Chapter 337: Scheme within a Scheme

Seeing the old lady willing to compromise, the onlookers turned to persuade the young woman, “Miss, just accept half the responsibility. After all, you’re young and should have been more careful when walking. You can’t be the same as this older lady. Her eyesight isn’t good, but you’re different. Since both of you bumped into each other, you also have to take some of the blame. Why don’t you just listen to what the older lady says and split the responsibility? Going to the police will only lead to the same conclusion.”

The young woman glanced at the crowd, clenched her teeth, and stamped her foot, “Fine, I’ll just chalk it up to bad luck today. I didn’t check my luck before leaving the house. You pay half, and we’ll call it even.”

In front of all the witnesses, Han Ying reluctantly handed over half the money to the young woman. Seeing the matter resolved, the crowd dispersed. Han Ying regretted the incident, thinking how a simple trip to the market turned into such an ordeal, an experience she had never encountered before.

For the rest of her journey, she was extra cautious, fearing another mishap. Yet, she still muttered to herself that the blind man must have been guessing, and one correct guess didn’t count for much.

Until the old lady finished buying her groceries, nothing untoward happened. Han Ying was very satisfied, carrying her basket and heading back home, still making sure to keep her distance from others. It seemed that the earlier incident had indeed had an impact on her.

Wang Qian was strolling aimlessly with Zhang Weiguo, though they had turned around a few times, he realized they were quite close to Wu Changyong’s house.

“Qianqian, we’re not far from your Grandpa Wu’s place. How about Uncle takes you to have a look? We might even run into your Aunt Bai,” suggested Zhang Weiguo, harboring this little hope.

Wang Qian was quite pleased with the idea, grinning and holding his hand, “Little Uncle, who knows, we might even come across an adventure. Let’s take our time walking over.”

As the uncle and niece walked hand in hand in this direction, Han Ying, on her way back, thought she was home free when suddenly she encountered a thief. She felt someone tugging at her from behind. Turning her head, she saw a man grabbing her wallet and running off. Startled, Han Ying quickly called for people around to catch the thief.

Zhang Weiguo and Wang Qian happened to be right there. Hearing the shouts to catch the thief, Zhang Weiguo didn’t think twice; he let go of his niece and chased after the thief, leaving Wang Qian amusedly watching her uncle, who was running faster than a rabbit.

Han Ying was running and shouting at the same time; being advanced in years, she quickly became breathless and couldn’t keep up the chase for long. Exhausted, she had to sit down on the curb, looking in the direction the thief had run. Many passersby joined in the pursuit, but most noticeable was a young soldier who strode out at a pace much faster than the others.

Wang Qian hurried over to the old lady sitting on the ground and asked with concern, “Grandma, are you alright? Do you need me to help you get back?”

Han Ying, seeing a delicately beautiful young girl approach her like a fairy, weakly shook her head and said through gritted teeth, “No need, I’m just waiting for everyone to catch that thief. So young and already a thief, I must give him a good lesson.”

Seeing Han Ying swearing in anger, Wang Qian couldn’t help but quietly giggle to herself, finding the old lady rather adorable.

“Grandma, then let me stay with you,” Wang Qian offered. “My uncle has gone to chase the thief, and I’m not familiar with this place either. I’ll wait here for him.”

Han Ying looked at the polite young girl in front of her and smiled. She always had a soft spot for pretty and well-behaved girls, as she and her husband always liked girls.

“Girl, I’m really sorry about this, making a young lady like you stay under the big sun with an old lady like me on such a day.”

Wang Qian just smiled gracefully and said to the old lady, “Grandma, it’s okay. I was tired from walking anyway, so it’s nice to have a rest.”

Sitting on the ground, Han Ying’s mind began to recall the words of the blind man she met in the morning. Everything he said had come true, which made her wonder if she really should consider finding a soldier for her daughter. She felt conflicted and irritated at the thought. Deciding it was something to ponder over once she was home.

After Zhang Weiguo and a group of people started the pursuit, the thief was fast, but the others couldn’t keep up. However, thanks to Zhang Weiguo’s daily training, his stamina was outstanding, and he was about to catch up when the thief, seeing the situation was dire, quickly threw away the wallet and darted into an alley. Zhang Weiguo picked up the wallet and continued the chase, but after a long search without finding the thief, he had to return with the abandoned wallet. Everyone was relieved to see the wallet recovered, even though the thief had escaped, considering it a fortunate outcome under the circumstances.

“Madam, please check if anything is missing from your wallet. I let the guy get away, but at least I managed to retrieve this for you.”

Zhang Weiguo felt apologetic when he returned and saw his niece still keeping the old lady company.

Han Ying, seeing her purse returned, hurriedly opened it to check, and finding not a penny missing, her face lit up with a smile, “Young man, I really owe you one today. Without you, I would’ve suffered a loss. I’m truly grateful.”

With her money returned safely, Han Ying’s mood improved significantly, and her appreciation for the young, strong-featured man in front of her grew instantly.

Zhang Weiguo just smiled, “Madam, if everything’s alright with you, then we’ll get going.”

His response was modest and considerate, wrapping up the incident with care and respect for Han Ying.

Just as Han Ying was about to step towards home, her leg cramped, and she crouched down again. Zhang Weiguo and Wang Qian, who were about to leave, saw this and grew concerned. “Madam, what’s wrong with you? Do you need help?” they asked.

Wang Qian guessed that the old lady couldn’t walk anymore, especially after the sprint earlier, which would have been tough for someone of her age.

Han Ying, clutching her leg and a bit embarrassed, said, “Young man, I’ve got a cramp in my leg and can’t walk.”

Without a second thought, Zhang Weiguo lifted the old lady onto his back, “Madam, I’ll take you back home. It’s no trouble for us.”

Wang Qian cheerfully picked up the old lady’s vegetable basket, “Grandma, my little uncle is strong. Just tell us where you live, and we’ll take you there.”

At this moment, Han Ying felt truly appreciative of military people; they have good hearts, can chase down thieves, and stand up to enemies.

“Young man, I really want to thank you. My own spouse was a soldier too, ah, it’s true, you military people are wonderful. I didn’t quite see it that way before, but today I’ve really come to understand. Look, out of so many people, only you could catch up to the thief. The physical strength of a soldier truly is incomparable. Young man, have you ever been on the frontline?”

Zhang Weiguo nodded as he walked ahead, “Yes, I’ve been to the frontline. I just got back from rotation.”

Han Ying’s heart leapt with joy upon hearing this, “Young man, do you have a partner? You look like you’re at the age to settle down.”

Before Zhang Weiguo could reply, Wang Qian eagerly interjected, “Grandma, you know what,  my little uncle had a partner before, but her parents objected because he’s a soldier. They didn’t agree to let their daughter marry a military man, so the matter just dragged on. It’s really quite pitiable, my uncle has served our country, ensuring their safety, and yet he’s been rejected. Tell me, my uncle has the looks and the qualifications, what is he lacking?”

Upon hearing that the young man who helped her had been treated this way, Han Ying felt a surge of sympathy, “Young man, don’t worry, what’s wrong with being a soldier? Does being a soldier mean you can’t find a wife? Who made such a rule? You tell me which family’s girl it is, and I’ll speak to them for you.”

Wang Qian, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter, said to the old lady, “Grandma, I’m afraid they won’t listen even if you talk to them. The mother on the girl’s side is very stubborn, and I fear your efforts might be in vain.”

Han Ying, who was known for not backing down when challenged, felt her fighting spirit kindled by Wang Qian’s words. “Who says so? I don’t believe there’s an issue I can’t resolve. Young man, tell me, is the girl you’re interested in also a soldier, or is she from around here?”

Zhang Weiguo grunted from the front, “Old lady, my partner is also in the military. I reckon that’s out of your hands.”

Upon hearing this, Han Ying felt it was an ideal situation. Her own husband was a soldier; they were from the same system, and any problems could surely be resolved. If her husband couldn’t handle it, there was always Old Wu. But then she remembered what Old Wu had said and her enthusiasm waned. She had refused when someone tried to matchmake for them, so what right did she have to intervene now?

She didn’t want her own daughter marrying a soldier, so what face would she have to work on someone else’s behalf? However, recalling the fortune teller’s words, she thought it might be worth meeting the young man to see what he was like. If he was a good match, maybe her husband could pull some strings to keep him stationed in the capital. That way, her daughter wouldn’t have to marry and move far away. There could be a way to work things out after all.

“Young man, after you take me home, let’s have a good talk and I will help you solve this problem.”

Zhang Weiguo didn’t really expect that the old lady he was carrying on his back could be of much help, but he didn’t decline her offer either. Following the old lady’s directions, the niece and uncle duo found her home. Wu Changyong and Bai Qingyuan, Han Ying’s husband, had just returned from the military base and arrived at the gate just as Zhang Weiguo and the others approached.

Bai Qingyuan, with his sharp eyes, saw his wife being carried back and worried something serious had happened, so he rushed over with Old Wu. Upon reaching them and seeing the situation, Bai couldn’t help but want to laugh, but he still asked with concern, “Weiguo, what happened here?”

Han Ying glared at her husband from over Zhang Weiguo’s back, “Old man, what do you think happened? I almost couldn’t make it back today. Luckily, I met this soldier here; otherwise, I might have not been able to see you again.”

Knowing his wife’s tendency to exaggerate, Bai Qingyuan heard the robustness in her voice and instantly knew that it wasn’t anything serious.

“Old Bai, your timing is perfect. I’ve promised to help this young man talk to his girlfriend’s parents. He mentioned she’s also in the military. You two help out and see if you can solve this issue.”

With these two officers involved, Han Ying was confident that the young man’s girlfriend’s parents would be persuaded.