Free Web NovelChapter 292: Chapter 292: When You Kill, Attack the Heart
The Li family arranged the reunion banquet at Shang Yuxuan’s private restaurant.
Shang Yuxuan was even more delighted to learn that Su Qing was Li Huan’s biological cousin. After the incident with Zhang Fengzhi, he already felt he’d wronged Su Qing, who had been caught up in the mess for no reason. Now that he knew they were truly family, he prepared a generous welcoming gift for her. Of course, he didn’t forget Li Huan either.
By the end of the meal, Su Qing had not only been introduced to all of her Li family relatives but had also received many red envelopes and welcoming gifts. It left her feeling rather embarrassed. ’In both my past and present lives, this is the first time I’ve ever received so many gifts from my elders.’
The Li family was especially happy about Li Wan and Su Qing’s return, and they were also particularly grateful to Gu Xinsheng for his great help. By the end of the meal, everyone was in high spirits.
"Eldest Uncle." After the meal, Su Qing found a moment to speak with Li Fenghuo in private. "I’d like to ask you something."
"What is it?" Li Fenghuo asked with a smile.
Even the usually stern Li Fenghuo found his tone unconsciously softening when speaking to his newly-found niece.
"Eldest Uncle, I want to ask which farm in the Northeast Li Yuan and Li Aiguo were sent to." Su Qing didn’t waste any words, getting straight to the point.
Li Fenghuo hadn’t expected this question. "Qingqing, do you want to go see them?" he asked.
Su Qing nodded. "Yes. They bullied my mother for so many years. Just sending them to a labor farm isn’t enough. I have to meet them in person for a nice, long chat."
As she finished, the corners of Su Qing’s lips curved. "The cruelest blow is to the heart."
Li Fenghuo had investigated Su Qing’s background and greatly admired her current personality and methods. So when he heard her say, "The cruelest blow is to the heart," he wasn’t surprised at all. Instead, he smiled in approval. "Yes, they definitely need to be told the news of you and your mother returning to the Li family. It would be quite fitting for you to go and tell them in person."
’Li Fenghuo saw nothing wrong with Su Qing’s plan. ’An eye for an eye.’ The Jiacheng Li Family had bullied his sister and niece for years, all to usurp the position of the Li family’s daughter. Now, they needed to know. Not only had they been knocked back down to their original status, but his sister and niece had returned to the Li family. And on top of that, his sister had made a full recovery.’
’He was sure that if Li Yuan and her family learned this news, the mental anguish would be far more painful than the physical labor on the farm.’
"Yes, that’s exactly what I mean." Su Qing smiled and nodded. "Eldest Uncle, please tell me which farm they’re at."
Li Fenghuo nodded. "The farm they’re at is in a place called Sui County, near Bingcheng. I’ll write down the specific address for you in a bit."
"Great, thank you, Eldest Uncle." Su Qing’s eyes crinkled into a smile. ’My eldest uncle isn’t some stuffy moralist,’ she thought. ’I like that.’
Li Fenghuo added, "However, Sui County is quite remote, and that farm is deep in the mountains. I’m worried it won’t be safe for you to go alone. I’ll have your second cousin accompany you."
Su Qing quickly replied, "That’s not necessary, Eldest Uncle. Don’t worry, I’ll be perfectly fine on my own. I’ve even traveled alone into the mountains of Yun Province before."
Li Fenghuo was startled. "You went into the mountains of Yun Province alone? Which one?"
His previous investigation had focused on Su Qing’s life in the Northeast. He knew she had traveled to Yun Province, but he had no idea she’d actually gone into the mountains. He had assumed she was just a young girl who went there for a bit of sightseeing.
"Da Hu Mountain."
Li Fenghuo’s heart skipped a beat. "You... you went into Da Hu Mountain alone?"
’Li Fenghuo knew exactly what kind of place Da Hu Mountain was. He had gone there on a mission with his colleagues in his youth. The mountain range stretched for hundreds of miles, with steep slopes and deep forests. If their team hadn’t had someone familiar with the terrain, they surely would have gotten lost. What’s more, the mountains were teeming with wild animals. That mission had been a brush with death for them all.’
’And yet, his niece had been bold enough to venture into a place like Da Hu Mountain alone.’
"Yep." Su Qing nodded. "So, Eldest Uncle, you can rest assured. I’ll be fine on my own. My second cousin has classes, so there’s no need for him to take time off."
"Alright then." Li Fenghuo said. "But if anything happens, remember to call me. And call home when you get a chance, so your mother and your grandparents don’t worry."
"Okay," Su Qing agreed with a nod.
Su Qing and Li Wan’s reunion with the family was meant to be a low-key affair, but word quickly spread. Soon, visitors began arriving to offer their congratulations. Seeing the crowd, Su Qing beat a hasty retreat. ’I’ll leave them for Grandma, Grandpa, and Mom to handle,’ she thought. ’I’m not cut out for these kinds of social events.’
Li Wan was reluctant to see Su Qing return to the Northeast. After repeatedly reminding her to stay safe and keep in touch, she finally saw Su Qing off on the train with a heavy heart.
Li Fenghuo had bought Su Qing a sleeper ticket, and the journey was smooth, with no unexpected trouble. To her surprise, however, she ran into Feng Bozhou from Bingcheng on the train. The man clearly hadn’t given up. He immediately asked her again if she wanted to join the Bingcheng public security system. Exasperated, Su Qing turned him down once more.
Upon returning to Xiyuan County, Su Qing headed straight to the factory where Fu Yuzhen worked. Li Wan had sent her back to the Northeast with a number of gifts specially prepared for Fu Yuzhen.
"Xiao Qing, you’re back!" Hearing that Su Qing was looking for her, Fu Yuzhen hurried out. She first checked Su Qing’s complexion, relaxing only when she saw that the young woman looked well. Then she asked, "How is your mother? Is she feeling better?"
Su Qing had told Fu Yuzhen when she left with Li Aiguo, so Fu Yuzhen had been worried about her and her mother ever since.
"Yes, my mother is much better now." Su Qing smiled. "She said that once she’s recovered a bit more, she’ll come back to visit you."
"Oh, that’s wonderful! I’ll be waiting for her then." Fu Yuzhen was overjoyed. It was a busy time at the factory, so she couldn’t take any leave. Otherwise, she would have gone to see Li Wan immediately. After all, it had been seven years since they had last met.
"My mother asked me to bring you these gifts," Su Qing said with a smile, handing the things to Fu Yuzhen. "Aunt Fu, I’ll let you get back to work. I’m going to head back to the village."
"Oh, right." Hearing Su Qing was heading back to the village, Fu Yuzhen said quickly, "Don’t go back just yet. Tomorrow is our day off. Your Uncle Pan and I will go back with you. Stay at our place tonight. It’s too dangerous to go back to the village by yourself."
