Jiang Cheng carried a bag of money and documented the information of those willing to register.
"Alright, alright, I’ll definitely keep it in mind!"
The three of them were surrounded in the middle.
It took them more than ten minutes to cover just a few meters.
When Jiang Cheng led Director Lu and Director Lian out, the two finally dared to breathe.
After walking some distance, Director Lu looked around, confirming there was no one before speaking.
"Jiang Cheng, did you bring your passbook? Why don’t we deposit the money first?"
Jiang Cheng was folding the paper filled with information and said without raising her head, "The passbook... I did bring it, but you can’t deposit in a different area."
Connectivity wasn’t as developed back then.
Director Lu realized, indeed, that was the case.
"I should have arranged a transfer cheque for you."
Jiang Cheng understood their concern, but she couldn’t reassure them directly with the truth that she had the means to secure it.
So...
"Don’t worry, whoever dares to steal from me should be the one worried."
"Trust me!"
Jiang Cheng’s confidence eased Director Lu and Director Lian a bit.
The three set off again, ready to visit the next location.
But after just a few steps, Jiang Cheng’s eyes gleamed with curiosity, and she pulled Director Lu and Director Lian to quickly occupy a spot in the crowd.
"The factory isn’t going anywhere, let’s enjoy the commotion first!"
What could Director Lian and Director Lu do?
The treasure of S City, they had to indulge it!
The three of them stretched their necks in the same motion, looking at some familiar figures in the crowd.
"Wang Qiang! You’ve been lying to me all along!"
"I can’t believe you lied to me!"
The love-struck Du Shanshan, whom they met on the train, was sitting on the ground, clutching Wang Qiang’s leg and crying loudly.
"All the little money I earn each month, spent on buying eggs, buying fine flour... You ate my food... and you still deceived me!"
"You bastard! Give me my stuff back!"
Du Shanshan wailed, tears and snot streaming down her face.
Wang Qiang, being held captive, frantically tried to free his leg, his expression one of urgency.
His eyes, usually deep with affection like a dog’s, were now filled with panic.
"Bai Lu! Hurry up and get her off me!"
Bai Lu, deviating from her usual self, rolled her eyes disdainfully.
"I’m a good comrade, I can’t aid a fraudster."
Bai Lu’s words made Wang Qiang freeze; he hadn’t expected Bai Lu to refuse him so outright.
Disdain practically dripped from Bai Lu’s stare as she squatted and helped Xu Shanshan up.
"Xu Shanshan, though I don’t like you, facts are facts!"
"You saw it too, Wang Qiang is a complete fraud."
"I’m helping you see clearly this time, but from now on, it’s better if we have no further dealings!"
Having said this, Bai Lu straightened up, feeling unusually euphoric.
Du Shanshan, pitiful on the ground, stood up, glaring fiercely at Wang Qiang.
No matter how she glared, it didn’t quell her anger!
Suddenly, Du Shanshan blew her nose vigorously.
A trail of murky fluid with flecks of white, glimmering under the sunlight.
Splat!
Right across Wang Qiang’s face.
Jiang Cheng, observing the drama, clapped in applause, "Well done!"
The sight disgusted Wang Qiang to the brim, and he raised his hand to hit Du Shanshan.
Du Shanshan, pulled back by Bai Lu, dodged Wang Qiang’s swooping hand.
"Wang Qiang, if you dare lay a hand on me, I’ll report you to the police!"
"Wang Qiang—you bastard!"
The words came both near and far.
The one threatening to report him was Bai Lu, who turned her head toward the voice.
It’s Da Niu.
Da Niu, who chased him from the countryside.
With Da Niu’s arrival, Wang Qiang’s bluster deflated instantly, and he instinctively shielded his head with his hands.
Seeing this, Bai Lu quickly pulled Du Shanshan back, making way for Da Niu.
As soon as Jiang Cheng spotted Da Niu’s arrival, a thought struck her: it’s a pity there isn’t a camera; this could really be an iconic scene!

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