CHAPTER 241: 241 LEFT ALONE

"Also, Wang Ailing has given birth to a girl."

"Haha, that’s great. I wonder if Chen Guoliang is happy?"

"I heard from Secretary Song that their whole family is quite pleased, and some people from your hometown have come, constantly asking about you."

"I won’t have the chance to meet them." Jiang Xinyu spoke with a hint of bitterness. It was supposed to be a happy event, yet she had to leave like a homeless dog, in secrecy.

"Today’s meeting passed a decision to give you a 300 yuan bonus."

"There’s a reward for this?"

"Yes, after all, you’re a worker at the textile factory."

In the remaining days, Jiang Xinyu was busy preparing her things, packing everything she needed into her space, leaving only two suitcases that weren’t even fully packed outside.

On the evening of the tenth, Qian Jun came over and handed Jiang Xinyu the admission letter.

"That was quick."

"I suspect there was some manipulation. Check the address: it wasn’t sent from X City."

"I bought you a train ticket to the Capital for the afternoon, but it’s not a sleeper ticket. It’s just over ten hours to the Capital. Can you manage?"

"No problem, I’m in good health," Jiang Xinyu said, standing up and giving Qian Jun a deep bow.

"Mr. Qian, thank you. Without you, I’m not sure if I would have been able to go to university. Without your help, I might be caught up in rumors right now.

I know how hurtful words can be. Sometimes they’re even sharper than knives."

"Jiang Xinyu, you... well, take care of yourself. Call me when you arrive. Also, if you have time, look into the supply sources over there. If the costs are manageable, you can start shipping."

They both understood that this would give Jiang Xinyu a lot of room to maneuver.

"Yes, I know. Since I’m still receiving my salary from the textile factory every month, I’ll do what needs to be done."

"Alright, the train is at three a.m., I’ll come to pick you up at two."

Jiang Xinyu saw Qian Jun off, lay down on the kang, and reflected on everything that had happened during this period. Her heart was full of complexity. She had wanted to ask about Wei Kaiyun but couldn’t bring herself to do it.

She wondered where he was and how he was doing. Actually, she had Old Yang’s phone number, but she hadn’t called.

Better to wait until she reached the Capital where no one knew her.

She set the alarm for half past one, got up, and tidied herself. For the grains stored outside the house, she would have Qian Jun pass them to Wang Ailing.

At two o’clock, she heard movement outside the door, picked up the suitcases, and waited at the main gate.

Qian Jun opened the door and entered without saying a word, took the bags from her, and they both got into the car.

"Mr. Qian, I’d like to bother you with something. Could you have Wang Ailing move the grains and some spices from the house?"

"Alright, I’ll have her come over on Saturday. I’ll give her the key so she can drop by occasionally."

"Thank you. Mr. Qian, is there still no news about Wei Factory?"

"No, none of the people I know have any information."

"Ah! Well, that’s it then. Let me know if you hear anything in the future."

"I will inform you. Also, here’s a blank letter of introduction with stamps. You can fill it out yourself if needed."

"I forgot about that. It’s really hard to do anything without it." They arrived at the train station with forty minutes to spare.

Qian Jun waited nearby, refusing Jiang Xinyu’s suggestion to go back.

"I’ll see you onto the train. It’s about the most I can do."

Qian Jun escorted her onto the train. There weren’t many people traveling at night. He helped her find a seat.

"Be careful during your journey."

"Yes, I will be."

Qian Jun watched as the train departed, then turned and left the platform. From now on, her days would depend on her own efforts. There was only so much he could do.

The night train was very quiet, with almost everyone asleep. Jiang Xinyu leaned against the seat back and closed her eyes.

Despite the warm temperature and various smells, she soon fell asleep.

When she awoke, she noticed many people had boarded, and it was already very bright outside. Checking the time, it was only half-past five. There was still a long way to go.

Feeling a bit hungry, she took out a piece of bread and a water bottle. She had to persevere. Without a sleeper, and with too many people on the train, she was afraid to lose her seat if she got up. Previously, she wouldn’t have minded, but she couldn’t afford it in her condition. She drank little water to avoid needing the toilet.

By noon, Jiang Xinyu felt too hot and uncomfortable. But what could be done? Fortunately, only two or three more hours remained before they arrived.

At two in the afternoon, Jiang Xinyu finally stepped onto solid ground, promptly heading to the ticket office to purchase a ticket.

"Comrade, I need to go to X City. What’s the earliest train?"

"Seven in the evening."

Jiang Xinyu handed over the introduction letter. "Comrade, I’d like a sleeper ticket."

"Yes, twenty-five yuan."

Jiang Xinyu handed over the money. "Comrade, could I have a lower bunk? I’m pregnant, and it would be more convenient."

"Sure, you’re pregnant and still going out to work?"

"Yes, it’s an arrangement from above."

Jiang Xinyu took back her introduction letter and ticket, gave the ticket seller a smile, and walked away with her bag.

With three to four hours remaining, she decided to go to an inn for a shower.

"Three hours is still considered a day’s rate."

"That’s fine. Comrade, can I make a phone call? It’s long-distance."

"Our phones here can’t make long-distance calls. The post office is just on the street behind."

"Thank you."

Jiang Xinyu put down her bag, locked the door, and went to the post office. She needed to ask Old Yang; otherwise, she wouldn’t be at peace.

She dialed the phone, but it wasn’t answered by Old Yang. "Comrade, I’m from T City. Is Yang Xuejian there?"

"Hold on."

Old Yang, upon hearing it was a call from T City, immediately thought of Jiang Xinyu.

"Young lady."

"Master Yang, I just wanted to ask if you know Director Wei’s address?"

"I don’t know."

"Oh, sorry to bother you."

"Young lady, where are you?"

"In the Capital. I’m heading to X City for university. It’s the night train."

"Alright, call me when you get there."

Jiang Xinyu set the phone down, feeling deeply disappointed. Besides Old Yang, she didn’t know who else to ask.

Catching her spirits, she returned to the inn and lay down for a while. Even with the windows open, it remained hot for a while before she got up to fetch water. Once everything was ready, she had her meal.

No matter what, both she and her child had to be well. She was confident that Wei Kaiyun was safe.

Having eaten, it was already past five, and she finally took a shower.

At six, she checked out and went to wait at the train station. Most trains were usually late, but she couldn’t take any chances. Getting on early would give her peace of mind.

The trip to X City would only take ten days, but she would have to find accommodation. Staying in a dormitory was not an option.

Who knows if the school would grant her leave? Asking for a leave of absence right after the term starts—it’s unheard of.