Chapter 84: Only Others Will Suffer Losses

Song Shiyun put away the gun, and seeing Lin Jingyue’s dissatisfied expression, he sighed helplessly. “There is a reward, I’ll apply for it for you.”

“Thanks, then. I’ll be off. Oh, and next time you’re catching someone, be more careful. Bad guys are really scary.” Lin Jingyue turned to push her bicycle. “I almost got mugged.”

Song Shiyun said, “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely reflect on this!”

Seeing how serious he looked, Lin Jingyue laughed. “There’s no need, really. After all... it has nothing to do with me.”

With my fighting skills, what do I have to be afraid of?

Everyone watched Lin Jingyue walk away, and the eyes of the captured criminals were especially dark as they followed her silhouette.

But did Lin Jingyue care? Of course not.

Since their crimes were so grave, entering prison was just the beginning.

She rode for a while, then turned off onto a hidden path towards the county town.

If she was late, what if someone else took it? She stowed the bicycle in her space, changed clothes, and sneaked to the old Su family mansion.

The Su family had once been the biggest landlords in Bai County, and everyone knew where their old house was.

Avoiding people, Lin Jingyue entered the mansion, which was nearly three courtyards deep and covered a vast area, though some parts had been partitioned off for others to live in.

Half the backyard had fallen into ruin.

Lin Jingyue headed straight for the ruined section. Hiding valuables where people lived—would human traffickers really be that stupid?

She didn’t rush to search. Instead, she carefully observed the ruins, looking for traces.

Her keen eyes quickly pinpointed the spot, and she went over and started digging furiously.

She lifted a pile of wood and saw freshly dug earth beneath. Smiling, she glanced around, drew a shovel from her space, and began to dig.

A strongwoman’s prowess was unmatched.

Soon she unearthed a box, which she immediately stowed away. She checked the area to be sure nothing else was hidden, and without bothering to restore the scene, quietly slipped away.

She sped out of town, pulled out her bicycle, and rode as if on wheels of fire.

After all... she loved money but feared ghosts, and it was getting dark fast.

Lin Jingyue felt almost ready to cry.

She pushed herself as hard as she could, but still didn’t reach the brigade before nightfall, which annoyed her terribly.

Taking a deep breath, she shivered all over.

“Ah…”

“Jingyue?” Just as she was about to sing loudly to bolster her courage, someone interrupted her.

That familiar voice eased her heart. “Jiang Xun, it’s so dark.”

She sniffled, suddenly on the verge of tears.

It really was pitch-black here—no streetlights, no lights from houses, nothing but utter darkness at night.

Jiang Xun heard the tremor in her voice and hurried over with a flashlight. “I’m here, don’t be afraid.”

“Mmm, I’m not afraid.” Lin Jingyue’s voice was soft and sweet.

“I’ll go with you from now on.” He never wanted her to go out alone again.

“Alright.”

With Jiang Xun by her side, Lin Jingyue felt suddenly fearless. She took the flashlight from him, and Jiang Xun pushed the bicycle.

Thinking over the day’s events, Lin Jingyue carefully recounted them to Jiang Xun.

If Song Shiyun applied for her reward, even if it was given privately, Zhou Mingxue’s father would surely hear about it, and naturally Jiang Xun would too.

Besides, there was no reason to hide it.

She had barely finished when Jiang Xun’s steps halted beside her. It was nighttime, so his expression was hard to see, but she felt his anger and worry.

“I…”

“Jingyue.” Jiang Xun grabbed Lin Jingyue’s hand, gripping tightly.

With a gun involved, it was clear how dangerous things had been.

“I should have gone with you.” His voice was low and hoarse, laced with fear and regret.

Lin Jingyue’s heart suddenly felt warm and sour, swelling with emotion.

Aside from her grandparents, it was the first time someone had valued her so highly, worrying about her safety to this extent.

“I’m fine. You taught me well, and with my strength, it’s always others who get the worst of it.” She reversed her grip, holding Jiang Xun’s hand.

She looked up into Jiang Xun’s eyes.

In the shifting beam of the flashlight, she thought she saw his eyes rimmed with red.

Her heart softened again.

She stepped forward, gently wrapped her arms around Jiang Xun’s waist, and leaned against his chest. “Jiang Xun, I’m alright. I can protect myself. Don’t worry, I cherish my life.”

Her gentle voice in his ear, her warmth against his chest—Jiang Xun felt a pang in his heart, as if someone had twisted it. He let go of the bicycle and embraced her tightly, burying his head in the crook of her neck.

He didn’t know what to say. He wanted to promise never to let her face danger again, but such a vow felt too shallow—not in intent, but in words; how could he guarantee it? Life was so long, he couldn’t always be by her side. There would inevitably be times beyond his reach.

Moreover, there would always be people stronger than him. How could he be sure he could protect her from everyone?

Jiang Xun said nothing, but silently vowed to himself: he would work hard to protect her, to be her shield, so she could live as she pleased.

Lin Jingyue seemed to sense Jiang Xun’s thoughts. She nestled against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, feeling exceptionally warm and safe.

No one knew how much time passed before Jiang Xun released her. “Let’s go home. I made braised pork for you.”

The moment he said it, Lin Jingyue felt hunger wash over her.

Jiang Xun took her hand with one hand and pushed the bicycle with the other.

Looking at the crooked bike, Lin Jingyue thought, “…”

As if afraid she’d comment, Jiang Xun tightened his grip even more, and Lin Jingyue couldn’t help but laugh.

Jiang Xun was a man who acted with propriety, afraid to offend her, but now that he knew she didn’t mind this closeness, who knew what might happen in the future?

The courtyard at the youth center was quiet.

Jiang Xun parked the bicycle and brought out the warmed dishes from the pot.

The braised pork was tender and melted in her mouth, the sauce poured over rice was deeply satisfying, and there was a light stir-fried green vegetable to cut the richness.

Lin Jingyue ate everything.

Afterward, Jiang Xun poured her a bowl of canned fruit juice—sweet and delicious.

Lin Jingyue squinted contentedly. Jiang Xun’s culinary skills were simply irresistible.

She tilted her head, looking at him. His hazy outline in the dim light seemed even more captivating.

A true gem.

“Why are you staring at me?” Jiang Xun met her gaze.

His heart skipped a beat. He must’ve imagined it—just now, he thought he saw flames in her eyes.

“You’re good-looking, that’s all.” Lin Jingyue looked away.

Jiang Xun chuckled softly. “There’s hot water in the pot. I’ll get you some for a bath.”

“Alright.”

Lin Jingyue watched Jiang Xun bustling about, feeling utterly at ease.

After bathing, Jiang Xun poured out the water and told Lin Jingyue to get a good night’s sleep before returning to his own room.

But Lin Jingyue didn’t sleep. She entered her space.

Last time, it had been a pile of severed heads—she hoped this time wouldn’t be disappointing.

Rolling up her sleeves, Lin Jingyue opened the box.

Oh my god—

A box full of unity coins!