Over lunch, Shen Nanchu and Aunt Ma chatted while eating and soon finished their meal.
Afterward, Aunt Ma had other matters to attend to, while Shen Nanchu returned alone to her soft sleeper compartment.
It was mealtime, and the scent of various dishes wafted through every carriage.
Many passengers shuffled back and forth in the aisle, fetching hot water.
Shen Nanchu paused occasionally, stepping aside to let others pass.
Suddenly,
a commotion erupted ahead.
An elderly woman nearly got knocked over and began cursing loudly.
"Did your mother raise you without eyes? In such a hurry to be reborn?"
The young man ignored her, pushing further through the crowd—getting closer to Shen Nanchu.
Well, well!
A round face that looked somewhat familiar—small eyes, a flat nose, thick lips, and a sesame-sized black mole by the mouth.
Wasn’t this the very spy Aunt Ma and the others were searching for?
Even with a change of clothes and a cap, Shen Nanchu recognized him instantly.
Jackpot!
Without a second thought, Shen Nanchu lifted her foot and delivered a sharp kick straight to the man’s groin.
Her strike packed a solid punch.
┌༼ಥᗜಥ༽┘
The man crumpled in agony, clamping his legs together.
A burly passenger nearby dropped his uncracked boiled egg—it shattered on the floor.
"Comrade, lend a hand—pin him down. He’s a fugitive," Shen Nanchu called to the strong man.
"No problem, leave it to me."
The good Samaritan threw himself sideways, his muscular frame instantly crushing the suspect.
Thud!
Now, not only were the man’s "eggs" broken below, but his face above nearly got flattened too!
"I’ll help too," another man piled on.
"Count me in!"
Yet another joined.
"And me."
One more stacked atop.
By the time Liu Guodong arrived with backup, the mole-lipped man seemed to see salvation.
Beneath three, four—no, five people—he resembled the Monkey King trapped under Five-Finger Mountain.
Liu Guodong cuffed the suspect. His tense shoulders finally relaxed.
While his team escorted the prisoner to an empty carriage, Liu stayed to thank Shen Nanchu and the enthusiastic crowd.
The onlookers, truly fired up, vividly recounted how Shen Nanchu had single-handedly floored the criminal.
Even Shen herself felt like an absolute legend hearing their embellished retelling.
Liu Guodong was deeply grateful.
"Comrade Shen, thank you! Without you, we’d have wasted considerable manpower and resources catching him."
"Don’t mention it. As a citizen, it’s my duty," Shen Nanchu replied—no false modesty here.
"But if the police really think I did well… could I get a ‘Heroic Deed’ commendation banner?"
Liu blinked. This was the first time he’d met a woman so blunt. He agreed readily.
"Absolutely. Just leave your contact details."
"Wang Family Village, Ning'an Town, Yongxiu County, Dàliáo City—Shen Nanchu."
She gave the address of the Pei family’s rural relocation site.
Liu jotted it down, though something nagged at him. This girl’s refined dress and manner didn’t match a village upbringing.
"Comrade Shen, rest assured, the organization will deliver your commendation shortly."
"Great. Thank you, comrades!"
——
After two days and a night, the train reached Dàliáo City.
Under Aunt Ma’s wistful gaze, Shen Nanchu disembarked.
The bus to Yongxiu County ran just once daily.
Her morning arrival timed perfectly.
But stepping aboard, she spotted four familiar faces: Song Qingyang, Li Mei, Fang Jie, and Su Jianzhou.
Speak of the devil.
Without hesitation, Shen Nanchu marched to the middle of the bus. Before she could even set down her luggage, Song Qingyang approached.
"What a coincidence!"
"Let me help—"
Shen sidestepped smoothly, sliding into her seat and tucking the suitcase beside her—all in one fluid motion.
Song Qingyang stared at his empty hands, flushing awkwardly.
"Oh, did you need something?" Shen feigned innocence.
"N-no, nothing."
He withdrew his hand but didn’t leave—instead taking the seat in front of her.
Having finally caught her alone, Song wasn’t about to quit.
"This bus goes to Yongxiu County. You’re heading there too?"
"Mm."
Shen covered a yawn delicately.
Too tired for this chatterbox. Sleep it is.
She shut her eyes, pretending to doze.
Song’s enthusiasm met icy indifference—yet he remained entranced by her serene, "sleeping" profile.
This fly wouldn’t buzz off.
If subtle hints didn’t work, time for blunt force.
Shen’s eyes snapped open, capturing Song’s leering expression in full.
"Is this your seat?"
"No!" He shook his head.
"Then why are you sitting here?" Her tone turned sharp.
Song’s skin had thickened. "Well, we’re both from the capital, heading to the same place. Since fate brought us together, why not travel as companions?"
Shen deadpanned: "In Dream of the Red Chamber, Jia Rui also claimed ‘fate’ when pursuing Wang Xifeng. He died shortly after."
Song froze.
Li Mei, who’d been watching the exchange, frowned. "Fang Jie, what did she mean by that?"
Fang, having only skimmed the classic novel, shrugged.
But the quiet Su Jianzhou explained:
"Jia Rui was a lustful opportunist who fell for his sister-in-law Wang Xifeng. He died in her ‘love trap.’"
As Su spoke, Song’s face turned redder than a baboon’s backside.
Elderly passengers burst into laughter.
"Boy, ever looked in a mirror? You’re no match for this lass!"
"Exactly! A toad lusting after swan meat!"
"The girl’s clearly ignoring him, yet he keeps pestering."
——
"Hey pretty boy, move your rear—that’s my spot!"
A robust young woman, hauling a giant woven bag, bellowed.
Even Song’s thick hide couldn’t withstand the humiliation. He slunk back to his original seat.
Peace at last.
"Little sister, want the window seat?"
"My stuff’s bulky. I’ll take the aisle so you’re not squeezed."
Wang Xiumei grinned, revealing pearly teeth.
Shen realized—"Wait, this isn’t actually your seat? You lied to him earlier?"
Wang shrugged. "Couldn’t stand watching that creep harass you."
"Men like him are worse than flies."
......
