Chapter 18: Robbed

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Xiang Wan was waiting for Liu Gang’s news at her home.

Chen Ma informed her that someone had come to visit, and she assumed it was Liu Gang returning after buying the ticket. She marveled at how quickly he had managed to purchase it. However, the visitor turned out to be Old Zhang.

“I’ve come this time to tell you about the outcome of Huo Song and his men,” Old Zhang said. “Huo Song and his wife were ultimately sentenced to less than two years of imprisonment, and they have been ordered to compensate you for various losses, totaling eight thousand yuan.”

“Additionally, we discovered that Huo Song had a lot of funds with unclear origins. After investigation, we assumed that he sold some of the antiques and artwork in Xiang Yuan. We looked into it for quite a while, but due to the passage of time, some things are likely impossible to recover,” Old Zhang hesitated as he spoke.

“It’s alright, I’ve already expected this. You’ve done your best.” Xiang Wan already knew what kind of person Huo Song was. Most of the things in Xiang Yuan were worth a lot of money. It would be strange if he didn’t sell them.

Old Zhang went on to explain the fate of Fu San. He had been removed from his position in the end, but due to his unique circumstances, he hadn’t yet faced further trial.

Although Fu Shan was a scoundrel, he had a good father.

Fu Shan’s father was an outstanding soldier who had fallen into action during a mission, leaving behind the 6-year-old Fu Shan to live with his mother.

Fu San had always strived to be strong and upright like his father. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have reached his current position. However, people change over time, and as the years went by, Fu San’s negative traits began to surface.

He capitalized on his battlefield injuries, using them to his advantage. He exploited his position for personal gain, and everything about her had been dug up.

People in the military still remembered his father’s contributions, which was why they had only stripped him of his position. They had yet to decide how to deal with him.

Old Zhang felt that it was a pity for Fu Shan. No one had expected him to end up like this. In the end, his eyes were blinded by his desires.

“He did have many honors in the past, but that can’t be used as an excuse or reason for his wrongdoing,” Xiang Wan stated firmly. She never felt any remorse for such people; they should pay the price for their actions, as they made their choices without anyone forcing them into their mistakes. Everything was his choice.

Old Zhang smiled after hearing her words.

Yes, justice would never be overwhelmed by darkness, and justice would never shield those vicious wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Following that, Xiang Wan inquired about how to obtain a permit for the train journey.

Old Zhang explained the process of obtaining the permit and assured Xiang Wan that he would take care of this matter for her.

After expressing her gratitude, Xiang Wan accompanied Old Zhang to the front gate to bid him farewell. Just as they were about to part ways, they saw Liu Gang stumbling towards them.

“Miss Xiang, I’m sorry. I couldn’t handle the task you entrusted to me,” Liu Gang said, collapsing in front of her.

Xiang Wan was shocked by Liu Gang. He was supposed to go buy the ticket, so how did it end up like this?

She quickly had people carry Liu Gang into the house and called for a doctor to come and check on him.

“I’m sorry, Uncle Zhang. Something urgent has come up here, so I’m not able to attend to you properly,” Xiang Wan expressed her regret to Old Zhang.

“It’s fine. I want to see what’s going on.”

After Liu Gang recovered slightly, he told her about his ordeal that evening.

“… As soon as I left the station, I was targeted. Those people didn’t dare to cause trouble at the station, so they followed me for quite a distance. I thought I could shake them off, but they were a large group, and I couldn’t escape. In the end, they snatched my ticket and money. When I resisted, they beat me up.”

Xiang Wan furrowed her brows. She hadn’t expected something like this to happen.

“It’s alright. Money is secondary; your safety is the most important. Next time, you should just give them the money and run away.” Xiang Wan reassured him.

“How could something like this happen? I’ll arrange for people to investigate this. It’s outrageous!” Old Zhang expressed his anger. “You should focus on recovering for now, and I’ll take care of the ticket.”

“Miss Xiang, you asked me about the permit earlier for this matter, right? Leave it to me. Tomorrow, I’ll come with the permit to pick you up,” Old Zhang thought for a moment and said.

“Then I’ll have to trouble you, Uncle Zhang!” Xiang Wan was vexed about buying a ticket and forgot that Old Zhang was right in front of her.

Xiang Wan had initially intended to have Liu Gang checked by the doctor again, but Liu Gang insisted on going back home. Unable to persuade him, she arranged for someone to accompany him back home.