Chapter 286
Su Xiaoxiao felt a pang of disappointment at Jiang Yexun’s words. Since her rebirth, she was no longer the person she once was. The lingering resentment in her heart made her yearn for vengeance against all those who had wronged her in her past life. Not just equal retribution, but tenfold or a hundredfold.
So even if they treated her like a fool, taking advantage of her kindness while mocking her with their mischievous antics, she felt no compassion. Yet, fearing that her brother might sense her unease, she forced a contemplative expression.
“The people in the production team are friendlier than I expected,” she remarked.
“They’re only kind to those who are from the brigade,” Su Hongchen quickly replied, wary of his naive sister mistaking everyone for good-hearted individuals. He knew these folks could easily harbor ill will toward city-dwelling educated youths, especially toward a delicate girl like his sister.
“I understand, but I won’t have much interaction with others,” Su Xiaoxiao said softly, her seriousness easing the tension in the room.
Seeing the enamel basin on the kang table, Su Hongchen recognized the substantial workload ahead and walked over to lift one. Jiang Yexun followed suit, leaving Su Xiaoxiao with a basin that contained only a third of the mixture. They all knew that if they didn’t leave her something, she would certainly protest.
“It’s already past ten; you all need to get some rest and not stay up too late,” Su Xiaoxiao admonished them, trailing behind with concern.
She knew the pills wouldn’t be finished tonight. With her head start, there was no chance of her lacking money in this lifetime. Therefore, it was unnecessary to sacrifice her health for profit.
“Get to bed early. Don’t rush to wake up tomorrow. Even if you do, I won’t let you join that commotion,” Su Hongchen stated firmly, knowing that Jiang Yexun would undoubtedly fill his sister in on Dong Jiaxuan’s situation. He would not allow his sister to witness such painful scenes.
Seeing the stern expression on Su Hongchen’s face, Su Xiaoxiao didn’t dare to argue and simply nodded obediently.
His demeanor softened as he added, “Remember to bolt the door; don’t let the wind blow it open or you’ll be cold.”
When he noticed Su Xiaoxiao blinking her bright, innocent eyes in agreement, he exchanged a faint glance with Jiang Yexun before they both headed back to the bedroom.
—
Although Pan Yongsheng had arranged to meet someone the following morning, Aunt Guo, Jiang Yexun, and Su Hongchen all rose early.
The group moved quietly as they finished their morning routines and had breakfast. By the time the police arrived, it was almost time for their operation. To avoid alerting anyone, Su Hongchen took two officers to the location where Pan Yongsheng was set to meet, while Jiang Yexun and another pair of officers waited in the corner of the educated youth dormitory.
They patiently waited until nine o’clock, when Dong Jiaxuan and Pan Yongsheng finally emerged, a basket slung over their shoulders. They appeared to be heading to the city, and no one in the dormitory seemed concerned about the company of a man and a woman. With their reputations in tatters, few would bother to engage with them unless absolutely necessary.
Dong Jiaxuan walked with her head bowed, her hands clenched tightly in her pockets. After some time, noticing she had lagged behind, Pan Yongsheng turned around, suppressing his irritation.
“Jiaxuan, what’s wrong? We need to hurry; otherwise, we’ll miss our chance,” he urged, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
But Dong Jiaxuan’s eyes filled with tears at his words. “Yongsheng, do you really like me?”
Ugh! Who would like a useless woman like you? A prostitute! He cursed silently. What an ugly toad with beautiful wish. Yet, he maintained a facade of gentleness.
“Of course I like you! Are you doubting me? I understand your worries, but as children, we can’t only think of ourselves; we also need to consider our families. If it weren’t for my parents’ kindness, I wouldn’t want you to do this either. I’m just useless; I don’t have money yet to give you a good life, which makes you suffer.”
As he spoke, he observed Dong Jiaxuan’s expression. Seeing that she still looked uncertain, he stepped closer and took her hand.
“Don’t worry. Once we return from the city, we’ll get married. We’ll go get our marriage certificate, and as long as you don’t abandon me, I’ll always be your man.”
Hearing the word “forever” made Dong Jiaxuan’s heart race. The anxiety she felt about what they were about to do diminished significantly. Hand in hand, they continued toward their agreed meeting place.
However, as they approached their destination, Pan Yongsheng abruptly released her hand, the revulsion churning in his stomach nearly overwhelming him.