Chapter 114: An Awkward Relationship (Part Two)

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A Xia once had a boyfriend who was a dreamer, someone with lofty ambitions but no means—so poor he didn’t even have pants to wear and unwilling to work. He was obsessed only with making a fortune. Eventually, he tried to sneak into Hong Kong illegally, but it was said that he drowned.

At that time, the two had already become intimate, and A Xia was pregnant. She refused to have an abortion. Such matters were not tolerated by society, and A Xia became the village’s scandalous woman. Her father fell ill from the shame and soon passed away.

Her brothers drove her out of the family home. Hui Ge took A Xia in, and together they started a family in a dilapidated thatched hut that Hui Ge was assigned. They held no wedding, and no relatives offered their blessings.

A Xia gave birth to the son she was carrying and later had three more children with Hui Ge.

When Hui Ge had just started seeing Yue Yue, some busybodies in the village informed A Xia of this and even introduced Yue Yue to her.

A Xia did not make a fuss. Unlike other women, she did not keep any of the money Hui Ge left at home for herself as a backup plan. Instead, she put it all under the children’s names. She supported the household expenses by collecting rent and running a small daily goods store, all while taking excellent care of Hui Ge’s parents.

Though Hui Ge bought her luxurious clothes and goods, she never wore or used them. Yet, whenever Hui Ge came home, she showed him the same care and concern as always.

Up to now, there was no love between them, but their bond was full of deep familial affection.

After hearing Hui Ge’s heartfelt confession, Jiang Fan remained silent, while Wang Wenyu, tears streaming down her face, held him tightly.

Seeing the young couple silent, Hui Ge offered Jiang Fan a cigarette, lit one himself, then said, “Do you think I’m telling you all this to find an excuse for having a lover?”

Jiang Fan shook his head and honestly replied, “I don’t know, but I really admire Sister Xia.”

Xiao Yuxin, having finished cooking, invited Hui Ge to eat with them, but he declined, saying, “A Xia wants me to go back early. Tomorrow is Third Uncle’s birthday, and I have to help.”

Jiang Fan wanted to say it was only midday and there was no need to rush so early, but since Hui Ge was heading home, he held back the words.

After Hui Ge left, Xiao Yuxin noticed Jiang Fan was still dazed and asked, “Are you feeling sorry for Sister Xia?”

Jiang Fan nodded, “Seeing her this morning just left a bad feeling in my heart.”

Xiao Yuxin replied, “You should get to know her. She’s a warm and kind woman. She was the first to open this fruit shop. When I was bullied, it was Sister Xia who sent Ji Zai to help me hold the fort for two days. That’s why things are so peaceful now.”

During the meal, Jiang Fan told the two women what Liu Xingyu had told him.

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Hearing such a horrifying tale, Wang Wenyu clenched her teeth and said, “How can scum like that not be caught and executed?”

Xiao Yuxin, however, was unfazed and said, “In this drifting life, encountering such a situation isn’t even the worst. Those who think up such vile schemes to make money surely don’t stop at these evils. You can dig deeper into this.”

Jiang Fan asked in surprise, “It’s not the worst?”

A flash of sadness crossed Xiao Yuxin’s face before she quickly regained composure and said, “A woman’s body here can be a means of survival, but it can also become a tool or toy for others to exploit.

Just keep digging. The sins committed by those who have lost their humanity are beyond your imagination; whatever evil you can think of, they can do worse.”

Xiao Yuxin’s momentary sorrow did not escape Jiang Fan’s notice. He didn’t know what she had endured, but his determination to find Gou Biao grew stronger.

Gou Biao had returned to the factory, and Liu Zhengjun was supposed to notify him, but there was still no news, making the chance of escape even higher.

Unlike Jiang Fan, who was passively waiting, his first thought was to go after San Gouzi. But Liu Zhengjun said that when Gou Biao hurried away, San Gouzi was on duty at the factory warehouse and had no idea that Gou Biao had left.

Jiang Fan planned to make a big move on this matter, not giving that bastard any breathing room, aiming to lock him up for years.

He knew Gou Biao’s tangled connections in the factory. After dealing with Zhao Sixi yesterday, many people had started noticing him. If he went after San Gouzi there, it would not only cause trouble but also alert Gou Biao.

Er Gouzi was a streetwise figure. Dealing with such a person outside the law was easier and more effective than going through official channels, which were too lazy to bother with such minor matters. Once Gou Biao, San Gouzi, and the like were out of the way, everything would be easier to handle.

Thinking of this, Jiang Fan grew restless, hoping for news from Hui Ge soon.

Wang Wenyu saw his unease and asked with concern, “Hey man, what’s wrong? You’re so distracted even after eating?”

“I’m afraid Gou Biao will run away.”

Jiang Fan voiced his worry, and Xiao Yuxin thought further, “A cornered dog will jump over the wall. If you’re eager to find him, you must be careful. It’s best to bring the friend who came with you earlier and Zhang Chungeng. The three of you together can watch out for each other if something sudden happens.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Wenyu began to worry about Jiang Fan’s safety. Afraid he’d try to be brave and rush off, she got up, ready to grab the car keys.

Jiang Fan stopped her, “Why are you rushing?”

Wang Wenyu pointed at him, “Your hand isn’t healed yet. This time you must listen to Sister Xin. You need someone with you. Wait for me to get the keys. I want to see with my own eyes that a friend is by your side before I feel at ease.”

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“I’ll call A Ping to ask her to tell Liu Zhengjun to come over. He can bring Zhang Chungeng along. That way, there’s no need for you to drive and make such a fuss.”

Hearing this, Wang Wenyu finally relaxed a little.

Liu Zhengjun, upon hearing Jiang Fan’s request and assuming the matter was serious, bought a pack of cigarettes for Deputy Captain A Liang and got a half-day off. He arrived quickly with Zhang Chungeng.

As a loyal henchman to Gou Biao, A Liang never suspected that Liu Zhengjun’s cigarette gift was a ploy to take on the more formidable Gou Biao.

Xiao Yuxin handed out two apples as they all sat down when a man nearly 180 cm tall entered the fruit shop. His head was unusually small, mismatched with his robust build.

Before the man spoke, Xiao Yuxin introduced him to Jiang Fan, “This is Hui Ge’s brother, Ji Ge, also my benefactor.”

Jiang Fan warmly extended his hand and politely said, “Hello, Ji Ge.”

Ji Zai courteously replied, “No need for ‘Ji Ge.’ Just call me Ji Zai.”

As their hands clasped, Jiang Fan realized Ji Zai was testing his grip strength.

Eager to prove himself, Jiang Fan did not want anyone to underestimate him. What seemed like a friendly handshake turned into a silent contest lasting over twenty seconds, with Jiang Fan narrowly winning.

Ji Zai was the first to release his grip and said, “You’ve got some strength. If your other hand wasn’t injured, I’d have known my place in about ten seconds.”

Seeing Ji Zai admit defeat, Jiang Fan modestly said, “It’s not a fight. I’ve just done farm work since childhood and have a bit more strength.”

Ji Zai clasped his fists and said, “You lost, so why cover for me? I heard you walked away unscathed from the Zhangmutou casino a few days ago. I thought you were lucky, but now I’m sure you’re really capable.”

Jiang Fan smiled and asked, “How do you know about that?”

“Your boss told my boss. Didn’t he ask you about it?”

Jiang Fan shook his head, silent but puzzled why Chen Anlong would tell Hui Ge about it.