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Qin Tang clutched his shirt and whispered: “I’m really scared.”
Jiang Chuan’s heart tightened, and he suddenly realized that perhaps he had been too confident. Knowing full well what she feared most, he still couldn’t give her the sense of security she desperately needed. They embraced in silence, and Jiang Chuan’s palms began to sweat. After a long while, he murmured softly: “If I survive this case...”
Qin Tang abruptly lifted her head, staring at him with wide eyes.
Jiang Chuan faltered, unable to finish the sentence.
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but not a single drop fell. Jiang Chuan cupped her face, his lips curving faintly. “It’s not that serious. Smile for me.”
Qin Tang couldn’t smile. “Are you giving me your last words?”
Jiang Chuan sighed deeply and leaned down to kiss her. “I’m not going to die. A fortune-teller once said I have a tough fate—I’ll live to be eighty and have two children, a boy and a girl.”
Qin Tang’s lashes trembled slightly as she replied: “A fortune-teller also told me I’d have two children, a boy and a girl. If you die, I’ll have them with another man...”
Jiang Chuan gripped her shoulders tightly and bit her lips, swallowing her unfinished words. “What other man? Don’t even think about it!”
Because of her words, he knew he had no choice but to stay alive.
Jiang Chuan pressed her onto the sofa, removing her clothes and caressing her body—from her face to her chin, her delicate collarbone, her full breasts, kissing inch by inch downward. Qin Tang’s cheeks flushed red as she stared at the ceiling, breathing heavily, unsure how things had escalated so quickly.
He sat up to remove his shirt, then leaned back over her, kissing her lips.
His gaze was dark and intense as he looked at her.
Even before they began, Qin Tang’s legs were already trembling. He seemed to like using this way to vent his frustration and express his dissatisfaction—just like last night when she mentioned Chen Jingsheng, and he spent the entire night obsessively clinging to her.
She clung to his shoulders, her eyes moist. “Do you still have the energy?”
They had barely slept last night, alternating between restraint and indulgence.
Jiang Chuan’s eyes darkened further as he gripped her waist and thrust deeply into her.
“Mmm…” She furrowed her brows, letting out a soft moan, feeling both discomfort and pain.
“Does it hurt?” He studied her expression.
“Mm.” She closed her eyes. “Hurry up...”
In response, he delivered a series of fierce, deep thrusts, each one hitting her core.
Qin Tang felt her insides being overwhelmed, her bones turning to jelly, and her mind exploding as she climaxed.
She bit his shoulder, trembling and murmuring plaintively: “That’s not what I meant by hurry...”
Jiang Chuan turned his head to kiss her cheek, lifting her legs and carrying her to the bed, pressing her down firmly.
...
The next morning, Jiang Chuan woke briefly. Qin Tang was still asleep, so he held her close and drifted back to sleep.
Such a peaceful and tranquil morning—it would only last this one day.
Qin Tang would leave tonight.
Around 11 a.m., Qin Tang woke up.
Jiang Chuan was already dressed, sitting in front of her laptop, changing her flight ticket.
Hearing movement behind him, he walked over and leaned over the bed. “Hungry?”
Qin Tang nodded, licking her dry lips. Jiang Chuan poured her a glass of water. “Get ready. We’ll check out, and I’ve already rescheduled your flight. We’ll go back to Yi Station to rest, and I’ll take you to the airport tonight.”
Qin Tang sipped the water and looked up at him. “I’ll go back and check things out. If everything is resolved, I’ll return.”
This was what they had agreed upon last night.
Jiang Chuan placed the glass of water she handed him aside. “Mm. When you come back, I’ll pick you up.”
Qin Tang slid off the bed, found her clothes, got dressed, and went to freshen up.
Jiang Chuan helped her pack her laptop, camera, and other belongings.
Within half an hour, they were ready to go.
Qin Tang took her camera, holding it against her chest, and followed Jiang Chuan out of the room. Standing in the corridor, they encountered the same drunkard from last night. Jiang Chuan shot him a cold glance and wrapped his arm around Qin Tang’s shoulders, walking forward.
Qin Tang lowered her head, staring at her toes, acutely aware of his heightened vigilance.
The three of them entered the elevator. The drunkard smiled apologetically: “Sorry about last night. I had too much to drink. Please forgive the disturbance.”
Qin Tang glanced at him. Jiang Chuan responded indifferently: “It’s fine.”
In the hotel lobby, Jiang Chuan went to check out while Qin Tang waited behind him. As her gaze shifted, she spotted the same man from yesterday. Their eyes met for just two or three seconds before the man quickly turned away.
Qin Tang stared at his back. His figure and face were familiar, though his clothing and demeanor were different. A face flashed through her mind, and when she turned to look again, the man had already descended the steps.
She wasn’t sure.
Qin Tang grabbed Jiang Chuan’s hand. He turned back. “What’s wrong?”
The man was already gone. Qin Tang suppressed the unease in her heart and shook her head slowly. “Nothing.”
Jiang Chuan tucked his ID and deposit receipt into his wallet. “Let’s go.”
Outside, they ran into Cao Yan and the short-haired woman. Jiang Chuan exchanged a brief greeting with Cao Yan and led Qin Tang away.
From the shadows, a black-clad figure watched the scene unfold. “Do they know each other?”
“The man’s name is Cao Yan. He’s a civilian who runs a small business. A few days ago, he visited Jiang Chuan’s volunteer station and stayed there for a while, donating some items.”
“Judging by his build, he doesn’t seem like an ordinary businessman.”
“We haven’t found anything suspicious. Many people like to work out these days—you can’t judge based on that alone.”
“What did Boss Feng say?”
“Keep watching them.”
After getting into the car, Qin Tang continued to look around. Jiang Chuan glanced at her. “You’ve been acting strange since earlier. What’s wrong?”
Qin Tang frowned. “Last night and just now, I saw the robber I encountered in Jia County. I’m not sure if I was mistaken. Wasn’t he arrested by the police? A habitual offender like him shouldn’t be released so soon. And even if he were, why would he show up at a five-star hotel?”
Jiang Chuan froze. “Are you sure you didn’t see wrong?”
Qin Tang thought carefully. “I’m certain. It was him. His appearance has changed slightly, but I wouldn’t mistake him.”
Jiang Chuan narrowed his eyes, trying to piece together the scattered fragments of memory but failing to make sense of it for now. He reached out and gently patted her head. “Let’s go eat. What do you want?”
“Cold noodles.”
Jiang Chuan glanced at her. “Don’t you want something better?”
Qin Tang retorted: “Aren’t cold noodles good enough?”
Jiang Chuan chuckled. “Why do you love this so much?”
Qin Tang: “I don’t know. I just think they’re delicious. They have them in Beijing too, but most places don’t make them authentic.”
“Alright, then let’s have cold noodles.”
Jiang Chuan found a shop along the way. He ordered a bowl of beef noodles, while she had her cold noodles.
She ate slowly. By the storefront, there was a glass display case selling cigarettes. Jiang Chuan went over and bought two packs. After finishing one cigarette, Qin Tang had just finished eating.
When they returned to Yi Station, everyone had just finished lunch and was relaxing in the courtyard.
Lu Sha was there too.
The two of them hadn’t come back all night, and Lü An had already explained that they had some matters to attend to. The others didn’t question it, but Lu Sha clearly knew that Jiang Chuan and Qin Tang had spent the night at the hotel. She leaned against the doorframe of the living room, smoking, watching as Heihu leaped toward Jiang Chuan.
Jiang Chuan patted Heihu’s head, and Qin Tang did the same. Not knowing what Jiang Chuan said, Heihu immediately lunged at Qin Tang.
Heihu was tall and sturdy, weighing over sixty pounds. Caught off guard, Qin Tang stumbled backward a couple of steps before regaining her balance. She quickly made a “down” gesture, and Heihu obediently lay down by her feet.
She glared at Jiang Chuan, who chuckled softly.
Lu Sha watched silently, her gaze growing colder.
Lü An approached Jiang Chuan. “I’m going to the company.”
Jiang Chuan handed him a pack of cigarettes. “Mm.”
Lü An took the pack. “Just in time—I’m out of cigarettes.” As he walked away, he tore open the plastic wrapping. “I’m off.”
Jiang Chuan pulled out a cigarette, placed it between his lips, and lit it.
Lü An took a few steps, then turned back. “Lu Sha said she’s treating everyone to a barbecue tonight. Aqi and the others are thrilled.”
Jiang Chuan showed no particular expression. “They’ve really gotten addicted to barbecues, haven’t they?”
Lü An: “Xiaocheng has gone to run errands. If you’re free tonight, drive them to the market to buy supplies. There are a lot of people and things to carry—it won’t work without a car.”
Jiang Chuan said: “I’m taking Qin Tang to the airport tonight.”
Lü An paused and looked at Qin Tang. “You’re leaving?”
Qin Tang nodded. “Mm, I have something to take care of.”
Lü An understood. “Alright, then I’ll come back earlier this afternoon.”
Aqi and Xiaobai were enthusiastically cleaning the courtyard, bringing out the leftover charcoal from last time and placing it under the tree. Aqi said: “Sister Qin Tang, you’re free tonight, right? We’re having another barbecue!”
Qin Tang glanced at Lu Sha, who was walking over, and replied: “I’m leaving tonight. Have fun.”
Lu Sha looked at her. “Leaving?”
Qin Tang: “Mm.”
Not wanting to talk to her further, Qin Tang crouched in front of Heihu and stroked his glossy fur.
Lu Sha looked at Jiang Chuan and said: “I’m returning to Beijing tomorrow.”
Jiang Chuan smoked indifferently and said: “That’s good.”
Qin Tang knew those words were meant for her ears. She pursed her lips slightly and continued combing Heihu’s fur with her fingers.
Lu Sha smiled faintly. “Tonight can be my farewell party.”
Jiang Chuan flicked the ash from his cigarette, glancing at Qin Tang out of the corner of his eye. She was crouched, gently combing Heihu’s fur, her curled lashes fluttering. She hadn’t worn makeup these past two days, her face bare, and her petite figure made her look like a young girl.
Suddenly, Qin Tang stood up and walked toward the staircase.
Jiang Chuan stared at her retreating figure for a few seconds, then looked at Lu Sha: “Lü An and the others will handle it.”
After saying that, he followed her upstairs.
Qin Tang returned to her room and called Old Yuan. “Old Yuan, is what you said yesterday true?”
Old Yuan replied: “Wait a moment.”
Qin Tang guessed it wasn’t a good time to talk on his end and patiently waited.
Two minutes later, Old Yuan said: “It should be correct. I started working at the An Yi Foundation when you were eight years old. Over a decade has passed, and the foundation’s accounts have never had an error before. It’s hard to believe.”
Qin Tang asked: “How did you find out?”
“The accounting sheet must have been overlooked. It wasn’t me who discovered it—it was that girl Zhou Tong. She found it and gave it to me. Half of it had been shredded in the paper shredder. Although only a small portion remains, it’s still clear that there’s a problem—the total amount has an extra zero.”
“Zhou Tong?”
“Mm, the little girl around you.”
Qin Tang thought carefully. Her instincts told her Zhou Tong wasn’t the issue. She and Old Yuan had double-checked the accounting sheets before. With an extra zero, that would mean an additional hundred million yuan. “Old Yuan, can you tell where the extra amount came from?”
Old Yuan cautiously replied: “No. The problem is that the upper half was shredded. All that’s left is a small blank page and the total. That day, there were so many people at the auction, with twenty to thirty items and over twenty buyers. Surely not all of them are suspicious?”
Qin Tang fell silent for a moment. “I understand.”
Old Yuan hesitated. “Tang Tang, should we tell Mr. Qin?”
Without hesitation, Qin Tang rejected the idea. “No need.”
Ever since the accident five years ago, her parents had always trusted her. After Chen Jingsheng’s death, they became even more concerned about her well-being. Still, they never restricted her freedom—they continued to support and encourage whatever she wanted to do.
Even so, they still had their own concerns.
Qin Tang didn’t want to rely on them too much or worry them unnecessarily. Besides, the police were already investigating the matter. Given her father’s personality, he might choose not to intervene. But if she wanted to return to Xi’an again, it wouldn’t be as easy.
She didn’t want to create any conflict with them.
Old Yuan thought for a moment and finally said: “Alright, then. When will you return?”
“Tonight. I’ll come to the An Yi Foundation to see you tomorrow morning. Keep that thing safe.”
“Alright, don’t worry about that.”
...
After hanging up, Qin Tang realized her palms were sweaty.
An extra zero meant at least an additional hundred million yuan. Such a large sum—if they couldn’t trace its source, the An Yi Foundation would be finished.
She opened the door and stood on the landing, looking down. Jiang Chuan wasn’t there.
Just as she was about to call him, a faint sound came from the left. Qin Tang quickly turned her head—Jiang Chuan emerged from his room.
Qin Tang immediately walked toward him.
Jiang Chuan glanced at her and waited where he stood.
When Qin Tang reached him, she whispered: “I have something to tell you.”
The door was still open. Jiang Chuan tilted his chin toward the room. “Let’s talk inside.”
After closing the door, Jiang Chuan asked: “What is it?”
Qin Tang held her phone tightly and said: “Old Yuan told me that after the auction, An Yi Foundation’s accounts showed an extra zero—an extra zero means hundreds of millions. The foundation has never had any errors in its accounts since its establishment. Normally, donations are small amounts, coming in sporadically. Larger donations reach up to tens of millions, but those cases are rare. Smaller donations range from thousands to tens of thousands, and no single donation has ever exceeded 15 million yuan.”
Jiang Chuan looked down at her. “I know.”
He had already spoken with Cao Sheng earlier.
Qin Tang continued: “Old Yuan has half of an accounting sheet.”
Jiang Chuan knew she was shaken. With one hand, he pulled her into his arms and gently patted her back. “Don’t panic. When the time comes, hand over that half-sheet to Cao Sheng’s people. If it’s useful, they’ll keep it as evidence.”
Qin Tang looked up at him. “An Yi Foundation is going to be investigated, isn’t it?”
Jiang Chuan couldn’t deny it. “Cao Sheng said they’ll conduct a covert investigation—they won’t make it obvious. Don’t worry; we’ll do everything we can to protect the foundation’s reputation.”
He understood what worried her. The An Yi Foundation was the culmination of her parents’ years of hard work. If this issue arose, its reputation would surely suffer, and her parents’ careers would also be affected.
The damage to the foundation’s reputation would also be an unfortunate blow to many children in impoverished mountainous areas.
For both public and private reasons, the police would do their utmost to preserve it.
Qin Tang let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
Jiang Chuan chuckled and hooked her chin with his index finger. “What are you thanking me for?”
Qin Tang dodged his finger and buried her face in his shoulder. “Nothing, I just think you’re good.”
Her words softened his heart completely.
After a few seconds, she lifted her face. “Lu Sha knows about our relationship.”
Jiang Chuan: “Mm.”
Qin Tang huffed softly. “Don’t drink alcohol tonight.”
During the last barbecue, Lü An had bought quite a bit of beer. She didn’t touch it because she didn’t like beer, and Jiang Chuan hadn’t drunk that night either. But tonight, with Lu Sha around, there might be toasts for her farewell.
Jiang Chuan hummed in acknowledgment. “Even if I drink, it won’t affect anything.”
Qin Tang thought for a moment and realized he was right. His energy had been focused entirely on her these past few days.
She didn’t say anything, lost in thought as she lowered her head. Jiang Chuan pinched her soft earlobe, turning it pink. “What are you overthinking? I still have energy.”
Qin Tang: “...”
How did he always know what she was thinking?
Jiang Chuan leaned down and lightly bit her earlobe, his hot breath enveloping her ear. His voice dropped low: “Still have energy—all saved for you.”
Qin Tang couldn’t help but shiver, shrinking her neck. “Don’t bite—it tickles…”
Jiang Chuan chuckled and released her. He pulled out his wallet from his pocket, took out a card, and placed it in her palm.
Qin Tang froze for a moment, quickly understanding the meaning of the card. She looked up at him. “I never said I wanted you to pay me back.”
Jiang Chuan thought for a moment and said: “You mentioned it before.”
Qin Tang bit her lip—it seemed she had indeed said something like that.
She held the card, staring at him. “Jiang Chuan, I’m not short on money.”
Jiang Chuan knew she wasn’t lacking financially. This amount of money could barely buy a bathroom in her Beijing apartment. What he could give wasn’t much, but it was all he had. He knew Qin Tang didn’t care about these things—if she did, she wouldn’t have come to Xi’an just because of a bank card.
Qin Tang asked: “How much is in it?”
Jiang Chuan: “A little over 900,000 yuan. The password is your birthday.”
“You’re giving it all to me?” Qin Tang frowned, suddenly recalling that he must have changed the password to her birthday when he went to the bank yesterday.
Jiang Chuan smiled faintly. “Not all—I kept a little for myself.”
Lin Hao had been the only child in his family. After his death, Jiang Chuan often visited his parents. When Lin Hao’s mother fell ill and underwent major surgery, Jiang Chuan contributed some money. Later, when Lin Hao’s father tried to repay part of it, Jiang Chuan refused to accept it.
Otherwise, he could have scraped together the 870,000 yuan if needed.
Jiang Chuan watched her clutch the card, her expression conflicted, and chuckled. “If you don’t want to spend this money, just keep it. I’ll use it when I marry my bride.”
Qin Tang knew he was joking. Men didn’t like owing money to women, especially their own.
She didn’t say anything and carefully put the card away.
After a while, she said: “If your money isn’t enough to marry me, I have some. I earn quite a bit.”
Jiang Chuan’s expression instantly darkened.
Qin Tang suddenly laughed, throwing herself into his arms and tilting her face up. “It’s enough. My mom doesn’t care about these things.”
Jiang Chuan looked down at her. “And your dad?”
Qin Tang pursed her lips. “Hmm… he cares a little, I guess. Are you scared?”
“Not scared,” Jiang Chuan smiled. “It’s something I’ll have to face eventually.”
What worried him most was the accident from years ago. Qin Tang didn’t remember him, but her parents surely did.
Jiang Chuan’s smile faded as he looked down at the person in his arms. He opened his mouth as if to say something but swallowed the words back. Several times these past few days, he had considered telling her about the incident from back then, but he never found the courage. He didn’t want to lose her because of that accident.
He admitted that such tactics were somewhat underhanded, but he had no other choice.
He would wait until she loved him a little more.
Qin Tang turned around, sat on his bed, and took off her shoes, swinging her feet slightly. “There’s still time. Can I rest here?”
Jiang Chuan gazed at her bare feet, slowly shifting his gaze. “Mm. Didn’t sleep enough last night?”
Qin Tang: “I slept enough, but I don’t feel like going downstairs.”
Jiang Chuan pulled back the blanket for her. Qin Tang slipped in, covering her legs with the blanket. She grabbed a pillow to prop under her knees and lowered her head to fiddle with her camera. She hadn’t taken many photos during this trip—most were taken at Yi Station.
As she flipped through the photos, she realized there were quite a few of Jiang Chuan.
Jiang Chuan looked at her. “You rest. I’ll go downstairs for a bit.”
Qin Tang looked up. “Are you going out?”
“Mm,” Jiang Chuan said. “Just nearby. I’ll be back soon.”
“Mm, then go ahead.”
...
Aunt Gui knew that Qin Tang was leaving tonight, so she prepared dinner earlier than usual, starting half an hour before the normal time.
Everyone gathered around the table to eat. Xiao Bai and Xu Peng were also leaving in a couple of days, so there was an air of reluctance. Xiao Bai looked at Qin Tang. “Sister Qin Tang, do you have pictures of all of us in your camera?”
Qin Tang glanced at her. “Yes.”
Xiao Bai eagerly asked, “Can you give them to us?”
Qin Tang replied, “Give me your email address.”
Xiao Bai happily nodded. “Alright!”
Xiaocheng asked, “Sister Qin Tang, will you come back next time?”
“Yes...”
“Really?” Xiaocheng was excited. “I thought you wouldn’t come back.”
Qin Tang said softly, “I won’t.”
Jiang Chuan’s lips twitched slightly. Lü An glanced at him and teased, “You must come back. There are still... things left unfinished, right?” He changed the subject. “We haven’t been to those places we talked about last time. It’s better to go before it snows in winter; otherwise, the roads will be difficult to navigate.”
Qin Tang looked up and said, “Winter is fine too. It’s a good chance to take some different photos.”
Lü An said, “There’s no heating in the village during winter.”
Xiaocheng added, “But there are heated kang beds! Sister Qin Tang, have you ever slept on a heated kang bed?”
Qin Tang: “No.”
Xiaocheng grinned. “‘Wife, kids, and a warm kang bed’—that’s what the men in the village always say.”
Qin Tang smiled faintly but didn’t respond.
After dinner, everyone gathered outside to chat while Qin Tang went upstairs to fetch her luggage. Jiang Chuan helped her load it into the car.
Everyone gathered around—except Lu Sha.
The original plan had been to have a barbecue tonight, but with Qin Tang’s sudden departure, the previously cheerful atmosphere dimmed a little. Xiaocheng, holding Heihu’s leash, said, “Sister Qin Tang, if you have time, come back early. We’ll miss you.”
Lü An scolded him for his cheeky grin and kicked him lightly. “Who asked you to miss her?”
Jiang Chuan sat in the driver’s seat, expressionless as he looked at them. “Step back. Don’t block the road.”
Qin Tang patted Heihu, gave everyone a smile, and said, “I’m leaving.”
The black Jeep drove out of the courtyard, disappearing into the gradually darkening night.
Yi Station was located in the suburbs, where traffic was sparse.
It was still early, so Jiang Chuan wasn’t in a rush to speed. Suddenly, the phone in Qin Tang’s bag rang. She glanced at it and answered. “Mom, I’m coming back tonight… No need to send a driver. My car is still in the parking lot. I’ll drive myself home.”
“Mm, okay…” She obediently replied, “Goodbye, Mom.”
Jiang Chuan heard everything and glanced at her. “Still let the driver pick you up.”
Qin Tang: “No need. By the time we get there, it’ll be past 11. I’ll drive myself home.”
Jiang Chuan didn’t say anything. He pulled out his phone, intending to call Cao Sheng to arrange for someone to follow them closely. But just then, Cao Yan’s call came in. As soon as Jiang Chuan answered, he suddenly sensed something was wrong. He sharply raised his head and looked into the rearview mirror—a black van was rapidly approaching from behind. His heart tightened as he focused on the road ahead—
Around the corner, a large truck was slowly turning.
This was the perfect moment for an ambush. If the car behind them rammed into them, they would inevitably crash into the large truck ahead.
The phone fell from his hand. Cao Yan urgently shouted through the line: “Jiang Chuan, watch out behind you!”
Jiang Chuan ignored everything else. He quickly turned the steering wheel and roared at Qin Tang: “Hold on tight!”
Qin Tang was startled by his shout. Her camera slipped from her hands and rolled to her feet. Her body reacted faster than her mind. By the time she realized it, her hands were already gripping the car door tightly, trying to steady herself. When she looked up, she saw through the rearview mirror a black SUV rushing toward them at high speed. Her pupils dilated—behind them was the rapidly approaching SUV, and ahead was the massive truck.
On the left lane, another black car was closing in.
They were being sandwiched like a pancake…
Qin Tang’s hands trembled as she clutched the door handle, fear overwhelming her. “Jiang Chuan...”
Jiang Chuan’s eyes were fierce. In those brief seconds, his gaze swept over the surroundings, his mind unusually calm. Just as the car behind them was about to collide, he swiftly turned the steering wheel, shifted gears, and floored the accelerator, darting into the left lane.
At the same time, Cao Yan’s car charged forward from behind. The vehicle that had been about to hit Jiang Chuan was pushed forward by the impact. With a loud “BANG,” it crashed directly into the large truck, its front completely destroyed.
“BANG—”
Another deafening crash.
Jiang Chuan’s car violently collided with the black car in the left lane.
Qin Tang’s body was flung forward, only to be yanked back harshly by the seatbelt. Her head slammed against the seat, leaving her dizzy and nauseous. Her chest felt like it was about to explode.
The right side of their car narrowly avoided scraping against the black car, but the door was dented inward.
Her right hand hurt the most—it was completely numb and immobile.
Jiang Chuan had focused solely on protecting Qin Tang. Cao Yan had used the rear of his car to block another private vehicle; otherwise, Jiang Chuan’s left hand might have been crushed.
Jiang Chuan slumped over the steering wheel, panting. The people in the opposing black car also seemed to regain consciousness hazily. Since this was a suburban area with few cars and people, even a chain collision wouldn’t cause much obstruction. The sound of police sirens approached. Those who had intended to act immediately jumped out of their vehicles.
Cao Yan, fearing exposure, glanced at Jiang Chuan and quickly turned his car around to retreat.
Jiang Chuan looked at Qin Tang. Her face was pale, and her lips were bleeding from biting them.
He reached out and touched her face, his voice hoarse. “Tang Tang, how are you?”
Qin Tang looked at him, her eyes wet and unfocused, clearly frightened.
Jiang Chuan’s chest ached. He unbuckled his seatbelt, bent over, and crawled over to check her body, examining her curled-up legs. After taking a few deep breaths, Qin Tang finally managed to whisper shakily, “I’m fine… just my hand… it’s numb. I can’t move it…”
Jiang Chuan looked at her right hand, which was tightly gripping the door handle. Carefully, he held it and gently straightened each of her fingers one by one, massaging her delicate, boneless fingers. Seeing the redness and swelling on her wrist, he lightly squeezed it. “Does it hurt?”
“It hurts...” She bit her lip.
Jiang Chuan’s brows furrowed deeply as his fingers gently rubbed and pressed again. After confirming there were no fractures, he finally exhaled in relief. He leaned down and blew softly on her hand. “I’ll take you to the hospital for a check-up later.”
The police cars had quickly surrounded the area. The front of the black SUV that had collided with the truck was severely deformed, and it was likely that the occupants were seriously injured.
Qin Tang was still shaken, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Jiang Chuan,心疼her state, bent down and lifted her onto his lap. “Let’s get out of the car first.”
Qin Tang wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “What about you? Are you hurt?”
Jiang Chuan: “I’m fine.”
“Put me down. I can walk.”
“Don’t move.”
Qin Tang obediently stopped moving.
Jiang Chuan carried her out of the car and let her lean against it, then pulled her tightly into his embrace, pressing her head firmly against his chest.
Qin Tang was momentarily stunned, then hugged him back, hearing his steady yet now rapid heartbeat.
It wasn’t just her who was frightened.
He was terrified too—afraid that he couldn’t protect her.
Jiang Chuan held her tightly until the police approached them.
The other two individuals were taken to the hospital due to injuries, and the police came over to ask about the details of the accident.
...
Everything was settled.
Jiang Chuan called Lü An.
Lü An quickly drove over to wait for the accident to be processed.
Jiang Chuan took Qin Tang to the hospital. They sat side by side in the back seat, with Qin Tang leaning against him, holding her camera to inspect it. She looked up and smiled at him. “The camera didn’t even get scratched.”
Jiang Chuan pressed her hand. “Don’t move your hand around.”
Qin Tang stopped moving. “Mm.”
Jiang Chuan looked down at her. Her lips were still stained with dried blood. His thumb gently rubbed over them, and he tilted her chin up, lowering his head to kiss her. He captured her lips, his tongue lightly licking away the dried blood at the corner of her mouth.
Qin Tang shivered slightly, tilting her face up to let him kiss her.
Only after the bloodstain disappeared did Jiang Chuan release her.
The driver saw this scene in the rearview mirror, coughed lightly, and turned on the radio to ease the awkwardness.
At the hospital, Qin Tang underwent an examination. There were no fractures or dislocations—just severe swelling.
Jiang Chuan stood outside, talking to Cao Sheng on the phone. “Those three people who escaped—did you catch them?”
Cao Sheng replied: “Cao Yan caught them. They’ve already been taken back to the police station.”
“What did they say?”
“They said they wanted your life. Nothing else could be extracted from them.”
Jiang Chuan fell silent for a few seconds. Cao Sheng asked: “Are you taking Qin Tang to the airport?”
“Mm. Is there a problem?”
“Is she alright?”
Jiang Chuan glanced at Qin Tang sitting on the edge of the hospital bed. “She’s fine now.”
After exchanging a few more words, they ended the call.
The nurse finished treating Qin Tang’s injury, and Jiang Chuan walked over. Qin Tang looked up at him. “Are you really okay? The crash was so severe—are you sure you’re not hurt?”
Jiang Chuan looked at her hand. “I’m fine. Does it still hurt?”
Qin Tang shook her head. “Much better.”
Jiang Chuan: “Then let’s go back.”
The two walked outside. Qin Tang was a little worried. “Will there be any more trouble?”
Jiang Chuan wrapped his arm around her shoulders and leaned down to say, “There won’t be any trouble tonight.”
“What time is it now?”
“Almost 10 p.m.”
“Oh, then I can’t go back.”
“Let’s return to Yi Station first.”
They hailed a taxi and headed back to Yi Station. Qin Tang’s luggage had already been brought back by Lü An, and everyone had been informed about the car accident, which had scared them half to death.
At 10:30 p.m., Jiang Chuan and Qin Tang returned to Yi Station. Everyone immediately gathered around, relieved to see that they were unharmed. Xiaocheng noticed Qin Tang’s hand and hurriedly asked, “Sister Qin Tang, is your hand okay?”
Qin Tang replied, “It’s fine. Just swollen.”
“That’s good, that’s good.”
Qin Tang looked over and saw that meat was still sizzling on the grill. Another fire had been set up beside it, roasting two lamb legs, their juices crackling as the aroma of grilled meat filled the air. On a small table nearby were ice-cold beers, milk tea, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pistachios—everything imaginable. It was much more lavish than the last time Lü An treated everyone.
Lu Sha stood by the grill and looked at them. “I’m glad you’re both okay. Come over and eat something.”
Dinner had been early, and the unexpected accident had left everyone physically and mentally exhausted. Smelling the delicious aroma of grilled meat, Qin Tang felt hungry.
She turned to look at Jiang Chuan. He said, “Let’s go. Eat something, then rest early.”
Jiang Chuan washed his hands and cut off the tenderest piece of lamb leg, placing it on a plate. He sliced it into smaller pieces and handed it to Qin Tang.
Qin Tang took it, but since her right hand couldn’t use chopsticks, Jiang Chuan handed her a short bamboo skewer instead.
Xiaocheng watched them, muttering to himself: “Is Brother Jiang courting Sister Qin Tang?”
Jiang Chuan called out, “Xiaocheng, come here.”
Xiaocheng hurried over. “What is it?”
Jiang Chuan handed him the knife and instructed, “It’s all cooked. If you grill it any longer, it’ll get tough. Cut the meat and distribute it to everyone.”
Aqi had already figured it out. Though a little sad, she wasn’t too upset. She knew she wasn’t a match for Jiang Chuan. Qin Tang was beautiful and talented—it was natural for Jiang Chuan to like her.
She picked up a paper cup and asked, “Sister Qin Tang, what would you like to drink? I’ll pour it for you.”
Qin Tang glanced at the options. “Orange juice with pulp, please.”
Aqi poured her a glass of orange juice.
Jiang Chuan pulled over a chair and sat next to Qin Tang. He picked up a skewer of grilled beef and started eating. Lu Sha glanced over, poured him a glass of cold beer, and said, “Brother Jiang, you always pair grilled meat with beer.”
Jiang Chuan glanced at it, recalling what Qin Tang had said earlier, and was about to decline when he heard her say, “I want to drink beer too.”
She turned to look at him. “Drink it.”
Jiang Chuan chuckled and accepted the beer.
Lu Sha’s smile stiffened slightly, but she reluctantly poured another glass and handed it to Qin Tang.
Qin Tang took it and drank a couple of sips, still not quite accustomed to the taste of beer.
Lu Sha smiled faintly. “Not used to beer? I have a bottle of red wine upstairs—a gift from a buyer the other day. I’ll go get it for you.”
Qin Tang glanced at her. “No need.”
Lu Sha’s words were subtly implying that Qin Tang and Jiang Chuan weren’t a good match.
How could a woman who was used to drinking high-end red wine suddenly develop a taste for beer?
Qin Tang downed the rest of her glass in one gulp and looked at Jiang Chuan. “Pour me another glass, thank you.”
Jiang Chuan pressed his tongue against his teeth, watching her for a moment before chuckling and filling her glass to the brim.
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