☆ 10. Reunion

Su Cheng had just experienced a remarkable adventure.

In the moment he was shot three times and fell off the cliff, a white light flashed before his eyes, and he saw a series of memory images that may or may not belong to the future.

He saw that after his death, the woman who had tried so hard to marry him was eagerly gathering the family’s wealth to return to the city and remarry.

His daughter, Qiuqiu, cried and begged her to stay, but she was afraid Qiuqiu would make a scene and ruin her plans. She silenced Qiuqiu, binding her up and tossing her under the bed before fleeing.

His mother frantically went out to look for her granddaughter but fell down the mountain and crashed into a big rock. In the end, she was sent to the hospital but died in agony on the operating table because she couldn’t afford the surgery.

After that, his soul followed Qiuqiu, watching her become an orphan, going hungry from time to time in the village, and suffering endless humiliation as she grew up.

He watched her unwillingly become a child bride and escape, enduring the harshness and bullying of the world, only to see her be treated as a substitute for another woman by her new family’s nephew.

He witnessed her hard-earned career being suppressed by that woman, leading to her disfigurement. He saw her in her twenties, at the prime of her life, desperately jump off a building over 30 stories high…

That scene was too tragic, and it hurt him so deeply that even in hell, he wanted to crawl back.

By a miracle, he had a stroke of luck and survived.

He found a way to come back.

When he woke up in the hospital after being rescued, he learned that half a month had passed since the news of his death had reached the village, and he thought everything was too late.

Yet, fortunately, his mother was still alive.

In that instant, what he had seen seemed to be nothing more than an illusion.

The only thing that was similar to that moment but not quite the same was that the woman still chose to return to the city. However, for some unknown reason, she regretted it midway and returned to the village, saving his mother and taking her daughter with her.

“I know how serious my injuries are, I’ll be fine.”

“Go ahead and do it, buy the ticket using my current identity.”

After saying this, Su Cheng turned and strode out of the office.

The train station was nearby, and after buying the ticket, he could head straight over, possibly arriving in the provincial city even before Qiuqiu.

Until everything was clear, he didn’t plan to appear directly in front of that woman, he needed to make some preparations.

—

“Qiuqiu, hold on to Mommy tightly.”

Ji Meng didn’t know about the situation at home.

After getting on the train, Qiuqiu cried heavily, sobbing so much that she nearly gasped for breath. Ji Meng watched with concern, continually holding her and soothing her until, just before getting off the train, the little girl finally calmed down.

Upon arriving at the train station, Ji Meng took out the anti-loss strap she had prepared the night before and tied it to both her and Qiuqiu.

The incident with Su Dazhi had alerted her, with the economy just opening up and no surveillance in place, human traffickers were rampant, making train stations especially dangerous.

Ji Meng had studied self-defense, but during this time, human traffickers often worked in groups. In a crowd, it was hard to tell who was good and who was bad, with thieves and all sorts mixed in, making it difficult to guard against everything. She had to be cautious about everything.

Ji Meng considered everything, and even put on makeup before leaving, painting her face yellow, and wrapping thick cloth around her waist twice.

The only thing she didn’t expect was how incredibly difficult it would be to buy a ticket at this time.

The line of people stretched from the ticket counter to outside the gate, packed with people tightly together.

Ji Meng stood in line with Qiuqiu for over two hours, and in the end, they only managed to buy two slow train tickets.

The slow train from this small county town to the provincial city made six or seven stops along the way. Considering the time needed to give way to faster trains, the noon ticket wouldn’t arrive until around three in the morning, which meant they would have to stand the entire journey. The level of exhaustion was unimaginable.

Standing in such a crowded, enclosed space for more than ten hours, Ji Meng had never experienced anything this difficult in her life. Even if she could endure it, what about Qiuqiu?

They also had so much luggage with them.

After much hesitation, Ji Meng decided to seek out Station Master Wu, whom Fang Aihua had mentioned earlier.

Station Master Wu’s name was Wu Feng.

He was a former classmate of Su Cheng from middle school and high school, and they had always maintained a good relationship. He was also a soldier, but from a different military district, and he had retired a few years ago.

When the original body went to the military with her husband, Su Cheng had asked him for help with buying tickets and arranging for someone to escort them.

When he heard about Su Cheng’s sacrifice, he even went to the village in person.

When Wu Feng saw Ji Meng, he was surprised at first, then quickly asked what was the matter. Upon learning that she was taking her child back to the provincial city, he paused for a moment but ultimately said nothing. He led Ji Meng to his office to rest and personally found a way to help her change her ticket.

Ji Meng wanted to pay him the extra money, but he waved his hand and refused.

“Sister-in-law, it’s just a ticket change, don’t be too formal with me. I’m planning to finish up some work these days and then go visit Qiuqiu and Aunt.”

“Since Su Cheng is gone, I’m still Qiuqiu’s uncle. I’ll be very happy if you think of me when you need help.”

Wu Feng said this with a smile that quickly faded, replaced by a bit of sadness.

Ji Meng paused for a moment and took the money and tickets back.

Some favors cannot be repaid with money.

“Alright, I won’t be too formal. Qiuqiu, thank your uncle. When we come back next time, we’ll visit your uncle’s house.”

Su Cheng’s topics bring down the mood. Ji Meng only knew her husband from the family portrait at home and the sparse personal information available. She forced a light smile and avoided discussing Su Cheng with Wu Feng. Instead, she reached out and gently patted Qiuqiu’s head.

Since parting with her grandmother when they got on the train, Qiuqiu had cried silently for a long time. Now, as Ji Meng comforted her, she had stopped crying, but her emotions were still deeply affected by the separation, and she looked quite depressed. However, she was understanding and obedient, and as soon as her mother spoke, she looked up and thanked Wu Feng.

“What are you thanking me for? Whenever Qiuqiu comes to my house, I’ll ask your aunt to make you some delicious food.”

Wu Feng looked at the well-behaved Qiuqiu and smiled warmly. Then, glancing at the time, he said to Ji Meng:

“Sister-in-law, the ticket I got for you is for the next train. It has already arrived. I’ll take you there, it’s fortunate that Xu Qiaoyun is on duty today. I’ll take you to her, and she can help you board.”

Xu Qiaoyun, Wu Feng’s wife.

“Great, then I’ll trouble my sister-in-law,” Ji Meng replied.

Having someone familiar on the train was the best situation possible.

As Ji Meng spoke, she went to lift the suitcase, but Wu Feng was quicker and helped her carry it, even taking the large woven bag containing Qiuqiu’s clothes. Ji Meng didn’t stop him, she just held onto the big bag of food prepared by Fang Aihua and took Qiuqiu’s hand, following Wu Feng to the ticket checkpoint.

As they entered the station, they saw the green train had already arrived and stopped. Ji Meng also met Wu Feng’s wife, Xu Qiaoyun.

Xu Qiaoyun had a round face, was not very tall, and had a small frame, giving her a petite and delicate appearance. She was particularly fond of smiling, which made her seem very approachable.

Ji Meng felt relaxed talking to her and noticed the slightly oversized uniform accentuating Xu Qiaoyun’s belly. After a brief hesitation, Ji Meng asked,

“Sister-in-law, are you… pregnant?”

Xu Qiaoyun followed Ji Meng’s gaze to her own belly. She gently placed her hand on it, and a smile spread across her lips. “Yes, you noticed! I’m about four months along.”

Four months pregnant and still working on the train. Wu Feng had even arranged for someone to take care of her and Qiuqiu. At this moment, Ji Meng felt a bit overwhelmed.

In her previous life, Ji Meng had few friends, and those she had were still busy pursuing their careers before she arrived here. At most, she had experienced a few relationships, so she didn’t know what a pregnant woman was supposed to be like.

But at the very least, she thought that such a job, which required staying up late, wouldn’t be suitable for someone in her condition.

Working on the train required more than just late nights, she also had to walk around in the crowded and noisy carriages, especially on the current green train, where ventilation was poor. Such an environment was very unsuitable for a pregnant woman.

“Four months along, you’re feeling alright, right?”

Although they weren’t particularly close, Ji Meng held back from asking all her questions directly.

“Yes, it’s been okay. This baby is not making trouble, it’s much easier than when I was pregnant with my first and second. I originally thought I’d have to switch to a ground job because I wouldn’t be able to handle it, but this little one has been so calm. Since I got pregnant, I’ve been eating well and sleeping well, I don’t feel tired at all while working on the train…”

As Xu Qiaoyun spoke, her eyes were fixed on her belly, and the corners of her eyes and brows revealed tenderness.

“Your brother Wu says it must be a girl because she’s so well-behaved!”

Xu Qiaoyun then glanced at Qiuqiu, who was helping hold a bag and standing obediently beside Ji Meng. The little girl had big, round eyes that were as clear and beautiful as glass beads. Xu Qiaoyun looked at her fondly and couldn’t help but say,

“If only I could have a daughter as well-behaved and pretty as Qiuqiu.”

“You’ll definitely get your wish, sister-in-law.”

Xu Qiaoyun had a straightforward yet gentle personality, embodying a certain quality characteristic of people in this era, which made Ji Meng feel particularly favorable toward her. Ji Meng responded with a lucky remark.

“Haha, thank you for your kind words! I also hope to have my wish fulfilled. But if it doesn’t happen, that’s fine too, having another boy would be alright. It’s just that your brother Wu will have to work hard because raising a young boy will drain me financially!” Xu Qiaoyun laughed and sighed.

Now Ji Meng understood why Xu Qiaoyun hadn’t transferred jobs despite being pregnant, the pay for working on the train was likely different from that of ground jobs.

Ji Meng was relieved she hadn’t carelessly asked about it. However, she didn’t want to trouble Xu Qiaoyun too much now.

No matter what, she had to be careful since she was pregnant.

When Xu Qiaoyun offered to help carry things, Ji Meng declined and only asked her to hold Qiuqiu’s hand.

Xu Qiaoyun probably sensed Ji Meng’s intentions so she didn’t insist. She took Qiuqiu’s hand and led Ji Meng onto the train, saying,

“Ah Meng, I’m responsible for serving meals on the train now and won’t be out of the service room much. Your carriage is close to the service room, so if you need anything, remember to come find me, or have someone call for me.”

“Okay, I understand, sister-in-law,” Ji Meng replied.

While they were talking, the train carriage arrived.

As expected, it was crowded, even in the sleeper cars, many people with hard seats or standing tickets pushed in to take seats in the aisle.

In this situation, Ji Meng didn’t dare to let Xu Qiaoyun stay for long. Fortunately, her and Qiuqiu’s bunk was located right by the entrance, in the lower berth, which helped avoid the safety issue of climbing with Qiuqiu.

Once they reached the bunk, Ji Meng placed the suitcase and package on it and said to Xu Qiaoyun,

“Alright, sister-in-law, the train is about to depart. You should still be busy, I don’t have anything else to do here.”

There were indeed many people, as the train was nearing departure, more and more anxious passengers rushed to board, making it even more crowded.

Even though Xu Qiaoyun was bold, she still had to consider the child in her belly, so she didn’t insist. After glancing at the people in the bunks and those sitting in the aisle, she reminded Ji Meng a couple more times:

“Alright then, I’ll be going. If you need anything, have someone call for me.”

“Okay, got it.”

Ji Meng responded and watched Xu Qiaoyun leave.

“Wow, little sister, you know someone on the train? A relative?”

Since Xu Qiaoyun was wearing a crew uniform, it was hard for the passengers to miss her, and the people around them were eyeing them curiously. As soon as Xu Qiaoyun left, a middle-aged woman in the upper bunk across from Ji Meng, who was holding a baby, asked her.

The middle-aged woman was in her thirties, dressed in a dark blue cotton jacket, with a long face and a slim figure. She had slightly prominent cheekbones, which gave her a fierce look when she wasn’t smiling, but her smile made her appear quite honest and reliable.

Her gaze toward Ji Meng was filled with both curiosity and scrutiny.

In this era, having a relative working on the train was certainly eye-catching, and some people might be curious about it.

However, Ji Meng couldn’t shake the feeling that the middle-aged woman’s scrutiny had some ulterior motive, perhaps due to her heightened sensitivity.

“Yeah.”

Ji Meng felt on guard and had no desire to engage in conversation. She vaguely responded and turned to grab her suitcase.

In the bunk area, with upper, middle, and lower berths, Ji Meng hadn’t arrived particularly early, and the space under the lower bunk was already filled with luggage. While the woven bags and food didn’t take up much space and could be temporarily placed on the bed, the old-fashioned suitcase occupying half of a bunk needed a proper place to go.

Ji Meng had thought about this issue before leaving, she didn’t dare to pack any valuables or money in the suitcase, just clothes for herself and Qiuqiu, so she wasn’t worried about anyone rummaging through it.

There happened to be a spot above the seat directly across from her where the suitcase would fit, so Ji Meng carried it over there.

The old-fashioned bright red suitcase was large and heavy, just carrying it was a struggle, let alone lifting it up now.

Ji Meng exerted all her strength and finally managed to raise the suitcase to the top, but as she was trying to stuff it in, it seemed to hit something and got stuck.

She stood on her tiptoes and glanced to the left, it was a bag of someone’s luggage that was bulging out, causing the obstruction.

This was a problem. She would have to free up one hand to move the next bag a bit.

Ji Meng tried to loosen her grip, but the suitcase was too heavy. As soon as she let go with one hand, the suitcase began to slide down the side.

“Mom!”

The heavy suitcase slipped sideways, and Ji Meng, unable to exert enough force, felt pain in her hand as she was pulled to the side. Qiuqiu, seeing this, couldn’t help but shout for her.

Ji Meng was startled, and without thinking of falling, she hurried to grab the suitcase.

At this moment, a strong hand suddenly reached over and securely supported the suitcase for her.

“Sorry, that was my fault!”

With a bit of help, Ji Meng finally stabilized her body. She quickly apologized and instinctively looked up in the direction of the hand, and then she was momentarily stunned.