Chapter 40

Lu Nong greeted her and wanted to leave. Zhao Xin smiled kindly, then lowered her head and went into the restroom.

Not long after leaving the restroom, a man approached her directly, locking eyes with Lu Nong. When he got closer, she felt a chill run down her spine. Her sixth sense kicked in, and before she could think, she turned and ran.

Just as she turned, the man suddenly reached out and threw a handful of powder at her. Although she managed to escape in time, she still inhaled some of the powder.

At such a moment, a person might instinctively run back to the restroom for safety. After all, having Zhao Xin there meant two women could block the entrance against a potential threat, which felt safer than being alone.

However, for some reason, Lu Nong preferred to run further away and seek help from others instead of going back to the restroom.

The public restroom at the clothing factory was located down a small path behind the auditorium, with exits on both ends leading back to the front. Seeing someone chasing her, Lu Nong chose to run in the opposite direction.

She ran for quite a while without encountering anyone. The factory employees had their own designated restroom, so this area was typically deserted, only used during meetings or dance parties.

But Lu Nong had been eating healthily and had intentionally started exercising in the mornings. Even though she had been burning the midnight oil for her studies recently, her improved health gave her the confidence to stay up late, resulting in good stamina, and she managed to avoid being caught by the man.

However, as she neared the back of the auditorium, she felt her body growing weaker and hotter, and her speed began to wane.

Refusing to give up, she gritted her teeth and pushed forward, determined to break free of the narrow path.

Just then, Pei Zheng and Zhang Kaiping were walking toward the auditorium. Lu Nong felt a rush of relief and wanted to call out for help, but her rapid breaths made it impossible to speak. She could only run mechanically toward Pei Zheng.

Pei Zheng was very perceptive. Even in the dim light, he noticed Lu Nong sprinting toward him. Realizing something was off, he halted his steps toward the auditorium and turned to meet her, while Zhang Kaiping hurried to keep up.

Seeing Pei Zheng coming over here, Lu Nong felt relieved instantly and her pace slowed down unconsciously. The man chasing her was getting closer and closer and ran out from the back of the auditorium.

It was only then that Pei Zheng noticed someone behind Lu Nong and finally understood why Lu Nong was running. His face changed and he rushed towards Lu Nong.

Seeing this, Lu Nong was completely relieved. With two strong men to rely on, she became more confident. Pei Zheng and Zhang Kaiping were brought to the army by their fathers since they were young and had learned a lot. They were quite skilled. Lu Nong thought for a moment and decided not to run away.

She turned around to face the man who was chasing her, knowing her Taekwondo skills were not just for show.

The man who pursued her: ???

Lu Nong stretched her fingers, cracking her knuckles, then rolled her neck, giving a chilling smile reminiscent of a gang leader.

The distance between her and the man was just a few meters. As the man stopped, he also noticed the two approaching boys and was bewildered to see Lu Nong not only standing her ground but also coming toward him.

Then a look of disdain appeared on the man’s face. It seemed that he not only didn’t take Lu Nong seriously, but he also didn’t care about Pei Zheng and Zhang Kaiping.

Lu Nong stayed alert, carefully circling the man without taking the initiative to strike while also preventing him from escaping, patiently waiting for Pei Zheng and Zhang Kaiping to catch up.

The man, unable to contain himself, was about to take a step forward when a whistle echoed from somewhere. The sound startled him, and he turned to flee.

Tsk, Lu Nong thought, observing his escape. She could tell he was unprofessional; he seemed formidable at first, but in reality, he was just an inexperienced fool.

When running normally, the closer you get to the enemy, the more you should face them directly. It is best to walk backward slowly without exposing your back to the enemy. Otherwise, you will lose the advantage.

At this moment, Lu Nong executed a flying kick, sending the man crashing to the ground in a heap.

Pei Zheng and Zhang Kaiping hurried over, their expressions frozen in disbelief.

Pei Zheng’s mouth dropped open, not knowing how to respond. Lu Nong glanced at him, puzzled. “Why are you dawdling? Hurry up and capture him.”

“Oh, right.”

Pei Zheng and Zhang Kaiping finally snapped out of it. Unfortunately, by the time they reacted, the man had stood up, taking advantage of their distraction. Meanwhile, Zhao Xin, who had gone to the restroom, had returned without them noticing. The man seized Zhao Xin and, retreating while pressing something against her neck, threatened Lu Nong and the others, “Don’t come any closer. If you do, I’ll kill her.”

The three of them were momentarily paralyzed, not daring to make a move. They could only watch as the man dragged Zhao Xin toward the wall of the courtyard. Once they reached the wall, he shoved Zhao Xin into Pei Zheng’s arms and swiftly climbed over the wall to escape.

Pei Zheng steadied Zhao Xin, asking, “Aunt Zhao, are you alright?”

Zhao Xin managed a nervous smile, “I’m fine. It’s all my fault. If it weren’t for me, he wouldn’t have run away.”

Zhang Kaiping reassured her, “It’s okay. The important thing is that you are safe.”

Lu Nong bit her lip, suddenly recalling the whistle she had heard earlier. She quietly observed Zhao Xin, who was wearing a dress today with no pockets, and her hands were completely empty.

Could she have misjudged the situation? That seemed too coincidental.

“Sister Lu Nong, why is your face so red?” Zhang Kaiping glanced at her before quickly diverting his gaze, stumbling over his words.

In reality, not only was her face flushed, but her eyes also glimmered with moisture. Her hair had loosened, and beads of sweat dampened a few strands on her forehead. Her slightly parted, rosy lips made her look dangerously captivating, evoking an instinctive urge to avoid direct eye contact.

Lu Nong felt confused, only sensing a bit of heat. Perhaps it was just a result of running too fast.

As for the man who had scattered the powder, that thought had slipped her mind. The small amount she inhaled was negligible, and she hadn’t felt particularly sleepy afterward, suggesting it wasn’t a drug meant to incapacitate her.

Both Zhao Xin and Pei Zheng turned their attention to Lu Nong, who seemed lost in thought. Pei Zheng awkwardly touched his nose, unable to meet her gaze. Although he couldn’t explain why, Zhao Xin’s eyes flickered with curiosity.

“Let’s head back,” Lu Nong said. Not capturing the man left her somewhat disappointed. She couldn’t comprehend why he was so intent on pursuing her—was it for money or for something else? One thing was clear—his intentions were sinister, especially with that whistle…

Upon returning to the main hall of the banquet, more and more people arrived to dance and socialize. Lu Nong noticed Pei Ji’an sitting in her previous spot, surrounded by girls who were sneaking glances at him. Some bold ones even approached him directly, ignoring the intimidating aura he exuded, inviting him to dance.

They were likely new arrivals who were unaware of Pei Ji’an’s marital status.

“Sorry, but I’m married,” Pei Ji’an replied to each invitation with the same line, after which he fell silent, his demeanor cold and distant.

The young girls seemed unconvinced, or perhaps they believed him but didn’t care. Before the commotion began, ballroom dancing had become all the rage, and many young people simply wanted to dance with a good partner.

Pei Ji’an kept glancing toward the entrance, still not spotting Lu Nong. His brow furrowed in concern as he decided not to wait any longer and stood up to leave.

Just then, four figures appeared at the door. Lu Nong, Pei Zheng, Zhang Kaiping, and a woman entered the hall, their expressions somber. Lu Nong looked particularly off.

Pei Ji’an sensed something was wrong and quickly approached them. “What happened?”

Pei Ji’an’s sharp gaze scanned the group. Aside from Lu Nong, who seemed distracted, the other three avoided his gaze, and his serious demeanor was somewhat intimidating.

Fortunately, Pei Zheng had a high tolerance for pressure and quickly responded, “We encountered a man chasing Lu Nong on our way back. When we tried to catch him, he had a weapon and took Aunt Zhao hostage, escaping before we could act.”

“Did you see what he looked like?” Pei Ji’an asked, his voice steady.

Pei Zheng shook his head. The man wore a construction hat and kept his head down, making it difficult to discern his facial features. Only his height and general build were visible.

He wanted Lu Nong to provide more details, but she kept wiping her sweat, looking dazed and lost in her thoughts.

Pei Ji’an had been observing her closely, noticing something was off. He stepped closer to inspect her more carefully. She seemed unfocused, her eyes occasionally glimmering, and her complexion exuded a seductive charm reminiscent of the time she had been drunk.

Having faced two attacks in one day, Pei Ji’an was concerned that Lu Nong might develop some negative trauma. He moved closer and wrapped his arms around her, saying, “Let’s go home.”

Lu Nong let out a soft groan when he held her, and that sound made Pei Ji’an freeze, his expression instantly darkening.

Having shared the same bed for so long, he knew exactly how Lu Nong would react to various situations.

Pei Ji’an finally realized what was wrong with Lu Nong, she had been drugged.

“Don’t go home yet, let’s go to the hospital.” Pei Ji’an’s voice was tinged with a hint of anger, his eyes revealing a murderous intent he couldn’t hide. The fierce determination he possessed from the battlefield emanated from him, leaving Pei Zheng and Zhang Kaiping speechless. Even Zhao Xin trembled in fear.

At that moment, Lu Nong started to come down from the effects of the drug and realized she might have been affected. “That man scattered some powder. I managed to dodge most of it, so it shouldn’t be serious. I just feel a bit overheated. If I can wash up at home, I will be fine. I’m really uncomfortable, let’s go home.”

Lu Nong lightly tugged at Pei Ji’an’s sleeve.

Hearing Lu Nong mention that she hadn’t inhaled much, Pei Ji’an let out a sigh of relief. He understood that she was right. Even if they went to the hospital, the doctors would likely just tell her to wait it out. Since it would be a waiting game either way, it was better for her to wait it out at home.

“Alright, let’s go home.”

Xiao Zhou had taken the sleazy man to the hospital and hadn’t returned yet. Pei Ji’an borrowed a car from the Zhang family and brought Lu Nong and Pei Zheng back to the compound.

Once they arrived home, Lu Nong was already drowsy. Pei Ji’an, unwilling to wake her, opened the car door and carried her inside.

Aunt Wu heard the commotion and came over, quickly asking, “What happened? Is Nong Nong feeling unwell?”

As Pei Ji’an continued carrying Lu Nong upstairs, he replied to Aunt Wu, “Godmother, please bring up a few cups of warm water.”

“Okay, I’ll get the water right away.” Aunt Wu hurried off to fetch it.

Pei Ji’an carried Lu Nong into the bedroom and gently placed her on the bed. He then went to the bathroom to fill the tub with water. After adjusting the temperature, he returned to the bedroom.

After a moment of grogginess, Lu Nong became slightly more awake. When she saw Pei Ji’an, she leaned in and rubbed her face against his.

Pei Ji’an took her into the bathroom without hesitation, removed her clothes, and carefully placed her in the bathtub.