Chapter 443: Kidnappers
Chapter 443: Kidnappers
Zong Shimeng bid farewell to the group after afternoon tea, eager to return home to her children. Lu Jiaxin, Yu Meotong, and Shu Xin remained, unburdened by marital commitments, and decided to enjoy a leisurely dinner together.
Shu Xin loved Italian cuisine, so the trio ventured to a restaurant specializing in that fare. As they awaited their meal, Yu Meotong poured out her heart, lamenting Fu Ye's domineering nature and his insistence on having his way. She shared that he would sulk and ignore her for days if she dared to defy him.
Lu Jiaxin frowned, her brow furrowing at the mention of emotional coldness and the silent treatment, recognizing it as a form of passive aggression. She was well aware of the depth of Yu Meotong and Fu Ye's three-year relationship and understood that her friend was merely venting and not contemplating a breakup. Thus, she assumed the role of peacemaker: "This won't do. Even when you argue, communication is essential; ignoring each other is not the solution."
Shu Xin concurred, adding her perspective: "Arguments are normal in relationships. Afterward, it's important to identify who was at fault. In my relationship with Tao Yong, if I'm in the wrong, I'll apologize once I've calmed down. If he's at fault, he owes me an apology. Ignoring each other after a disagreement is definitely not the way to handle it."
Yu Meotong, her spirits dampened, confided: "It was effective when we first started dating, but now it's as if I never said anything. Moreover... Jiaxin, Xin, I want to break up with him."
Shu Xin was taken aback: "Break up? Is it that serious?"
Lu Jiaxin admired Yu Meotong's endurance, recognizing that she herself would have ended the relationship ages ago. However, mindful of Fu Ye's connection to Nie Zhan, she refrained from encouraging a split. Instead, she offered: "Meotong, this is something you need to think through carefully. After all, it's a three-year relationship."
Shu Xin agreed that a breakup over this issue seemed impulsive and advised her to give it more thought.
Yu Meotong, despite her efforts to endure, couldn't contain herself any longer: "Last month, I saw a woman clinging to him, acting overly intimate. When I confronted him, he accused me of embarrassing him in public and then ignored me for half a month. I told my mother about it, and she said all men are like that and that I should just get used to it."
Lu Jiaxin was left speechless. How could her mother advise her to simply accept such behavior? If they were to marry, he would undoubtedly keep mistresses and father illegitimate children.
Shu Xin, equally incensed, chimed in: "How could Fu Ye behave like that? And your mother, how could she say such a thing? It shows a complete lack of respect for you."
Lu Jiaxin understood that Yu Meotong's family would never approve of a breakup with Fu Ye. Pondering the situation, she suggested: "Don't give it any more thought. Focus on the job interview at Wufu Jewelry. If you get the job, throw yourself into your work."
With a job, even if she broke up with Fu Ye and her family cut off her allowance, she could still support herself. Otherwise, if her livelihood was at stake, she might eventually compromise.
Yu Meotong nodded gently.
Shu Xin had a soft spot for Italian desserts, especially ice cream. As they indulged in sweets, she reminisced about embarrassing childhood anecdotes. She recalled how she had once sneaked ice cream and ended up in the hospital with a stomachache, too scared to confess what she had eaten. When discovered, she had run to her grandparents for support. Her self-deprecating stories lightened the mood.
By the time they finished dinner, it was already past eight o'clock. With no plans for the evening, they decided to head home. Along the way, Lu Jiaxin couldn't help but sigh as she thought about Yu Meotong's situation. Many people envied the lives of these wealthy young ladies, but the reality was that their lives weren't as blissful as others imagined.
Miao Na, seated beside Lu Jiaxin, asked curiously: "Boss, why the sigh?"
In her eyes, Lu Jiaxin was already a winner in life. With assets worth billions, a brilliant career, and a devoted boyfriend, what more could she want? If she still sighed with longing, other women might as well give up on life.
Lu Jiaxin explained: "Yu Meotong wants to break up with Fu Ye, but her parents disagree. They say it's normal for men to have wandering eyes. If he's already seeking women outside their relationship before marriage, he'll surely disregard her even more after they're married. Yet, they still won't approve of a breakup."
Miao Na, misunderstanding the reason for her sigh, offered her perspective: "When a man has money, he doesn't need to pursue women—they'll come to him. It's the same for women. However, women tend to be more faithful in relationships, believing in the unity of body and mind, unlike men who can separate love and sex."
Her words rang true. Men could indeed compartmentalize the physical and emotional aspects of a relationship, but women often struggled to do the same. Perhaps it was because what started as a physical attraction could, over time, evolve into something more profound.
Miao Na continued: "Miss Yu is not only beautiful but also a graduate of a prestigious university. She could easily find a job and support herself financially. With economic independence, she wouldn't have to rely on her family and could make her own decisions about her love life."
"You can't have it both ways—expecting financial support from your family while demanding complete freedom," Lu Jiaxin acknowledged with a slight nod, impressed by Miao Na's insight.
"Squeal..."
A sudden, sharp turn caused Lu Jiaxin to lurch forward in her seat. Before she could inquire about the abrupt maneuver, Miao Na handed her a safety helmet and a bulletproof vest, her voice steady: "Boss, there's a car blocking the road ahead, and another one approaching from behind."
Even as she spoke, her hands were busy, swiftly donning her own protective gear.
Lu Jiaxin's mind went blank for a moment, but she quickly recovered and reached for the helmet. As she secured it on her head, she struggled into the bulletproof vest. Just then, Gu Wenfeng's voice cut through the tension: "Be alert. Four individuals have exited the vehicle ahead, and they're carrying wooden batons."
Wang Lin chimed in urgently: "Four more people have gotten out of the car behind us. They're also armed with wooden batons. We're outnumbered, so we need to make the first move."
"Attack..."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Wang Lin unleashed a wooden projectile at the car in front.
Bang! Bang! Bang...
Lu Jiaxin's heart pounded in her chest, but she forced herself to continue pulling on the bulletproof vest, her hands trembling. She was terrified, but she knew this protective gear could mean the difference between life and death.
Just as she finished securing the vest, Gu Wenfeng issued new instructions: "Miao Na, get Jiaxin to safety. Hide in the bushes nearby. Wang Lin, Zong Jinghua, the three of us will provide cover."
"Yes."
Miao Na sprang into action, flinging open the car door and firing two wooden projectiles at the car behind them. With lightning speed, she urged: "Boss, get out!"
Lu Jiaxin closed her eyes, clutching her handbag as she rolled out of the car. Wang Lin and Zong Jinghua, seeing her escape, leaped out after her.
Bang! Bang! Bang...
Gu Wenfeng, Zong Jinghua, and the others engaged the kidnappers in a fierce battle, while Miao Na guided Lu Jiaxin into the nearby bushes for cover. It was Gu Wenfeng's quick thinking that had prompted him to pull over to the side of the road, reducing the time they needed to find shelter. Those few seconds could mean the difference between life and death.
Miao Na, noticing Lu Jiaxin's ashen face, offered reassurance: "Don't worry, boss. There are only eight of them, and our weapons are superior. We can take them out."
They were equipped with the best wooden projectiles, and their helmets and bulletproof vests were top-of-the-line. In matters of personal protection, Lu Jiaxin spared no expense.
Lu Jiaxin was terrified, but her fear of becoming a burden to the others was even greater. So, even as her teeth chattered, she remained silent. She lay on the ground, her hands shaking as she fished her phone out of her handbag and began dialing a number she knew by heart.
(End of Chapter)
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