Mrs. Zhuang listened to her son's request and carefully prepared a pair of soft and beautiful shoes. She was gentle and kind, and she personally took them to the girl in the car.
Mrs. Zhuang thought she was a girl from a mountain village, but when she saw Dai Ning for the first time, she knew she was wrong.
Although they were both raised in a wealthy family, the girl in front of him was even more noble than himself. The girl looked young, with bright and moist eyes. The skirt she was wearing was a limited edition new model of the season, and she was looking at him curiously.
Mrs. Zhuang smiled and said, "I am Hongxiu's mother. I am sending you a pair of shoes."
Dai Ning took it and found it was a pair of simple cream-white shoes. She liked it at first sight and said sweetly, "You have a good taste."
She seldom says thank you, but when she says sweet words, people feel even happier.
Madam Zhuang said, "As long as you like it, see if it's suitable."
Daning changed her shoes and finally got out of the car. She asked cheerfully, "Are we going to have dinner?"
Seeing her innocence and liveliness, Mrs. Zhuang thought of her niece and her heart softened: "Yes, Miss Ji, is there any dish you like to eat? I'll order it in advance."
Upon hearing this, Dai Ning ordered several dishes without hesitation.
Mrs. Zhuang took note. She glanced at Zhao Yu, who was chatting with County Magistrate Zhuang in a dignified manner in the distance, and asked Dai Ning curiously, "What is your relationship with this little brother Zhao?"
Dai Ning thought for a moment and said, "It doesn't matter."
Mrs. Zhuang was a little surprised. When she heard her son say that Zhao Yu cared about Miss Ji, she thought they had a close relationship, but she didn't expect it was not what she thought. Mrs. Zhuang had some calculations in her mind, so she took Dai Ning's arm and took her to the restaurant first.
During dinner, the villagers felt very uncomfortable sitting at the table. They lived in a small place and it was difficult for them to even see the county magistrate, let alone eat at the same table with him.
Zhao Yu seemed quite calm. County Magistrate Zhuang appreciated his abilities and found that this young man from the mountain village had very unique ideas. He couldn't help chatting with him for a few more sentences. Unexpectedly, the more they talked, the more they felt they had a good relationship.
Zhuang Hongxiu seemed particularly happy: "I said Brother Yu is amazing."
At least in the entire Huan County, no one dared to guarantee that Shentu She and others could be captured without any soldiers.
The Shentu family has committed many evil deeds, and they deserve to be sentenced to death by firing squad for what they have done.
While talking to the county magistrate, Zhao Yu distracted himself to look at Dai Ning. She seemed to be at ease, sitting with Madam Zhuang and instructing the waiter to pour her fruit tea.
In contrast, Du Tian felt much worse. After a day, the taste in her mouth finally faded, but she could still smell it when she opened her mouth. For the sake of her image, Du Tian could only resist eating and keep a gentle smile. Du Tian saw that Zhao Yu was beginning to be successful, and she didn't want to give up on him easily.
The county chief gave Zhao Yu a peek: "Shen Tu She is the criminal that our Huan County police are offering a reward for. He is also the suspect with the highest bounty in history. The amount announced has been increasing. I remember it should be one million now."
When Zhao Yu heard this number, he was quite surprised, but he didn't show it on his face and just nodded.
Halfway through the meal, a woman wearing a Chanel-style suit walked in from outside. She was quite beautiful, and when he saw her, Zhuang Hongxiu called out, "Cousin."
Zhuang Hongxiu's cousin is Lan Rongrong.
Lan Rongrong said happily: "Hongxiu, you really came back safely!"
Zhuang Hongxiu nodded, his attitude was neither salty nor bland, impeccable, but not intimate either.
Mrs. Zhuang was very happy: "Rongrong, come and sit down."
Hearing the name "Rongrong", Dai Ning didn't react much. Du Tian's face changed slightly and he stared at Lan Rongrong.
Qingtuan quickly explained to Dai Ning: "In the original novel, Lan Rongrong liked the male protagonist Zhao Yu and helped him a lot. In your human terms, there is a word called, a confidante."
Maybe male-oriented novels just like this kind of tone. Once the male protagonist starts cheating, there will be many people rushing to help him. It seems that the official plot has already begun since the escort of Shentu She.
Dai Ning saw that Lan Rongrong's eyes were indeed glued to Zhao Yu. Of all the people present, Dai Ning was the most beautiful and the most powerful was County Magistrate Zhuang. But the moment Lan Rongrong's eyes fell on Zhao Yu, she could only see Zhao Yu. Dai Ning finally felt that she was in a male-oriented novel.
Lan Rongrong: "This is..."
Madam Zhuang quickly introduced Zhao Yu to Lan Rongrong, and Lan Rongrong smiled politely: "So he is the one who saved Hongxiu."
Her eyes were moving and she was smiling appropriately. Seeing this, Du Tian looked grim and clenched his fists tightly.
Zhao Yu nodded: "Hello, Miss Lan."
Dai Ning held her chin up and watched the show with great interest. She was particularly happy to see Du Tian angry.
Strictly speaking, she doesn't care who Zhao Yu falls in love with, as long as it's not Du Tian, then it will be Lan Rongrong.
Zhao Yu noticed Dai Ning's gaze and glanced at her from a distance across the table.
As the meal was almost over, Lan Rongrong said, "You guys came at the right time. Tonight we are celebrating a traditional festival in Huan County, worshipping the Kitchen God and celebrating the autumn harvest. In addition, there are lion dances and window paper-cut exhibitions. It's very lively. I happen to be free, so I'll take you to have a look."
Zhao Yu was about to refuse, but Dai Ning nodded with bright eyes: "Okay, okay! I want to see it, take me there."
After listening to her, Lan Rongrong finally shifted her gaze away from Zhao Yu and looked at the most beautiful girl on the field.
Lan Rongrong's real intention was not to take Dai Ning with her. She fell in love with Zhao Yu at first sight, but since Dai Ning had proposed it, it would be bad for her to refuse. So she smiled and agreed: "Okay."
Zhao Yu warned: "Ji Daining."
Dai Ning didn't listen to him: "I came to Huan County because I heard it's fun here." There are many small customs and the snacks are delicious.
County Magistrate Zhuang was unaware of the undercurrents among the few people and said enthusiastically: "Huan County is quite lively. If you young people are interested, you can look around."
When asked if they were going, several men shook their heads. They were already feeling very uncomfortable and wanted to go home.
After dinner, Dai Ning pulled Lan Rongrong and said, "Let's go."
Lan Rongrong tried to persuade Zhao Yu again, but Zhao Yu frowned, not knowing what to do with Dai Ning. If he didn't watch her, he was afraid she would get lost, but if he followed her, it would be really annoying.
Can't she just be quiet for a day
Shuanzi and his friends, who did not go to watch the festival, followed County Magistrate Zhuang to the hotel under his arrangement.
Dai Ning remembered something and ran back, raised her little face and stretched out her hand to Zhao Yu: "I don't have any money, can you give me some?"
Zhao Yu said calmly with a wooden face, "Neither do I. That's just right. Don't run around."
Dai Ning wrinkled her nose and said dissatisfiedly: "Pauper."
Even though she had no money, she still insisted on going and followed Lan Rongrong. After some hesitation, Zhao Yu couldn't leave her alone and followed the two girls.
Du Tian felt flustered, but she didn't dare to open her mouth. She could only comfort herself that it was okay. With someone like Ji Daining around, even a stunning beauty wouldn't be able to create any sparks between her and Zhao Yu.
Before Ji Daining was around, it was difficult for him and Zhao Yu to have a good conversation. By analogy, Lan Rongrong would not be able to get anything good out of it either.
But Du Tian obviously didn't expect that Dai Ning would not walk with them. She left Zhao Yu and Lan Rongrong alone and walked and played by herself.
Lan Rongrong was secretly happy. Since Dai Ning didn't bother her, she could just talk to Zhao Yu and ask him where he was from, how old he was, and what the situation was like at home.
Zhao Yu answered casually, his eyes fixed on the young lady in front of him.
Dai Ning walked briskly among the crowd. She was beautiful and attracted many people's attention. The eldest lady usually went shopping and bought whatever she liked. Today, she knew she had no money and Uncle Qian and Zhang Yongfeng were not around. She liked a retro candlestick very much. She picked it up and touched it again and again, then looked back at Zhao Yu.
Zhao Yu's face was tense and he looked back at her indifferently.
She smiled and made a face, not caring what he and Lan Rongrong were saying. She put down the candlestick, ran into the crowd, and went to watch the lion dance in front.
Zhao Yu hurriedly followed her, passed by the candlestick stall, paused, and bought the candlestick.
Lan Rongrong was not happy about what she thought of.
From Zhao Yu's answer, she knew that he was younger than her and his family was very poor, but Lan Rongrong's family was rich, so she didn't care about that.
Lan Rongrong didn't know Dai Ning's identity and believed that she was a girl from a mountain village. Even if the clothes she wore were expensive, they were definitely given by her aunt. Lan Rongrong relied on her good family background and had a high opinion of herself. She finally fell in love with a man, and she didn't think Zhao Yu would give up such a good match. Seeing that Zhao Yu's attention was all on Dai Ning, she felt unhappy.
The lion dance team passed by, which is indeed a rare traditional program in modern times.
Lan Rongrong stopped Zhao Yu, her eyebrows slightly raised: "We have a very famous wine in Huan County, called Honey Pomelo Wine. Zhao Yu, are you interested in trying it?"
"Thank you for your kindness, Miss Lan. I don't drink."
Lan Rongrong's face was full of pity, and she was about to say something, but Zhao Yu's face changed. He looked carefully and saw people coming and going, but Dai Ning was gone.
He didn't care about Lan Rongrong and quickly squeezed into the crowd to look for someone.
Huan County is a small town that values traditional culture. Many people wear masks during festivals, and window grilles are strung together in rows, swaying in the night wind. At first glance, it is impossible to distinguish people.
Zhao Yu is tall, but in the crowded crowd, there is no sign of Dai Ning at all.
His face was gloomy, and he almost regretted saying those polite words to Lan Rongrong. How come the young lady disappeared in the blink of an eye
Seeing his anxiety, Lan Rongrong stopped Zhao Yu and said disapprovingly: "Don't worry, Miss Ji is not a child. She will go back by herself when she has had enough fun. We..."
Zhao Yu looked unhappy: "Daining comes to Huan County for the first time and has no money. Miss Lan, if you don't want to find someone, don't block my way."
Not to mention anything else, just Ji Daining's appearance that could bring disaster to the country and the people would make it easy for her to run into danger if she were alone outside.
Lan Rongrong was thrown away and looked at Zhao Yu in disbelief, feeling angry.
It's not like no one is pursuing her, so what's Zhao Yu? Lan Rongrong simply ignored him and turned away.
But before she took two steps, a boning knife came flying across the crowd, causing chaos. Lan Rongrong's scream was stuck in her throat. Zhao Yu was quick to pull her back. Several masked men rushed up and tried to take Lan Rongrong away.
Zhao Yu pushed Lan Rongrong into the lion dance team and said coldly, "Be smart!"
Lan Rongrong understood and quickly got into the crowd. Those people lost their target and for some reason, someone stabbed Zhao Yu with a knife.
Zhao Yu had no choice but to block it with his arm, and blood immediately gushed out of his hand.
He kicked away the knife that was stabbing at his abdomen and found that these people were going to kill him! Zhao Yu's heart sank, and he grabbed something nearby to block it. Someone shouted, "The police are here!"
The people on the street scattered, and those few people looked at each other and fled.
Sure enough, there was a police car parked not far away. The armed police were there to maintain order. Unexpectedly, by chance, Zhao Yu and Lan Rongrong escaped disaster.
A young armed police officer came over and asked, "What's going on?"
Zhao Yu frowned. Lan Rongrong ran back from the crowd and asked Zhao Yu worriedly, "Are you okay?"
"It's okay," Zhao Yu motioned Lan Rongrong to tell the police what happened. He said, "A friend of mine is missing. I'm worried that something has happened to her. I'll go look for her first."
He covered the wound on his arm, and blood soaked his coat. Zhao Yu followed the direction where Dai Ning was watching the excitement, asking as he walked.
He walked from the Huanxian window paper-cut exhibition to the modern fountain at the end of the street. Behind the fountain was the bridge and neon lights, but he still did not see Dai Ning.
Lan Rongrong caught up with him and said, "Go to the hospital first."
Zhao Yu's brows were furrowed: "Find her first."
His mind turned quickly, and he almost understood that what happened tonight was related to Shen Tu She. The group of people probably wanted to take Lan Rongrong hostage in exchange for Shen Tu She, and since he had captured Shen Tu She and made a great enemy, they would naturally kill him.
If Daning meets that group of people, the consequences will be disastrous. He pressed the wound tightly and continued to move forward. He regretted so many times that he let her go out to play tonight.
—
The neon lights on the bridge flickered. The girl took off the fang mask on her face and sighed softly.
"What a pity, not a single one died."
Blood flowed from the corner of her mouth. She coughed a few times, rubbed her chest, and complained to Qingtuan: "It hurts."
Qingtuan fell silent for a long time before he said, "I told you a long time ago, don't try to harm Zhao Yu, and don't block his development. You are just a very shallow existence in the book, but he is a man of great luck. Before Zhao Yu got into trouble, you were almost wiped out by the heavens. Don't do such things in the future, just destroy his relationship with the heroine. Have you forgotten the consequences of opposing the lucky Du Tian in your previous life?"
"How would I know?" Dai Ning wiped the blood off her lips, her voice crisp and smiling, "I originally thought that after Lan Rongrong got into trouble, he had no help in getting out of this place. The younger brother of the Shentu family who was living outside was really not strong enough."
Obviously, she had leaked the news, but the people under the Shentu family did not have time to catch up with the convoy and could not save Shentu She. Now that they failed to hold Lan Rongrong hostage, they could not even kill Zhao Yu.
Small people are indeed constrained by the rules in the book and find it difficult to achieve great things.
Qing Tuan held it in for a long time, then muffledly said, "I thought you had feelings for Zhao Yu. After all, he... treated you well." But when Dai Ning decided to use someone else to kill Zhao Yu, even Qing Tuan didn't react.
Qingtuan thought about it and stammered, "Did you give the iron piece on Shen Tushe's body that appeared on the road to him?" It didn't pay attention at the time, but later it seemed that Dai Ning did have the opportunity to do something. Later, Dai Ning also held Zhao Yu for a while. If the male protagonist hadn't been alert and Shen Tushe hadn't lived up to his expectations, the group of people would have run away long ago.
If the male protagonist lost this opportunity to meet Shentu She, his fate would really have to be rewritten.
Dai Ning blinked and smiled, as if she didn't understand what Qingtuan was saying.
"I'm going to go find him."
She threw away the mask and ran down the bridge as if nothing had happened.
In the brightest spot, Zhao Yu stopped a middle-aged woman and asked, "Excuse me, have you ever seen a girl who is so tall and beautiful?"
The middle-aged woman looked at the bridge and pointed: "Is that her?"
Zhao Yu turned around and saw Dai Ning running towards him in the gorgeous night. She complained unhappily, "Zhao Yu, where have you been? You're such a grown-up, and you still managed to get lost!"
Zhao Yu was already used to her being the first to complain. Seeing that she was fine, he finally felt a little dizzy and weak.
Daning held his arm, rubbed his eyes and said, "I'm sleepy. I want to go back to sleep."
Zhao Yu whispered, "Well, let's go."
His clothes were stained with blood and his lips were pale, but Daning didn't notice and he didn't say anything.
The two walked back and met Lan Rongrong.
Lan Rongrong got angry when she saw Dai Ning: "I said she was fine! Zhao Yu, you are so seriously injured, let's go to the hospital first."
When Dai Ning heard this, she looked at Zhao Yu in confusion. He lowered his eyes and said calmly, "It's okay."
Daning finally saw that half of his arm was soaked in blood. She gently touched his hanging arm, looking a little troubled. After struggling for a while, she finally asked him, "Does it hurt? I won't sleep now. Let's go to the hospital."
There was a hint of smile in his eyes: "It doesn't hurt anymore."