Chapter 32: Her Feat Arrives, Though Tardy
“Mingzhi, did you know about this? Are you and your mother so foolish as to harm yourselves and others without realizing it?”
The moment his daughter returned, Gu Changming understood everything. Surely, she must be involved in this matter as well.
Truly, having long hair but limited insight—can your vision and perspective not be broader? Can you not conduct yourself with more grace and generosity?
“Dad, I did hear about it. That woman is the one clinging to my brother. She’s shameless. Are we supposed to swallow this silent loss? Welcome her arrival? I’m no saint; I simply can’t do it.”
Gu Mingzhi never believed they were at fault because Lu Jiaor had made the first move herself. Most importantly, Lu was unworthy of being her sister-in-law.
Her ideal sister-in-law would be a woman of high status, beautiful and elegant, from a family no less distinguished than the Gu family.
Lu Jiaor had none of these qualities. Mingzhi hadn’t even met her but already felt a deep revulsion toward her.
“Mingzhi is right. They disgust us first; I don’t have the patience to tolerate that. No matter how much you argue, it’s not our fault.”
Her mother’s words echoed her true feelings and thoughts, instantly boosting her confidence.
What harm have we done? Does this concern the Gu family? Or me?
Gu Changming was speechless.
He understood it all too well, but others might not see it that way. It was pointless to argue now; the key was to find the person first.
“You all... forget it. I can’t argue with you.”
He shook his head and withdrew to his study to think carefully. In such a vast sea of people, how could he possibly find her?
Before Gu Changming could devise a plan, Gu Fengji and Ling Yulin had already gone to report to their commanding officer.
Whether it was taking leave or the matter involving Lu Jiaor, Gu Fengji had to inform his superiors, both professionally and personally.
The leadership was both surprised and speechless upon hearing the news, unsure of what to say.
“Fengji, I’ll approve you two days’ leave. Let Yulin accompany you to visit the Lu family.”
After some thought, the commander approved the leave for Gu Fengji and also for Ling Yulin to assist.
“Thank you, Commander. I’ll head to the Lu residence immediately to make inquiries.”
Gu Fengji’s anxiety was palpable; he was both uneasy and hopeful, knowing that Lu Jiaor was not at his home had left him worried and guilty.
The commander nodded, signaling them to proceed swiftly.
Just as Gu Fengji and Ling Yulin stepped out of the office, the commander’s eyes casually caught a leather envelope on his desk.
Stamped clearly on it were the words: Guangxi Provincial Railway Bureau, Ningshi.
“Xiao Gu, wait, come back.”
The commander seemed to recall something, calling out as he reached for the leather envelope.
---
Anxious Gu Fengji and confused Ling Yulin turned back, curious but silent.
“Xiao Gu, I suddenly remembered something. Before the New Year, the Ningshi Railway Bureau sent us a commendation letter, but our unit was too busy then, and you were both away on assignments. I only saw it then and realized it was praising your wife. The railway bureau had verified she was our unit’s military spouse, so they sent the letter here.”
“I thought it wasn’t urgent and decided to set it aside, but then I got busy and forgot about it. If you hadn’t come, I’d have completely forgotten.”
The commander patted his overloaded mind and explained the matter to Gu Fengji, now realizing its seriousness.
What?!
She had done something commendable on the train?
Gu Fengji was stunned; he quickly took the letter.
The letter from the Ningshi Railway Bureau detailed the incident: Lu Jiaor had exposed a scam on the train involving a fake military spouse who was actually trafficking women. She had caught a human trafficker and saved two innocent girls. The letter highly praised Lu, the military spouse, for her courage and fearless spirit in confronting evil.
Gu Fengji: “...”
She truly was incredible.
Ling Yulin: “...”
This sister-in-law is formidable.
Neither knew what to say; today’s events had exceeded their expectations, and Lu Jiaor had surprised them immensely.
“Xiao Gu, this makes me think: given Lu’s conduct on the train, the chances of her being in trouble are slim. If she isn’t back here, she’s probably still in the capital city. When was the last time you visited your father-in-law’s home? How did they act? Did they mention any letters or news?”
The commander had regained composure and began analyzing the situation, quickly identifying many questions.
By now, he was fairly confident—about seventy percent—that Lu was safe.
Gu Fengji also pieced together information from the letter, feeling relieved and hopeful.
“Old Gu, she’s probably safe. If she’s not in the capital, then she must be in Ningshi. She’s definitely not lost.”
Ling Yulin became excited, making his judgment on Lu Jiaor’s whereabouts.
Gu Fengji nodded, then said, “I’ll call the railway bureau first.”
He decided to contact the railway bureau to learn the full details of the incident on the train, which would help him analyze the situation better.
Luck was on Gu Fengji’s side. The railway staff responded quickly; the train conductor and police officer had not left with the train and were able to recount the entire event in vivid detail.
They couldn’t forget that night; the incidents on the train were unforgettable, etched deeply in memory for decades.
Especially the mysterious severed fingers that night—only Lu Jiaor and the man with two missing fingers were present. The culprit and weapon were never found. How mysterious! How terrifying! How strange! How bizarre!
Even the human trafficker posing as a military spouse paled in comparison; it was no longer the main event.
After listening, Gu Fengji and Ling Yulin exchanged glances and fell into silence.
They were certain.
Lu Jiaor was absolutely not a defenseless, weak woman. She would never be lost, nor could anyone deceive her away—unless she chose to leave willingly.
Gu Fengji was reassured and felt much more at ease.
However, to confirm her safety, they still needed to visit the Lu family.
---
Half an hour later.
At the Lu residence.
Gu Fengji and Ling Yulin arrived, each carrying large bags filled with supplies hastily purchased from the town’s grocery and supply stores: noodles, sugar cakes, two pounds of pork, and two bottles of wine.
“Mom, Dad, I didn’t have time to visit you during the New Year, but since I’m off today, I wanted to come and pay my respects on behalf of Xiao Lu.”
This time, Gu Fengji’s greeting felt genuine and sincere, free of awkwardness, polite and earnest.
“Uncle, Aunt, our duties are demanding. Please bear with us and don’t blame Old Gu for not visiting often.”
Ling Yulin also spoke kindly for his brother, his tone more heartfelt and respectful than before.
Lu Jianping and Su Yulan were delighted by their son-in-law’s visit, feeling comforted and thinking nothing else.
“You’re busy with work. Rest well and don’t worry about us. We’re all well, with enough to eat and drink, and no shortage of money.”
“Exactly. Your work is dangerous; don’t trouble yourselves about us. Everything is fine here; everyone is well.”
“Yulan, go prepare something delicious for Xiao Gu and Xiao Ling.”
The couple smiled broadly, not only holding no grudges against Gu Fengji but wholeheartedly supporting him and worrying about his wellbeing.
Their warmth made Gu Fengji and Ling Yulin feel immensely embarrassed, especially Gu Fengji, who felt even more guilty.
“Mom, Dad, no need. We ate before coming. The main reason is to see you. We can’t let you trouble yourselves!”
“Xiao Gu, we’re family. Let your mom cook something nourishing for you. It’ll be ready soon.”
“Yes, it’ll be quick.”
Gu Fengji hurriedly refused, but Lu Jianping and Su Yulan had no intention of listening.
Without a word, Su Yulan stood to boil water, catch a chicken to bleed, and began preparing vegetables while waiting.
Lu Jianping also wanted to help but was stopped by Gu Fengji and Ling Yulin.
They couldn’t let him go; if both left, how would they gather news about Lu Jiaor?