Chapter 25: Scared Out of His Wits

Wan Shun smiled. Zuo Dalong had started out with harvesters, working hard in that industry for five or six years before ever touching the automobile business. Now, thanks to her involvement, they were moving ahead by leaps and bounds. “Of course, Uncle—don’t you think my vehicle is far better than the three-wheeled motorcycles you see on the market? And this is just a basic version. I’ll draw up a technical manual for you later—once you read it, you’ll know if there’s a market for it.”

Zuo Dalong was a little stunned, but his heartbeat quickened, his blood ran hot, and an inexplicable surge of excitement welled up inside him. “Alright, I’ll have a look. If this really takes off, girl, the credit is all yours. Your uncle would never shortchange you.”

Wan Shun curled her lips in a smile—those who tried to shortchange her never met with a good end.

She was finally discharged from the hospital, and Yu Yan was more delighted than anyone. She got up early in the morning to pack their things, no matter how Wan Shun tried to persuade her to take it easy. After more than a week in the hospital, they had arrived with empty hands, but now were leaving with bags and parcels. Thankfully, they had the three-wheeled motorcycle, and Wan Shun had designed the cargo bed extra large, perfect for hauling goods.

Since they rarely came to town, Wan Shun had bought plenty of food and supplies. The house at home was as bare as could be, and she hadn’t been back in over a week—who knew if their ramshackle hut hadn’t already been torn down?

It was the first time Yu Yan had ever seen such a vehicle, and she examined it curiously. “Xiao Shun, where did this come from? It’s really something special.”

Wan Shun puffed her chest out with pride. “I made it. Godmother, hop in and try it. See if it’s comfortable.”

Yu Yan was even more astonished. “You made it? You can make a vehicle? How is that possible?”

Wan Shun laughed. “Of course, any kind of vehicle can be made—the trick is just knowing how. This one looks complicated, but it’s actually simple. In the future, whatever kind of car you want to ride in, I’ll make it for you. I can even build a train if you want.”

Yu Yan was nearly doubled over with laughter. “You child, always saying things to cheer me up.” Build a train? If she could manage a small car, Yu Yan would already think she’d reached the heavens.

Mother and daughter drove home together in high spirits. Truly, the homemade three-wheeler was comfortable—riding under the sun, the wind rushing past, neither hot nor dizzying.

But their good mood lasted only until they reached the village entrance.

Under the big banyan at the village gate, the old men, young lads, aunties and grannies were all gathered. Wan Shun lifted her brows to the sky—no red rain falling, so why were all these people here? Had they calculated her return and come out to block her way?

The motorcycle’s roaring engine could be heard from a hundred meters away, drawing every eye. The attention felt rather dashing. Wan Shun was utterly unflustered. “Hey there, folks, good morning! Has everyone eaten?”

The crowd fell silent, their hushed gossip cut off. That flashy vehicle was actually being driven by Wan Shun?

Some were skeptical, some envious, some simply bewildered. Not a single congratulation among them, especially after seeing Yu Yan sitting in the cargo bed.

“All here for me? Come on, I’ve only been gone a few days, no need to put on such a big show.”

“You’ve got some nerve,” Xu Hongyan sneered, lips curled in mockery.

Wan Shun shot her a sideways glance. “Oh, Auntie, you’re well enough to come out now? Have you finished teaching your kids some manners?”

Xu Hongyan’s face immediately turned as dark as ink. “You little wretch, just you wait.”

“Wait for what? Wait for me to help you discipline your unfilial sons?”

Xu Hongyan exploded. “Wan Shun, don’t think I won’t beat you. Always running with that thieving witch, you’ll never amount to anything. Just wait, I’d like to see when you and that little bastard Jiang Yingzhi start keeping each other company.

Oh, and Jiang Tong, that old bastard—still causing trouble even after death. Bad parents raise bad children. That whole family is rotten; none of them will come to a good end.”

Yu Yan, crouched in the cargo bed, went pale as death. The wound from her surgery began to throb, threatening to reopen.

Wan Shun let out a whistle, twisted the throttle, and the motorcycle lunged straight at Xu Hongyan.

Xu Hongyan’s eyes popped wide in terror—she stood frozen.

“Xiao Shun—!”

“Wan Shun—!”

“Shun girl—!”

A chorus of yelps and screams erupted. The fainthearted covered their eyes, fearing a bloody scene.

But the motorcycle screeched to a sudden halt just a centimeter from Xu Hongyan’s toes. Silence fell.

A trickling sound could be heard.

Everyone turned to look at Xu Hongyan. Tsk, she’d wet herself.

Understandable, really. With the way Wan Shun had just acted, anyone would have done the same.

With a shriek, Xu Hongyan fled.

Wan Shun called after her at the top of her voice, “Auntie, what are you running for? Need to pee? But you just went!”

The crowd was collectively stung.

“Xiao Shun, that was reckless. Do you realize how dangerous that was? If you’d hurt someone, it wouldn’t just be a matter of money.

And Xiao Shun, where did your vehicle come from, anyway? I’d be careful.”

Wan Shun rested her cheek in her hand and turned to face Wan Yu’s beaming, flowery smile.

“You’re out already?” She’d been released so soon?

“Yes—the police knew I was innocent, so they let me come home.”

Wan Shun bristled instantly. Innocent?

“Such a pity Auntie Xu had to dash home, or she could have heard about your ‘innocence’ too.”

Wan Yu remained unruffled, still smiling. “Xiao Shun, you really have a way with words. Auntie Xu knows I’m innocent—she even apologized to me just now. But it’s alright, I know she didn’t mean it.

And don’t feel bad, Xiao Shun. Your big sister isn’t angry. I know you were just misled.” Her gaze drifted meaningfully toward Yu Yan in the cargo bed.

Yu Yan opened her mouth but couldn’t utter a word.

Wan Shun gave Wan Yu a once-over: a brightly colored, stylish dress, little white leather shoes, big, wavy blonde hair, scarlet lips, and a ghostly pale, powdered face. She carried a little leather purse and wore a shiny gold necklace, the very picture of a nouveau riche.

Chic, truly chic; rich, truly rich.

Clearly just back from the city.

No wonder all these people had gathered—they were here to gawk at Wan Yu.

Would Xu Hongyan and her ilk really have forgiven her? She must have handed out a great many favors.

But how could Wan Yu, that useless patch of dirt, have managed to get out early and throw around so much cash? Had she found herself a wealthy patron?

Wan Shun had underestimated the Wan family.

“Dear foster sister, you’ve struck it rich? Spare a little for your worthless foster sister, won’t you? Because of you—your family—my godmother was badly hurt. Her treatment cost thousands, and I’m so poor I’ve had to sell my own blood. Come, foster sister, spare a few coins for me.”

Wan Yu’s smile froze for an instant, then she replied, “Don’t tease your sister, Xiao Shun. There’s no fortune. But I really did bring good news home for you—a wonderful opportunity.”

She reached out to take Wan Shun’s hand, but Wan Shun shrank away, twisting the throttle so the motorcycle roared forward, scaring Wan Yu into stumbling back.

Wan Shun bared her teeth in a grin. “Careful, foster sister! Don’t come too close if you need to pee. My vehicle may not be strictly legal, but it loves to play with the same sort of people. One game, and you’ll be wetting yourself.”

Even the villagers who didn’t care for Wan Shun had to stifle their laughter at that.

Wan Yu’s heavily powdered face seemed to darken.

“Xiao Shun, don’t you want to hear about the good news your sister brought?”

“I’m listening,” Wan Shun leaned over the handlebars. “Go ahead, foster sister—tell me how you plan to trick me.”

Wan Yu seethed inwardly: wretch, wretch, wretch.

“Xiao Shun, have you misunderstood your sister? We’ve been siblings for years—when have I ever tricked you?

People say our family is heartless, that we took you in but didn’t treat you well. Heaven knows, we treat everyone the same.

If there’s blame, it’s that we’re too poor—so poor every penny must be pinched. Hunger and cold can’t be avoided, can they?”

“Oh, yes, yes, you’re absolutely right.” Wan Shun nodded vigorously.

Wan Yu…