“Be careful.”
Fourth Brother Fu was walking about two meters away from Pang Fu and her mother when he watched helplessly as a sharp knife stabbed toward Pang Fu, who was nestled in Qingqing Yin’s arms. That warning seemed to carry the bloody scent of a torn throat.
He rushed forward immediately but was blocked by another person. The knife in that person’s hand almost stabbed into his stomach; he narrowly avoided it only because Old Second Fu pulled him aside.
[Little master…]
Baba’s voice cracked with urgency, its data scrambling in panic.
Pang Fu was completely unaware of the approaching danger. She blinked her big eyes, watching the man with the knife—his face twisted with frenzied excitement—as he rapidly closed in.
She came to a soft, milky conclusion: “It’s a bad person.”
Qingqing Yin’s clear eyes instantly turned cold and fierce. Protecting Pang Fu, she spun around and delivered a spinning kick to the man’s head.
“Bang…” The man flew backward, slammed into the wall, and blood sprayed everywhere. It was unclear whether he was alive or dead.
These assailants hadn’t expected a frail-looking woman to possess such skills. After snapping out of their shock, three or five of them simultaneously surrounded Qingqing Yin.
Fourth Brother Fu was so anxious his eyes turned bloodshot, but he was also surrounded and couldn’t break through.
Among the Fu Family, aside from Qingqing Yin, only Old Second Fu could fight. However, besides Pang Fu, Old Second Fu was also a primary target for these men.
Old Second Fu originally had the most people surrounding him. After witnessing Qingqing Yin’s skills, a few ran over to her, but he still had three left around him.
Old Second Fu had to deal with these attackers while also protecting the elderly and weak who couldn’t defend themselves, leaving him somewhat stretched thin.
Third Master Fu, Fourth Brother Fu, and the eldest grandson, nineteen-year-old Fu Yu’an, could all protect themselves but couldn’t shield others.
Fortunately, even though Qingqing Yin had been out of practice for over two years, a mother’s strength prevailed, and she didn’t fall under the onslaught.
There were Public Security officers patrolling the station, and Fang Xiong had also left one person to watch the car. They all arrived quickly and apprehended everyone.
Aside from the three subdued by Third Master Fu, Fourth Brother Fu, and Fu Yu’an—who were in slightly better condition—those taken down by Old Second Fu and Qingqing Yin were severely injured, their fates unknown.
“Fufu, Qingqing, are you both alright?”
Fourth Brother Fu pulled the mother and daughter aside, checking them over thoroughly.
Qingqing Yin’s eyes had regained their clarity. She hugged Pang Fu, softly comforting her, and ignored Fourth Brother Fu.
Pang Fu seemed dazed, as if somewhat frightened.
Fourth Brother Fu didn’t mind not getting a response—he was used to it. Seeing that neither mother nor daughter was injured, he finally let out a deep sigh of relief.
Police Station.
Fang Xiong received the news and arrived belatedly, heading straight for the restroom where the Fu Family was waiting.
“How is everyone? Any injuries? Do you need to go to the hospital?”
Fourth Brother Fu shook his head: “We’re fine, just startled. No injuries; we’ll be okay after calming down.”
Fang Xiong exhaled heavily, his expression turning grim: “Who were those people? In broad daylight, they were too brazen.”
Interrogations had just been conducted, and the process went quite smoothly.
Fourth Brother Fu explained: “We caught someone on the train—a human trafficking ringleader. These people came for revenge.”
After detailing the events, Fang Xiong’s anger gradually subsided, replaced by a hint of delight.
“So, you’ve essentially achieved another meritorious deed, right? I’ll find a way to handle this and maximize the impact of the incident. Once you arrive at the Brigade in the future, no one will dare to mess with you lightly.”
Fourth Brother Fu shook his head: “No need. Don’t get involved; things are fine as they are. From now on, don’t easily expose our relationship either—it could be detrimental to you.”
Fang Xiong was about to speak when Fourth Brother Fu continued, “I know what you’re thinking, but consider this: if something happens to you, we won’t even know who to turn to for help.”
Fang Xiong thought it over and conceded.
“Alright then, you all rest. I’ll go ask when we can leave.”
By the time Fang Xiong completed the formalities and led the Fu Family out of the police station, it was already noon. When they reached the commune, the sky had turned dark.
The commune official frowned deeply. “Why are you so late? I’ve been waiting all day.”
Fang Xiong stiffly explained the situation in a few words. As a cadre sent down from the county, his rank was higher than this man’s, so he didn’t need to put on a smiling face to curry favor. Even if the local officials were displeased, they wouldn’t dare say anything.
“When the time comes, there will be documents from above. This gang has been involved in quite a few crimes, and the higher-ups have been looking for them for a long time. The Fu Family has done a great service. They might even come personally to hold a commendation ceremony. Pay close attention to this matter.”
The official no longer dared to frown. His eyes darted around, probably thinking about how to handle the Fu Family.
He responded with flattering words: “So that’s how it is. My apologies, comrade. I’ll definitely keep this in mind and report it to the leadership when the time comes.
Well, it’s late now, and this poor, remote area doesn’t have any guesthouses. If you don’t mind, comrade, why not spend the night at my place?”
Fang Xiong was also worried that these people might try something against the Fu Family at night, so he thought it best to stay.
Once the Fu Family reached the brigade, he could rest easy. He knew about the Gouzi Brigade—their folk customs were fierce, but they had their own rules. Unlike this man in front of him, whose scheming thoughts were written all over his face, probably thinking about how to squeeze something out of the Fu Family.
“Then we’ll trouble you.”
Eager to ingratiate himself with Fang Xiong, the man happily led them away, locking the Fu Family in a small, dark room, thinking he could deal with them later without any trouble.
But early the next morning, the captain of the Gouzi Brigade came to pick them up, and Fang Xiong hadn’t left yet.
The man glared at Ma Sanye with obvious disdain.
Ma Sanye, nicknamed Ma the Rat—his real name was long forgotten by anyone.
He wasn’t short, but with his sharp-featured, rat-like face, he had earned the nickname Ma the Rat.
His appearance made it clear he was a shrewd schemer.
He smiled cheerfully at the official’s cold expression. “Comrade Wang, am I too early? Haven’t you started work yet?”
It was nine o’clock—how could he say they hadn’t started work?
Wang Youwei snorted coldly. “Cut the nonsense. They’re in the room. I’m handing them over to you. I’ve explained all the precautions. Keep a close eye on them. If anything goes wrong, don’t blame me for not showing any mercy.”
Ma Sanye replied, “You can trust me to handle this. I’ll make sure they’re well taken care of. So, is there any paperwork to do? If not, I’ll take them with me. The mountain paths aren’t easy to walk. We’re used to it, but these folks are here for the first time. If we delay and don’t make it home before dark, it could be dangerous.”
Wang Youwei snorted again, completely missing his chance to squeeze anything out of the Fu Family, and let Ma Sanye take them away.
Only after the Fu Family left with Ma Sanye did Fang Xiong secretly breathe a sigh of relief and depart as well.
Ma Sanye was in his fifties, lean and wiry, with a straight back and nimble legs.
He strode ahead, leading the Fu Family out of the commune and straight onto a mountain path.
The Fu Family followed in silence, with even Pang Fu staying quiet without a word.
When the path wide enough for two or three people to walk side by side narrowed into a trail that could only accommodate one person, Ma Sanye finally glanced back at the Fu Family.
His eyes held a trace of surprise. These were city gentlemen and young masters, yet after nearly an hour of brisk walking since leaving the commune, not a single one had complained.
Not even the delicate old lady or the young girl. The family supported one another, appearing quite harmonious.
“We’re about to enter the mountain trail. Everyone should rest for a moment.”
Upon hearing this, the Fu Family asked no questions. Quietly, they each found a place to sit down, taking out food and drink to replenish their energy.
Ma Sanye raised an eyebrow again. Good—sensible and not foolish.
His gaze fell on the chubby baby who was staring intently at him. A slight smile touched the corner of his mouth as he pulled a hard-boiled egg and some dried meat from his pocket, gesturing toward Pang Fu: “Come here.”