第四十四章 (Chapter Forty-Four)

Wang De left the Newspaper Office with a heart full of grief and indignation. He thought about Li Jing’s situation and felt that the world was too unjust-good people were always bullied. He decided to go discuss with Li Ying, determined to save Li Jing at all costs.

Li Ying was busy at the Salvation Army. Seeing Wang De arrive, he set aside his work. The two went to a quiet spot, where Wang De detailed Li Jing’s circumstances.

Li Ying listened and remained silent for a long while. He was well aware of his uncle’s Debt and Li Jing’s plight, but the work at the Salvation Army also kept him tied up. He told Wang De that he had already borrowed some money, but it wasn’t enough to repay Lao Zhang’s Debt.

Wang De said urgently, "We can’t just stand by and watch Sister Jing be driven to death! I’ll go fight Lao Zhang to the death!" Li Ying stopped him, advising him to calm down and think things through.

As they were speaking, they suddenly saw Sun Ba approaching from afar. Sun Ba was beaming with a ruddy complexion, dressed in a new satin mandarin jacket-clearly here to press for the marriage. Wang De’s anger flared. He wanted to rush forward, but Li Ying held him back tightly.

Sun Ba didn’t see them and went straight to Li Jing’s aunt’s house. Wang De and Li Ying quietly followed behind, wanting to hear what he would say.

Arriving at the Zhao family’s door, Sun Ba knocked and entered. Wang De and Li Ying hid at the base of the wall. They heard Aunt Zhao’s laughter and Sun Ba’s voice from inside. Sun Ba said, "The marriage is settled then. She’ll cross the threshold tomorrow."

Li Jing’s voice was very low, unclear, but she seemed to be crying. Aunt Zhao, however, said, "Child, this is your good fortune. Sun Ba is wealthy and powerful. You’ll enjoy endless blessings after marrying him."

Wang De could no longer hold back and wanted to barge in, but Li Ying pulled him back. Li Ying said, "Going in like this is useless. We need to think of a plan."

The two returned to Li Ying’s residence, pondering deeply. Wang De suddenly remembered Dong the Philanthropist, but Li Jing had already tried without success. Li Ying said, "Why don’t we go find Long Shugu? After all, he’s an Officer in the Salvation Army. He might have a way."

Wang De thought it reasonable and went with Li Ying to find Long Shugu. Arriving at the Long residence, Long Shugu was reading the Bible. Seeing them come, he asked what the matter was.

Li Ying recounted Li Jing’s situation. Long Shugu sighed and said, "I too am burdened with Debt and understand the hardship. But the Salvation Army’s power is limited. I’m afraid we can’t help."

Wang De knelt down to beg him. Long Shugu quickly helped him up and said, "I’ll do my best, but you must also be prepared. Lao Zhang is not easy to deal with."

Leaving the Long residence, Wang De felt somewhat relieved. But thinking that Li Jing was to marry tomorrow, he grew anxious again. Li Ying advised him to go back first while he tried to think of another way.

Wang De walked alone on the street. The night was deep, and the cold wind pierced. He felt his heart was colder than the wind. But thinking of Li Jing, a surge of courage welled up. He decided that no matter what, he would go tomorrow to stop the marriage.

Returning to the Zhao house, he quietly entered. He saw that the light was still on in Li Jing’s room. He gently knocked on the door. Li Jing opened it, her eyes swollen from crying.

Wang De said, "Sister Jing, don’t be afraid. I’ll definitely come to save you tomorrow." Li Jing shook her head and said, "Brother, don’t be foolish. This is my fate."

Wang De grabbed her hand and said, "There’s no fate, only people! I don’t believe we can’t overcome Lao Zhang!" Li Jing shed tears, unable to speak.

In the end, Wang De was pushed out by Li Jing and returned to his own room. He didn’t sleep all night, thinking about the plan for tomorrow.

As dawn approached, he drowsily closed his eyes. But he was soon startled awake by a nightmare. He got up and looked at the gradually whitening sky outside the window. He resolved to fight to the end.