Chapter 302 - 301: Getting Off Might Mean No Seats Left
"I suppose that Jiang Che is still naive and inexperienced; you all have deceived him." The speaker’s face was full of mockery, his mouth twisted into a sarcastic smile, his eyes brimming with disdain.
Upon seeing the salt in that truck, everyone thought the living conditions in Jiang Che’s territory were poor, which compelled these people to find ways to escape.
Their gaze was filled with certainty and self-righteousness, as if they had already uncovered the whole truth.
Although they were quite pleased to flaunt their current lifestyle to these people.
With a triumphant look on their faces, they spoke animatedly about their various advantages.
But seeing the unwilling faces of families being taken away made them furious.
The flame of anger ignited instantly; others were living well here, so why should they be forced to stabilize the population due to your ploys?
In today’s world, it’s easy to empathize.
Those who were condemned to silence by a few words could only stare intently back at their opponents.
Their eyes were filled with anger and grievance, yet they couldn’t utter a word.
They were accused of being deserters and traitors... those harsh words were like sharp knives, cruelly stabbing at their hearts, yet they were powerless to refute.
They had no way to prove that life on Jiang Che’s side was better.
Even though they had countless reasons and facts in their hearts as evidence, at this moment, it was as though they had been cursed into silence.
If given another chance, they would never leave.
"I’ll give you a chance, go back, don’t force people from our territory to leave." Having said that, the person stepped out, his stride heavy and determined, walking briskly towards the bus.
His eyes were fierce and resolute, like an enraged beast.
This time, he intended to intercept.
He was at the eleventh level, a notable strength in this territory.
He could tell that those being forcibly dragged onto the bus clearly didn’t want to leave!
People nearby didn’t want to suffer and escape; why should they exchange with them?
Guo Xu still relied on him for combat, so he should agree to send these people back.
He calculated in his heart, full of confidence, believing that Guo Xu wouldn’t disregard his face.
Don’t let our territory’s people suffer at Jiang Che’s place.
"Hold on!" A roar erupted, like thunder exploding in everyone’s ears.
"Take your people away, leave ours!" The speaker looked righteous, glaring fiercely at Xiong Jie.
"They don’t want to suffer there; does that mean our people should bear it?" His voice grew more intense, filled with endless anger and questioning.
"Although I don’t know them either, they still came from our side, after all."
Xiong Jie looked at the dozens of people behind him who had been driven away, and they quickly waved their hands. "It wasn’t us who said it; we didn’t say anything."
"They didn’t say anything, but I think it’s wrong for our people to bear their mistakes." The newcomer was indignant, genuinely wanting to save these people.
The families about to be taken also held tightly onto their children, both tense and conflicted, "Yes, we’re not leaving, you stay too. Look, they’re all willing to go back and make amends, so let’s stay here." As they spoke, their hands clung tightly to their children’s arms, fearing that once they let go, the children would be taken away.
Upon hearing this, those who were driven away looked thrilled, almost kneeling to Xiong Jie then and there.
"If they don’t want to go to Brother Che’s territory, we’re willing to go back too." They shouted at the top of their lungs, their voices filled with urgent longing.
"We’ll apologize to Brother Che, and won’t do this again in the future." They nodded desperately, their eyes full of sincerity and regret.
Xiong Jie remained silent, while Guo Xu was utterly confused, his eyes wide, his mind a jumble, unable to understand the situation.
He thought those who came out would be happy to stay on his side.
Although he only arranged rooms for four people, that was already a pretty good deal.
He couldn’t fathom why these people still seemed eager to leave.
"Shut up already, damn it!"
"Mom, hurry and get on the bus, this trip is registered for these many people; there are no seats for them." A young man, full of urgency, pulled his mother, while pushing onto the bus.
"Exactly, they came out on their own, so just leave them here." Someone chimed in, their voice tinged with indifference and determination.
A few of them dragged their family members forcibly, such strength in their hands as if fearing they’d run away once released.
They dragged them onto the bus, their actions rough and rushed, showing no regard for their family’s struggling and calls.
Guo Xu was dumbfounded, standing there motionless, looking at those who voluntarily wanted to return home, feeling the situation was different from what he had imagined.
He initially thought these people would be glad to stay.
He glanced at his wife and child on the bus; they sat in the corner, bewildered and not knowing what to do, afraid to get off as they had sneaked out.
Guo Xu’s gaze was full of complex emotions, with worry, guilt, and a touch of helplessness.
Xiong Jie patted his shoulder.
"If you get off, there might not be a seat anymore." After saying this, Guo Xu paused slightly.
Guo Xu looked at the figures of the two, at the people dragging their family members onto the bus.
For some reason, he suddenly felt he had made a very important decision.
He took a deep breath, as if making up his mind, his eyes gradually becoming firm.
"Let’s go."
"If anything happens later, can you promise to bring the people back to me?"
Xiong Jie nodded, "I’ll make sure they are returned."
He glanced at those who were driven away, "You don’t need to worry, I’ll plead for you when I get back."
The people at the scene were quickly dragged onto the bus; they couldn’t comprehend why their children insisted on returning to Jiang Che’s side.
Seats were already limited, and in just a moment, everyone was settled in.
Even until the bus departed, the one who had just spoken still looked confused, his eyes wide with perplexity, turning to look at the dozens of people behind him.
"You want to go back?" He was puzzled, his voice unconsciously raised several notches, "Didn’t they come out by all means necessary?"
"A place with no salt, what’s the point of going back?" His tone was filled with skepticism and scorn.
"Of course we want to go back..."
"Who said we came out by all means necessary..."
"And who said there’s no salt?" another person countered, emotions running high.
"Isn’t it your Lord who wanted it?"
"Surely Brother Che has his own uses; our resources aren’t lacking." Several nodded vigorously, their eyes filled with anticipation, hoping that Jiang Che would forgive them and then bring them back.