Chapter 116

Shi Tingyu wasn’t far from the window and was the first to notice the girl’s movements. As the girl was about to climb out the window, Shi Tingyu stepped onto the hard seat, reached out, and grabbed her collar, pulling her back down.

The girl was not tall and had a petite figure, which was typical for that era—few were overweight.

Shi Tingyu was accustomed to training and handling Lijian, who was quite large, so she had the strength to pull the girl down.

Lu Weiguo acted swiftly. He moved forward, shielding Shi Tingyu with one hand and grabbing the girl’s wrist with the other before she could climb out the window.

It was then that he realized the girl was likely an accomplice of the man from earlier.

Given their line of work, they couldn’t rule out the possibility of weapons, so the first thing to control was her hands.

With Lu Weiguo present, Shi Tingyu let go of the girl’s collar.

The railway police, who hadn’t gone far, returned and took the girl away as well.

The girl shouted loudly, “Why are you arresting me! Let go of me!”

The grip of the police officer didn’t loosen. “Your behavior is suspicious. Whether we release you or not will depend on the investigation at the police station.”

Lu Weiguo glanced at Shi Tingyu and asked, “You acted so impulsively just now. Are you hurt?”

Shi Tingyu shook her head. “I’m fine.”

Thinking back, Shi Tingyu realized that the girl’s fear of dogs seemed genuine. Her expressions, actions, and eyes clearly showed her fear. Yet she had misjudged her; just because she feared dogs didn’t mean she couldn’t be a thief. In fact, it wasn’t surprising that she was an accomplice, considering how she had sparked the conversation earlier.

Only now did the other passengers in the carriage realize that the young girl was the thief’s accomplice.

Reflecting on it now, Shi Tingyu felt that everything had been quite predictable.

The girl was young and traveling alone on the train, dressed modestly with patched clothes—typical behavior would be to keep a low profile. However, she stood out by confronting Lu Weiguo and arguing with him, which was clearly unusual.

But now that they had been taken away, Shi Tingyu didn’t dwell on it further.

After thanking Lu Weiguo and his wife, as well as Lijian, the owner and the train attendant prepared to disembark midway through the journey.

Lu Weiguo and Shi Tingyu took Lijian back to their compartment, grabbed a large teapot, and prepared to get some water and freshen up, as well as use the restroom.

As they got off the train, Lu Weiguo suddenly covered Shi Tingyu’s eyes.

Lijian leaned closer to Lu Weiguo.

Shi Tingyu was puzzled.

After walking about ten steps, Lu Weiguo explained that someone couldn’t hold it anymore and had to relieve themselves in a secluded corner after getting off the train.

Having been accustomed to modern toilets, Shi Tingyu found it hard to accept such things.

However, most trains were like this now, so she had no choice but to let it go.

Glancing at Lijian, who had also hidden away, Shi Tingyu asked with a smile, “What are you hiding from?”

Lijian wagged its tail and grunted a few times.

It seemed a bit disdainful.

As a dog well cared for by its owner, it was flea-free, odor-free, and clean. Naturally, it found the sight of people relieving themselves anywhere distasteful.

After using the restroom, the three returned to their compartment for a brief wash-up.

The train didn’t stop for long at this station and soon resumed its journey.

They arrived at Huaixian Railway Station at 3:30 in the afternoon.

Lu Weiguo still carried the luggage, while Shi Tingyu handled Lijian.

The platform was crowded, but thanks to Lijian, everyone instinctively kept their distance.

There were buses available at the railway station, but the wait would be long. Before coming, Lu Weiguo had already contacted home, informing them of the train’s arrival time so they could arrange for transportation.

It turned out to be a truck.

The driver was from the steel mill, and Lu Weiguo recognized him immediately.

Lu’s father offered the driver a pack of cigarettes as thanks for coming out.

“Uncle Mao!”

Lu Weiguo called out.

Driver Mao instantly spotted Lu Weiguo—a tall figure hard to miss in the crowd.

Seeing Shi Tingyu with her hat covering half her face, Uncle Mao was momentarily stunned.

“Gosh, she’s quite stunning,” he thought, looking at Lu Weiguo with obvious suspicion. His expression seemed to ask, “Is she really your wife?”

Lu Weiguo understood and introduced them to each other.

Shi Tingyu greeted Uncle Mao with a polite “Uncle Mao.”

Uncle Mao quickly responded with a warm, goofy smile.

After exchanging pleasantries, Uncle Mao helped load Lu Weiguo’s luggage into the truck bed.

As he placed the luggage and remarked, “Your mom was worried you’d be cold, so she put a blanket in my truck bed. When the time comes, you can use it to keep warm.”

Shi Tingyu had been wondering where the blanket in the truck bed had come from; it turned out her mother-in-law, whom she hadn’t met yet, had prepared it.

After loading all the luggage, Uncle Mao glanced at Lijian, wondering how the dog would manage, given its apparent disability.

Lu Weiguo reassured him, “Uncle Mao, it can get up by itself.”

With that, he lowered the tailgate of the truck bed, and Lijian jumped up almost effortlessly without needing a running start.

Uncle Mao widened his eyes and couldn’t help but praise, “This dog is impressive.”

Lu Weiguo smiled and said nothing, helping Shi Tingyu onto the truck and then climbing up himself.

He shook out the blanket, folded part of it to cushion under Shi Tingyu’s bottom, and wrapped the rest around her.

Shi Tingyu tried to share the blanket, but Lu Weiguo insisted, “Keep warm. I’m used to it and don’t get cold.”

The northeastern part of Dong Province was colder than Jinling. Shi Tingyu felt it as soon as she got off the train, though not as cold as the northeastern provinces.

Eventually, at Shi Tingyu’s insistence, Lu Weiguo also tucked himself under the blanket.

Lijian…

Seemingly sensing Lijian’s discontent, Shi Tingyu called it over.

Uncle Mao shouted to those in the truck bed, “Hold on tight! I’m starting the engine.”

As they acknowledged him, Uncle Mao revved the truck, filling their ears with its rhythmic chugging. The bed shook in response.

Startled by the vibration underfoot, Lijian let out a whimpering sound towards Shi Tingyu, clearly taken aback.

Shi Tingyu couldn’t help but burst into laughter upon hearing Lijian’s whimper.

Lu Weiguo stifled a chuckle himself.

The truck’s vibrations made Lijian’s whimpering sound like it was synced with the engine’s rhythm, creating an oddly rhythmic effect.

However, after just over ten minutes of driving, Shi Tingyu found it harder to laugh. Despite the blanket, the truck’s bumpy ride was making her uncomfortable. Now, even speaking to Lu Weiguo required her to raise her voice, her words trembling in tandem with the vehicle’s movements, making her reluctant to speak at all.