Chapter 120: Taken Away
Ning Xiyue’s intimidation worked perfectly. After those people went back, they spread the story around, saying she was fierce and vicious beyond what a woman could be — even more terrifying than a man.
When Ning Xiyue heard this rumor from Li Xiuxiu, she smiled with satisfaction. This rumor suited her perfectly — they could even describe her as a yaksha (a fearsome spirit), and she would still be pleased.
Thanks to their gossip, no one dared to approach her anymore, and things around her became quiet.
But those who were obsessed with getting a university recommendation wouldn’t give up so easily. If Ning Xiyue was unapproachable, there were still nine other people in the team — all cadres who held voting power.
As long as they secured those votes, it didn’t matter if they couldn’t win over Ning Xiyue. Because of that, while things were quiet around her, the other cadres became extremely popular, with people constantly bringing them gifts.
The team leader saw all of this but didn’t interfere. He took a walk with his hands behind his back and went home.
Seeing no one stepping in, the others became bolder, even delivering gifts to Aunt Yangliu. The team leader told her to accept them for now and deal with it all after the voting.
Carpenter Chen, Chen Yechu’s master, also had one vote. But because he was old and didn’t want to get involved — and his family valued their peace and didn’t want to participate — Chen Yechu stepped forward as his apprentice to vote on his behalf.
But even such a discreet arrangement was known by someone.
At noon on the day before the vote, Chen Yechu told Ning Xiyue that she had her master’s vote. Originally, no one was supposed to know this, but she suspected that Wu Zhigang might have found out.
“When I got back today, he came to see me in secret. He didn’t say anything directly — not a single word about the vote.”
Chen Yechu took a sip of water and continued:
“He just told me this sad story about how he has no home to return to, no mother to recognize him. He talked about how miserable and poor his family was. And recently, he received a letter saying his biological mother was sick and all alone. He said he wanted to go back to take care of her, but there was nothing he could do.”
“Do you think he somehow found out that I have my master’s vote and came to cry and play the sympathy card on purpose?” Chen Yechu asked Ning Xiyue seriously.
“Mm, very possible. I didn’t think Wu Zhigang was capable of using the ‘bitter-meat’ tactic,” Ning Xiyue nodded in agreement, then smiled. “But clearly it doesn’t work on you. Wrong strategy, right?”
“Hah, not a chance. Just because he used to be Ning Xiaoxiao’s bootlicker, I’d never vote for him. And I still remember the look of viciousness that flashed in his eyes during that fight at the reservoir. I saw it clearly.”
As she said this, Chen Yechu’s smile faded. She remembered something she’d learned from Ning Xiaoxiao in her previous life, and the more she thought about it, the more serious she became.
Leaning close to Ning Xiyue’s ear, she whispered, “Xiyue, don’t you think Wu Zhigang is a little… two-faced? That viciousness in his eyes isn’t something a normal educated youth would have. I’m afraid he might be…”
Ning Xiyue also became cautious. Chen Yechu’s expression clearly indicated she was recalling something from her past life — meaning Wu Zhigang definitely had a problem. He might even be one of those people.
Thinking back now, Wu Zhigang’s behavior toward Ning Xiaoxiao didn’t seem like genuine affection — it was superficial. And after all the things that happened with her, he didn’t seem sad or upset at all.
Ning Xiyue said nothing. She pulled out a pen and paper and wrote: “Don’t provoke him. We have to be careful. If he comes to see you again, pretend to be moved. It’s better to leave this to professionals.”
Chen Yechu took the pen and wrote back. The two continued their conversation silently on paper: “Got it. I’ll be careful. I think there’s an 80% chance you’re right.”
When the conversation was over, they destroyed the paper.
That afternoon, Ning Xiyue left the clinic in Li Xiuxiu’s care. She made an excuse about going up the mountain with a basket to collect herbs — but in reality, she was going there to look for help.
She had only made it halfway up the first slope of Mount Daqi when she ran into Ji Yanming and her older brother.
“Sis, what are you doing here? Gathering herbs?”
Ning Qingzhi was delighted to see his sister. He grabbed her and looked her over several times. “Perfect timing — we were just about to look for you. We’ve brought good news and a reward.”
Ji Yanming’s gaze also fell on Ning Xiyue, the corners of his eyes lifting. It had been a long time since they’d met, and it seemed he had missed her even more.
Ning Xiyue quickly cut off her brother’s small talk, her expression serious. “Listen to me first. I have something important to tell you.”
“Go ahead,” Ji Yanming said seriously, ready to listen carefully.
Ning Xiyue told them about her and Chen Yechu’s suspicions.
Both men’s expressions turned grave instantly, and they exchanged glances.
Ji Yanming looked at her seriously. “Stay out of this. Leave it to us. Just pretend you don’t know anything.”
Ning Qingzhi gripped her arm and nodded firmly. “Sis, you have to listen to us. Stay out of it. Your safety is what matters most.”
“Okay, don’t worry. I won’t get involved. I don’t know anything,” Ning Xiyue promised her worried brother and Comrade Ji.
Only then did they relax.
Ning Xiyue then asked excitedly, “Brother, what’s the reward you were talking about? Show me!”
Ning Qingzhi turned to Ji Yanming, practically bouncing. “Old Ji, hand it over!”
Ji Yanming smiled and obediently pulled two thick envelopes from his pocket.
“This is five hundred yuan. Two hundred is your reward for discovering the cave, and three hundred is for finding the coal mine.”
Ning Qingzhi then took out something else. “I also have a letter of commendation and a certificate for you.”
“Wow…” Ning Xiyue’s eyes sparkled when she saw the thick envelopes in Ji’s hands. After receiving the money and awards, she even remembered to ask on behalf of her second brother: “And what about his reward? Did he get it too?”
Ning Qingzhi snorted, a little jealous. “Of course he did. Same as you.”
Ning Xiyue hugged the money and certificates, grinning like a fool. “Hehe, that’s great. That’s great.”
Ji Yanming chuckled softly. He could see clearly now — this little girl loved her family, but she loved money too. That gave him plenty of leverage.
“Xiyue, regarding what we discussed earlier — the organization has approved it. We welcome you as an auxiliary member of our team. Also, our leader wants to meet you to discuss the medicine in detail. When do you have time? I can take you to see him.”
Ning Xiyue was overjoyed to hear it was official.
“Really? Then I’ll go after tomorrow morning’s vote for the worker-peasant-soldier quota. I’ve recently made a lot of medicines you can use in daily life — I’ll bring them tomorrow too.”
“Good. We’ll escort you down the mountain.”
The two men walked Ning Xiyue to the edge of the forest near the mountain entrance. After watching her leave, their expressions turned solemn.
“Old Ji, time to close the net.”
“Mm.”
…
The next day, when Ning Xiyue arrived for the vote, she was met with shocking news.
As soon as Chen Yechu walked in, she leaned close and whispered into Ning Xiyue’s ear:
“Xiyue, Wu Zhigang’s been arrested — and so has Li Yang.”
“What?!”
