"I'm his friend, looking to discuss something with him," Xiang Wan replied, without revealing that she was his fiancée. After all, this matter could only be decided after they met.
"Oh my, then you're going to the same place as me! What a coincidence!" the woman exclaimed. She hadn't heard of that poor guy having any friends in the city. If he had such a wealthy friend, how could he be living such a miserable life?
The two chatted for a while longer, but Xiang Wan eventually stopped talking and leaned against the backrest with her eyes closed to rest.
The woman secretly sized up Xiang Wan, noticing her sophisticated attire and the valuable-looking accessories in her hands. She thought to herself, "This young girl is traveling alone, completely unaware of how evil people are."
As the train continued its journey, Xiang Wan sensed someone moving back and forth beside her and opened her eyes in confusion.
"What's wrong, sister?" Xiang Wan asked.
"Don't talk, don't ask questions. These people aren't easy to deal with. Just hide your belongings," the woman quickly whispered.
Xiang Wan felt nervous all of a sudden, subconsciously glancing at her luggage and tucking her hand into her pocket.
"This young lady is quite beautiful! I wonder how she feels!" The leader of the group saw her at first glance.
There was no way around it; Xiang Wan's appearance was too outstanding. Amidst the many passengers on the train, she stood out immediately.
"You, move aside, don't get in the way!" the man shouted at the woman.
The woman trembled in fear, stammering, "This is my niece. She might look a bit attractive, but she's a bit slow. Please let us go."
"Do I need you to tell me what to do? Hurry up!" The man said angrily and reached out to grab Xiang Wan.
"No, no, no. Big Brother, please do me a favor. Do you think this is enough? Please, have mercy!" The woman stuffed the money she had into the man's hands and begged for mercy.
"Smart move!" The man counted the money in his hand, nodded in satisfaction, and left with his men.
Xiang Wan had remained silent throughout, trying her best to go along with the woman's explanation.
Originally, Xiang Wan had planned to give the man her money if things got tough—just as long as she remained safe. However, she did not expect the woman she had just met to speak up for her.
"Thank you, sister. How much did you give him? Let me pay you back," Xiang Wan expressed her gratitude.
"It's fine. Money isn't important. I also have a child around your age at home. I couldn't let you face those people alone. The next time you go out, bring someone who can protect you. You should also try to conceal your appearance," the woman advised with sincerity.
"That won't do. You risked yourself to protect me, how could I just let you pay for it? Keep this," Xiang Wan handed over the money she had.
"You don't need to give so much. Oh dear, quickly take it back, don't let anyone see it." The woman, seeing Xiang Wan taking out several bills, hurriedly pushed them back, afraid of being noticed.
"This is what you deserve. Please don't refuse." She insisted and stuffed the money into the woman's pocket.
"Alright then, I'll take you to that lad, Huo Xiao's house when the time comes." The woman felt she couldn't just take the money, quickly thinking of another way to compensate Xiang Wan.
Xiang Wan learned from the woman that the group of people who had targeted her on the train was known as the 'Train's Gold-Digging Team.'
They seemed to have some sort of backing or influence behind them, so no one dared to interfere with their activities. Luckily, they were only after money, and as long as you gave them what they wanted, they would leave you alone.
Xiang Wan hadn't expected to encounter such a criminal gang on the train. There was no difference between this and collecting protection fees on the streets. She decided she needed to discuss this with Uncle Yang when she got back.
After this incident, they soon arrived at Jin Gang District.
Xiang Wan and the woman disembarked together. The woman offered to help carry her luggage, but Xiang Wan politely declined.
"Miss, we're heading in the same direction, so let's walk together," the woman suggested.
"That will trouble you. Just point me in the right direction," Xiang Wan replied.
"It's no trouble at all, we're heading the same way, and my family will be picking me up soon. Besides, you're carrying so much luggage, it wouldn't be easy for you to walk alone," the woman insisted.
"Alright then. Sorry to trouble you." She held her bag tightly and followed the woman out of the station.
At the exit, Xiang Wan saw a man waiting to pick up the woman. They exchanged a series of hushed conversations, likely in their local dialect, which Xiang Wan couldn't understand.
The man turned to Xiang Wan and said, "I'm Chen Zhuang. My wife has already told me about the money you gave her. I'll take you to Huo Xiao's place later."