Chapter 104: Threatened

The old man left on the third day.

He took with him the formula for the Mengjin Powder and the non-disclosure agreement signed by Tang Banxia.

He came in a hurry and left in a hurry.

After his departure, Tang Banxia did not linger in the county town. She packed her things and returned to the countryside.

She also brought back the gifts her eldest sister had prepared for Huzi’s family.

As soon as she returned home, Tang Banxia went to deliver the gifts, conveying her sister's apologies along the way.

"I'm truly sorry. My sister is just too busy to get away, so she could only ask me to deliver these gifts on her behalf."

"But please rest assured, my sister will never forget that Huzi saved A'ning and A'su. Once this busy period is over, she will come visit your family in person."

Receiving her was Huzi’s grandfather. He was one of the village elders, highly respected and of a senior generation; even Hu Dashan had to call him "Uncle."

"Think nothing of it, Youth Tang. You have already thanked us enough. Please take these things back," Huzi’s grandfather said, his face creased with smiles.

Tang Banxia shook her head. "Please accept them. Just consider it a gift from A'ning and A'su to Huzi. They are like brothers, so let the children decide their own friendship."

After much persuasion, Huzi's family finally accepted the gifts.

Tang Banxia took her leave at the right moment. Back at home, she let out a soft sigh.

She truly disliked these social pleasantries and polite back-and-forth exchanges.

But as long as one lived in this world, how could one avoid social obligations?

Her situation was already considered quite good.

Over the next few days, her life returned to its peaceful routine.

Every morning, she went to work at the clinic, and in the afternoons, she stayed home to refine her medical formulas.

The only difference was that she no longer worked part-time for Lu Xun. Whenever she needed medicinal herbs now, she could just ask her dear sister.

It was highly efficient and cost nothing. Tang Banxia found this arrangement absolutely wonderful.

As for Lu Xun, though he was somewhat disappointed, it was her own choice, and he was in no position to interfere.

In this leisurely fashion, half the summer drifted by, and the children's summer vacation began.

A'ning and A'su were sent to the countryside again. After running wild for a whole month, they were finally hauled back by Brother-in-law Mo.

When they left this time, they took Huzi with them, fulfilling their promise to take him to the city to play.

Life was simple and relaxed.

Just as Tang Banxia was reflecting on this peaceful existence, trouble came knocking.

It was none other than her fair-weather friend, Liu Liyun.

Ever since Tang Banxia had spread those rumors, Liu Liyun had become like a street rat in the village. Even the residents of the youth hostel refused to associate with her.

Her life had become incredibly difficult. If not for her sheer hatred of Tang Banxia, she would never have been able to endure it.

"Banxia."

The Liu Liyun standing before her was emaciated, looking quite pitiful. However, Tang Banxia did not feel the slightest bit of sympathy. "Is there something you need?"

Eerily, a smile played on Liu Liyun's face. "I heard your sister is the director of the County Revolutionary Committee?"

Tang Banxia ignored her, waiting to see what she would say next.

Liu Liyun was not angered. Still smiling, she said, "I want you to help me return to the city."

"Are you alright?" Tang Banxia asked with mock concern. "I have medicine here. Would you like a couple of packets?"

Had this girl lost her mind from the stress?

With a lingering smile, Liu Liyun sat down opposite her. "Banxia, you like Youth Wen, don't you?"

"None of your business!" Tang Banxia frowned. "What exactly do you want? If you're sick, say so. If not, get lost!"

"I know Youth Wen's secret," Liu Liyun said suddenly.

Tang Banxia refused to be threatened. "Should I go call Youth Wen over for you then?"

"Banxia, stop pretending." Liu Liyun wore a smile of absolute confidence. "I've observed you and Youth Wen. I can tell you like him very much."

"Besides, if something happens to Youth Wen, do you think you'll escape unscathed?" She casually smoothed her hair at her temples.

"I don't ask for much. Your brother and sister are capable people. As long as you help me this once, I can let bygones be bygones, and Youth Wen's secret will remain buried in my heart forever. What do you say?"

"Not interested," Tang Banxia replied flatly. "Go ahead and tell."

"You just said my brother and sister are capable. Where on earth do you get the confidence to threaten them?"

Liu Liyun giggled. "I'm not threatening them. I'm threatening you."

"After all, Youth Wen is engaging in illegal speculation. Unless you want a husband in a labor camp, you'd better help me."

Hearing this, Tang Banxia finally looked her in the eye. "Have you gone mad? Xiaobai, engaging in illegal speculation?"

She looked as if she had just heard the funniest joke in the world, laughing until tears came to her eyes.

"Banxia, don't force yourself to act tough. Do you think I would come to you if I wasn't absolutely sure? After all, I can't afford to offend your sister." Liu Liyun wasn't angry at all; she believed Tang Banxia was merely making a final, desperate struggle.

"My life has become like this entirely because of you. It's not asking too much for you to compensate me with a job, is it?"

Tang Banxia stopped laughing. "I still suggest you get your head checked."

Just as Liu Liyun was about to speak, someone walked in, forcing her to shut her mouth. "Banxia, think it over carefully. I don't want us to reach a point of mutual destruction."

Tang Banxia replied, "Goodbye. Do as you please."

Liu Liyun snorted and brushed past Grandma Hu as she left.

"Grandma Hu, please sit. Where does it hurt?" Tang Banxia's mood remained completely unaffected.

Grandma Hu extended her wrist. "Lately, my head has been hurting terribly, and I can't sleep at night. Youth Tang, please take a look."

As Tang Banxia took her pulse, Grandma Hu asked curiously, "Little Youth Tang, what did Youth Liu want with you? Is she sick too?"

"Yes, she's sick in the head," Tang Banxia replied casually.

Grandma Hu hesitated for a long moment before finally speaking up. "That Youth Liu is not a good person. You should keep your guard up against her, Youth Tang."

Tang Banxia smiled. "I know, Grandma."

Seeing that Tang Banxia was aware, Grandma Hu did not say more.

After examining Grandma Hu and preparing her medicine, Tang Banxia locked up the clinic at noon and went home.

It was a rare day for Wen Mubai to work in the fields. Tang Banxia decided to be attentive for once. When he returned, he was greeted by his smiling wife and a delicious meal.

In an instant, all his fatigue vanished.

After washing his hands and sitting down, Tang Banxia said, "Liu Liyun came to see me this morning."

Wen Mubai dug into his rice. "What good could she possibly want with you?"

"Indeed, it wasn't anything good." Tang Banxia placed some food into his bowl. "It's about you."

"Me?"

"She said she has proof of your illegal speculation," Tang Banxia said.

"Impossible!" Wen Mubai grew serious. "I've always been very careful. There's no way she could have any proof."

"Besides, I'm always with Huzi and Sunzi. Did she only mention me?" Wen Mubai reacted strongly.

Tang Banxia nodded. "She only mentioned you."

"Though it's also possible she only used you to threaten me, thinking I wouldn't care about Hu Qixin and Sun Wenming, so she didn't bother mentioning them," she added.

A thoughtful look appeared on Wen Mubai’s handsome face.

He was trying to figure out where he could have left a loophole.

Suddenly, his eyes narrowed as the realization hit him.

Seeing his expression, Tang Banxia asked, "What do you plan to do?"

Wen Mubai gave an innocent, obedient smile. "Nothing. Let her do what she wants. She doesn't have any evidence anyway!"

"Are you sure?" Tang Banxia double-checked.

Wen Mubai nodded with absolute certainty.

Tang Banxia did not press the matter further.