Chapter 97: Hitching a Ride

Zhang Jianjun looked at Luo Qiao and asked, “What’s your name?”

Luo Qiao smiled and said, “Uncle, my name is Luo Qiao.”

Zhang Xiao said, “Luo Qiao, what a nice name. I remember I told you my name before.”

Luo Qiao nodded, “Zhang Xiao, right?”

Zhang Xiao said, “Yes, yes, you have a really good memory. By the way, where are you heading?”

Luo Qiao looked at the sky and said, “I’m planning to go to the city, but the road is not good today. I got here late and missed the bus.”

Zhang Xiao looked at her father, and Zhang Jianjun smiled, “Let us give you a ride.”

Luo Qiao glanced at the jeep in front and then at her own shoes. She wanted to refuse but thought that if she didn’t go today, she didn’t know when she would have the time again.

If she took the noon bus, she was afraid there wouldn’t be enough time, and it would be troublesome if she couldn’t get back by evening.

Zhang Jianjun saw her hesitation and said, “It’s okay. The weather is bad today, and our shoes are muddy too. We can wash the car later.”

When Luo Qiao arrived, she had already scraped the mud off the edges of her shoes with a stick, but her soles were still dirty.

Zhang Xiao pulled her toward the car, saying, “It’s really fine. There are already footprints in the car. See for yourself if you don’t believe me.”

Since they insisted, it would be impolite to refuse. So, with the driver’s help, she put her basket in the trunk and got in the car.

Zhang Xiao was very enthusiastic and asked, “Luo Qiao, how old are you?”

Luo Qiao looked at Zhang Xiao and said, “Fifteen years old.”

Zhang Xiao exclaimed, “What? You’re fifteen years old? No way! I’m a year older than you, but I’m not as tall as you.”

Luo Qiao didn’t respond to her, instead looking out at the scenery with a faint smile.

They chatted all the way, and Zhang Xiao asked about every detail of Luo Qiao’s situation. Of course, Luo Qiao also learned all she needed to know about Zhang Xiao’s family.

Zhang Jianjun and his daughter felt quite sympathetic towards Luo Qiao’s circumstances. Although Luo Qiao initially didn’t want to talk about it, Zhang Xiao’s constant stream of questions left her with no choice but to answer honestly.

Besides, Luo Qiao didn’t feel there was anything shameful about her situation.

When they arrived in the city, Zhang Xiao asked if Luo Qiao would be returning today. Luo Qiao said, “Yes, I need to go back; I have work tomorrow.”

Zhang Jianjun and his daughter originally wanted to take her back with them, but Luo Qiao said she didn’t know how long her errands would take and that taking the bus was quite convenient for her, so they dropped the idea.

Before parting, Zhang Xiao gave Luo Qiao her family’s phone number and invited her to visit when she had time.

Luo Qiao first found a place to enter her space and change her makeup before heading to the black market. He Yujie was just thinking that if he had to wait any longer, he would have to return to Beijing to take care of business.

As soon as Luo Qiao entered the black market, someone came up to greet her.

Ning Rui had nothing much to do these days, so he came over here to avoid seeing the boss’s gloomy face.

Finally spotting someone familiar, he hurried forward to greet them.

When Ning Rui arrived with Luo Qiao at that small courtyard, they overheard He Yujie on the phone, repeatedly saying, “I understand, I understand. Stay calm, I’m figuring it out. It’s not easy, you know. Don’t worry, I’ll prioritize you.”

After finally hanging up the phone and letting out a sigh, he turned around to see Ning Rui bringing Luo Qiao in.

He Yujie clapped his hands together and exclaimed, “Ah, my ancestor! You finally show up.”

Luo Qiao thought to herself that the last time they met, he was very serious. It’s been a while since then, and it seems like he’s changed a lot.