第三十二章 (Chapter Thirty-Two)

Wang De emerged from the Newspaper Office. The sky had already darkened. A north wind blew fiercely, causing the streetlamps to sway. He was filled with indignation and helplessness. That day's Manuscript had been arbitrarily altered by the Editor-in-Chief again. He truly felt like walking away from it all.

He slowly made his way back to Huguo Temple Street. Aunt Zhao's house was just ahead. Entering the gate, he found Li Jing busy in the kitchen. Seeing him return, she put down her work and came out.

"Brother, why are you so late today?" Li Jing asked, concern in her eyes.

Wang De shook his head without a word. He simply sat on the edge of the kang, his head lowered. Li Jing knew something weighed on his mind and did not press him. She turned to pour tea.

"Sister Jing," Wang De suddenly spoke up, "I ran into Lao Zhang again today."

Li Jing's hand trembled, nearly spilling the tea. Steadying herself, she asked in a low voice, "What did he say?"

"He said if you still refuse, he will have Uncle thrown into prison." Wang De's voice shook slightly.

Li Jing's face instantly turned pale. But she forced herself to appear calm. "I understand," she said.

"We can't go on like this!" Wang De stood up and began pacing the room. "I'll go find Li Ying. We must think of a way."

"Li Ying is facing his own troubles," Li Jing said. "The affairs of the Salvation Army keep him busy enough. We cannot burden him further."

"Then what are we to do?" Wang De spun around in agitation. "Are we to simply watch you throw yourself into the fire pit?"

Li Jing fell silent for a moment, tears welling in her eyes. "Brother, you should leave," she said. "Leave Beijing, go elsewhere to seek a living. I... I have already made up my mind."

"Made up your mind about what?" Wang De grasped her shoulders and asked urgently.

Li Jing looked at him, tears finally streaming down her face. "I will agree to Lao Zhang's demand," she uttered.

"What?!" Wang De recoiled as if struck by lightning. He released his grip and stumbled back two steps. "You're mad! You can't do this!"

"For Uncle's sake, I have no choice." Li Jing pushed him away, turned, and ran into the inner room, shutting the door behind her.

Wang De stood there, stunned, his heart as if slashed by a knife. He did not know what to do. He merely stood there, listening to the faint sobs coming from the inner room.

After a while, he gritted his teeth, turned, and left the house. He was determined to find Li Ying and stop this matter, whatever it took.

Li Ying was in the chapel of the Salvation Army, discussing matters with Long Shugu. Wang De rushed in and told him of Li Jing's decision.

Upon hearing this, Li Ying was also deeply shocked. He promised Wang De he would do his utmost to help. The two discussed the situation for a while, but time was desperately short. Lao Zhang had only given them a deadline of three days.

Wang De left the chapel and walked the cold streets. His heart brimmed with resolve. He would save Li Jing, even if it cost him everything.