Zhao Xiuxia hurriedly said, "Big brother, you're right! What should we do? We can't delay any longer! I have to quickly go back and see my daughter."

Her precious daughter was harmed because of that bitch Sun Chan, who caused her to be bullied by Zhou Jinzhu. Of course, she couldn't say this aloud.

Zhao Long said, "Tomorrow, go and apologize to Sun Chan. Ask her to meet you."

"Why should I?" Zhao Xiuxia glared. "I raised her, even if she has to die, she'd still have to listen to me! She expects me to bow down and admit my mistake? She should see if she's worth it first!"

Her brother Zhao Biao laughed, "Sis, it's easy for you to say. If you tell her to die, would she listen? If she really listened, she would've gone back to live with Zhou Jinzhu long ago, right?"

Zhao Xiuxia's face changed. Since the girl left the village, she had truly changed. Sharp and indifferent, not listening to a word, completely uncontrollable.

Zhao Long said, "You need to be adaptable. As long as she comes out to meet you, it's easier to handle. Be a bit nicer, and when you coax her out, our people can directly abduct her. Others won't interfere, after all, it's a mother looking for her daughter. If she doesn't come out, even the leaders would gossip."

"That's right, big sister. Otherwise, we'll waste money every day waiting here. No one's tending to the crops either." Zhao Biao, being impatient, was a little frustrated.

Zhao Xiuxia thought for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said, "I understand. I'll say some nice things to this little tramp and give her a little sweetener."

Early the next morning, when Sun Chan woke up, everyone in the dorm was gone. Yang Liu left her some porridge and a note asking her to rest, saying she had helped request leave.

She felt grateful in her heart, gently touching the warm porridge bowl with her hand.

The lady downstairs came up and said someone was looking for her: "It's someone in military uniform, looking quite spirited."

Sun Chan was excited. She put on her clothes and went downstairs, seeing Gu Junming on the first floor with sharp eyebrows, a starry gaze, and a serious expression.

"How did you come…" She walked over, though she had asked Yang Liu to make a call, she was still surprised to see him here.

"I left at midnight." Gu Junming, straightforward, said: "Let's discuss what to do now."

Sun Chan was dressed plainly in a blue overcoat and black pants, a very ordinary attire, yet she looked very comforting. However, she seemed thinner, which made one feel sorry for her.

Sun Chan lowered her head and said, "I don't want to hurt anyone, I just want them to stop bothering me."

"I understand. I just met Yan Kai and know he is preparing. Let's eat first."

Sun Chan didn't feel like eating but thought it was a chance to talk with Gu Junming and agreed.

The two walked outside together, keeping a moderate distance. People were conservative these days, and being too intimate wasn't appropriate.

"Zhao Xiuxia will definitely sell me to Xiong'er Ridge. It's the closest to X City, and the terrain is difficult. If they catch me, they need to sell me quickly, it must be there."

"We thought of that too." Yan Kai was actively preparing to go to Xiong'er Ridge, and Gu Junming roughly knew Yan Kai's plan.

In fact, they had some disputes over this matter. Yan Kai's suggestion was for Sun Chan to pretend to be tricked by her mother, then they would quickly enter the mountains to rescue her, which was rejected by Gu Junming: "Xiong'er Ridge isn't an ordinary place, the people there are shameless and vicious. If they harm Sun Chan halfway, or discover the tracking, or act out of desperation, what will you do?"

Yan Kai frowned and said, "Without someone being tricked in, how can we find an excuse to rescue? I assure you my people will ensure her safety, you can rest assured."

"Better safe than sorry, we can't risk the lives of the people." Gu Junming firmly stood his ground.

Yan Kai and Gu Junming had dealt with each other before, knowing each other for years, serving in different military regions, but aware of each other's existence. Yan Kai held a higher position, but he knew Gu Junming was no ordinary person, capable and strategic, with recent battle achievements, so he paid attention to this potential rival. However, they usually had a good relationship.

This time, neither was willing to compromise on using Sun Chan as bait.

Yan Kai suddenly looked at Gu Junming and asked, "What is your relationship with Sun Chan...?"

Gu Junming didn't hesitate: "The relationship you're thinking of. We can't risk her." He thought to himself, this woman is the one I love and definitely can't become a scapegoat for someone else's success.

Yan Kai suddenly laughed; he should have figured. Running here in the middle of the night to argue for so long, this woman definitely wasn't just a simple friend. However, Gu Junming even considered marrying someone with no background who wouldn't help his career, which seemed overly noble. But ultimately, it was beneficial for himself, and since it was Gu Junming's choice, he didn't say much.

"In any case, I won't let Sun Chan act as bait." Gu Junming reiterated his stance.

"Then what should we do?" Yan Kai compromised, not wanting to become enemies with Gu Junming because of Sun Chan.

"I'll think about it, I'll come up with a plan. I'm going to eat now, you should visit the old chief too." Gu Junming said and went to find Sun Chan.

The two talked slowly along the path to the canteen.

Gu Junming secretly watched Sun Chan's profile, her eyes like autumn water, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, looking very calm. She hadn't uttered a single word of resentment or grievance to him.

From the few words she said before, it was clear that Sun Chan must have suffered a lot in her seventeen years of life, making him feel heartache.

Sun Chan suddenly stopped and looked at him: "I've thought of a plan."

Gu Junming was stunned, realizing she had been thinking of a plan just now.

Sun Chan explained her idea, and Gu Junming listened with a frown, then said: "Will it work? If they don't follow your plan, things might get messy."

"Don't worry, I know Zhao Xiuxia best. She will definitely come for me, trick me out, then we can counter their plot. After this, she won't dare mess with me again."

Gu Junming looked at Sun Chan, thinking how calm this small person was.

"Alright, let's go with your plan."

"What about the other women trafficked there?" Sun Chan slightly frowned, "There are quite a few people tricked to that place."

"Don't worry about that, I'll discuss it with Yan Kai, leave the specific matters to me. I can't enter your dorm, I'll have someone bring you some food later."

Sun Chan hurriedly said, "You've already been troubled enough, no need to be so courteous."

Gu Junming smiled, "You don't need to thank me. Saving the people is our duty. Besides, my feelings for you aren't ordinary."

Sun Chan avoided his gaze, feeling her heart slightly warm.