94

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the dense branches and leaves of the camphor trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Chen Ruyu sat alone on a stone bench beneath a tree, her gaze distant as she looked toward the base. She seemed lost in thought, yet also appeared to be struggling under some invisible burden that left her unable to catch her breath. A faint fragrance of tea leaves drifted on the breeze. The surroundings were so quiet that one instinctively slowed ones breathing. Just then, a shadow behind her gradually drew closer. Only the mans cold, piercing eyes revealed a trace of hostility. With a black mask covering his head and face, the man moved swiftly. Without warning, he reached out and wrapped his arms tightly around Ruyu, like an unexpected curtain of night, pressing against her so forcefully that her breathing nearly stopped.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Ruyu cried in alarm. Her hands instinctively struck at the air, but the man held her tightly.

The man spoke in a cold, low voice. "Dont make a sound!" Then he quickly pulled out a gleaming sharp knife and held it against her neck.

A flash of fear crossed Ruyus eyes. Fighting to control her panic, she suddenly screamed, "Help! Somebody help me!"

The masked man quickly clamped one hand over her mouth and threatened her in a low voice. "I told you not to scream, and you still did!" His voice carried a cruel threat that made Ruyus heart tighten with fear.

At that tense moment, Yu Lianfu and his son Wenyan were busy driving their cattle home when they suddenly heard an urgent cry for help. Lianfu frowned, took the tea-leaf carrying pole off his shoulder, and listened carefully.

"Does it sound like someone over there is calling for help?" A trace of suspicion flashed in his eyes.

"That sounds a lot like Teacher Chen Ruyu!" Wenyans eyes filled with concern, and he instinctively quickened his pace.

"Thats right! Ruyu may be in danger. Lets hurry over and see!" Lianfu spoke firmly. He immediately set down his carrying pole and picked up a shoulder pole to use as a weapon. Although his limp made his steps somewhat slow, he was still in a great hurry.

Father and son rushed toward the Earth God Temple, one following the other. Their native dog, Kule, quickly followed them. Apparently sensing his masters anxiety, the dog ran after them at full speed.

When they arrived, they saw the masked man preparing to tie Ruyu up, tightly binding her hands. A piece of rag had been stuffed into her mouth, preventing her from making a sound. The situation was extremely tense. A flash of anger crossed Lianfus eyes, and without hesitation, he shouted, "Who the hell are you? Damn you! Youve really got some nerve! How dare you bully a young woman right in front of the gods!"

Lianfus voice rang out like thunder. The masked man froze for a moment. Lianfu immediately ordered Kule, "Kule, get him! Bite him! Go on!" Without hesitation, Kule lunged at the masked man.

At the same time, Lianfu swung his shoulder pole and brought it down hard on the masked man with tremendous force. The man was thrown into a panic. He swung his knife to fight back while struggling to fend off the black dog lunging at him. The blade in his hand and the dogs teeth clashed in the air, and the situation quickly descended into chaos.

"Wenyan! Hurry and untie Teacher Chen!" Lianfus shout brought Wenyan to his senses. He rushed forward and quickly freed Ruyu from her bonds.

Seeing that the situation was turning against him, the masked man finally let go of his knife and began desperately backing away. At that very moment, the black dogs teeth sank hard into his leg, causing him to cry out in pain. He spun around, trying to break free. Then he grabbed the dog by the neck and forcefully plunged his knife into its body.

"Kule!" Wenyan cried out in anguish. Seeing his beloved dog on the verge of death, he burst into tears.

Lianfu gripped the shoulder pole tightly in both hands. He tried his best to pursue the fleeing masked man, but at the same time, he was filled with regret. After chasing him for a short distance, he finally stopped. Helplessly watching the mans retreating figure disappear, he turned back.

"Kule..." Wenyan picked up the wounded black dog. Blood quickly soaked through the front of his shirt. His silent grief was so overwhelming that he could hardly breathe.

Ruyus expression also darkened. She hurriedly asked, "Wenyan, is Kule badly hurt?"

Wenyans eyes brimmed with tears. Choking back sobs, he replied, "Hes bleeding. Hes going to die!"

Lianfu crouched down and looked at Ruyu with concern. "Teacher Chen, are you all right?"

Ruyu lowered her head and gently touched the front of her dress, managing a faint smile. "Im all right. Your Kule is the one whos bleeding."

Lianfu breathed a sigh of relief, but when he saw the helpless dog, his brow furrowed. "That dog was truly loyal. He hasnt wasted all these years Ive spent raising him."

Ruyu spoke softly, her voice full of apology. "Brother Lianfu, thank you and your son for coming to my rescue. Since Kule was injured, Ill pay his medical expenses and compensate you for your loss."

Lianfus eyes reddened, and sorrow showed in his expression. "Theres no need to pay for the medical expenses. The dog is so badly injured that I dont think hell survive."

Hearing this, Ruyu said guiltily, "Im so sorry, Brother Lianfu. I got him hurt."

Lianfu patted her shoulder and spoke gently. "Life and death are in fate. Dont blame yourself. Who was the person who attacked you just now? Could you recognize him?"

Ruyu took a deep breath and gradually calmed herself before replying, "The man was wearing a mask, so I couldnt see his face. But his voice sounded very familiar. I think Ive heard it somewhere before. If he shows up again, I should be able to recognize him."

Lianfu looked into the distance, pondered for a moment, and said quietly, "I saw that man run in the direction of the base. Could he have been someone from inside the base?"

Ruyu shook her head, uncertainty in her voice. "I dont know whether he was one of the people from the base, but I recognize his voice. And he was tall and thin. If I come face-to-face with him again, I should be able to recognize him."

Lianfus gaze grew firm. He gripped the shoulder pole tightly with both hands. "I struck that man hard twice with my pole. He must be badly injured. Lets not discuss this any further right now. Ill take you home first. Wenyan, go home and get your mother and Uncle Maotong next door. Have them come here and carry Kule home."

Wenyan lowered his head again, weeping almost uncontrollably. Still biting his lip, he nodded and turned to run home.

Chen Qiwang had just stepped into the living room when he saw that his younger sisters face was deathly pale and her shoulders were trembling slightly. He hurried over, unable to contain his concern. His brow furrowed as he asked anxiously, "Little Sister, what happened? Your face is so pale. You look as though youve been badly frightened."

The limping Yu Lianfu hobbled in right behind him, drenched in sweat. Even so, he did not forget to explain what had happened to the Huolu family. "Thank goodness my son and I happened to be passing the Earth God Temple. We heard someone shouting for help and rushed over immediately. If Wenyan and I hadnt arrived, Teacher Chen would have been assaulted by that masked man."

As he spoke, he briefly recounted the frightening incident that had just taken place in front of the Earth God Temple. His voice was not loud, but every word was chilling.

After hearing the story, Chen Qiwangs expression grew even darker. His fists clenched involuntarily, and he growled in a low voice, "You said the man had a knife? This is absolutely outrageous! How dare he bully my little sister in our village? If I find out who he is, Ill skin him alive and stuff his hide with chaff! Lets see if he still dares act so arrogantly!"

Inside the living room, Huolu and Liao Meijiao heard the commotion and hurried out from the inner room. Both looked startled and confused.

Huolu asked, "What happened? Why is everyone shouting so loudly?"

Qiwang was still furious. His voice grew stern. "My little sister was nearly assaulted by a masked man!"

Huolus eyes widened as he suddenly turned toward Ruyu. "Ruyu? Isnt she standing right there? She looks perfectly fine!"

Qiwang replied, "Brother Fu and his son got there just in time. If they had been a moment later, Ruyu would have been in serious trouble. The masked man not only restrained her but also pulled out a knife. Look, her wrists are still red from the ropes!"

As he spoke, he gently lifted Ruyus wrist to show their parents the red marks that had not yet faded.

Huolus face turned livid. He growled, "This is outrageous! How dare anyone lay a hand on our Ruyu in our own village? They clearly have no respect for the Chen family!"

Qiwang nodded. "Brother Fu said the man ran toward the base. I suspect he was probably someone from inside the base."

Huolu said, "We must let Jialiang know about this. Hes our villages local police officer, and its his responsibility to investigate."

Lianfu chimed in. "Thats right. Although we dont have any evidence, the man was injured when he ran away. If anyone sees a man with an injured leg tonight, we can follow that lead and investigate."

Qiwang gave a cold laugh, his eyes sharp. "Theres no need to wait for Jialiang. Ill investigate this myself. If that man really is one of those people from the base, then Ill go to Benjiang and demand an explanation. Lets see what he has to say!"

Liao Meijiao walked over to Ruyu and gently rubbed her back with both hands. She asked tenderly, "Little Sister, are you all right? That must have been terrifying."

Ruyus eyes grew red. She spoke softly. "I... Im all right. Its just... I was really scared..."

Lianfu interjected, "She was just frightened. Shes strong. She was scared, but she wasnt hurt."

Huolu sighed and said earnestly, "Ruyu, from now on, dont wander around by yourself at night. Do you hear me?"

Ruyu lowered her head and nodded. "I understand, Dad. Ill be careful."

At that moment, Qiwang stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply to Lianfu. "Brother Fu, that Kule of yours is truly a loyal dog. Ill compensate you for your loss. Thank you and your son for stepping in and saving my little sister."

Lianfu quickly waved his hands, looking embarrassed. "Dont say that, Qiwang. Were neighbors. Helping each other is only natural."

Qiwang said earnestly, "No, I cant let you lose a dog without compensation. Heres what Ill do. Ill prepare a banquet and invite your whole family over for a meal to express my gratitude. Ill also pick out a puppy and give it to you, so youll have another dog to keep you company."

Lianfu waved his hands in refusal. "Theres really no need to go to so much trouble..."

At that moment, Huolu interrupted in a deep voice. "Brother Fu, youre our Ruyus benefactor. Its only right that we show our gratitude. How could we, as her parents, fail to do so? If you refuse, itll mean you look down on our family."

Lianfu had no choice but to scratch his head and smile awkwardly. "All right... Then I wont stand on ceremony."

The frightening ordeal had finally eased somewhat, though the tension had not entirely dissipated. Moonlight fell across the stone steps in front of the house, illuminating Ruyus still-trembling figure. Even the villages nighttime seemed to have fallen silent, waiting for the next disturbance.

96

Afternoon sunlight slanted through the wooden windows of the Chen family home and into the living room. Fine dust drifted through the beams of light. An old-fashioned ceiling fan turned slowly inside, stirring up a faint breeze. Several yellowed photographs and an old landscape painting hung on the wall. Teacups that had not yet been cleared away sat on the coffee table, their contents still faintly warm.

Two figures appeared outside the courtyard gate and walked into the entrance porch. The wooden door creaked as it opened.

Lü Heruo stepped into the house. He first clasped his hands in greeting, then said softly, "Brother Qiwang, I heard at the school from Yu Wenyan that Ruyu was attacked by a criminal last night and nearly assaulted. I came especially to see how she is doing. Ive been very worried about her."

Chen Qiwang rose from his chair. His expression darkened. With his hands on his hips, he spoke in an unfriendly tone. "Lü, you know my little sister is seeing you, but you havent taken good care of her. Im still angry with you about that!"

Lü Heruo immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and bent slightly as he hurried to apologize. "Im sorry, Brother Qiwang! The meeting last night ran late. By the time I came out, Wenyan had already told me that Brother Lianfu had brought Ruyu home. I... I truly feel terrible about it."

Liao Xueli stood nearby. Seeing the tense atmosphere, he quickly waved his hands to smooth things over, smiling as he said, "Brother Qiwang, who arranges a date at the young womans home? Young people need a little privacy when theyre dating. Unless you want to spend the whole day standing beside them as a matchmaker?"

Qiwang frowned and shot him a look. Then he sighed and sat down. "Fine. They can meet at my front gate. Ill have Bida go along to protect her."

Xueli burst out laughing and reached over to pat Qiwang on the shoulder. "If Bida goes along as their chaperone, how are they supposed to court each other? Youre taking this too seriously!"

Qiwang pursed his lips. "Ill naturally tell Bida not to follow too closely. Surely he can protect her discreetly?"

Just then, Ruyu heard their voices and came out of the inner room. She had changed into a light purple dress. Her complexion was rosier than it had been the night before, although she still looked somewhat tired. She stood by the doorway with her arms crossed and her brows slightly furrowed.

"Brother, could you stop being so meddlesome?" she said with some irritation, looking directly at Qiwang.

Qiwang turned to her, raising his voice. "Im doing this for your own good, and you still complain that Im meddling? You really dont appreciate whats good for you!"

Lü Heruo stepped forward and looked at Ruyu gently. "Ruyu, your brother is only concerned about you. Dont be angry with him."

Qiwang muttered, "Im not joking about this. Im only saying it because I dont want anything else to happen to you."

Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Ruyu softened her tone a little. "Brother, I appreciate your concern. Ill be more careful from now on."

Lü Heruo lowered his head and asked, "Ruyu, are you all right?"

A flicker passed through Ruyus eyes. She asked in return, "What if something really had happened to me? What would you have done?"

The question struck Lü Heruo like a cold arrow. He was momentarily at a loss for words and froze. He blinked and replied quietly, "I would... feel terribly sorry toward you. I might even... be too ashamed to face you again."

Ruyu furrowed her brows even more deeply. Her voice carried a note of dissatisfaction. "Is all you can do say youre sorry? Dont you want to find the criminal who attacked me?"

Lü Heruo quickly raised his head, his voice now firm. "Of course I wont let that criminal get away with it! Ill investigate this matter to the very end!"

Seeing the tension, Qiwang raised his hand to smooth things over. "All right, Little Sister. Lü came all this way to see you. Dont be so difficult with him. You two should hold hands and take a walk in the backyard while Brother Liao and I brew a pot of tea and play a couple of games of chess."

Ruyu glared at Qiwang, but in the end she gave a soft snort and nodded slightly. Seeing this, Lü Heruo cautiously held out his hand to her. Ruyu hesitated for a moment, then finally placed her hand gently in his.

The two walked slowly toward the backyard, their long shadows stretching out behind them in the sunlight. The teapot bubbled softly beside the table, and the fan continued to turn slowly, as though everyday life and danger were merely alternating moments in the passage of time.