In the midst of the woman's wails, everyone was so frightened that they dared not move again.
The girl next to Zhao Yang was trembling in fear, her soft and smooth little hand involuntarily grabbing his arm.
From her behavior just now, Zhao Yang could tell that she was a very kind-hearted girl.
While others were repaying the money with the idea of taking advantage of the situation, the girl simply wanted to offer her love.
"Sister, all the money I brought with me is with you," the girl said with trembling lips to the woman.
The woman turned her head to glance at her and initially did not want to make things difficult for the girl, but suddenly she realized how pretty the girl was, and in an instant, envy began to take hold.
Kind-hearted and beautiful, how could she let such a pure white lotus understand the dangers of the world unless she was thoroughly defiled?
The woman snorted coldly and gestured to the "bank clerk," who immediately caught on, his eyes looking at the girl with a flame of wickedness instantly kindled.
The process of collecting money went surprisingly smoothly, and when the "bank clerk" reached the girl's side, the grim smile on his face sent shivers down one's spine.
He reached out his hand and touched the girl's face, grinning wickedly, "Girl, which village are you from?"
The girl, extremely nervous inside, clung tightly to Zhao Yang's arm, her fingernails nearly digging into his flesh.
"I'm talking to you!" the woman suddenly shouted.
"From Xinghu Village," the girl said softly.
"Xinghu Village? I heard there's a village beauty there called Su Xiaoyue, is that you?" the woman asked.
The girl glanced at the shiny knife in the "bank clerk's" hand, didn't dare not to answer, and simply nodded slightly.
The woman elbowed the "bank clerk," who was already beaming with joy, and said, "Xingkui, lucky you!"
"Thanks to you, Sister!" the "bank clerk" chuckled malevolently, his tone filled with barely-hidden wickedness and excitement.
The "bank clerk" grabbed Su Xiaoyue's arm and yanked her aggressively, causing her to let out a startled cry, her other hand gripping Zhao Yang's arm as though he was her last straw for salvation.
Zhao Yang was indifferent, letting Su Xiaoyue cling to him, ignoring her pleading eyes seeking help.
"Don't get your hopes up, this guy is already in deep trouble himself!" said the woman, pulling forcefully to completely separate Su Xiaoyue from Zhao Yang.
From beginning to end, Zhao Yang kept his head down, his face expressionless, showing neither joy nor anger.
The "bank clerk" dragged the struggling girl forward; the space behind was too narrow, so he had to get to the front to "do the deed" conveniently.
Su Xiaoyue looked around desperately, casting pleading glances at the people around her, but none dared to step forward.
She felt an immense sense of hopelessness—no matter how naive, she knew what she was about to face. In the eyes of everyone, tears instantly poured from her eyes.
"Sister, my stop is coming up. If I give you the money, can I get off the bus?" Zhao Yang looked sincerely at the woman.
"Get off the bus?" The woman snorted coldly and said, "Sure, let's see if you can behave yourself, kid."
"I'll behave, absolutely!"
Zhao Yang took out his wallet, which contained about twenty thousand yuan, handed it over, and said, "Sister, this is all I have..."
The woman gave Zhao Yang a cold look, snatched his wallet, and sneered, "Good riddance. Get lost."
Zhao Yang picked up his luggage and squeezed his way to the front, bit by bit.
At this moment, the "bank clerk" had already pressed Su Xiaoyue against the "big bag," ready to commit a vile act.
Zhao Yang didn't even spare a glance at Su Xiaoyue as he said to the driver, "Driver Master, please stop the bus."
However, the gunman said, "Stop what bus, step on it, full speed!"
The driver dared not disobey; he immediately stepped on the gas, engaged fourth gear, and the bus's speed quickly reached a hundred.
"Open the door," the man commanded again.
Clack—the bus door opened.
Now Zhao Yang understood.
"Aren't you getting off? Go on then!" urged the "bank clerk."
Zhao Yang nodded, waved to everyone, and said, "Goodbye then!"
After saying that, he headed for the door.
The passengers were surprised to see Zhao Yang really about to jump from the moving bus. However, in the next second, Zhao Yang suddenly turned around and said, "I've changed my mind; I don't want to jump!"
As he spoke the first word "I," Zhao Yang suddenly threw his backpack at the gunman and, like a flash of lightning, charged toward him. His movement was incredibly fast, and by the time he said the word "jump," he was less than a punch away from the gunman!
The man with the gun was distracted by the backpack and didn't aim at Zhao Yang immediately. By the time the word "freeze" was uttered, Zhao Yang had already grabbed the barrel of the gun!
Caught off guard, the gunman tried to exert force hastily, only to realize—to his shock—that he, a hunter by background, couldn't overpower Zhao Yang!
Startled, his finger unconsciously clenched and he accidentally pulled the trigger!
"Bang!"
The homemade shotgun roared, and the "bank clerk's" chest instantly burst open!
Chaos erupted, and blood splattered everywhere!
The "bank clerk" screamed and fell to the ground; meanwhile, as the gunman was momentarily dazed, Zhao Yang kneed him in the groin and snatched the shotgun away!
"Don't anyone fucking move!"
Zhao Yang cocked the shotgun, and the dark muzzle swept across the bus, instantly quieting everything down!
The man clutched at his groin in agony, breaking into a cold sweat, while the bus fell silent except for the wails of the "bank clerk"!
"I'm going to fight you!" The scar-faced woman charged forward, but Zhao Yang's gaze sharpened, and he smacked her on the head with the butt of the gun. She groaned and collapsed to the floor, and when she raised her head again, the dark barrel was pointed right at her forehead!
Despite her already fearsome face, the woman revealed an even more ferocious expression, but Zhao Yang stared her down. As their eyes locked, sparks flew. Feeling a surge of anger, Zhao Yang kicked her in the face, her features becoming a bloody mess, and she dared not look up again.
Zhao Yang's eyes were alarmingly calm, scanning the surroundings like a panther until they finally settled on Su Xiaoyue, who was still lying on top of the "large backpack".
"It's over now," Zhao Yang said gently, patting Su Xiaoyue on the shoulder, then sitting abruptly on the big backpack. He told the driver, "Head to the nearest police station!"
After handing over the robbers to the police, the long-distance bus resumed its journey.
This time, Su Xiaoyue sat next to Zhao Yang, her body limp against his shoulder, having been badly frightened. If it weren't for the "hoodlum" by her side, her life would've been over just now!
As the bus slowly started moving, Zhao Yang leaned back in his seat, half his body pressed against the window, his palm absentmindedly stroking Su Xiaoyue's soft, fair hand.
Su Xiaoyue let Zhao Yang fiddle with her hand, docile as a gentle little lamb.
Zhao Yang turned his head to gaze at Su Xiaoyue's profile, watching for a good fifteen minutes.
"Why are you still staring at me?" Su Xiaoyue chided softly.
"Haven't had my fill yet," responded Zhao Yang, his tone still honest—so honest it was slightly irritating.
"Which village are you from?" Su Xiaoyue asked, lifting her head slightly.
Their eyes met, and in that instant, her heart skipped a beat.
"Li Family Village."
"I've heard that the village chief of Li Family Village, Li Xingkui, has two sons—the elder named Li Jiazhuang and the younger Li Jiacai."
Zhao Yang's expression shifted, asking, "You know about them as well?"
Su Xiaoyue nodded and said, "Last month, a matchmaker came to our house to propose a match for the younger son."
"What did you say?" Zhao Yang asked hastily, an unusual urgency in his demeanor.
"My dad said I'm still too young," Su Xiaoyue answered with a smile.
Zhao Yang turned to look out the window, contemplating the clouds on the horizon. He had always wondered whether being driven out of the village by his father had anything to do with those two.
"By the way, I still don't know your name," Su Xiaoyue asked.
"I'm Zhao Yang."
"Zhao Yang?" Su Xiaoyue nodded slightly and said, "I really like that name."
"Why do you like it?"
"Just because I do."
Li Family Village came first, so Zhao Yang got off the bus first.
Through the open window, Su Xiaoyue leaned out and asked, "Will I see you again?"
Zhao Yang grinned, revealing a row of neat, white teeth, and said, "Of course, whenever you want."
"Then come visit me when you're free. My home is at the eastern end of Xinghu Village. Just ask around once you're in the village and you'll find it easily."
"I'll call you in advance. Make sure you wash up... oh, that's not right, just prepare a couple of good dishes and wait for me."
Su Xiaoyue's stunningly beautiful face lit up with a charming smile, her lips and eyes brimming with affection, captivating Zhao Yang for a moment...