She turned and saw He Gang. He approached her with a sly look. What do you want she asked.
I will lend you the money he said.
Startled she asked How did you hear about this.
He Gang chuckled. I care about you. Naturally I keep up with everything you do.
She stepped back as he drew nearer. He Gang I am marrying Huo Jingnian. Do not try anything.
And what of it he smiled.
He signaled and several men stepped out from behind him. A sack was pulled over her head.
When she opened her eyes she found herself lying on straw. He Gang’s face hovered close. She shifted back composing herself. Can we talk about this calmly she said.
He relaxed seeing she did not struggle. Go ahead.
I am to be married. This is not right. You know what Huo Jingnian is like she said keeping her tone gentle.
He Gang laughed. You are not foolish enough to tell him anything. And after all those years with Huo Jingchen I doubt you have anything left to protect. One more time will not matter if you keep quiet.
He leaned closer. She held her breath and threw a handful of dirt straight into his eyes.
My eyes he cried stumbling back clutching his face.
She slipped off her high heel and drove the heel hard against his forehead. Stars burst across his vision. You she swore.
He lunged blindly. She struck him again with the shoe. Call them in he shouted.
If they come in we will both die she said.
He had never imagined she would be so bold. He had sent his men away so they would not interfere. No one heard him. She struck him again before he could clear his sight. His head throbbed. He struck out at empty air. She made no sound knowing she could not match his strength. She slipped quietly to the door unlatched it and ran.
It was pitch black. There was no road only trees and wild grass. She did not know where she was. She ran barefoot driven by one thought to get as far away as possible. When no sound of pursuit followed she slowed and looked around. She headed toward faint shapes of houses in the distance.
Midnight came and Qiao Zhiwei did not return. Qiao Zhilan grew anxious and telephoned her uncle’s house. No one answered. She dressed and went there. The house was dark. She knocked. After a while Qiao Xiawei opened the door. Who is it.
It is me Qiao Zhilan.
Qiao Xiawei complained. Father waited until midnight. If your sister did not want to come she should have said so.
My sister was never there Qiao Zhilan said in shock.
That is what I said Qiao Xiawei grumbled.
Qiao Zhilan ran home and telephoned Huo Jingnian. It took three calls before he answered.
Please come quickly. It is an emergency.
Huo Jingnian’s voice was alert. Tell me.
She went to my uncle’s house at eight. She never arrived. They say she was not there. She would never stay away without telling anyone. I am afraid something has happened.
I am on my way he said.
Within twenty minutes a car pulled up. Huo Jingnian stepped out. She opened the gate and let him in. He sat in the hall looking serious. Tell me everything from the beginning.
She told him about the ransom note and the meeting. He stood up at once. Come with me to your uncle’s house.
They arrived and Qiao Zhilan knocked again. Qiao Xiawei opened the door even more annoyed. I told you she was not here. Why do you keep disturbing us.
Come with us Huo Jingnian said his voice low and commanding. Qiao Xiawei’s drowsiness vanished.
Captain Huo what are you doing here.
Open the door he said.
She found herself obeying despite herself. My parents have only just gone to bed.
Your cousin never came home Huo Jingnian said. You all seem remarkably calm. Why is no one concerned.
You are making accusations Qiao Xiawei said.
Open the door and let us search then.
She stepped aside. Search all you like.
They entered. Qiao Xiawei called out loudly Father Mother Captain Huo is here.
Qiao Luwen who had not been sleeping sat up abruptly. He dressed and came to the hall.