A Divine Farmer

Chapter 149 - I Want to Join You

Zhang Xiaoloong chauffeured Lu Shi to the 4S shop. Wang Zongming's astonishment was palpable upon seeing the bullet hole. Promptly, he inquired about the incident, prompting Zhang Xiaoloong to recount the entire ordeal.

“Seems Xu Shaoning's involvement in this matter runs deep,” Wang Zongming mused, sensing the gravity of the situation. “This time, they've sent assassins. Have you contacted the authorities?”

“No, but I've reached out to individuals within the system whom I find more resourceful than the police. I trust there won't be further trouble. Yet… I can't help but wonder, if they can target me like this, would they hesitate to do the same to you?” Zhang Xiaoloong expressed his genuine concern.

Wang Zongming paused, momentarily contemplating. Faced with professional assassins, he harbored doubts about his ability to evade danger as effortlessly as Zhang Xiaoloong. Even accompanied by bodyguards, they would likely prove ineffective against such assailants.

“I doubt it. Despite my clashes with Xu Family's Qiangloong Group… I'm the underdog here. They've ousted me from my own company; they probably won't pursue me further. But you… Your influence is a significant obstacle to them, so you should exercise caution… And Yaru should be vigilant too, as she poses the greatest threat to Xu Shi,” Wang Zongming analyzed.

Zhang Xiaoloong had already contemplated this. He had advised Yaru to remain indoors for the next few days.

Furthermore, he trusted Yemei wouldn't remain idle; she'd surely address the situation, given their shared industry.

Nonetheless, a lingering intuition gnawed at Zhang Xiaoloong. He sensed the enmity between Xu Shaoning and Wang Zongming was more intricate than it appeared.

By convention, the Xu Family and Wang Zongming had engaged in corporate warfare, culminating in the Xu Family's decisive victory. Logically, they shouldn't have pursued further actions against Wang Zongming. Yet, during the racing incident… It seemed orchestrated, ostensibly by Wang Changyu, but Xu Shaoning's involvement was probable.

After expending such effort, was Xu Shaoning's sole aim to cause Wang Zongming a five million loss?

While the Xu Family scion might not control every aspect, he certainly wasn't short of five million. There had to be a grander scheme at play, although Zhang Xiaoloong couldn't decipher it at present.

After replacing the glass, Zhang Xiaoloong hurried back to Qinghe Village, intent on retrieving the Four Appearances Divine Orchid petals. Despite the circumstances, normal business operations had to resume.

He arrived at the market without returning home first, where a familiar, striking figure caught his eye.

Is it her?

Zhang Xiaoloong's mind raced, recalling their intimacy atop the mountain, her fair complexion, their parting words, and kisses…

Sensing footsteps, the girl turned, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Zhang Xiaoloong. Though they dimmed momentarily, she swiftly regained composure, greeting him with a sweet smile. “Am… am I late?”

“You're always welcome,” Zhang Xiaoloong replied with a smile.

He was at a loss for words.

Yang Jingjing attempted to smile, an effort to convey her joy, yet her lips barely twitched. Failing to muster a smile, she rushed into Zhang Xiaoloong's embrace, tears streaming.

Zhang Xiaoloong contemplated pushing her away but relented, knowing now wasn't the time. It wasn't the right moment.

“My father passed away…” Yang Jingjing sobbed, explaining her tardiness. “I'm left with nowhere to call home…”

Her parents had seldom shown her attention since childhood, but he was her biological father after all. Returning to Yanjing had thrust her into this grief-stricken period.

She felt an urgent need to reach out to Zhang Xiaoloong, to share her sorrow, but back then, he lacked the means to connect.

Upon her return, she found everything had altered, rendering her previous plans impossible.

“Please don't sorrow. I believe Uncle Yang in heaven wouldn't wish to see you in perpetual sadness.” Zhang Xiaoloong's touch and tender words stirred her deeply. “You have a home here, with me as your brother. No one will harm you.”

Yang Jingjing's tears flowed harder. Once hopeful of being his partner, now she only had a brother.

She couldn't blame Zhang Xiaoloong; their connection stemmed from impulse, lacking responsibility.

Her absence for two months made expecting him to wait unrealistic.

Her deepest anguish was missing her parents' love, her father's care, and the man she truly cared for.

Zhang Xiaoloong had no perfect solutions, only solace to offer.

His commitment to Chen Yaru left no room for Yang Jingjing, hoping she'd find a better home.

Tears abating, they entered the greenhouse. “See how it's changed.”

Despite glimpses from outside, the sight of the flower sea astounded Yang Jingjing.

Offering a Four Appearances Divine Orchid petal, she shared her secret, second only to Yaru.

Though saddened by “second only to Yaru,” Yang Jingjing was captivated by the petal.

With uncertainty, she met Zhang Xiaoloong's encouraging gaze before tasting it.

The sensation swept away negativity, leaving only cherished memories.

A smile graced her lips involuntarily.

Amidst grief, she rediscovered forgotten memories with her father.

His absence weighed heavily, yet grieving wasn't what he'd want.

She resolved to live fully.

Yang Jingjing's gaze lingered on the enigmatic Zhang Xiaoloong, pondering future possibilities.

Though he wasn't hers now, perhaps in time?

“May I stay by your side?”