Chapter 207

Chapter 207 - A Strange Thought

Zhang Xiaolong had been gone for a month, and even Lee Xiulian, who had always had unwavering faith in him, began to worry that something might have happened to him in the mountains.

Chen Yaru, Yang Jingjing, and others returned every few days to check on him, but each time they came back, there was no sign of him.

Wolves on Nest Mountain weren't a concern, but venturing deeper into the wilderness, nobody could predict what might be encountered. Even the most capable person couldn't be sure of safety in the vast mountain ranges stretching for hundreds of miles.

?Despite their worry, they were at a loss for what to do. If Zhang Xiaolong could run into trouble out there, sending a search party would be tantamount to a death sentence.

“Yaru, try not to worry. We all know Xiaolong's skills. He wouldn't take unnecessary risks. If he's not back yet, he's probably been held up by something, or maybe he hasn't found what he's looking for...” Yang Jingjing was anxious too, yet she offered words of comfort.

“I understand, but it's been a month. If he doesn't return soon, I'll go find him myself, even if it costs me my life,” Chen Yaru declared resolutely.

Yang Jingjing knew persuasion was futile, but she was determined not to let her take such a risk.

Chen Yaru might not have been aware of the mountain's dangers, but Yang Jingjing had firsthand experience from following Zhang Xiaolong there. They hadn't encountered any ferocious wolves, but the mountain's treacherous terrain was challenging enough. Finding their way out could become a life-threatening ordeal.

“Here's what we'll do: you two aren't familiar with the mountain trails, and you wouldn't get far. I'll round up some young men from the village to form a search party and take our chances,” Wang Tiehzhu decided at last.

“That's not an option for me,” Chen Yaru insisted adamantly. “Xiaolong is my partner. If I can't find him, I might as well stay in the mountains forever.”

“Sister, this is no time for rash statements. If you run into trouble out there, Xiaolong would have to go back in to rescue you, wouldn't he?” Lee Xiulian chimed in urgently, “Let your brother handle it. He knows the way. And take little wolf with you; that creature knows the area even better. In a pinch, the Wolf King could lend a hand.”

She was well aware of the situation. The local market was undisturbed largely because everyone knew a wolf pack was guarding it. Anyone with designs on that place would need to watch their neck.

Chen Yaru gave it some thought and ultimately agreed. Still, they decided to accompany her, intending to escort them to the mountain pass.

“Shut your filthy mouth. Who said you could talk?” Wang Tiehzhu advanced, ready to deliver a couple of smacks, but Lee Xiulian held him back.

Zheng Hong remained composed amidst the chaos. “He burned everything in the cave that day and told me the old Zheng Hong was dead. I agree with him. The old Zheng Hong was blind, thinking you were a good man. She gave you everything, naively followed you here, suffered your cuts, and degraded herself. But that Zheng Hong is dead. From now on, you and I have nothing to do with each other.”

With those final words, everyone turned and walked away, leaving Wang Fugui in a daze, ignored by all.

“Damn Zhang Xiaolong, you've taken my wife in the end. You had to steal even a ‘piece of trash' from me!”

Wang Fugui was aware that even if Zhang Xiaolong hadn't touched Zheng Hong physically, he had certainly captured her heart.

He had come here thinking his generosity would be enough to forgive the infidelity and that she would surely return with him. But the reality was far from what he expected.

Being impulsive by nature, and now with his emotions running high, he resolved not to let Zhang Xiaolong's woman get away with it so easily.

Wang Fugui pulled out a dagger he was carrying and charged toward Chen Yaru.

At the sound of the disturbance, several heads turned, momentarily frozen in shock.

Yang Jingjing had the fastest reflexes. Seeing Wang Fugui brandishing the knife at Yaru, she cried out a warning, “Be careful!”

In a swift motion, she spun around, positioning herself as a human shield to protect Yaru...

Wang Fugui hadn't intended to kill anyone. He was just infuriated that his own woman had disfigured her face, symbolically adorning him with a slew of “green hats”—a metaphor for being cheated on. He wanted to inflict the same humiliation on Zhang Xiaolong by disfiguring his woman's face, thereby bestowing upon him an equivalent collection of green hats.

The blade was meant for Chen Yaru, but as it descended, Yang Jingjing courageously intercepted it.

Chi...