Chapter 5

In the quiet courtyard, the gentle breeze swayed, and several people stood at the door, waiting.

A black and a red Jeep drove into the yard one after the other. Several people sighed in relief. Lü An led the way over, smiling, “You’re back, let’s go eat.”

Qin Tang looked at their expressions, as if they were waiting for her. She said, “Sorry, I’m late.”

Jiang Chuan slammed the car door shut and said, “Tomorrow, Xiao Cheng will stay behind and be your driver.”

Qin Tang frowned, “I don’t need a driver.”

Jiang Chuan tilted his chin towards the red Jeep and smirked, “You can’t handle this car, let Xiao Cheng drive.”

He had modified the car, and after a trip to the mountains in March, it was nearly a wreck and even harder to drive.

Xiao Cheng, quick-witted, immediately said, “Right, this car is really hard to drive, it keeps stalling. Let me drive. Just tell me where you want to go, I know Xi’an and the surrounding areas very well.”

Qin Tang silently glanced at Jiang Chuan but said nothing.

Ah Qi called them to dinner, and everyone went in together.

For the next two days, Jiang Chuan and Lü An left early and returned late. Qin Tang only saw them at the dinner table.

On the third day, they still hadn’t left. Qin Tang, wearing a red dress, stood under the large tree, holding a cigarette between her fingers. She had first smoked when she was 19. It was an addictive thing that helped her relax and feel free. In the past two years, her smoking habit hadn’t been strong, but occasionally she would light one, take a few puffs, and then extinguish it when it was almost burned out.

Ah Qi stood at the door, watching Qin Tang. She had seen other women smoke, but Qin Tang smoked with the most grace.

She thought, maybe all artists are like this.

Halfway through the cigarette, Jiang Chuan’s black Jeep pulled up beside her, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Qin Tang walked over and stood in front of them, looking at Jiang Chuan. “You said we’d leave in two days, today is the third.”

Jiang Chuan looked down at her and said, “It’s been raining over there these past few days, the roads are slippery and hard to drive. We’ll wait until the weather clears up.”

Lü An added, “Yes, yes, the dirt roads, you know, they can get really muddy and slippery, it’s easy to get stuck or tip over.”

This explanation was reasonable, so Qin Tang nodded, “Alright, then we’ll wait a few more days.”

However, she had already been out for almost a week. If this continued, she wouldn’t make it back by the end of May.

After waiting another two days, four college students arrived at the volunteer station—three girls and one boy.

They were backpackers who had just finished their exams and came to help out, saying they wanted to join them in the mountains.

In reality, they just wanted a ride.

Ah Qi wasn’t sure what to do and said they’d have to wait for Jiang Chuan to return to confirm. The four students stayed at the volunteer station.

At 7 p.m., Jiang Chuan and Lü An returned on time. Lü An had a bruised face, with cuts on his lips and eyes. Ah Qi was shocked, “Lü Ge, what happened?”

Lü An had a dark expression, “I fell.”

Aunt Gui hurriedly said, “I’ll go find some medicine for you.”

The four college students all stared at the two tall and strong men, especially the tallest one, who had a natural sense of intimidation.

Ah Qi explained, “They said they want to go with you to the mountains to help.”

Jiang Chuan stared at them for a few seconds. The boy spoke up, “We really want to do volunteer work, and at the same time, see the children in the mountains and the scenery along the way. We’ll do anything you ask, just treat it as our fare.”

Jiang Chuan asked, “Anything?”

The girls exchanged glances, blushing, and nodded, “Yes.”

Jiang Chuan said, “Alright, you can stay here, but you’ll have to work, listen to...”

He looked around and pointed to Qin Tang, who was leaning against the corner in a bright red dress, “Listen to her instructions.”

Qin Tang quickly turned to look at him and asked, “Why?”

Jiang Chuan gave a reasonable explanation, “You need to contribute too, right? That’s how it’ll be. We leave tomorrow night.”

Qin Tang stared at him and said, “I thought it was supposed to be that I pay and you work.”

That seemed fair.

She didn’t like taking charge. If it weren’t for being in Shaanxi, she could be independent, not having to take care of or arrange anything for anyone.

Xiao Cheng ran in from outside and whispered something in Jiang Chuan’s ear. Jiang Chuan glanced at her and said, “Rest well, we’ll leave tomorrow evening.”

He walked to the door, then turned back to look at her: “Don’t wear a skirt tomorrow, it will be chilly at night.”

The tall figure quickly disappeared at the door.

Qin Tang felt a lump in her chest.

Lü An came over after applying the medicine, calling out, “Everyone eat first, no need to wait for Jiang Ge.”

Ah Qi had arranged accommodations for the four college students. The three girls shared one room, which had bunk beds, enough for four people.

The boy stayed in a separate room on the first floor.

After the three girls finished washing up, they sat on the bed chatting. The girl with the palest complexion said, “I’m a little scared. Are they really good people? Maybe we should just go back?”

“Go back for what? Summer vacation is so long! I think it’s nice here, don’t worry. My cousin has been here, and I only brought you guys because she told me about it. Doing volunteer work here gives you food and lodging, and you can go out and gain some experience. It’s a bit hard work, but I’m happy with it. Also... Jiang Ge, he’s so manly, and his body is amazing.”

“I’ve never seen such a manly man. I’m staying for him too.”

“Xiaobai, what about you?”

“Me... I’ll think about it. Don’t call me Xiaobai anymore. That woman today was much paler than me, and she’s pretty. I heard she’s a photographer.”

The next morning, the girl who had said she would stay for Jiang Chuan left.

Qin Tang asked, “Why did she leave?”

Xiaobai said, “She had an urgent matter at home and had to go back.”

Aside from Xiaobai, there was one boy and one girl left. The boy’s name was Xu Peng, and the girl’s name was Ah Qi, who was of the Hui ethnic group.

At around 5 PM, Jiang Chuan returned, along with two truck drivers. The goods they had ordered were all on the trucks.

After they had dinner, they set off. Qin Tang was carrying a suitcase, and Jiang Chuan frowned, “You’re bringing so much luggage?”

Qin Tang glanced at him and said, “I need it.”

She then asked, “Can’t I bring it?”

Her eyes were big and bright. Ever since their first meeting, Jiang Chuan had the feeling that he had seen her somewhere before. However, that thought quickly faded. He had a good memory, and someone as beautiful as her, if he had seen her before, he surely wouldn’t have forgotten.

He didn’t say anything, just took the suitcase from her and walked ahead, placing it in the empty space behind the backseat.

Qin Tang followed behind and couldn’t help but say, “Be careful!”

Inside, there was a camera and lens. If he stuffed it like that, what if it got damaged?

Jiang Chuan secured the suitcase, ensuring that it wouldn’t shake much even with bumps. He turned to look at her, dusting off his hands and curling the corner of his lips. “It’s fine, I won’t damage your things.”

He turned to the people following him, “Get in the car.”

Qin Tang sat in the front passenger seat, with the two girls sitting in the middle, and Xiao Cheng and Xu Peng in the back. Lü An stayed at the volunteer station.

This trip to Yulin City would only be for two days—leaving tonight and returning the night after tomorrow.

They arrived in Yulin over three hours later, just before 10 PM. The city was still lively. After settling the accommodation, Xiaobai suggested, “How about we grab a late-night snack?”

Qin Tang said, “I’m not hungry, you guys go ahead.”

Ah Qi looked at Jiang Chuan and softly said, “Come with us, Jiang Ge.”

Jiang Chuan glanced at the people standing near the hotel and turned back, saying, “Let Xiao Cheng go with you.”

Xiao Cheng was always happy to join in on these kinds of outings. “Sure, I’ll go with you guys.”

The two girls felt a bit disappointed, but they couldn’t help themselves and quickly packed up before heading out with Xu Peng and Xiao Cheng.

They were staying at a very ordinary hotel, with standard rooms priced at 128 per night and single rooms at 108. Qin Tang and Jiang Chuan had single rooms next to each other on the fifth floor.

Jiang Chuan went back to his room, leaned against the window, lit a cigarette, and called Lü An. “Didn’t I tell you to keep him back? How come he came along?”

Lü An was surprised, “What? Zhao Qian and the others came?”

Jiang Chuan took a drag from his cigarette. “Yeah, they came.”

Lü An suddenly realized something and swore, “Damn it! He’s messing with me!”

Jiang Chuan pulled back the curtains and casually glanced out the window. A familiar figure appeared in his line of sight—someone with a pale face glanced back in his direction, a camera hanging around their neck. The figure quickly disappeared.

Jiang Chuan rushed to the door, cursing, “It’s useless to mess with anyone now!”

He hung up and called Qin Tang.

No answer.

He wasn’t patient enough to wait for the elevator and quickly ran downstairs.

He looked around, but the man standing across the street was already gone.

Qin Tang had never been to Yulin. She had to go to Hengshan early the next morning and didn’t have time to stay. After staying in her room for a few minutes, she decided to go out for a walk.

She wandered aimlessly for a while, and it wasn’t until her phone rang for the third time that she noticed. She pulled it out, looked at it, and answered, “What…”

Jiang Chuan’s voice came through, deep and commanding: “Where are you?”

Qin Tang didn’t answer his question and instead asked, “What do you want to do?”

“I told you before, don’t wander around.”

Jiang Chuan had seen her walk towards the right from upstairs, so he guessed she hadn’t gone far. He quickly headed in that direction.

Qin Tang found it a bit amusing. “I’m not a child.”

Jiang Chuan’s voice deepened, “Stand still and don’t move. I’m coming to find you.”

Qin Tang hung up the phone, staring at it for a few seconds before putting it back in her pocket. After walking a few steps, she felt something was off. She had been sensing it for a few minutes, but only in the middle of the street had she noticed. She glanced back over her shoulder, but didn’t see anyone suspicious.

Up ahead, there was a 24-hour supermarket. Qin Tang thought about buying something and was about to enter when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

She instantly felt a dangerous presence closing in. The next moment, someone covered her mouth and grabbed her by the waist, pulling her toward the side of the wall. She widened her eyes as a rough voice whispered in her ear, “Baby, still mad at me? You ran off alone? Hmm?”

A few passersby glanced over, but the man held her against his chest, making it appear as though they were just a couple.

Qin Tang’s heart nearly leapt into her throat. She had never encountered such a situation even in the mountains, let alone in the city. No matter how calm she tried to stay, panic surged through her. She struggled with all her might, but the man’s strength was overwhelming. He firmly held onto her hands and dragged her toward a narrow alley.

As they entered the darkness, Qin Tang’s fear deepened. Her chest heaved violently, and she kept kicking at the person behind her. The person tightened their grip, letting out a cold laugh.

Qin Tang was drenched in cold sweat, the chill spreading over her body. Her mind went blank for a few seconds.

In the next moment, the hand that had been fastened around her waist suddenly loosened.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly turned around, kicking him in the abdomen.

At the same time, something flashed in front of her, and the man’s face suddenly jerked to the right. He staggered back a few steps.

She didn’t have time to see clearly. Seizing the opportunity, she tried to flee.

But the next second, someone grabbed her arm and slammed her into a hard chest. Her head spun dizzily, and she instinctively elbowed backward in defense.

“Why are you panicking? It’s me.”

The voice was deep, husky, and restrained.

“Didn’t I tell you not to run off?”

Qin Tang’s body stiffened but then suddenly relaxed.

Jiang Chuan looked down at Qin Tang. In the dim light, her small face was deathly pale, her eyes shining brightly.

The man’s chest was as solid as a wall. She suddenly remembered a saying.

Northwestern men are made by the Qinling Mountains—like the great mountains, like the yellow earth.

Zhao Qian and looked at Jiang Chuan, wiping the corner of his mouth with a smile. “Jiang Chuan, is this your woman?”