Their thoughts aligned perfectly.They rushed to the hospital. Upon inquiry, a staff member checked the registry and confirmed that there was indeed an elderly woman who had fallen short on medical expenses—but someone had just topped it up.However, the payment would only cover a single day.
Following the staff's directions, Jiang Chen and Wen-xian found the couple's hospital room.As soon as they opened the door, Jiang Chen immediately recognized the old man.The elderly woman lay on the bed, eyes closed, an IV drip in her arm.The old man sat at her bedside, wearing a look of deep worry.
Jiang Chen looked at him and asked, "Sir, did you sell an antique porcelain bowl earlier today?""Yes," the old man replied. "The hospital was pushing for payment. I had no choice but to sell off our heirloom. Didn't expect it to be a fake—not worth much. Thankfully, the shop owner had a kind heart. Seeing how urgent it was, he gave me a little extra."Jiang Chen felt a pang of sadness.This old man had been scammed and was still praising the scammer.
Jiang Chen said, "Your bowl wasn't a fake—it was genuine."The old man shook his head. "That can't be. Those antique dealers know what they're doing. They wouldn't be wrong."Too honest, too naive.
Jiang Chen was both touched and pained.Ah, so this is how the vulnerable get harvested.He said sincerely, "It's like this—your porcelain bowl was the real deal. After I bought it, a collector purchased it from me for 200,000 yuan.""Oh?" The old man was stunned."I'm here now to give you your share," Jiang Chen said."What? Really? This feels like a dream. In this day and age, people like you still exist?"
"Good people still exist. The bad ones are always the minority." Jiang Chen took out his phone. "I bought it for 6,000, and sold it for 200,000. So I'll transfer 194,000 to you. Just give me your account info."
The old man finally believed him.But he shook his head repeatedly.
"No, absolutely not. I was the one who got scammed—it's my own fault. You bought it fair and square and made the money—that's your fortune. I can't take it."Some poor people, Jiang Chen thought, are incredibly generous.The poorer they are, the bigger their hearts.
"You need the money right now. How could I keep it for myself? I insist. I'm not leaving unless you accept it."Wen-xian added, "Grandpa, we mean it sincerely. This money could save a life. If you don't accept it, we'll feel awful."The old man thought for a while and said, "Fine, give me 50,000. That should be enough for her treatment. I won't take a cent more."Jiang Chen said, "If you insist on that, then I'll give you 150,000."The old man kept refusing.But Wen-xian coaxed him patiently, and he finally gave in.Jiang Chen then transferred 150,000 yuan to the old man.
As they walked out of the hospital, both of them were in high spirits.Doing good truly brings joy.No wonder the world has so many philanthropists.
"They say good people are rewarded. Jiang Chen, you're bound to do great things," Wen-xian said, leaning against him.Jiang Chen put his arm around her waist. "Wen-jie, for you, I have to succeed.""I'll love you whether you succeed or not.""If I marry you, I'll give you the best life in the world.""I believe you." Her eyes were full of emotion. "Jiang Chen, I have a surprise for you.""What surprise?""You'll see when we get home."
Jiang Chen was about to press her for more, when Zhang Qiang's tractor arrived to pick them up. They got on and left the county town.Not far out, the sound of honking came from behind.They turned to see three black cars speeding up.The cars quickly overtook the tractor and boxed it in.Doors flung open and a dozen men jumped out.Each one wielded weapons and looked menacing, like a gang from the underworld.
At the center stood a burly man with a cleft lip, a face full of malice—clearly a thug.Jiang Chen felt a chill.Trouble.
Was this a robbery?Did word about the bowl sale get out?
"Hand over the money!" the cleft-lip man shouted, brandishing a knife."Bullshit." Jiang Chen sneered. "Get out of my way!""I'll say it one more time. Give me the money you made from the bowl, or I'll break your leg!" The man reeked of bloodlust.Jiang Chen sighed inwardly—so the deal with Jing Buli had indeed been exposed.How did they know?Could the coffee shop be connected to the owner of Rongyufang? Did they record the transaction?
A skinny guy beside the leader rasped, "Boss, we should act now. Cops might show up soon."The cleft-lip man roared, "Boys, get the man! Hack him to death! And that pretty bitch—bring her here! I'm having her tonight!"
The gang charged toward the tractor.Jiang Chen snorted, grabbed the cleft-lip man by the collar.
The thug smirked, shifted his weight, and tried to flip Jiang Chen over his shoulder.Jiang Chen had no formal martial arts, just strength and reflexes.He pressed down on the man's shoulders with all his might.
"Crack, crack."Bones snapped.The man collapsed, convulsing.
Meanwhile, several thugs had already reached the tractor.Two grabbed Wen-xian's shoulders and chest, laughing lewdly as they tried to drag her down.Another one groped her thigh and slipped his hand under her clothes."Such a pretty babe, come on—let's have some fun... I'll make you feel good…"
Jiang Chen's rage exploded.Three slaps landed in quick succession on their backs.The men froze on the spot, stiff as puppets.Then came spurts of blood from their mouths.
Jiang Chen kicked the one who had groped Wen-xian.A crotch-shattering blow.The man doubled over and didn't get up again.
Jiang Chen picked up a hoe handle and swung it with full force.The rest of the thugs were no match.Before they could react, they were swept off their feet, wailing in pain.
Jiang Chen stepped on the cleft-lip man's chest and barked,"Who sent you?""Boss Rong.""Who the hell is that?""The owner of Rongyufang.""How did he know about my sale?"The man hesitated.Jiang Chen stomped harder.The thug screamed in agony.
"Say it, or I'll crush your guts."Terrified, the thug confessed, "The café owner is Boss Rong's cousin. He told him. Said you sold a real antique bowl for 200,000 yuan."
Jiang Chen frowned.Jing Buli was just a lone traveler from Beijing—unfamiliar with the area. Why didn't they go after him?Was there more to this?
Jiang Chen released the thug and said, "Tell Boss Rong—if he messes with my friend, I'll make sure his precious Rongyufang is history.""Yes, yes!""Now get lost!" Jiang Chen growled.
The gang scrambled back into their cars and sped away.Watching them vanish, Jiang Chen muttered,"Looks like I've made an enemy of Rongyufang. Judging from today, this is going to be a fight to the death."
Still shaken, Wen-xian gasped for air.She tugged Jiang Chen's arm and said gently,"Jiang Chen, let's go home."Jiang Chen snapped out of it. He touched her cheek, smiled,"Wen-jie, okay, let's go home. I'm still waiting for that surprise.""You'll see when we get there."
She gave her hips a teasing twist, the motion alluring like a flickering flame.Jiang Chen felt warmth surge in his chest.
For Wen-jie—for her safety, for her happiness—I, Jiang Chen, will face any demon or monster that comes our way.