Chapter 25: Just Want the Person, Not Their Life

Inside the dilapidated temple, only the father, daughter, and nephew remained. He Shun asked, “Miao, what are you going to do when Ah Xun finds his family?”

As Hemiao packed the leftover food, preparing to put it back in the ox cart, she replied, “Well, of course, he’ll go back home. He’s been missing for so long; his family must be worried.” 

“What if he wants to marry you? Would you agree?” He Shun finally asked the question. 

Hemiao paused for a moment and said, “Uncle, he’s from a noble family, and he may already have his own affairs…” 

“Heh…” He Shun sighed deeply and continued, “Miao, I want to speak frankly. Ah Xun came here wearing a hat, which indicates he is at the age of maturity. What Bai Shu said in the cart today, although unpleasant, was truthful. It’s unlikely for a rich young master in his twenties to remain unmarried. If he really finds his family and has a wife and children, you mustn’t be too heartbroken.” 

“Mm, I understand, Uncle…” 

Even though Hemiao knew she shouldn’t get too emotionally involved and had been holding back, feelings were hard to control. If Ah Xun already had a family, she would definitely not cling to him. 

“Fool! It’s best if he doesn’t find his family!” Hecang Xiang interjected. “Dad, Miao, you’re both foolish! That idiot is so good-looking and capable. The best part is he’s willingly showing interest in Miao. Why not just forget about him finding his family and keep him as a son-in-law?” 

He Shun lightly gave his daughter a tap on the head, his tone slightly stern. “What kind of mindset is that, silly girl? Such thoughts must not exist!” 

“Xiang Xiang, it’s not like that. If you had a husband who disappeared and you had no idea where he went, wouldn’t you be anxious? So, Ah Xun’s family must be worried, and we need to help him find them.” 

Hemiao empathized. If Ah Xun were her husband and one day he disappeared, forgetting about her and starting a new family with someone else, she would be heartbroken… 

“But you don’t even have a crush, so you wouldn’t understand!” Hecang Xiang tilted her head in thought. 

“You’ll understand one day.” Hemiao replied. 

“What do you mean by ‘understand one day’? Miao, do you mean you understand now? Do you really like that idiot?! You mustn’t become his concubine! You’re so kind-hearted; you’ll suffer terribly under the legitimate wife!” 

He Shun snorted heavily, firmly denying, “Concubine? No way! Our Miao is so good; what kind of man can’t she find? I hope you find someone honest and down-to-earth who treats you well!”

Bai Shu pretended to be going to relieve herself, but she actually wanted to discreetly follow Ah Xun to the creek, planning to stage a scene of being rescued from drowning, hoping to create some ambiguous relationship.

However, Ah Xun walked too quickly. By the time she came out, he had already vanished. So she had no choice but to walk alone toward the creek.

While trying to catch up, Bai Shu took a shortcut through the forest but suddenly heard rustling nearby. 

She stopped and concentrated to listen, but before she could react, a group of burly men rushed out from the side!

There were eight men in total, each armed! 

Their lascivious gazes ran up and down Bai Shu’s body, licking their lips and grinning mischievously, clearly having malicious intentions.

Bai Shu was stunned for a moment, and fear quickly gripped her. Her pupils dilated with terror, her mouth half-opened as if she had seen the king of hell. Her knees buckled, and she fell to the ground.

Shaking like a leaf, her mind raced: What to do? How to escape?

Just as the leading thug leaned down to touch her face, Bai Shu shut her eyes and trembled, exclaiming, “Gentlemen! I’m just a woman! There are two beautiful young girls nearby! If you’re willing to let me go, I can bring you to them!” 

Meanwhile, Hemiao and Hecang Xiang had packed everything and loaded it onto the ox cart. They were waiting for Ah Xun and Bai Shu to return so they could continue their journey.

Just as they settled down in the broken temple, they heard a woman’s anguished screams getting closer and closer, until it reached the entrance of the temple. “Please let me go! Gentlemen, I beg you to release me!”

He Shun, sitting by the door, looked outside and saw a group of men approaching, encircling the entrance. 

Suddenly, a short and stout man grabbed Bai Shu by the collar and threw her forcefully to the ground in the temple. 

Bai Shu quickly had a clever idea and pretended to faint. After all, there were two lively girls nearby, and these bandits wouldn’t want to play with someone who was unresponsive; that would be no fun. 

Soon after, seven or eight men rushed into the broken temple, their lewd laughter echoing throughout.

The leading bandit smirked as he scanned the interior. His eyes immediately landed on Hemiao and Hecang Xiang, a glint of excitement flashing across his face. “Oh! Two little beauties!” 

He Shun stood up protectively in front of the girls. “Who are you guys??”

Hecang Xiang and Hemiao stared wide-eyed at the group, initially not reacting, but they quickly sensed impending danger, a wave of overwhelming fear washing over them.

They had stumbled upon a group of flower-pickers!

The leader signaled, and two of his henchmen swiftly grabbed hold of He Shun, a blade held to his throat. 

“What do you want? Let go of Uncle!” Hemiao felt fear welling in her heart, but she comforted Hecang Xiang, who was trembling beside her, “Don’t be scared, Xiang Xiang!” 

Hecang Xiang realized they were there to commit a crime. Although she usually acted tough, the situation made her feel scared and small, paralyzed by the fear rushing through her body.

The leader of the bandits walked forward, his eyes half-squinting and leering as he said, “If you two little beauties cooperate, we only want your company, not your lives!” 

“Gentlemen, please let the two girls go! I’ll give you money, food, anything! Do anything you want to this old man! Heaven, help!” He Shun started to panic, shouting for help. 

“Shut your mouth, old man!” One of the bandits slapped He Shun, spitting on the ground, and said, “What do I want with an old fool like you?”

“Help! Help!” Hemiao couldn’t hold back anymore and instinctively screamed at the top of her lungs. 

“Little beauty, in this deep forest! Yelling your lungs out won’t bring anyone to help!”