Observing Li Xiangfu being picked up, You Fang’s heart plunged into an icy abyss.
Second brother?
Throughout his time in the ancient village, You Fang never heard Li Xiangfu mention this individual. Even while observing him in the car, he noted no interactions with strangers.
His phone vibrated, and another text message arrived:
[Where is the person?]
You Fang’s eyes flickered, and he had no choice but to truthfully explain the situation. In defense, he added, [Qin Jin is unwell. On the last day of the event, when everyone is most at ease, it’s just a casual outing. Who would have anticipated that he, an adult, would bring his family along!]
After sending the message, there was no response for a prolonged period of time. You Fang quickly called, only to receive a message that the phone had been turned off.
A shiver ran down his spine.
Snap!
Whether due to Li Xiangfu’s influence or heightened awareness, You Fang was now on high alert. He turned around stiffly, realizing it was merely a pebble rolled by the wind, letting out a sigh of relief.
The boss was occupied in the kitchen. You Fang glared at the inebriated Judge Zhao, cursing his misfortune. There were scarce surveillance cameras in the village, and if Li Xiangfu were to disappear, the judges attempting to conceal the rules from the other side would become conspicuous suspects.
What a pity there was a ready-made scapegoat.
A hand materialized out of nowhere, gently patting his shoulder. You Fang jumped in fright. Upon seeing the approaching person, he exclaimed, “Judge Darren?”
The foreign judge, lacking his usual smile, spoke directly: “Take me to meet the person you contacted.”
……
Plots unfold, yet villains remain uninvolved.
Li Xiangfu experienced this firsthand, dragging his feet and collapsing onto the bed.
After observing his condition, Li Anqing, looking at his brother unaware of his nocturnal relocation, intended to lay a floor. However, a crisp sound interrupted his plans, revealing shattered glass on the floor upon turning around.
Shaking his head, Li Anqing sought a broom. Just as he moved away, another noise, this time a scream, reached his ears.
Li Anqing quickly turned back, discovering another person on the ground, hands covered in blood and wailing. The originally scattered glass was mysteriously affixed vertically into the window edge gap.
In a drunken state, Li Xiangfu proudly displayed the super-strong glue he carried and gestured with his long arm, instructing, “There are flower thieves, go and report it to the authorities!”
After securing the intruder, on the verge of tears, Li Anqing called the police. While waiting, he approached Li Xiangfu, hunching over to force eye contact: “Are you truly drunk, or is this a charade…”
Before he could finish, Li Xiangfu shrugged, confessing, “I feel a little unwell.”
Without warning, he grabbed Li Anqing and began retching.
Li Anqing’s expression turned unusually unpleasant.
… Now, it was confirmed that he was genuinely intoxicated.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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At 1:30 in the morning, at the police station
The police officer, with a complicated expression, took notes and eyed Li Xiangfu skeptically, wondering, “Why is it you again?”
Qin Jin had other things to do and did not accompany them. The foreign judges, seemingly brave, pointed accusingly at the guarded You Fang, discussing his peculiar behavior in the team, purposefully getting contestants drunk that day, and more.
You Fang remained silent throughout, feeling entangled in a colossal conspiracy.
Despite past achievements, gambling debts burdened him. While desperate after being eliminated in the competition’s initial stage, someone suddenly offered a lifeline. How could he not be tempted?
Interrogated by the police with a photo of the intruder, You Fang was on the brink of tears: “I don’t know if it’s him. We usually communicate through text messages.”
The statement lacked conviction. The officer slammed the table, rebuking, “How dare you participate in a kidnapping with someone you don’t even know through text messages?”
You Fang hastily explained: “One night, I heard a knock on the door. Upon going out, I saw no one but found a handbag at the door…”
His voice grew fainter and almost inaudible as he continued, “Inside were two hundred thousand in cash and a mobile phone.”
“Where’s the money?”
As You Fang detailed the money’s location, Li Xiangfu abruptly stood up, inquiring, “Where is the flower thief?”
The officer’s eyelids twitched, telling Li Anqing, “Take him back to sober up first.”
Internally, the officer admired the man’s luck. Even in a drunken stupor, he managed to elude consequences.
Li Xiangfu, ceasing his swaying, pointed at You Fang: “He’s not leaving?”
Li Anqing coldly stated, “He’ll likely be incarcerated for a long time.”
Li Xiangfu extended a finger, gesturing at You Fang: “You… aren’t adept at protecting yourself…”
You Fang’s throat felt a tad fishy and sweet, realizing for the first time what it meant to almost vomit blood due to anger.
—
Tianxi Ancient Village buzzes with activity once more.
In the past, the provincial TV station attempted to organize an event to explore ancient villages, but due to a lackluster response, the variety show had to be scrapped. However, recent events brought a reporter back to the village in a short span, all thanks to a particular tourist.
Standing in front of the owner’s house, the reporter, holding a microphone, addressed the camera: “Do you recall Mr. Li, who narrowly avoided being kidnapped to witness a striptease and is also an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage? Just yesterday, he once again found himself entangled in a vile kidnapping case…”
Although Li Xiangfu declined an interview this time, the reporter engaged in one-on-one interviews with relevant individuals, including homeowners, police officers, and criminal suspects.
The interview with the suspect took center stage, and the reporter’s voice carried a subtle excitement:
“Yes, as you can see, the last kidnapper ended up in the hospital with a dislocated hand, and this time, the kidnapper also landed in the hospital due to an injured hand…”
The memory of picking up glass shards the previous day lingered vividly. The kidnapper, held down by the police, struggled while stretching his neck to shout obscenities into the microphone: “I’ve never encountered such a foolish man in my life. He was so intoxicated. Not to mention the scattered glass shards near the windows!”
A slew of words needed to be censored in the middle. The reporter maintained a strained smile, anticipating a busy post-editing session.
……
The association released the results early in the morning, and the judges’ determined rankings were unanimously approved.
Judge Zhao took the forefront, announcing, “Let us extend our warmest congratulations to contestant Li Xiangfu!”
Applause rang out sparsely, not due to the contestants’ lack of skill but because they were still processing the shocking news broadcast on the radio. Despite participating in numerous competitions over the years, this was the first time they encountered a scene where a player worshipped the sky every day.
Li Xiangfu, seemingly unable to contain his modesty, stood and bent down, expressing gratitude for the recognition and encouragement. He then joined the others for a group photo as a souvenir.
In a separate conversation, Li Xiangfu showed Li Anqing a profile picture of Judge Fang, hinting at the individual’s intentions to engage in inappropriate conduct.
Unaware of the discreet exchange, Judge Zhao once again commended Li Xiangfu’s work in front of everyone. As lunchtime approached, he instructed, “Everyone, please pack your belongings. A car will take us back to the city at four o’clock in the afternoon. The train is scheduled for 9:30 in the evening.”
Li Xiangfu skipped dinner, and Li Anqing, unaware of his whereabouts, turned to Qin Jin for details about the previous night.
“Kidnapping is a serious matter; the police will reach out to you.”
Li Xiangfu replied, “I made a call this morning. I simply mentioned it was an attempted kidnapping. After investigating, the suspect indeed has a criminal record. His background checks out, but it’s too airtight, raising suspicions.”
Qin Jin handed him a cup of tea, noticing a change in his expression as he sipped it. He inquired, “Not a fan of black tea?”
Li Xiangfu shared his honest opinion, “The tea brewing skills are average. The speed of brewing is problematic, disrupting the aroma.”
Taking a sip, he added, “I’ll treat you to tea next time.”
Qin Jin’s eyes briefly lost their friendly demeanor, returning to an impassive look, confirming his earlier scheme.
A few drops of tea spilled as Qin Jin flicked his wrist. Li Xiangfu, lowering his eyelashes, couldn’t discern his thoughts. “So, from the beginning, you were setting a trap?”
“The cactus flower pointed directly to Tianxi Ancient Village. The sender would still invite you later. I merely expedited the process.”
“Then show me the family photo…”
“Remember this person?” Qin Jin stood up and walked to the window. “Suppose Qin Jiayu is still alive, and you can’t recognize him standing in front of me. Wouldn’t that be ridiculous?”
Recalling Li Anqing’s suspicion about another purpose, Li Xiangfu’s breathing slowed. “So, I am bait, used to catch your brother’s fish?”
Qin Jin shook his head. “It’s just mutual benefit. For you, it exposes a hidden threat, and simultaneously, it addresses my doubts.”
After weighing the options, Li Xiangfu acknowledged the rationale behind Qin Jin’s actions. He asked thoughtfully, “You’re relatives. If he’s alive, why hasn’t he come to you?”
In a society governed by the rule of law, are they lurking in the shadows, acting like gods?
When Qin Jin heard this, he raised his head slightly, his eyes reflecting the entire sky’s color, and replied nonchalantly, “I don’t know, maybe his brain is injured.”
Li Xiangfu sensed a subtle insinuation and contemplated saying, “I can cooperate more, try to lure the snake out of the hole.”
Qin Jin didn’t provide an immediate response, and the room fell into an unusually quiet state.
The house lacked soundproofing, and the owner below was watching TV. The suspect’s shouts filtered through the wooden boards. “I’m the victim; three stitches! *** bastard…”
Li Xiangfu cleared his throat, trying to muffle the TV noise.
At that moment, Qin Jin turned around. “The first wave dislocated hands, the second wave stitches, and those who come next might be sent away directly.”
“Sent away?”
Qin Jin clarified, “Excessive defense could result in severe injury or death.”
The shouts of the suspect demanding a lawyer echoed in the residence. Li Xiangfu sighed, avoiding the tense atmosphere, and returned to packing his luggage.
Folding clothes was a slower process than usual, and his focus was evidently not on his hands.
While smoothing out the collar wrinkles, Li Xiangfu replayed the conversation in his mind. Qin Jin’s visit this time had a straightforward purpose—to confirm Qin Jiayu’s life or death. Judging by his demeanor, there were undoubtedly underlying concerns.
At this moment, Li Shasha had already finished his school day, prompting Li Xiangfu to consider and decide to call him home.
“You’ve been calling quite often. I never realized you, Dad, were so fond of being at home.” Casting a disdainful glance at his schoolbag, Li Shasha couldn’t resist expressing his grievances, “I’ve also developed a fondness for family and want some personal time.”
Ignoring her protests, Li Xiangfu instructed, “Check my room and the attic where the clutter is stored to see if there’s anything related to Qin Jiayu.”
With a simple “OK,” Li Xiangfu resumed packing.
Unexpectedly, Li Shasha interjected, “The next interview is scheduled for later.”
Li Xiangfu furrowed his brows, asking, “What?”
“I have to attend school. I can only catch the rebroadcasts of the morning and noon news. The news broadcast time slots are more convenient.”
“…”
After a brief two-second pause, Li Xiangfu ended the call with an expressionless face.
The author has something to say:
Reporter: How do you view this situation?
Li Xiangfu: I appreciate the invitation. Once I return, I plan to focus on my embroidery work to save money.
Reporter: Any message for fellow contestant You Fang?
Li Xiangfu: It’s essential for young men to have self-respect and self-love.
The reporter turned to You Fang for his response.
You Fang: …mmp!
Thank you for the update!
Thanks for the chapter!