Chapter Ninety-Eight: The Choice (Part One) (Second Update)

A person faces many choices in life: to get on or off a vehicle, to turn or go straight. It is precisely these countless decisions that gradually weave the fabric of a complete life and shape vastly different futures. Many people summarize this with a mysterious term they call fate.

Han Yuan ultimately boarded that large truck. Where it was headed or when it would stop, he had no idea. All he knew was that from now on, he could not get off. The driver was an old man; another old man had prepared the vehicle. Both elderly men, each hoping to secure this chance connection for their daughter or apprentice, made Han Yuan feel, for the moment, like a prized possession. Letting the truck carry him out of the chaos, changing lanes four times, passing five traffic lights, the fierce wind blurred his vision, leaving him momentarily unable to decide.

It wasn’t until he leaned against the side railing of the truck’s open cargo bed and glanced down at the tire beneath that Han Yuan realized it wasn't just his imagination—the side of the truck he was on was actually lifting off the ground.

Swallowing nervously, Han Yuan obediently sat back inside the open cargo area, chuckled softly at Shen Yixia, and blinked, “Is your master always this reckless when driving? Tell him that now we’re safe, he can slow down—no need to rush like this…”

“How would I know? Since I can remember, I’ve never seen him drive,” Shen Yixia scratched his head. “I heard he used to be slow, but something must have triggered him to drive this fast all of a sudden. People get worse with age, huh? Let him speed if he wants. Yuan, just keep calm. My master knows what he’s doing.”

“Fast? This is flying!” Han Yuan looked at Shen Yixia, who sat across from him, clearly two heads shorter. His eye twitched as he clung tightly to the truck’s railing. “Go tell your master to stop immediately! If he’s late, he won’t be sending us home, but to our deaths!”

“You go,” Shen Yixia said hesitantly. “Once a master, always a father—communication between them is tough. They keep their feelings to themselves…”

Han Yuan cut him off, blushing with anger. “Shut up! Don’t talk nonsense! If I could let go, would I be wasting time babbling with you? Look at the truck—it’s almost vertical to the ground! You say he knows what he’s doing?”

“He does, he does. I’ll go give him a little suggestion…” Shen Yixia patted the air with his right hand, signaling Han Yuan to stay calm. Moving along the edge of the cargo bed to the rear window, he tapped on the glass. Seeing no response from the scruffy old man, he rubbed his eyes and leaned closer to peer inside. A chill ran down his spine, his face suddenly pale. “Yuan… my master might not hear my suggestions…”

“The wind’s strong…” Han Yuan wiped his nose on his sleeve. “Speak louder; he can still hear you.”

“I’ve shouted till my throat’s sore, no use.”

“You haven’t even shouted! How do you know it’s no use?”

“No need to shout…” Shen Yixia looked back at Han Yuan, struggling to squeeze out the words, “My master seems to have fallen asleep at the wheel…”

Han Yuan’s pupils trembled, veins on his forehead bulging. He spoke slowly and deliberately, “Is this what you call knowing what you’re doing?”

“I do! We’re only doing 140 kilometers an hour…” Two minutes and thirteen seconds later, the scruffy old man was finally awakened by the honking of a nearby Wuling vehicle. He poked his head out and smiled at Zhang Yunxi inside, “Don’t worry, niece Yunxi, I’m holding the truck steady with my body. It won’t flip.”

Han Yuan’s hair was disheveled as he shouted from the cargo bed, “Stop the truck! If you don’t stop, I’m jumping off—just to feel some relief!”

The scruffy old man pouted and reluctantly stepped on the brake, slowly pulling the truck to the roadside. He pulled the handbrake, jumped out of the cabin, and stretched. “Fine. I just needed to pee. I drank too much before; if I don’t relieve myself, my bladder’s gonna burst.”

Having just climbed down from the truck, Han Yuan’s legs nearly gave way, almost sinking to his knees. His face stiffened as he asked, “You drank alcohol?”

“Alcohol gives courage to the timid,” the scruffy old man sniffed. “If I hadn’t drunk so much, I wouldn’t have fallen asleep on the steering wheel. I just didn’t handle the strength of that 52-degree liquor well…”

Han Yuan opened his mouth but found no words, quietly stepping away a few paces. He muttered, “Crazy man… My sister told me not to get too close to crazy people…”

Zhang Yunxi parked the Wuling van beside the truck, then, with Sun Tiantian, stepped out. She bowed slightly before the scruffy old man and said softly, “Thank you, Uncle Sima. When we get to City A, I’ll treat you to Yang Erniang’s hotpot.”

“No need to mention it; we’re family…” Sima Bei’s eyes flicked, and he rubbed his hands together. “Is Erniang there?”

Zhang Yunxi’s expression faltered, she cleared her throat and smiled bitterly, “Yang Erniang isn’t at the shop anymore; her son is running it now…”

Shen Yixia leaned in, blinking curiously, “Who’s Yang Erniang?”

“Yang Erniang is a famously beautiful widow,” Sun Tiantian’s eyes narrowed into crescent moons. “She married eight men, seven died, each time on the wedding day. The last one ran off with the best man during the ceremony… She started from scratch, selling spicy skewers on the street, and eventually built the now-famous Yang Erniang Hotpot chain in City A. A true woman who rivals men, she’s always been my idol.”

“Which husband was her son from?” Shen Yixia scratched the back of his head, puzzled.

“You’d have to ask your master…” Sun Tiantian tilted her head toward Sima Bei and giggled, “Uncle Master, people say that silly son of yours is yours by blood... I was wondering why you never settled down all these years, turns out you quietly had a son, hiding it well.”

Sima Bei clasped his hands behind his back and sighed deeply. “Widows attract trouble. Actually, we’re only friends for a minute…” He waved his hand, licking his lips. “It’s been years since I last saw her. When we get to City A, I’ll make sure to have hot pot with her again.”

Zhang Yunxi frowned, “When you say ‘when,’ don’t you want to come with us now?”

“I can’t leave yet,” Sima Bei pointed at Han Yuan. “His sister hasn’t been rescued.”

Han Yuan’s eyes lit up, excitement surging. “You know where she is?”

“Otherwise, why do you think I came to Green Vine City? Zhang Xiaoman is already involved; I can’t just sit around. Though I’m the deputy president, I’m still a president…” Sima Bei scratched his nose, pulled an electronic shackle from his pocket, and tossed it to Han Yuan. “Besides, how can you wholeheartedly help us without rescuing your sister first? You can’t be running all over the world looking for her every few days. What’s meant for you can’t be thrown away; put this on so everyone can relax.”

Han Yuan readily fastened the electronic shackle onto his right ankle, gripping Sima Bei’s arm tightly as he eagerly asked, “Where is she? Is she alright? Is anyone bullying her?”

“Where she is isn’t important; it’s who she’s with that matters,” Sima Bei clicked his tongue. “I understand your urgency to save your sister, but this requires long-term planning. She won’t be in any danger for now. Just calm your heart. I know what I’m doing…”

Han Yuan hadn’t been too worried, but Sima Bei’s phrase “I know what I’m doing” suddenly tightened his chest. The words sounded oddly familiar, making his face twitch with unease. “Is that for real?”

“I swear on Zhang Xiaoman’s honor, if I lie, may Zhang Xiaoman never father a son!” Sima Bei pounded his chest, vowing. “With such a malicious oath sworn, you must believe me now.”

Han Yuan felt something was off but couldn’t pinpoint it. He nodded, feeling somewhat relieved.

Nearby, Zhang Yunxi opened a bottle of mineral water and took a small sip. Hearing this, she suddenly burst out laughing and glanced at Sima Bei with a playful pout. “Uncle Sima, that’s not very kind. I’m going to tell my dad everything word for word when I get home.”

“Why do you Zhang family always hold grudges? It’s just a joke…” Sima Bei shook his head. “Besides, you can’t go back yet. We’ll talk about complaints later.”

Zhang Yunxi frowned in confusion. “I understand why Han Yuan can’t leave, but why can’t I?”

“To fish, you need bait. If you leave, who will be the bait?” Sima Bei turned to Sun Tiantian, handing her the truck keys solemnly. “You can go back with what you’ve gathered in Green Vine City and find Zhang Xiaoman. He’s short of a few new cards right now.”

Sun Tiantian grabbed the keys with a happy hop, eagerly transferring items from the Wuling van to the truck’s passenger seat. Just as she was about to start the vehicle, Shen Yixia climbed onto the cargo bed, frowning. “What are you doing up here?”

Shen Yixia rested his hands behind his head, grinning. “It’s dangerous for a girl to travel alone. I’ll suffer the trouble and accompany you. No need to be touched; we’re all fellow disciples… If you’re really grateful, I wouldn’t mind dedicating myself to you.”

Sima Bei rolled his eyes and spoke before Sun Tiantian could scold him. “Get down! I didn’t say a word; why are you butting in?” Narrowing his eyes, he gave Shen Yixia a deep look. “You and Zhang Yunxi find a place to settle first. I have some business to handle. Later, come find me at the Chaotang Hotpot restaurant in East City, Green Vine City. We’ll have a private chat… Of course, you don’t have to come. The choice is yours; you’re old enough to have your own thoughts.”

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