Yang Jian first took Old Ma to Liuqiao Village, then, together with Ma Yuan, sent Ma Lan back to school.
Dongjiang University was half an hour's drive from Liuqiao Village. If they had taken the bus, it would have taken over an hour, so it was no wonder Ma Lan only visited her father once every month or two.
"Brother Yang, what does your girlfriend do? Why isn't she working with you?"
All the way, Ma Yuan was unusually excited, looking out the window. Ma Lan, sitting in the passenger seat and giving directions, felt a bit awkward because Yang Jian drove with a melancholic expression and remained silent. She decided to break the ice and asked.
"She's a middle school teacher. She has to teach classes, so she can't come out to work with me."
Perhaps it was the brief touch of his long-buried longing for Lu Yao in the underground parking lot earlier that had filled Yang Jian's mind with her image. He decided he had to call her as soon as he got back.
"Middle school teacher? Brother Yang, what did you do before?"
"I worked on construction sites."
"How is that possible? To be a middle school teacher, your girlfriend must be a university graduate, right?"
Yang Jian glanced at her sideways. "Are you trying to say that a university student like her would fall for a country bumpkin like me? Yes, my girlfriend is not only from a well-off city family, but she's also a top student from a normal university. She's a campus beauty, yet she fell for a country bumpkin like me. Don't you find it unbelievable?"
These words were clearly tinged with emotion. Ma Lan knew her previous attitude had offended Yang Jian, but she didn't think her question was wrong.
As a university student who had spent several years in the prosperous coastal city, Ma Lan unconsciously elevated her own status. Although she came from a poor rural background, she believed that through her own efforts, she had shed her rural identity. In the future, even if she worked, she would be a high-level white-collar worker in the city.
Therefore, she felt a sense of superiority towards Yang Jian and his father and brother, who were migrant workers at the bottom of society. While she didn't reject them, her tone always carried a hint of being above them.
"Brother Yang, I don't know what you did before, but I still want to advise you not to associate with people like Fang Zhicheng. Something bad will happen sooner or later. Just find a steady job. As long as you're diligent, you can still get rich."
"Ma Lan, you're not only suited to be a lawyer, but also a UN Secretary-General."
After saying that, Yang Jian stopped talking to her and focused on driving.
Did she think he was meddling too much? Ma Lan's face turned red with anger, and she huffily turned her head to look out the window.
The rest of the journey was silent. Upon arriving at the entrance of Dongjiang University, Yang Jian dropped Ma Lan off and immediately turned the car around and left, making Ma Lan stomp her feet in frustration.
Less than five minutes after leaving the campus, Yang Jian pulled the car over to the side of the road, told Ma Yuan to stay in the car, and got out to take out his phone.
He was eager to hear Lu Yao's voice and no longer cared if the police were monitoring him.
"Sorry, the number you have dialed has been suspended."
When he heard the cold prompt from the phone, Yang Jian was instantly stunned. Why was it suspended? Had something happened to Lu Yao, or had she also been detained because of him?
The only numbers he could remember were his parents, his sister, and Yong Li's. He couldn't call his parents, as the police would surely be monitoring them.
Yang Jian hesitated for a moment before dialing Jing Yong Li's number. He wasn't a direct relative, so the police shouldn't be paying attention to him.
"Hello, who is this?"
He heard his cousin's familiar voice on the other end. Yang Jian felt like crying.
"Yong Li, it's me."
"Brother Jian? Brother Jian, where are you? Why haven't you called back for so long? We were all worried sick."
Jing Yong Li was surprised and a little choked up. He was too emotional.
"Yong Li, how are my parents and grandma?"
"They're fine. Their health is good, but they cry whenever they mention you, always worrying that something happened to you outside."
"How about Sister Hui and Rui Rui? Are they doing well too?"
"They are all fine. Sister Hui has fully recovered. Rui Rui has passed the postgraduate entrance examination and will have her re-examination after the New Year. She should have no problem being admitted to graduate school."
With his family doing well, Yang Jian's heart was put at ease.
"Yong Li, after I left, what happened at the casino? Are Biao Biao and the others okay?"
"Brother, the casino was raided. Except for A Feng, A Nan, Jun Jun, and Xiao Zeng, who rushed out immediately after I tipped them off, everyone else was arrested. Biao Biao and Liang Liang were caught halfway because their physical condition was too poor to run any further.
This case is huge. The police seized over ten million in cash at the scene and it was classified as the biggest gambling case in Hancheng's history. Therefore, your wanted order cannot be canceled in a short period. It's best not to talk directly with Auntie and the others, especially during the New Year period, which is the peak time for the police to pursue fugitives."
"What about Li Jin? Did he escape?"
"Li Jin was also arrested. All his key members, even those not at the casino, were apprehended. According to Lu Hao, Li Jin is involved in a murder case. He is not only guilty of organizing gambling but also suspected of organizing a criminal syndicate. It's still unknown if he can keep his life this time. You were implicated by him. Otherwise, for a simple gambling case, you wouldn't have been nationally wanted."
"What about Lu Hao? Does he have any explanation for my situation?"
Jing Yong Li's words sent a chill down Yang Jian's spine. Was he destined to be on the run for his entire life? Lu Hao's existence was his only hope.
"Brother Hao hasn't given a specific explanation, but he has assured Auntie and the others to rest assured, saying he will see your matter through to the end. At the same time, he has increased investment in the trading company. The fresh fish and rice from Yangli Village have already started appearing in the stores of Huahong Group.
The rent for Chunfeng Tower has also been paid to Sister Hui, and it is currently being renovated. It is precisely because of his promises and support that Auntie and the others have not collapsed.
I also believe that Brother Hao has the ability to resolve this case for you, so you must take good care of yourself outside and avoid being targeted by the police. Later, I'll send you a number, and you can call that number from now on to avoid being tracked by the police."
"Okay, that's a good idea. I'll only contact you from now on. Did Lu Hao say anything about the progress of the case? How long will Biao Biao and the others be sentenced?"
"There's no news about the case yet. Brother Hao told us not to inquire. Biao Biao, Liang Liang, and the other brothers have Sister Feng hiring lawyers to follow up. They shouldn't be sentenced too heavily, most likely within three years or six months of detention. You don't need to worry too much."
"Alright. Please thank Sister Feng for me if you see her. Do you have any news about A Feng and the others?"
"A Feng and the others are in Yangli Village right now. If they hadn't returned in time, Xu Zheng would have bullied us."
"What's going on? Is Xu Zheng causing trouble again?"
"Yes, seeing that you weren't home, Xu Zheng became arrogant again and actually interfered with the affairs of Yangli Village. He was taught a lesson by A Feng and the others and is now behaving himself."
For safety reasons, Jing Yong Li changed his phone number and recounted the events and the current situation of the trading company.