Chapter 5: Targeted by Human Traffickers

Xiao Xiao Fu stared in dumbfounded amazement at the things Lu Feng had prepared for her—everything was so complete, he even brought her underwear. How did he know her size? Did he have some kind of scanning eyes?

Yet, despite the surprise, she was deeply touched. A stranger offering her such warmth was something she had never experienced growing up in the Fu family, where she had only known coldness.

Feeling delighted, she washed herself thoroughly, hoping to wash away any lingering misfortune. Slipping into her new pajamas, Xiao Xiao Fu lay on the bed, imagining a future of freedom. She rolled over contentedly, her whole body at ease.

——

Before dawn the next day, Xiao Xiao Fu was awakened by a sudden knock at the door. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she dressed groggily and opened it to find Lu Feng standing there with breakfast in hand.

“I bought breakfast for you. We’ll leave for the train station in ten minutes,” Lu Feng said, making her feel as if she were in morning military drills, instantly alert.

“Yes, Captain Lu,” Xiao Xiao Fu replied playfully, saluting him before slamming the door shut.

Lu Feng was about to step inside when the door nearly hit his prominent nose. Luckily, his training saved him, and he stepped back just in time.

He scratched his nose, standing outside and waiting by the firmly closed door.

Five minutes later, Xiao Xiao Fu opened the door, dressed again in her patched-up old clothes, carrying a packed bag.

“Why aren’t you wearing the new clothes I bought for you?” Lu Feng frowned, noticing her worn garments.

“I’ll be squeezed on the train later. If the new clothes get damaged, I’d be heartbroken,” Xiao Xiao Fu explained, well aware of the cramped conditions typical of trains from the seventies. New clothes wouldn’t withstand that kind of wear and tear.

Old clothes might be torn, but she wouldn’t mind.

“Let’s go.” Lu Feng couldn’t argue. He took the bag from her hand and led her toward the train station.

Along the way, Lu Feng stayed close, physically shielding her like a fortress. Xiao Xiao Fu gazed at his broad, sturdy back, her eyes lighting up.

Such undeniable boyfriend strength earned him a perfect score.

After much struggle, they finally squeezed aboard the train. Lu Feng followed behind Xiao Xiao Fu, luggage in hand, searching for their sleeper berth by number.

——

When they found their spot, an elderly woman was occupying it.

Her back was turned as she furtively arranged some items, hastily stuffing them into her clothes when she noticed them approaching.

Xiao Xiao Fu glimpsed four or five wallet-like objects.

Frowning, she stepped forward. “Excuse me, ma’am, this is our seat.”

The old woman glanced back, feigning pity. “Comrade, my back hurts. Why don’t you let an old lady have this spot? You’re young—go sit where I was.”

Then she turned away, ignoring Xiao Xiao Fu and Lu Feng.

Lu Feng frowned, about to step forward, but Xiao Xiao Fu stopped him. “Ma’am, this is our seat. Please return to yours.” Lu Feng’s green uniform didn’t suit confrontation.

“Oh, you don’t know how to respect your elders. There are so many seats—why insist on mine? You young ones never learn. And you, dressed in that green, just look at your wife bullying an old lady like me!” The old woman was obstinate, clearly refusing to yield, daring Xiao Xiao Fu to challenge her.

Xiao Xiao Fu’s patience snapped. She had dealt with ruffianly old ladies before—being polite only encouraged them.

“Hey, ma’am, what are you sneaking around with over there? Those look like men’s wallets. Did you happen to find someone else’s wallets? Has any gentleman lost his wallet?” Xiao Xiao Fu spoke loudly.

The old woman shot her a venomous glare.

Passengers in the carriage overheard and began checking their belongings, eyeing the old woman suspiciously.

The more they looked, the less trustworthy she seemed.

“You’re full of nonsense! I just wanted to swap spots with you, but if you won’t, fine! Young people don’t respect elders. And you, with your green uniform, look at how your wife treats me!” The old woman, feeling cornered, suddenly threw a fit, ranting and storming off while pointing at Xiao Xiao Fu and Lu Feng.

Xiao Xiao Fu tidied her berth and organized their belongings. Lu Feng glanced at her and gave her a thumbs-up.

“I’m not afraid to deal with unreasonable people like that. If you can’t speak up, I’ll do it for you. I’ve got your back,” Xiao Xiao Fu teased, winking at Lu Feng with a mischievous smile.

“Good,” Lu Feng said, his heart skipping a beat at her radiant smile.

“Beer, soda, mineral water, peanuts, sunflower seeds, eight-treasure porridge. For lunch, there’s braised pork and scrambled eggs with tomatoes. Hey, pull your legs in…”

The distinctive calls of vendors on the green train echoed through the carriage. Xiao Xiao Fu’s stomach rumbled.

“Hungry? I’ll go buy some food,” Lu Feng said, immediately getting up to queue for lunch.

Xiao Xiao Fu covered her face, wondering why her stomach had betrayed her like that.

—

The old woman who had just stormed off entered another carriage, exchanging a glance with a man. They left in opposite directions but crossed paths in the corridor.

“The station is coming up. Have you found a target?” the man asked, raising an eyebrow after searching several carriages without success.

“I found a very fine one. She’ll fetch a good price. But there’s a man with her—he’s gone to buy food now. Hurry up and act,” the old woman said, recalling Xiao Xiao Fu’s appearance with a cold smile.

“Alright.” They agreed to move quickly during the lunchtime rush when many passengers were away buying food.

As the train slowed to a stop, Xiao Xiao Fu looked out at the platform, noticing many small stalls. Some passengers unwilling to buy boxed meals hurried down to purchase corn.

“Wife, there you are! Come home with me. There’s still a pile of work waiting for us! Don’t be stubborn; the kid’s still young. Wait until they’re older, alright? I’m begging you,” a voice came suddenly beside Xiao Xiao Fu, a hand grabbing her wrist, trying to pull her up.

Xiao Xiao Fu looked at the man—wearing a ragged vest and knee-length shorts, his skin darkened by the sun, cheekbones prominent, yellow teeth bared, eyes sinister.

“Who are you calling wife?” Xiao Xiao Fu laughed with anger, shaking off his hand and turning to face him.

The man was momentarily stunned by her beauty, then his eyes gleamed with wild joy.

If he sold her, he’d have endless money.

“That’s right. When I married you, I gave all the money my family had. Only then did your family agree. Now you want to turn your back on me?” The man tried to grab her again, but Xiao Xiao Fu pushed his hand away.