A Girl Traveling Through Troubled Times

Chapter 1132 Liu Lanfang persuades Gui'er to annul the engagement

"Clean?" Gui'er chuckled softly, but there was a hint of bitterness in her smile. "In this chaotic world, where is there any absolutely clean place? The big bosses of foreign firms collude with the Japanese, and politicians betray their compatriots for profit. But Brother Wu has truly protected us for so many years."

Seeing the surprise in Chen Muli's eyes, she continued, "We live together, and he manages the family property—that's a fact. But his feelings for me and for our family have always been genuine. At a time like this, I can't just push him away because of a few idle words."

Chen Muli opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something more, but in the end he just sighed: "You... are always too stubborn."

He took a small paper packet out of his pocket and handed it to me: "This is some imported ointment I asked someone to buy for scar removal. You can use it to treat your hands."

Gui'er took the paper package: "Thank you, Teacher Chen."

"Enough, there's no point in saying more." Chen Muli turned around and looked out the window. "Be careful yourself. From now on, it's best to have someone accompany you when you go out. Don't wander around alone anymore."

Gui'er nodded, watching his retreating figure as he walked into the classroom, the paper package in her hand heavy. She knew Chen Muli meant well, but he didn't understand that in this chaotic world, so-called "cleanliness" and "decency" sometimes couldn't compare to someone willing to take a knife for you.

She looked down at the tape in her hand, and then thought of Wu Mingqiang's ashen face last night. Suddenly, her heart sank. Chen Muli's words might really be true. This matter was probably really related to Wu Mingqiang.

"Professor Chen is usually such a taciturn, aloof and proud person, how could he possibly send you medicine?"

Gui'er was startled and turned around to see Liu Lanfang. She had indeed followed her out, but she guessed that Liu Lanfang had overheard her conversation with Professor Chen.

"Professor Chen, you actually know an elder in my family. It was because of this elder's request that you took care of me," Gui'er said with a smile. She was very curious to see what Liu Lanfang thought about her injury.

"Oh, I see. But I think what he said makes a lot of sense. Your Mr. Wu is involved in gangs, after all. Who knows who he might have offended? Maybe it's one of his enemies coming for revenge. You'd better be careful."

“What you said makes sense, but Brother Wu has to manage the family business, and I simply can’t distance myself from him.”

"Actually, all you need to do is break off the engagement. Think about it, what kind of enemy would target someone else's employer? It's just that they're targeting you because you're their partner, right?"

Gui'er frowned and asked, "How could you think I'm engaged to him? I don't think I ever said that. Who told you that?"

Liu Lanfang paused for a moment, her eyes flickering, and said, "It was that person, the one your pawnshop clerk said."

Gui'er didn't press the matter further, and said with a smile, "Actually, it's an elder in the family who has this idea, and we're still considering it."

"Don't think about it anymore, Gui'er. I'm doing this for your own good. He's a江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and outlaws) person, and he's also a servant in your family. If you two get married, people will laugh at you behind your back for the rest of your lives," Liu Lanfang said earnestly.

"What era are we living in? The reason I hesitate is not because of his identity, but because it's too sudden. Besides, didn't you admire him before? Why are you so vehemently opposed now?"

"No, not at all. It's one thing that I admire his talent and ability, but you two are really not a good match. Look how badly you're injured. Who knows, it might get even worse next time," Liu Lanfang stammered.

Gui'er thought that instead of arguing with her, she should pretend that she was acting out of helplessness and didn't actually want to be with Wu Mingqiang, so that at least she wouldn't be targeted at school.

So he said, “How could I not know that? But our family business is now supported by him. Our elders are in the mainland and can’t come over. So they want to win him over through marriage. What can I do? I can’t go against the elders’ wishes. What if he sets up his own business and stops helping our family? Then I won’t be able to protect our family business.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Lanfang said, "Are you really going to sacrifice yourself like this? Besides, you two don't have any emotional foundation and don't like each other. You won't be happy in the future."

Gui'er sneered inwardly; this traitor's daughter was quite innocent.

"In this day and age, what's the point of talking about a foundation of affection if it's all arranged by matchmakers? We've known each other for many years, it's not like we're complete strangers. Sigh, what can I do? My whole family is relying on him now, I can't just stand by and watch my family decline like this. My health isn't good either, and my family says this is the only thing I can do for them. If I don't agree, I'll be unfilial, and I have no choice."

"Then...then..." Liu Lanfang stammered a few times without getting to the bottom of it. Her face turned bright red, she stamped her foot, and turned to leave.

Gui'er breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that Liu Lanfang should no longer cause her trouble.

When school was over, it was Ah Cheng who came to pick her up again. This was the first time Wu Mingqiang hadn't come to pick her up for several days in a row, which was a stark contrast to his initial enthusiasm. But it was just that he wasn't picking her up or dropping her off. He still gave her gifts all the time. Whenever Gui'er was free on Sundays, he would take her out to play, watch movies, and see plays. However, he was always careful and tried not to appear in the areas they frequented. He would even wear glasses.

Gui'er assumed it was to prevent the previous incident from happening again. She herself was quite frightened and now carries a pocket pistol and a hidden pen with her at all times.

That day, Gui'er came out of school and had just gotten into the car when Acheng said, "Miss, can we take a longer route today? Dingxiang heard from Sister-in-law Aying that there's a place where you can buy butterfly cookies made in our hometown, saying they're the authentic flavor. She asked me to buy a few boxes to take back as an after-dinner snack."

Gui'er smiled and said, "Great! I haven't had butterfly pastries from my hometown in a long time."

Acheng nodded and said, "Actually, it doesn't have to be very far. It's just a fork in the road we usually take. Just turn in and make the turn. I've taken that road before. There are a lot of cars and people, so it should be fine. Don't worry."

Gui'er knew he was worried that she would be scared because of what happened last time, so he explained it to her. She smiled and said, "It's okay. I might have been there before."

So Acheng drove on a road he didn't usually take. Although it wasn't a main street, it was quite lively. You could even see Indian police officers wearing turbans on the street, and there were some trendy cafes, bookstores, ice cream parlors, and pastry shops inside.

Gui'er thought to herself: How come I never noticed this place before? It's close to home, so it wouldn't be bad to come here for a stroll when I have some free time.