Chapter 312
Despite He Xingzhi’s reassurances, everyone remained skeptical. Even the most delicious dishes couldn’t make them forget the discomfort of being wary. The stir-fried celery with dried tofu and the braised eggplant together cost several dimes and tickets. Though they could afford the expense, the ingrained habit of frugality made them uneasy.
“So, are we going to eat this food or not?” Su Xiaoxiao asked hesitantly.
Su Hongchen, feeling a mix of irritation and exasperation, glanced at her. “Eat what? For a few dimes, you want to risk our lives?”
“I’m just trying to make sure you believe me,” Su Xiaoxiao explained with a smile, revealing her small white teeth.
He Xingzhi stood up, looking apologetic. “I’ll go buy two more dishes.”
“No need. If we buy new dishes, those two women will definitely guess we figured out their plan. It’s better to turn the tables and catch them in their own trap,” Su Xiaoxiao said, quickly refusing. “Even if we catch them, we might not get much information, but people who sabotage soldiers are usually treated as enemies and executed. We must keep the mastermind alive.”
Jiang Yexun took two additional thermal containers and headed out.
“Be careful this time. Don’t let those people touch the food again,” Aunt Guo said nervously.
“Got it,” Jiang Yexun nodded and left the compartment.
Su Xiaoxiao looked up at her brother’s tense face and silently wished him luck. After all these incidents, she realized that the real target was her brother’s life. Their entire family was just collateral damage. Unfortunately, her brother’s mission was top secret, so she couldn’t analyze who might be behind the attack.
Aunt Guo understood how complicated the situation was, so she didn’t press for details. Instead, Su Hongchen looked particularly embarrassed as he said, “Auntie, I’m really sorry for causing you so much trouble.”
“How can you say that, child?” Aunt Guo replied. “In public, you are a soldier protecting ordinary people; in private, you are Xiaoxiao’s elder brother. How could we possibly see you as a source of trouble? We only worry about you and whether you might be in danger. When will these dangers be lifted?” Aunt Guo sighed, her heart aching for him.
Su Xiaoxiao nodded along quietly from the side.Seeing their support warmed Su Hongchen’s heart.
After about ten minutes, Jiang Yexun and He Xingzhi returned. They immediately locked the door behind them and lowered their voices. “We’ve confirmed that those two women are indeed hiding among the passengers on this route and have been secretly observing us.”
“What should we do now?” Aunt Guo asked, her anxiety heightened.
“We should eat first. Since they set a trap, they’ll likely come to check if they’ve caught their prey. We’ll eat quietly and wait for them to inspect their ’catch,’” Su Xiaoxiao said firmly, stretching her legs and gritting her teeth.
The others agreed, as there was no better plan.
The chef on the train prepared delicious dishes, each plate a feast for the senses with vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and great flavors. However, apart from Su Xiaoxiao, no one else seemed to have an appetite. In fact, as Su Xiaoxiao enjoyed her meal with gusto, Su Hongchen couldn’t help but glare at her, his eyes twitching in irritation.
The others’ stares were so intense that Su Xiaoxiao managed to glance at them. Noticing that they barely touched their chopsticks, she thought about urging them to eat and drink—after all, she couldn’t let a few ill-intentioned people suffocate themselves with their concerns. But fearing that someone outside might be eavesdropping, Su Xiaoxiao could only grin at them.
Understanding the implication in her eyes, Su Hongchen sighed in resignation and picked up his chopsticks to join her. Once everyone finished eating and the atmosphere turned quiet as they began to pack up, Su Xiaoxiao squatted by the door, pressing her ear against it. The overly familiar action made her look like a seasoned culprit. If she had a piece of iron wire in her hand, she would definitely resemble a thief.
Su Hongchen wondered how his usually gentle sister had become so adept at these tactics. Was it because of Jiang Yexun’s influence?
Su Hongchen squinted at Jiang Yexun, who felt uncomfortable under the gaze. He couldn’t understand why his future brother-in-law was staring at him like that.
Before they could delve into their suspicions, Su Xiaoxiao suddenly raised her hand. They all held their breath.
The train’s rumbling made it hard to hear what was happening outside, but Su Xiaoxiao could hear every sound. Someone outside was trying to unlock their compartment door.
Without a doubt, it was the two women from earlier.
Su Xiaoxiao counted down, “Three, two…” and at the signal, she yanked open the door.
The woman trying to pick the lock stumbled and fell into the compartment. Su Hongchen quickly subdued her, while Su Xiaoxiao dragged in the second woman.
The two women were caught off guard and couldn’t react in time to defend themselves. They could only scream, “Help! Kidnapping!”
Those in the adjacent compartments, mostly leaders with a heightened sense of duty, rushed out to assist. The commotion drew their attention, and they began to help.
The fastest among them grabbed a woman’s exposed leg and pulled her into the compartment.
“Stop! This is a law-based society; you can’t escape your crimes!” they shouted as they approached.
Su Hongchen, simultaneously pulling out his military ID, declared, “I’m an active-duty soldier from Dai City. These two women deliberately approached us on the platform, later collided with our lunchbox, and added drugs to the food. They came here to pick the lock after dinner, so I have strong reasons to suspect they are enemy agents.”
Su Hongchen’s clear explanation and the authenticity of his military ID caused the helpers’ expressions to darken.
At that moment, the two women, struggling under restraint, suddenly lunged toward Su Xiaoxiao.