They had considered borrowing a stranger's phone to call their parents when they escaped with Zhang Wei last time.
Unfortunately, the local residents were too wary of them, being outsiders.
The moment they saw the two young and beautiful women, everyone grew cautious.
They were afraid of exposing their identities even with a few extra glances, so they didn't dare to speak up rashly.
If it weren't for the fact that the driver's license plate was from out of town, indicating he was someone who traveled extensively, had ambition, and wanted to get rich, Zhan Jingchun might have had to find another way.
Now, it seemed her gamble had paid off.
Anyone with a little foresight knew of Zhan Beijue's reputation. In the face of immense financial gain, she finally had a sliver of hope.
With the phone in her hand, looking at the dial pad, she repeated the familiar number in her mind. Zhan Jingchun's hands trembled with excitement.
As soon as the call connected, she would be free. It was as if heaven had not closed all paths.
The car pulled over to the side of the road. The driver watched her intently in the rearview mirror. Zhan Jingchun dialed, put the phone on speaker, and hoped her father wouldn't hang up upon seeing an unfamiliar number.
After a few heart-stopping rings, Oh my god, he actually answered!
Zhan Beijue's familiar and charismatic voice transmitted through the waves.
"Who is this?"
In that instant, Zhan Jingchun's grievances overwhelmed her, and she could no longer hold back her tears, which streamed down uncontrollably.
After several choked sobs, she trembled as she finally spoke.
"Daddy. It's Chun Chun."
On the other end of the line, Zhan Beijue was on his way to a poverty-stricken village, searching for his daughter.
Exhausted physically and mentally, he suddenly heard the name Chun Chun and sat bolt upright as if injected with adrenaline.
"Who did you say you were? Speak clearly, say it again! Who are you?"
Hearing her father's excited voice, Zhan Jingchun became even more agitated and burst into loud sobs.
"It's me, Daddy, I'm Chun Chun, your good daughter Zhan Jingchun. I've escaped, I'm alright, I've finally contacted you. Where are you?"
"You and Mommy haven't given up on me, right? Will you come pick me up?"
The county where Zhan Jingchun was located was under the jurisdiction of her second sister, Jiang Jing Tian. She had been here for over a week, contacting local authorities and inquiring village by village about the presence of an out-of-town daughter-in-law.
She hadn't reached Peng Fei's village yet and was feeling anxious. Hearing her father say that Chun Chun had escaped and was in her jurisdiction, she immediately drove to meet her.
Within half an hour, Zhan Jingchun saw her long-missed second sister on the winding mountain road.
A Bentley and a battered minivan worth tens of thousands of yuan. The sisters got out of their respective cars. Upon seeing each other, they first exchanged a silent glance, then emotionally rushed into a tearful embrace.
"It's good that you're alright. You scared us all to death."
"Sweetheart, don't worry, none of us gave up on you. Everyone is trying their best to find you. No matter what happened, you will always be our good Chun Chun, our precious darling."
"Come home with your sister, and we'll never let you suffer again."
Zhan Jingchun thanked the driver and then began her journey home.
The car sped through the town and county, passing by the scenery.
Looking out the window at the unfamiliar yet somewhat familiar surroundings, Zhan Jingchun felt a complex mix of emotions.
Once, she had harbored hope here only for it to be dashed, but now, hope had been rekindled.
She would never come back here again.
Here, she had met the first man who truly cherished her, had her first child, and accumulated many painful yet unforgettable memories.
But none of that mattered now.
She didn't want to seek revenge on Peng Fei, nor did she want to hold grudges against Peng's mother, and she certainly didn't want Fang Fang to have nowhere to go.
She just wanted to forget everything and get her life back on track.
Peng Fei, from this moment on, I no longer hate you.
You are also a pitiable and regrettable person. I hope you can broaden your horizons in the future, start anew, and live a better life.
Farewell.
Her nerves completely relaxed, curled up beside her sister, she felt an endless sense of peace. All the way, Zhan Jingchun slept.
She didn't want to think about anything, only wishing to see her father and mother as soon as possible, to comfort their worried hearts, and for the family to reunite.
After a day and more of travel, they returned to the Zhan residence. Others had also rushed back from all directions.
Stepping through the door and seeing all the familiar faces, Zhan Jingchun no longer felt like crying.
She was enveloped in happiness, her heart filled with emotion. She hugged everyone repeatedly, letting Zhan Beijue and Jiang Nan Fang caress her face and hair over and over again.
Zhan Beijue and Jiang Nan Fang knew their daughter had suffered a lot during this time, but her return was already a great fortune. They didn't want to make the atmosphere too somber, suppressing their heartache as they comforted her.
"It's good that you're back. You don't need to say anything. You are always daddy and mommy's good daughter, and your sisters and brothers' good little sister. We will always love you."
"Rest well, and we'll talk about everything once you're recovered."
Zhan Jingchun lay in bed resting while everyone guarded her outside the door.
She slept for two full days before she finally recovered.
It was a bright autumn afternoon. Her two older sisters and mother, dressed elegantly, called for a hairstylist and beautician to come and attend to her.
Zhan Jingchun lay in the chair while the beautician gave her a pampering session. The hairstylist gave her a beautiful haircut and she changed into clothes befitting her status.
Looking at herself in the mirror, the same as always, the past with Peng Fei felt like a dream.
So distant, so very distant.
If she didn't deliberately try to think about it, it seemed as if it had never happened.
Zhan Jingchun returned to her comfort zone and resumed her life of carefree existence. Peng Fei, however, was not so lucky.
That day, after returning from the mine to eat, Wang Kang suddenly came looking for him.
He said Zhan Jingchun had been sent away by his mother and asked if he knew. His world instantly collapsed.
He didn't know. He knew nothing.
He worked tirelessly every day at the mine, all to earn money and live a good life with Zhan Jingchun.
His mother clearly knew his heart, so how could she suddenly send her away?
Seeing his lost expression, Wang Kang knew he knew nothing and slapped his thigh in distress.
"I knew it! You cherished her like your own life, how could you bear to sell her to Old Man Li? I don't know if it's still possible to catch up, you better hurry, go to the town and get her!"
"I only just heard, so I came to find you right away. It's a secret, I wouldn't dare let Auntie know. You absolutely must not betray me!"
"I'm leaving. Be careful on your way. Absolutely do not cause trouble!"
Peng Fei went mad, borrowed a motorcycle from his colleagues at the mine, and sped to the town.
Asking for directions, he barged into Old Man Li's house and was immediately kicked out by Li and his two sons.
He wanted to ask for the person, but they wanted to ask him!
Having received money from him, his bride disappeared midway. They hadn't even had time to cause trouble at his house, and he dared to show up?
Beat him!