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Su Yu observed the individual, anticipating there might be a repeat of such foolish behavior.
Faced with their distrustful expressions, Long’an wished he could find a hole to hide in to avoid further embarrassment.
“Enough of the self-pity. Instead of wallowing, lead the way now. Take me to your friend. If he is involved in this matter, severe consequences may follow,” Su Yu instructed, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Long’an fell silent instantly, unsure whether his friend was truly aware of the situation. Just…
“I believe he should be fully aware of everything,” Long’an said earnestly after a moment of silence, indicating his strong conviction regarding his friend’s involvement.
Su Yu found Long’an’s statement believable, considering the close relationship he had with the trafficker. It seemed unlikely that his friend was unaware of what was happening.
“But there’s one thing I don’t quite understand,” Long’an continued.
“Go on,” Su Yu encouraged.
“His family is well-off. Why would he engage in such heinous acts?” Long’an expressed his perplexity.
Su Yu, expecting a different question, responded simply, “Does crime always need a reason?”
Long’an, taken aback, stared at Su Yu and hesitantly asked, “Does it?”
“It’s not necessary. When people truly decide to commit a crime, they often find excuses rather than reasons,” Su Yu explained. Some individuals might indeed choose a path of wrongdoing due to certain circumstances, while others simply engage in criminal acts without a clear justification.
Su Yu’s words left Long’an in contemplative silence, acknowledging the truth in what he had heard.
“I’ll take you there. But if… never mind. This is the path he chose for himself. Everyone has to face the consequences of their choices,” Long’an expressed. He understood that the consequences of his actions would eventually catch up with him, and he likely already knew what fate awaited him without needing to be reminded.
“As long as you understand, Xiao He is the county Princess here. She won’t tolerate such deeds, and I won’t let these incidents tarnish her reputation. So, I will deal with these individuals as a warning to others,” Su Yu informed Long’an, preparing him mentally to focus on the present without dwelling on past regrets.
If Long’an’s friend was truly involved in such despicable acts, Su Yu wouldn’t hesitate to take action against them.
Wang Jinhe nodded vigorously, firmly believing that those who trafficked children deserved severe punishment.
“Those who traffic children deserve the harshest punishment. Don’t even consider pleading for mercy for your so-called friend. When he schemed against you, he certainly didn’t think of you as a friend,” Wang Jinhe added sternly.
Long’an was convinced by Su Yu’s and the county Princess’s words. He realized he had never truly been considered a friend, or else how could someone conspire against him in such a manner?
With newfound determination, Long’an looked at Su Yu and said, “Let’s go. I’ll lead the way.”
“Xiao He, I’ll accompany him. Yuan Lin, you go back first. We’ll discuss the land purchase after we’ve sorted this out,” Su Yu instructed Wang Jinhe, mindful of the darkening sky and the need for her safety.
Wang Jinhe couldn’t stay behind; Su Yu needed her to return for her own well-being.
“Alright, I’ll head back once you’re gone,” Wang Jinhe agreed.
Su Yu, Long’an, and Yuan Bao set off, leaving Wang Jinhe with Yuan Lin. “Madam, let’s head back,” Yuan Lin suggested.
“Alright.”
Su Yu followed Long’an to a courtyard in the county town.
Grasping Long’an’s collar, Su Yu swiftly ushered him inside.
Startled by the sudden movement, Long’an was terrified.
Fortunately, he managed to stifle any potential scream by covering his mouth firmly, preventing a scene that would have been highly embarrassing.
Following Su Yu inside, Long’an felt a sudden sense of trepidation. This man did not seem like one to be trifled with.
Su Yu headed straight for the study.
As they entered, there was indeed someone inside.
“When do you plan to send these children away? Keeping them here will only bring trouble for me,” a voice spoke from within.
Upon hearing this voice, Long’an’s last glimmer of hope shattered. It turned out he was truly involved with these child traffickers.
“What’s the rush? Once we have what we need, we’ll naturally leave. Feeling upset about your friend being set up?” the acquaintance of Long’an remarked casually.
Long’an’s friend’s voice turned cold as he stated, “I am not his friend.”
Feeling a sense of betrayal, Long’an’s grip tightened involuntarily. He had considered this person a close confidant, only to realize that he meant nothing to him in return.
“Stop pretending. Don’t think I’m unaware. Worried we’ll do to your friend’s family what we’ve done to others? Rest assured, we’ll spare your reputation,” the person inside mocked.
Listening from outside, Long’an felt a chilling sensation. Their initial target had been his own family.
“You can try, see if you can slip away unnoticed in Fu’an County,” the voice continued sarcastically.
“Thinking of betraying us? Remember, you’re still one of us. Don’t assume you can walk away and lead a peaceful life in a few years. You’ll just be another ordinary person,” the voice warned.
With this clarity, what more was there to understand?
Su Yu glanced at Yuan Bao, who promptly kicked the door open.
Startled, the person inside turned to face the figure at the doorway. “Long’an, it’s you?”
“It seems we haven’t taught you enough of a lesson. You still haven’t learned to obey,” a man remarked sternly.
Long’an looked at the speaker.
“Your actions will have consequences. You won’t escape retribution.”
These individuals spared no one, not even children. They were no longer deserving of being called human; they were nothing more than beasts.
“Against all of us? Don’t overestimate yourselves,” the person inside retorted.
Su Yu casually scratched his ear. It had been a long time since someone had shown him such blatant disregard.
With his hand resting on Yuan Bao’s shoulder, Su Yu calmly remarked, “Yuan Bao, is helooking down on me?”
“He’s not looking down on you, he’s looking down on us,” was the response.
“Ah, what a nuisance. Perhaps we should teach them a lesson,” Su Yu mused. Showing mercy to such individuals was a cruelty to the families who had lost their children.
While some families might have many children, others may have waited years for just one. With their children in the hands of these individuals, what kind of future could they hope for?
“Yes,” Yuan Bao acknowledged.
Inside, the individual smirked dismissively. Just two people—did they truly think they were unmatched masters?
However, their confidence vanished when facing off against Yuan Bao. Was his fist truly made of iron? How could it be so unyielding?
Screams echoed in the room as the perpetrators suffered. Long’an’s supposed friend sat there, coldly observing their punishment without a flicker of emotion.
He had always distanced himself from these individuals, and now, seeing them meet such a fate at someone else’s hands, it brought a sense of satisfaction.
“Don’t think leaving here makes you an ordinary person, Feng Ling. If you don’t help us, your end will come too,” the warning echoed ominously.
Feng Ling shrugged nonchalantly. “It doesn’t matter. I should have been dead a few years ago. Living a few extra years is already a bonus for me.”
Glancing at Long’an beside him, Feng Ling remained silent.
But deep down, he was grateful to have Long’an as a friend. This was the first time he had a friend since leaving that place.
His trust in Long’an made him feel greedy, always wanting to hold onto it. However, he hadn’t expected to encounter these individuals here.