Some people volunteered to accept money from them, and of course they were happy to take it—but getting through easily was impossible.
Ever since last year’s locust disaster led to a poor harvest, life in the village had been harsh. This year, a drought struck, and people in the village had already begun starving to death.
If they didn’t bring back more food, even their own families would likely lose members.
“I’m suffocating! Why aren’t we moving faster?”
Lin Xinyao, hearing the commotion outside, had no understanding of human suffering. She thought that giving a little extra money would solve everything, and her temper flared.
“Whoa, brother, you’re lucky to have married such a beautiful girl. Little lady, do you have any sisters you can introduce to us? We have plenty of strong young men here—surely they can satisfy your needs.”
Although Lin Xinyao was only thirteen, she had been pampered and well-fed all her life. Her figure and appearance were like a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old. The roadblock men’s eyes gleamed, and they shamelessly tried to take advantage of her.
“Get lost! Who said I’m his wife? And keep your mouths clean—you’re like toads wanting swan meat!”
In her past life, Lin Xinyao had succeeded because, at the dawn of China’s opening-up, she returned with a fortune to invest. Foreign Chinese investors were supported, and Lin Xinyao spent freely to open doors everywhere. This had ingrained the habit of solving every problem with money.
“Want money? Here, a hundred yuan. Enough? Take it and move the obstacles so we can pass.”
Her commanding attitude and casual offering of a hundred yuan signaled trouble. Jiang Ping knew this wasn’t good—people bold enough to block a road weren’t harmless.
“She’s got a big mouth, huh? Well off, too! In that case, maybe we should keep her and see what she can do.”
“Woman! There’s a girl in the car!”
The men who hadn’t approached before noticed the woman in the truck and surged forward. Others quickly formed a circle, blocking the vehicle.
“Brothers, forgive her. She’s not rich—this hundred yuan is Xiao Zhong’s bridal gift for her. I’ll have her give all her money to apologize.”
Jiang Ping was genuinely panicked now, sweat dripping into his eyes with no time to wipe it. One blink and they could be bound by these roadblock men.
Remembering Jiang Ping’s warning, Lin Xinyao realized she’d caused trouble. She pressed herself close to Xiao Zhong, regretting her impulsiveness.
“Xiao Zhong, how much money does your wife have? Tell her to give it all—who told her to flaunt her temper?”
Xiao Zhong was sharp. He scolded Lin Xinyao lightly, and she cooperated, pulling out two hundred yuan she had. Thinking that she’d soon reach the Guangfu Delta and see her family, she didn’t care about the money.
“N…not…enough. This…this is all I have left.”
Lin Xinyao feigned reluctance and handed Xiao Zhong thirty yuan. She hadn’t realized how many people were lying in ambush along the road. Now surrounded, she finally understood fear and thought strategically.
In the end, Jiang Ping had Xiao Zhong also hand over grain tickets, along with Lin Xinyao’s money, placating the blockers and convincing them not to detain her.
“Brothers, how about this—on the return trip we’ll bring extra food for you. You’re all looking to earn a living, no need to let a small incident ruin our cooperation.”
Indeed, Jiang Ping’s convoy passed through this area monthly, sometimes several trucks together, and they were always generous with provisions.
“Brothers, let’s call it even this time. We’ve already given you plenty.”
Seeing the money and grain provided, and reminded of future steady rewards, the men relented. In this era, even women mattered less than grain.
“Fine, move the barricade and let them pass! Brother, we’ll see you on the return trip!”
With the crisis over, Jiang Ping sped up more than usual, not caring that Lin Xinyao was dizzy from the jostling.
Lin Xinyao’s constant antics made them just want to dump this “hot potato” quickly.
They arrived at the Guangfu Delta, and Jiang Ping used a letter of introduction to book a room for Lin Xinyao, warning her again.
“Miss Lin, stay in the guesthouse these two days, but don’t wander. The Guangfu Delta has many underground factions. If you get yourself sold because of your recklessness, you’re on your own.”
Once Lin Xinyao promised to stay put, Jiang Ping hurried off with Xiao Zhong. But another story was brewing.
“Leader, this trip—we’ve run out of money and grain. Even meals are a problem now.”
Xiao Zhong was no longer merely annoyed by Lin Xinyao’s antics—he now felt genuine disgust.
“It’s fine. Any losses will be deducted from the gold Mrs. Liang gave us. Whether rich or poor, Lin Xinyao will still be sent to Gangcheng. Let her suffer a bit for her recklessness—it’ll be a lesson.”
Since part of the gold would be withheld, Lin Xinyao had to accept it willingly. Once she reached Gangcheng and contacted Director Liang, any complaints would also affect Secretary Wang’s accountability.
Jiang Ping and Xiao Zhong first ate and bathed, calming themselves, then met with the local smuggler to discuss the handover.
Although Jiang Ping wanted Lin Xinyao treated well, her behavior on the road had nearly caused disaster. Now, he just wanted to maximize his own benefit.
On the return trip, Xiao Zhong, still impressed and excited, saw that they kept most of the twenty small goldfish.
“Leader, are we sure keeping fifteen goldfish is okay? With Miss Lin’s temper, will she call back when she reaches Gangcheng?”
“No problem. I’ll tell her the price went up. We give five goldfish here, and when she reaches Gangcheng, her family gives another five. That’s enough.”
For most people, one or two goldfish sufficed to cross the sea. But with Lin Xinyao being such a drama queen, if they gave too little, she might try to jump overboard halfway.
“I’ll talk to her later. You don’t need to worry. Tomorrow, load our goods at the cotton mill. I’ve skipped her meals twice today—then we’ll discuss her sea journey.”
Jiang Ping even arranged for people to pose as police at the guesthouse to scare Lin Xinyao.
Though she had the letter from her uncle, Director Liang, Lin Xinyao was nervous.
When the fake police mentioned strict smuggling inspections and arrests of criminals carrying funds abroad, Lin Xinyao’s heart nearly leapt out of her chest.
For Lin Xinyao, desperate to reunite with her family, anyone who could ensure her safe arrival in Gangcheng was a lifesaver.