Jiang Cheng carried a bag of money and documented the information of those willing to register.

"Alright, alright, I’ll definitely keep it in mind!"

The three of them were surrounded in the middle.

It took them more than ten minutes to cover just a few meters.

When Jiang Cheng led Director Lu and Director Lian out, the two finally dared to breathe.

After walking some distance, Director Lu looked around, confirming there was no one before speaking.

"Jiang Cheng, did you bring your passbook? Why don’t we deposit the money first?"

Jiang Cheng was folding the paper filled with information and said without raising her head, "The passbook... I did bring it, but you can’t deposit in a different area."

Connectivity wasn’t as developed back then.

Director Lu realized, indeed, that was the case.

"I should have arranged a transfer cheque for you."

Jiang Cheng understood their concern, but she couldn’t reassure them directly with the truth that she had the means to secure it.

So...

"Don’t worry, whoever dares to steal from me should be the one worried."

"Trust me!"

Jiang Cheng’s confidence eased Director Lu and Director Lian a bit.

The three set off again, ready to visit the next location.

But after just a few steps, Jiang Cheng’s eyes gleamed with curiosity, and she pulled Director Lu and Director Lian to quickly occupy a spot in the crowd.

"The factory isn’t going anywhere, let’s enjoy the commotion first!"

What could Director Lian and Director Lu do?

The treasure of S City, they had to indulge it!

The three of them stretched their necks in the same motion, looking at some familiar figures in the crowd.

"Wang Qiang! You’ve been lying to me all along!"

"I can’t believe you lied to me!"

The love-struck Du Shanshan, whom they met on the train, was sitting on the ground, clutching Wang Qiang’s leg and crying loudly.

"All the little money I earn each month, spent on buying eggs, buying fine flour... You ate my food... and you still deceived me!"

"You bastard! Give me my stuff back!"

Du Shanshan wailed, tears and snot streaming down her face.

Wang Qiang, being held captive, frantically tried to free his leg, his expression one of urgency.

His eyes, usually deep with affection like a dog’s, were now filled with panic.

"Bai Lu! Hurry up and get her off me!"

Bai Lu, deviating from her usual self, rolled her eyes disdainfully.

"I’m a good comrade, I can’t aid a fraudster."

Bai Lu’s words made Wang Qiang freeze; he hadn’t expected Bai Lu to refuse him so outright.

Disdain practically dripped from Bai Lu’s stare as she squatted and helped Xu Shanshan up.

"Xu Shanshan, though I don’t like you, facts are facts!"

"You saw it too, Wang Qiang is a complete fraud."

"I’m helping you see clearly this time, but from now on, it’s better if we have no further dealings!"

Having said this, Bai Lu straightened up, feeling unusually euphoric.

Du Shanshan, pitiful on the ground, stood up, glaring fiercely at Wang Qiang.

No matter how she glared, it didn’t quell her anger!

Suddenly, Du Shanshan blew her nose vigorously.

A trail of murky fluid with flecks of white, glimmering under the sunlight.

Splat!

Right across Wang Qiang’s face.

Jiang Cheng, observing the drama, clapped in applause, "Well done!"

The sight disgusted Wang Qiang to the brim, and he raised his hand to hit Du Shanshan.

Du Shanshan, pulled back by Bai Lu, dodged Wang Qiang’s swooping hand.

"Wang Qiang, if you dare lay a hand on me, I’ll report you to the police!"

"Wang Qiang—you bastard!"

The words came both near and far. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

The one threatening to report him was Bai Lu, who turned her head toward the voice.

It’s Da Niu.

Da Niu, who chased him from the countryside.

With Da Niu’s arrival, Wang Qiang’s bluster deflated instantly, and he instinctively shielded his head with his hands.

Seeing this, Bai Lu quickly pulled Du Shanshan back, making way for Da Niu.

As soon as Jiang Cheng spotted Da Niu’s arrival, a thought struck her: it’s a pity there isn’t a camera; this could really be an iconic scene!

Indeed, without a word of nonsense, Da Niu walked up and delivered a slap to Wang Qiang.

"Stop it! Stop it!"

Wang Qiang desperately protected his head, but Da Niu’s palms kept coming like fans.

"You say stop and then it stops? My dad said, I can do whatever I want!"

"You’re my man, you should work to support me!"

"What did you come here for?"

The sound of slapping continued incessantly.

Wang Qiang, thoroughly beaten, began to plead for mercy.

On the side, Du Shanshan watched Wang Qiang being hit, and the last shred of innocence in her heart started to shatter.

After being publically thrashed by Da Niu, Wang Qiang was eventually dragged away.

From beginning to end, Da Niu did not trouble Du Shanshan or Bai Lu.

People pointed and whispered around, but no one stepped forward to intervene.

Such men, going around causing romantic trouble, deserve their comeuppance!

Jiang Cheng focused on Da Niu’s retreating figure.

She thought, Da Niu isn’t stupid at all.

The crowd that had gathered to watch gradually dispersed, and Bai Lu released Du Shanshan’s wrist with visible disdain.

"You saw it with your own eyes."

With that, Bai Lu began to walk away. Du Shanshan tried to say something, but nothing came out.

As Bai Lu walked away, she looked up to see Jiang Cheng.

Her face immediately lit up with a big smile, and she rushed over to Jiang Cheng eagerly.

With that excitement and demeanor, anyone might mistake her for someone going to meet a lover!

"Mr. Jiang, what a coincidence!"

"Fate, fate."

Jiang Cheng smiled and said to Bai Lu, "You did great!"

Bai Lu blushed instantly, trying to meet Jiang Cheng’s gaze she said, "What you said the other day was absolutely right, thank you!"

"No need, I just love the excitement."

Jiang Cheng waved her hand nonchalantly, ready to leave.

"Wait a moment!"

Bai Lu’s cautious expression was like that of a small animal fearing hurt.

"Can I be friends with you? It’s just that I don’t have many friends around..."

"It’s not that I’m a bad person, I think I’m alright!"

"It’s okay if you don’t want to, really, I’m fine with it."

Bai Lu’s words became disordered.

Jiang Cheng generously took out paper and pen and wrote down her address.

"You can write to me."

Bai Lu was overjoyed, carefully taking the note and nodding vigorously.

"Looking forward to your letter, see you!"

After Jiang Cheng spoke, the three of them turned to leave. Bai Lu, after repeatedly reading the note, memorized it quietly.

After walking some distance, Director Lu cleared his throat theatrically.

"Well... Jiang Cheng... Director Shen is still waiting for you at home."

"I know!"

Jiang Cheng turned to look at Director Lu, revealing a meaningful expression, "Director Lu, you should learn a little less about ancient culture!"

"You’re all mixed up!"

What on earth was he thinking?

Bai Lu only admired her, just a little fangirl.

Director Lu insisted, "What are you talking about? I don’t get it!"

Jiang Cheng watched Director Lu quicken his pace: if that’s not the classic guilty reaction, then what is.

The three of them watched the drama and then headed to the ceramics factory.

Upon reaching the ceramics factory, they were taken directly by the factory director for lunch.

After lunch, the director brought up the topic of giving Jiang Cheng a bonus.

Jiang Cheng didn’t play hard to get, accepting it earnestly.

A square-dealing Director Lu snuck several glances her way.

After accepting the bonus, the ceramics factory also gave a lot of industrial coupons, making Jiang Cheng’s trip especially bountiful again.

A series of successful events lifted everyone’s spirits.

There’s only one stop left for today!

Quickly, they arrived at the bamboo weaving factory.

The factory director had no objections to giving a bonus, but someone wasn’t happy about it.

Jiang Cheng: Finally trying to be sincere for once...