As soon as the group stepped out of the house, Wang Fatty could no longer contain his curiosity and pursued the matter: "I say, Boss Gu, how did you lot end up here? And how did you get shot?"
Upon hearing this, Hu Bayi’s gaze also locked firmly onto Gu Gang. In Daxia, firing a gun—and appearing to involve at least a dozen weapons at that—was certainly no small matter.
Gu Gang shook his head and gave a bitter smile: "It’s a complicated situation. You know I deal in antiques and artifacts; I was out in the countryside looking for old items, hoping to stumble upon some treasure. As it happened, we had just arrived near Niuxin Mountain when we ran into that woman in the house, who was being attacked by thugs. These thugs were all armed. If we hadn't intervened, she likely would have lost her life today."
"Searching the countryside for antiques? And you saved a woman who was being shot at?" Wang Fatty stared at Gu Gang with suspicion, unsure whether to believe this story.
Just as he was about to press for more details, Hu Bayi grabbed his arm and interrupted: "Fatty, Boss Gu and his people just went through a life-or-death situation. Besides, it’s getting late. Let them get some rest."
"Oh... right, right, I totally forgot. Boss Gu, the old village chief has already arranged a place for you. I’ll take you there now."
After getting Gu Gang and his two companions settled, Hu Bayi dragged Wang Fatty away quickly.
"I say, Old Hu, why didn't you let me keep asking? Something feels off about today," Wang Fatty grumbled, casting a suspicious look at Hu Bayi as they walked.
"You idiot, are you brain-dead?" Hu Bayi said with a stern expression. "If those people following that woman were all armed, yet the three of them are standing here without a scratch, it's obvious they handled them. With that kind of capability, do you really think they’re just ordinary antique dealers?" He lowered his voice and continued, "Boss Gu appearing suddenly here in Gangyingzi... I fear his motives aren't simple. Fatty, we need to keep a close eye on them."
***
Morning.
Inside a house built of earthen bricks, Zhang Haixing slowly stirred from her slumber.
"Hiss—"
As soon as she regained consciousness, a sharp, stabbing pain erupted in her abdomen. She suddenly realized the gravity of her situation. She fought through the agony to sit up on the *kang* bed, scanning her surroundings with sharp, vigilant eyes.
Confirming she was alone, her tension eased slightly, though her guard remained high despite being in a strange place.
"Where is this place?"
"Did he save me?"
Looking at the bandages wrapped around her arms and abdomen, Zhang Haixing’s brow furrowed. The image of that handsome, extraordinary young man surfaced in her mind. Having spent years imprisoned and having only recently escaped, she never expected to be targeted by the Wang Family again. During her frantic flight, she had assumed she was doomed, never imagining she would be rescued.
To think the one who saved her was the very same young man she had threatened just yesterday—the one who had treated her wounds and even removed her clothes. Seeing that the leather jacket she had been wearing was gone, replaced by only a thin undergarment, Zhang Haixing, despite her decades of living through hardship and life-or-death struggles, couldn't help but feel her cheeks flush.
*Creak.*
At that moment, the door suddenly opened. Zhang Haixing’s brow twitched, and she instinctively prepared to retaliate. But when she saw it was that familiar face, her heart settled.
"You’re finally awake?" Gu Gang entered carrying a bowl of white porridge. Seeing Zhang Haixing struggling to get off the bed, he raised an eyebrow and spoke.
"I am very sorry for yesterday; I caused you alarm. It was you who saved me, wasn't it?" Zhang Haixing said, her voice weak and full of regret.
"While I would like to say it was no trouble, you did drag me and my companions into this. After last night, I expect I’ll soon attract the attention of the Wang Family. While I don’t fear them, being watched is still quite a nuisance, wouldn't you agree?"
*Hiss!*
Gu Gang’s words made Zhang Haixing’s eyes widen. She endured the pain in her abdomen to demand, "You know the Wang Family? Who are you?"
"Does it really matter who I am? The point is, as a member of the Zhang Family, why were you driven to such a desperate state by the Wang Family?" Gu Gang asked, a slight, calm smile playing on his lips.
"I knew you weren't an ordinary person. How else would a commoner know these secrets?" Zhang Haixing grew even more guarded, her eyes fixed on him like a hawk.
"Oh, why be so tense? I’ve already stanched your bleeding. Drink this porridge and take the medicine later; you should be fully recovered in a few days. As for my knowledge of the feud between the Zhang Family and the Wang Family, what’s the big deal? Do you think you’re the only ones who know the other exists?" Gu Gang waved a hand, placing the bowl on the table with a touch of disdain.
Although Zhang Haixing was full of questions, she realized he had no malicious intent toward her. She set aside her suspicions for now, secretly deciding to investigate Gu Gang thoroughly once things were settled. Having gone hungry for two days, she finished the bowl of porridge quickly and helped herself to another. After eating and taking the medicine, she felt much better.
"Tell me, which branch of the Zhang Family are you from? And why are you here?" Gu Gang asked, watching her as she leaned back to rest.
"Zhang Haixing!" she replied, lacking the energy to do more than state her name.
"You are Zhang Haixing?"
Gu Gang paused. Rumor had it that there were two versions of Zhang Haixing: one had long since passed away, while the other had been sent to the Wang Family, who had planted an imposter in her place. Which one was this? Gu Gang deduced she was likely the real Zhang Haixing. Others could mimic her appearance, but the specialized finger strength developed through years of training—the "two-finger technique"—was nearly impossible to forge.
Gu Gang looked at her calmly and playfully: "You’re actually from the overseas Zhang Family, aren't you? Since I’m your savior, shouldn't you show your true face?"
Zhang Haixing replied, "Even if you saved my life, we are just strangers passing through. And once you see my true identity, it will likely only bring you more trouble."
"And what of it? From the moment I decided to save you, trouble was already destined to find me," Gu Gang replied with a light laugh, appearing entirely unconcerned.
Hearing this, Zhang Haixing fell into deep thought before slowly raising her right hand to the edge of her face. With a soft tearing sound, a mask peeled away, revealing her true appearance. Even at over sixty years old, she possessed beauty that didn't pale in comparison to a young woman—her skin was as white as snow, and her features held a stoic strength.
Gu Gang squinted in admiration: it was true what they said—the people of the Zhang Family were strikingly beautiful, regardless of gender.
"Zhang Haixing..." He murmured the name. "Well, do you find me pleasing to the eye?"
Seeing Gu Gang’s momentarily dazed expression, Zhang Haixing curled her lips: "Do you think I’m special?"
Gu Gang regained his composure and said flatly, "You’re quite old now. What’s the point in asking such things?"
This remark made Zhang Haixing furious. She gritted her teeth: "I let you look, and then you say I’m old! I didn't take advantage of you!"
"Focus on your recovery. I have other matters to attend to. Goodbye." Gu Gang turned and left, paying her no more heed.