapped my feet, and I tucked her feet in as well.

We sat facing each other.

“Comrade Chen Shimo, we’ve been caught,” I said, my voice trembling from the cold.

My mother scooted closer to me. “Jin’er, don’t be afraid.”

“Hey, Comrade, who do you think you’re underestimating?” I grumbled a couple of lines.

“Jin’er, I have my own arrangements. I will make sure you’re safe. If someone comes to rescue you, go with them right away. Don’t worry about me,” my mother whispered in my ear.

As soon as I heard this, I became anxious. “Comrade Chen Shimo! What are you saying! Are you asking me to betray the Revolution!”

“No! Absolutely not! If we go, we go together!”

My mother pressed me down and then held me tightly in her arms.

“I’m your Comrade, but I’m also your mother! I won’t let anything happen to you, listen to me,” my mother’s almond-shaped eyes were red, like a little rabbit protecting her young.

“Mother.” I buried myself in her arms, doing my best to hold back my sobs.

Her hand gently patted my back, just as she used to do when I couldn’t sleep as a child.

“In my past life, I died to protect my home and country. In this life, I’m still fighting for my ideals. I don’t regret it, truly.”

“But Jin’er, you are more capable than I am. You have to get out.”

I opened my mouth to protest.

My mother put on a stern face and imitated my usual tone, “Comrade Cheng Jin, the Organization is ordering you now. You must obey orders and follow command!”

Tears were already streaming down my face.

“Yes.”