C10 She Was My Wife

Qian Duojing had inadvertently made an enemy of Wu Guang. As a result, she found herself increasingly isolated at the factory, with Wu Guang seizing every chance to pick on her.

She resolved to at least collect her wages for the month before departing. She had already put in over ten days of work, and since Xue Zhengqing hadn't approached her, she assumed there were no issues. However, staying on was risky; Wu Guang was the factory owner's son, and she feared what he might do to her.

After carefully reviewing her finances, Duojing realized that with a full month's pay from the factory, she could afford a wooden pushcart. This would allow her to start a small business, perhaps selling buns and pancakes.

That evening, as was her routine, Duojing walked back to her dormitory alone. Her conflict with Wu Guang had alienated her from her coworkers, and she was burdened with more tasks than others. She had no choice but to make the solitary trek back.

Just as she neared the dormitory building, a hand clamped over her mouth from behind, attempting to drag her into an alley. Terrified, Duojing fought back desperately, but she was no match for the strength of a grown man.

In her frantic state, Duojing recalled self-defense techniques she'd learned in college. She jerked her head upwards forcefully, and luckily, her 1.65-meter frame was tall enough to connect with her assailant's chin.

The pain caused the man to slightly loosen his grip. Seizing the opportunity, Duojing crouched and spun around, delivering a kick to the man's groin. It was then that she recognized her attacker as Wu Guang!

Duojing ran as fast as she could, screaming for help.

Despite her efforts, she was still a delicate girl, and her panicked kick likely lacked the force and precision to hit a critical spot. Wu Guang was quick to recover and gave chase.

In her flight, Duojing collided with a warm torso and found herself enveloped in a protective embrace. Terrified, she screamed and flailed wildly.

"Qian Duojing, Qian Duojing, it's me! Xue Zhengqing! Don't be scared!"

Qian Duojing finally calmed down a bit and realized she was securely held in Xue Zhengqing's embrace.

Xue Zhengqing scrutinized the person in his arms, and his expression turned stormy. Veins throbbed on his forehead as he glared at Wu Guang, who was hot on their heels.

Seeing someone else holding Qian Duojing, Wu Guang erupted in fury, "Let go of my woman!"

Still shaken, Qian Duojing burrowed deeper into Xue Zhengqing's arms. In her current state, he was the one she trusted most. Clutching his shirtfront with both hands, she vehemently shook her head, insisting, "I am not! I am not!"

Xue Zhengqing responded by pulling her closer, as if trying to meld her into his very being for protection. This gesture brought Qian Duojing a measure of solace.

Xue Zhengqing had been searching for Qian Duojing ever since her disappearance, even enlisting the help of the local self-defense force. It was only recently that he learned she had taken a job at the city factory. He had planned to have a proper talk with her today and intended to visit her at her dormitory that evening when he heard her cries for help.

Today, he wasn't dressed in his usual suit but in a simple white shirt and black trousers, paired with brown leather shoes. He appeared refined and handsome, lacking the intimidating presence he had at their first meeting.

Wu Guang mistook him for a tall Xiaobai and bellowed, "She's my wife, Qian Duojing, an employee at Guanghua Textile Factory. We're just having a spat! Release my wife now!"

Xue Zhengqing couldn't help but laugh bitterly at the absurdity, his voice laced with menace, "You claim she's your wife? She's clearly my wife! Her name is Qian Duojing, and we were married on May 16, 1978. You dare to lay a finger on my woman, you scoundrel? It seems you have a death wish!"