Xiao Hua screamed and screamed from the beating until she was knocked unconscious. Guo Kailang felt no remorse; he poured a bucket of cold water over her to bring her back to the senses.
With teeth gritted in anger, he said, "Xiao Hua, mark my words. If you don't want to apologize, fine, but no one will enjoy peace. If you don't want a divorce, neither do I. I'll beat you eight times a day, and if you can take it, keep defying me. I'll commend your grit."
After chastising Xiao Hua, he yelled at the children, "Go back to bed. What are you staring at? Sleep!"
He then went to bed himself. Guo Kailang was a man of few words, was serious and responsible when it came to work, and had a deep love for military service.
Xiao Hua's threats offended him deeply. If she spoke out about him, he would lose everything. Demilitarization was the least of his worries; he loved the military too much to leave.
