Seeing the speed his niece was driving, Sun Fatty felt that if she was heading out this late, and for a long trip at that, something must be up. This feeling was off. Then his eyes landed on the mesh bag sitting in the passenger seat, and Sun Fatty’s eyes glazed over. Pointing a single finger at the bag, his voice trembled, "Why are you going to the capital?"

Cheng Ying glanced in the rearview mirror, thinking how wonderful it would be if the spatial storage could hold money; the bag sitting there was certainly conspicuous. She then looked at Sun Fatty’s trembling hands, thinking, Is it really necessary? People would think this man ran into a flower thief. She didn't even look at her own appearance and stated calmly, "Nothing major. Wuzi got detained. He got into a fight, and I'm going to bail him out."

Sun Fatty withdrew his hand and patted his chest. "Scared me. Seeing your setup, I thought it was something huge." Hearing this, it was clear this man probably dealt with situations like this often; otherwise, he wouldn't be so composed, talking about it like it was an everyday occurrence. Cheng Ying was displeased. It’s not your kid being detained, so of course you don't think it’s a big deal.

Sun Fatty quickly regained his composure. "Do you know where? I have a few friends near the venue where Wuzi had his match; maybe they can help." Cheng Ying felt that having someone to look out for things was better than nothing. "Mm, after the match, they went out to eat and got into a scuffle with another group at the restaurant. Both parties were detained. The restaurant wants compensation, which should be solvable with money, but it would be good if someone could look after the kid first, so he doesn't get too scared." What Cheng Ying didn't say was that she knew exactly how much money Chi Wu had on him. If a small amount of money could solve the problem, Chi Wu wouldn't have called her.

Sun Fatty glanced at the mesh bag in the back. "Niece, even if you have money, you shouldn't spend it like this. We can’t let people take advantage of us." Cheng Ying thought, It’s my kid. However much money it takes, as long as the child is safe, that’s all that matters. But there was no need to explain this to Sun Fatty.

Sun Fatty said, "When we get somewhere with a phone, I'll get out and make a call. Useful or not, we should keep some backup options open, right?" Cheng Ying agreed. "Hurry up." Just those two words. To be honest, Cheng Ying wished she could fly to the capital. Chi Wu was such a proud person; Cheng Ying worried about damaging the boy's self-esteem. She was genuinely afraid of him feeling wronged. Ever since their lives improved and they no longer worried about hunger, Chi Wu and Cheng Ying hadn't faced much setback. Every time the boy returned from selling medicinal herbs in the county town, he would be insufferably smug, as if he were the most capable person in the entire village. Cheng Ying loved seeing Chi Wu’s arrogant and smug expression. If possible, she wished he could stay that way forever.

Sun Fatty looked at his niece’s set face and genuinely felt that this child had a stronger aura than him, putting him under some pressure. Cheng Ying’s driving skills were good, but driving this fast was a first. The northern winter roads, even with the road maintenance crews working, weren't easy to navigate. The northern winter meant constant snowfall, and besides the highway, piles of snow were often visible on both sides. Sun Fatty, sitting in the car moving like a phantom, prayed to every deity imaginable just to see his wife one last time when he got home.

They didn't reach the capital until the middle of the night. Cheng Ying managed to drive the whole way herself. Sun Fatty, riding shotgun, didn't dare blink, terrified that if he opened his eyes again, he would no longer be under the jurisdiction of the living world.

When they got out, his legs were incredibly weak. "Yingzi, your skills don't look like someone who just got their license." Cheng Ying raised an eyebrow. I have over a decade of driving experience; do I need to brag to you? Do you even grasp matters that profound? Even though the situation was urgent, safety was still paramount; she understood this deeply, no need for others to remind her.

Cheng Ying frowned, looking around at the traffic in the old city. Where exactly am I? I truly can’t figure it out. "So-so. You're familiar with this area; why don't you guide us?" Cheng Ying looked at the surrounding architecture. Never mind having visited before, even if she had lived here, she couldn't pinpoint her location now; the changes were too drastic.

Sun Fatty said, "Guide where? Find a place to park the car, and we'll take a cab." Cheng Ying thought, I must have a blockage in my brain. I didn't even think of such a simple solution. She got into the car, pulling Sun Fatty along with her. Then she drove, watching the outside, and pulled over as soon as she spotted a taxi. Of course, the process wasn't easy, as taxis were scarce at that hour. Clutching the mesh bag, she locked the car door and hailed a cab to find Chi Wu.

Sun Fatty had never seen such a magnanimous person. "Niece, you're abandoning the car?" Cheng Ying trusted the area implicitly, but more importantly, she didn't have time to worry about her car; her child was being held captive. "Where is this? In the Emperor's shadow, and people still dare to steal cars?" Sun Fatty was on the verge of tears. This woman is truly open-minded. "No one is stealing the car, but what about the traffic police? Won't they care?" Besides, thieves exist everywhere; they aren't confined by geography.

Cheng Ying stared straight ahead without giving it a second thought. "Even better. Dealing with officials won't lead to them impounding my car. Let's get the person out first, then worry about the car. It’s less trouble, and I don't even remember exactly where I parked it." Sun Fatty closed his eyes. She has money. She's a big shot. She doesn't care about a little cash. Damn, she's truly domineering. Why was I worrying myself sick? However, he noted that the young woman cared a great deal about Wuzi, enough to abandon her car. The thought passed quickly, and Sun Fatty didn't dwell on it. Sun Fatty looked at the driver ahead. Thankfully, his niece wasn't driving, so he could finally rest a bit.

When Cheng Ying arrived at the place where Chi Wu was detained, her face was dark. The route was too winding. It was already dawn by the time they found the place. Cheng Ying got out of the cab, clutching the bag, and headed straight for the location. Sun Fatty tugged at Cheng Ying. "Wait, my friends should be arriving soon too. Even a strong dragon can't suppress local snakes." Cheng Ying didn't even slow her pace. "If their friendship were truly strong, they would have arrived earlier than us driving through the night to the capital. Better not to associate with friends like that." Sun Fatty was truly ready to cry. "Niece, we are pleading for help; it's barely daybreak."

Cheng Ying knocked on the door. "Open up." Then she asked Sun Fatty, "Are your friends... not too cowardly?" Sun Fatty boasted, "That's a given! Can anyone who befriends me be wrong?" Cheng Ying felt slightly reassured, hoping that was the case.

Sun Fatty watched Cheng Ying's hand knocking and thought, What can a young girl like you do? Cheng Ying didn't care about that; she wanted to see the person first. It was a good thing that roll-down security doors weren't common yet. Large glass windows were still fashionable. When Cheng Ying slammed the door, there was movement inside. This restaurant wasn't small, and they hadn't even drawn the curtains. Cheng Ying felt like smashing the glass right now. They dared to hold someone hostage—it was clearly a shady establishment.

Cheng Ying’s gaze immediately found Chi Wu rising from his seat. He was clearly asleep, slumped over a table—how cold, how uncomfortable that must have been. Cheng Ying frowned, taking him in. Thankfully, he wasn't missing any limbs; only then did her heart settle. Chi Wu saw Cheng Ying, looked at her twice, then pursed his lips and looked down. After all, for a man to have a woman pay his ransom felt rather humiliating. If Qingfang hadn't made the call, Chi Wu would have preferred to wait until backup arrived.

Cheng Ying looked through the large glass window as Chi Wu walked to a doorway and kicked it. "Someone’s here! Open up!" Although the words were indistinct, his tone was still imperious. The tension Cheng Ying had held onto all night finally eased. He had no internal injuries and no psychological trauma; the corners of her mouth curled up in a small smile. After calling out, Chi Wu walked over, fixed his eyes on Cheng Ying, and his eyes brightened.

Sun Fatty said, "It's fine. It's fine if he's fine. Look at Wuzi’s spirit; he’s fine, no need to worry anymore." Cheng Ying finally looked properly at Sun Fatty. "Children must grow up; they have to experience storms. What is there to worry about?" She said it so calmly, acting so superior. Sun Fatty was so choked with anger that he grit his teeth and refrained from complaining. Now you're not worried, but wait until you figure out where to find your car later. But this wasn't the time to argue with her.

Cheng Ying watched a stout man emerge from inside, strutting with deliberate steps. She genuinely disliked fat men on sight. That man looked like he deserved a beating. The fat man opened the door. "Who is it, so early in the morning?" Cheng Ying didn't even bother acknowledging him. Just based on that man's crooked face, Cheng Ying didn't believe he was the boss; he looked like a doorman, so why bother with him? She walked straight in and went to Wuzi. Then she became furious. How could this place be so unscrupulous? This is abuse! Chi Wu was only wearing a sweater and a vest. To spend a whole night here in the dead of winter—how cold that must have been.

When Cheng Ying came out, she had casually draped Chi Wu’s cotton-padded coat over her shoulders—it was a habit. Cheng Ying didn't particularly value her own clothes; she often draped Chi Wu's large blue padded coat over herself when going out. Cheng Ying made Chi Wu hold the mesh bag while she took off her outer coat and draped it over him. Chi Wu looked at the mesh bag in his hand, his eyes welling up. This was truly Cheng Ying’s style. So much money; she was willing to spend it for him.

Just moments ago, when he opened his eyes and saw Cheng Ying outside the glass door, Chi Wu felt as if he were seeing a goddess stepping on auspicious clouds and clad in golden armor. That feeling was indescribably blissful. His mind buzzed as if struck by lightning; he could see nothing but Cheng Ying. For his sake, she must have set off yesterday evening, perhaps around dusk. Seeing Cheng Ying so early this morning was wonderful. And seeing how much money Cheng Ying was holding showed how much she cared about him. His first glance was for Cheng Ying, his second for the money; the fat man standing beside them was essentially ignored by Chi Wu.

Chi Wu’s heart felt tender. "I'm not cold. It's fine, I’m not cold." His voice was slightly hoarse; he sounded like he might catch a cold. Cheng Ying’s face darkened further. He must be freezing. "Where is your clothing? Why aren't you wearing it properly? I didn't bring much for you."

Chi Wu glanced at the group of unfortunate classmates sleeping sprawled out beside him. They had been up too late yesterday; some were drunk, while others were sober, yet none of them woke up despite the commotion. A student wearing glasses nearby was quite alert, but seeing Cheng Ying’s grim expression, he didn't dare step forward. After all, they were detained because they went out drinking. Their parents would surely beat them if they found out. However, seeing Chi Wu’s gaze turn toward him, the bespectacled student whispered softly, "I gave my coat to the female classmate."

Cheng Ying finally noticed there were other people besides Chi Wu. Upon seeing Cheng Ying’s icy glare, the student took two steps back. Compared to the beautiful girl who drove the car that other day, how could this young woman have such overwhelming presence? Were they really the same person?

ps: Please vote with pink tickets, please vote with pink tickets. RP