Ding Yushu wouldn’t admit it, so she held on and said: “I didn’t do anything; I just came here for a date.”

“I don’t believe it!”

“Then there’s nothing I can do if you don’t believe me!”

They each had their own opinions, one at the bottom of the pit, the other at the top, arguing endlessly.

Tian Jiao hurried over to comfort Li Mizhen. She was older, and if she got angry again, something bad might happen.

The small, soft hands patted her back repeatedly. Even though no one spoke, Li Mizhen felt warmth as if it had its own temperature. When she turned, she saw her little granddaughter looking worried.

Tian Jiao said, “Grandma, don’t argue with her. I asked Dad to call the police. They will be here soon.”

Li Mizhen’s eyes lit up, remembering what happened to Sun Hong back then. Didn’t he get punished in the same way?

“Jiaojiao is still smart.” A smile finally appeared on Li Mizhen’s wrinkled face. She spat at Ding Yushu angrily and turned to Zhai Xingwang: “Captain, you saw everything. This has ruined our family’s happy event today. We can’t let this go.”

Even if her grandson had been found, she wouldn’t let those two off!

As she spoke, her eyes landed on Zhai Zhong.

Zhai Xingwang smiled dryly and nodded: “Of course.”

Zhai Zhong had long been held down by the villagers of Lanshan Village. He knelt on the ground, unable to fight back. He could only plead with Zhai Xingwang: “Uncle Zhai, I didn’t mean it, and I didn’t do anything!”

Zhai Xingwang hated him as he looked at him. People with the same surname from the same village were basically related. In fact, Zhai Zhong was also a very distant relative of his, but they had no contact.

He walked over and kicked him: “Get lost! You useless thing. Do you really think I don’t know what you were planning?”

A flash of guilt crossed Zhai Zhong’s face, but he gritted his teeth and refused to back down.

Just then, Zhang Rui arrived with the police.

“Who is Zhai Zhong? Who is Ding Yushu? Someone reported you for suspected child trafficking.” Several policemen in serious uniforms approached.

The whole scene fell silent, and everyone looked over.

Ding Yushu, who was still crying at the bottom of the pit, suddenly went quiet. She dared not speak, and her face went pale.

Even though she acted fearless, she was still scared of the police, especially since she was educated and knew what could happen if she got caught.

When Tian Jiao saw them, she immediately perked up and raised her hands: “They are here!”

The police looked toward her voice and saw a pretty little girl pointing at the bottom of the pit and the person who was restrained. One officer smiled and said, “Thank you, little friend.”

Then they went over and took both of them away.

The speed was so quick that no one paid attention to Zhai Zhong as he begged for mercy. Nearby villagers quickly told the police about his past actions.

When the police left, they all said: If this is true, it may not just be child trafficking but also extortion.

If that’s the case, the punishment could be even harsher, depending on whether they confessed.

As Ding Yushu was taken away, Zhang Zhi approached her with a dark expression and said seriously: “Ding Yushu, do you even care? Erbao is not just anyone; he is your son! Even if you have never taken care of him, he is still your child!”

Ding Yushu was already stunned. When she heard his voice, she looked up in a daze. She stared at Zhang Zhi for a few seconds, then slowly lowered her head: “I’m sorry.”

Zhang Zhi took two steps back in disappointment: “From now on, I don’t want you to see them again. You are not worthy of being a mother.”

With that, he turned and walked away.

Tian Jiao clearly saw the guilt on his face.

****

In the end, Ding Yushu and Zhai Zhong could only be charged with attempted trafficking because there was no proof of extortion. This was only possible because Zhang Rui spent a lot of money to hire a good lawyer.

The law is not as strict as before, so people won’t be shot at random. However, Ding Yushu will still be in prison for several years.

There were many witnesses, and they confessed, so the trial was quick. The verdict was announced in about half a month.

Zhai Zhong’s family came several times, but they were all sent away by Li Mizhen.

Both were sentenced to five years in prison, and they would start serving their sentences right away.

The wedding banquet continued the next day. Xu Qiu’s mother was preparing to leave with her youngest son. Before she left, Xu Qiu took her aside, gave her five hundred yuan, and signed a severance agreement.

Xu Qiu believed the original owner was almost raised by her sister and lacked parental love, which is why she was attached to her brother-in-law.

Now that she had a chance, she would pay her mother five hundred yuan to end their blood relationship. She decided to ignore what outsiders said because what mattered most was her comfort.

If the problem wasn’t fixed now, the Xu family would come to them for help in the future. Zhang Yanran did not explain things well, causing the Xu family to come to them for trouble repeatedly.

Zhang Dong put up with it for a long time to protect his daughter’s reputation. But after being completely betrayed by Xu’s mother, he became furious.

The delay in resolving the matter made her annoyed.

So, Xu Qiu now handled these issues herself and resolved them quickly.

Zhang Yanran might have been influenced by Tian Jiao and her. When she took this action, they unexpectedly stood united. Zhang Dong wasn’t happy at first, but Zhang Yanran insisted. Eventually, Zhang Dong gave in, and they completely cut ties with Xu’s family. Xu’s mother felt she got a good deal and left with the money.

…

The lively wedding banquet ended, and everything returned to silence.

Everyone went back to their own lives, but Xu Qiu and Zhang Zhi had completely severed ties.

Dabao felt lost for a moment, and Tian Jiao encouraged him to go to Kyoto together.

Now that the children are grown, they don’t need their parents’ love as much. Dabao didn’t have as strong feelings for Xu Qiu as Erbao did, so it was better for him to leave.

Zhang Rui had settled in the city.

However, leaving for the city was still a bit complicated. A letter of introduction was still needed to go out. Only Zhang Dong and Dabao from the Zhang family could leave with them. Dabao transferred to another school, and Zhang Rui had some connections there, making it easy for him to find a primary school. Zhang Dong arranged for the military to change the hospital where his leg was treated to Kyoto First Hospital.

The military covered the expenses, and everything was organized.

As for Zhang Zhi, Xu Qiu asked to stay.

Zhang Zhi’s business in this town was now thriving. Although he was looked down upon at first, now that he was wealthy, it didn’t matter what people thought of him.

Xu Qiu said, “Once we make a bit more money here, the situation will improve, and we won’t need a letter of introduction to leave. Then we can move there as a family.”

Otherwise, if they left now, they would be sent back in a few months, which wouldn’t be worth it.

Zhang Dong nodded: “That’s right, I’ll rely on you at home. If you need anything, call me. The team has the number now.”

Li Mizhen hugged Erbao and nodded: “I know. We have everything here. You just need to take care of yourself. And Dabao, I hope you can adapt to the new school. Pay attention when the time comes.”

Dabao jumped with excitement and said: “It’s fine as long as my sister is here.”

“I can’t control you even with your sister here,” Li Mizhen said jokingly.

Zhang Zhi had been feeling down lately. After that incident, he and Xu Qiu postponed their wedding to the next day. This not only cost money but also energy. It became a joke for others after the meal. He grew quieter as the days passed. When he saw his brothers leaving, he said dryly, “Have a safe trip.”

Xu Qiu pinched him playfully: “Can you talk?”

Zhang Zhi made a face in mock pain, and Erbao smiled at him. Dabao also laughed, knowing that Dad had completely left Mom and started a new family, and everyone was okay.

…

After chatting for a while, they all went to the station.

As they were about to get on the bus, they noticed two familiar faces.

Xu Rong and Huo Yian were also waiting for the bus.

Throughout the summer vacation, they visited Zhang’s house every few days, bringing treats each time.

Xiao He initially wanted to refuse the gifts, but Tian Jiao wouldn’t let him. There was no reason to refuse. They sent gifts in Xu Rong’s name. It was normal for a mother to give gifts to her son. If it was useful, he could keep it. If not, he could refuse.

However, no matter how many gifts they brought, Xiao He’s attitude didn’t change, which left them a bit discouraged.

Despite feeling this way, they never gave up.

This time was no different.

“Jiaojiao, where do you live in Kyoto? Xiao He’s mother and I will visit you when we can,” Huo Yian said gently.

Tian Jiao rubbed her eyes, her slender legs swinging under the chair. She looked a bit sleepy, having set out early.

She said, “We are at No. 465, Lane XX.”

Huo Yian’s eyes widened in surprise: “Is this a courtyard house? Did you buy a house there?”

Tian Jiao shook her head: “It belongs to my teacher. It is more convenient for me to live there for now.”

At first, they couldn’t find a good place. Now Zhang Rui had moved out, but Tian Jiao and Xiao He had not. Living there was much more convenient than elsewhere. Plus, the teacher would be lonely alone, and with all the noise from these people, the old man seemed a bit tired. 

Tian Jiao was also thinking about hiring a nanny to help pay the rent, but she hadn’t found the right person yet. 

Huo Yian was increasingly surprised and asked, “Who is your teacher?”

Tian Jiao replied honestly, “Teacher Song Zhen.”

This name is well-known among those who appreciate painting, especially those who collect calligraphy and paintings. Song Zhen is seen as a leading figure in modern painting. Many wish to get his calligraphy, but since he is a private person, his few disciples do not connect with him, making it difficult to acquire his work.

When Huo Yian heard this name, his eyes sparkled as he looked at Tian Jiao like she was a treasure.

Xiao He, noticing something was off, cautiously stepped in front of Tian Jiao and stared at Huo Yian, asking, “What do you want to do?”

Huo Yian, feeling a bit embarrassed, realized he should have asked earlier. Even though he knew that Zhang Rui was doing well in Kyoto, it seemed he didn’t have anything significant. This “well-off” situation was only relative. 

He smiled and said, “Jiaojiao, I really like Mr. Song’s paintings. Can you introduce me? I will buy you whatever you want. Since I’m starting a business, how about giving me a car?” 

Tian Jiao, a bit taken aback, thought to herself: Are all rich people this direct? 

She didn’t know that Huo Yian was being blunt on purpose, wanting to make it easy for her to understand. 

Tian Jiao shook her head and said, “You can meet him, but I won’t help with the introduction.” 

Many people know where Song Zhen lives, but very few catch his interest.

Huo Yian looked disappointed at first, but then his eyes shifted to Xiao He, and his expression brightened again. 

It was the same situation. 

Xiao He was there anyway. 

But he didn’t ask Xiao He if he had a master, or he would have been even more surprised.