After two days and one night of bumpy travel, when the broadcast announced Gansu-Ningxia Station, Meng Ying was so excited she nearly burst into tears. She had finally arrived. No longer would she have to endure the strange smells and snoring sounds in the train carriage. As she stood up, she found her legs as weak as noodles. Steadying herself, Meng Ying grabbed her luggage and followed the crowd off the train.
The flow of passengers from the carriage had not yet fully dispersed when a wave of hot air hit her face on the platform. Just as Meng Ying tightened her backpack, she caught sight of a man in black clothes and a hat, pressing close to a woman in a floral dress, using a razor blade to cut open her leather bag.
Meng Ying had initially intended to ignore it, but that woman had helped her on the train. On the first day, the toilet door in their section of the carriage was broken. Meng Ying had been in urgent need, but with the door broken, she dared not use it, fearing someone might walk in. In these times, people of all sorts mingled together, and since she was quite pretty, her vigilance was naturally high.
However, going to another carriage to use the toilet meant traversing a long corridor packed with people, making it nearly impossible to move. Meng Ying was at a loss. Fortunately, the older sister next to her noticed her predicament and suggested they take turns watching the door for each other.
Meng Ying thought for a second, then picked up her bag and walked over, deliberately bumping into the older sister. “Sis, you dropped your ticket,” she said, raising her voice intentionally.
The older sister turned around in surprise, shifting her leather bag in the process and immediately disrupting the thief’s actions. Seeing his plan foiled, the thief realized Meng Ying had done it on purpose. His face darkened instantly, and he glared at her fiercely before turning to slip into the crowd.
Spotting two train police officers approaching, Meng Ying quickly shouted, “Uncle Police, there’s a thief!”
Hearing her call, the officers rushed over. Seeing the situation turn against him, the thief’s expression grew even more menacing. Forced back by the police, he retreated in Meng Ying’s direction. He charged toward her, seemingly intending to take her hostage. Meng Ying hadn’t expected him to run back and was scared out of her wits. She turned to flee but stumbled and fell to the ground.
At that critical moment, a tall figure stepped in front of her. With a swift motion, his large hand clamped down like an iron vise on the back of the thief’s neck, pressing him downward. A cry of pain immediately erupted from the thief.
“I didn’t steal anything! I’m not a thief!” the thief howled in agony.
“The razor blade is in your bag, and you just cut open that sister’s leather bag. That’s evidence,” Meng Ying said as she stood up. The two police officers arrived and quickly searched the thief’s bag, finding numerous razor blades and several wallets inside—clear signs of a habitual offender.
Caught red-handed, the thief had no choice but to admit his guilt.
Finally, the police thanked Meng Ying and the bystanders before escorting the thief away.
Only then did Meng Ying get a good look at the man beside her. The moment their eyes met, she recognized him as Lu Tingzhou. Three years had passed, and he seemed more composed and tanned, exuding an intimidating aura that commanded respect.
She remained still, curious to see if Lu Tingzhou would recognize her.
Lu Tingzhou frowned slightly, his gaze settling on her fair, delicate face. He could see her lips were somewhat chapped, and she didn’t look her best, but her large, watery eyes were fixed intently on him.
Does she stare at other men like this too?
"Meng Ying?" His tone carried a hint of probing, his voice low, yet with a subtle warmth that was hard to detect.
Meng Ying still didn’t speak, just stared straight at him, her eyelashes trembling lightly as she blinked.
Lu Tingzhou had thought she might not be Meng Ying. He had some impression of her from their wedding, but it wasn’t deep—he only remembered her looking delicate and fragile, much like the woman before him.
When he received the news that she was coming, Lu Tingzhou was quite surprised. He knew Meng Ying wanted a divorce, but this seemed too hasty—he hadn’t even submitted the divorce report yet.
Meng Ying decided not to tease him any further, afraid she might scare him away. She had finally found him, so she had to hold on tight.
"Lu Tingzhou—"
The girl’s voice was like warm water, carrying a hint of coquettishness in its soft, sweet tone, as if she were playfully pleading with someone.
Lu Tingzhou’s grip on his luggage tightened, and for some reason, his breathing grew slightly strained.
He confirmed the identity of the person before him.
"Let’s go."
Seeing his lack of romantic sensibility—after all, she had just fallen and scraped her palm—Meng Ying spoke up: "My hand hurts."
Lu Tingzhou: "Where?"
She extended her hand, her face full of grievance.
Lu Tingzhou lowered his head to look at her outstretched hand. On her fair, delicate skin were a few faint scratches—not serious, but against the paleness of her skin, they looked somewhat alarming.
He frowned, displeased by her earlier bold behavior. If he had been a moment later, she would have been injured. Still, he patiently said, "Hold on a little longer. We’ll apply medicine when we get back."
Meng Ying wasn’t having it: "I can’t walk."
"Why?"
"My hand hurts."
Lu Tingzhou: "…"
What does a hand injury have to do with walking?
"What do you want to do then?"
"Carry me."
Lu Tingzhou’s expression tightened, his gaze darkening as he looked at the woman. She seemed to think it was perfectly reasonable, showing no sign of finding it inappropriate. He glanced at the bustling station.
"The car is right outside. It’s just a short walk."
He meant he didn’t want to carry her. Meng Ying didn’t move either, staring at him unblinkingly, and they remained locked in a stalemate.
After a long moment, Lu Tingzhou rubbed his temples, resignedly crouched down, and offered her his broad, straight back. Seeing this, Meng Ying immediately broke into a delighted smile, quickly climbed onto his back, wrapped her arms around his neck, and whispered in his ear, "Thank you. You’re so kind."
Lu Tingzhou felt a tingling sensation in his ear, his body stiffening for a few seconds before he finally reacted and began walking with her on his back. Meng Ying lay against him, feeling overjoyed.
Her husband, who seemed so stern and unsmiling, actually had a soft heart. She hadn’t even resorted to full-on coquettishness—just a bit of stubbornness—and he had already given in. If that was the case, maybe the divorce issue could be overlooked.
As she imagined a bright future in her mind, she tightened her arms around his neck.
The car was parked just outside the station, not far away. Lu Tingzhou set her down and opened the door of the jeep. Meng Ying smoothly took the passenger seat.
She didn’t fasten her seatbelt. Lu Tingzhou reminded her: "Seatbelt."
Meng Ying didn't continue to make a fuss and obediently fastened her seatbelt. The car immediately started up and slowly began to depart. Meng Ying leaned against the car window, gazing at the scenery outside. At first, they were still in the county town, surrounded by commercial shops. Gradually, after about half an hour, they entered the Gobi Desert. The view before her eyes began to turn desolate. As far as she could see, the sky and earth were an endless expanse of earthy yellow, with no trees or water in sight—only bare, weathered Gobi stones and the swirling western sands that filled the sky and covered the ground.