Chapter 236: What a Coincidence

Chapter 236: What a Coincidence
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Xiao Wu often went to the production team to borrow a donkey cart, so he became familiar with Chen Xing.
Sometimes when Xiao Wu returned the cart after coming from town, it would be past dinner time. Chen Xing would often invite him to have dinner at the production team. The two got along quite well.
Upon seeing the Five Grain liquor in Xiao Wu’s hand, Chen Xing’s eyes widened. He let out a burp, “Oh, I thought it was just dinner. Why is there alcohol too?”
Xiao Wu settled down, poured the drink into the cups, and said, “If I’m asking for a favor, of course, I have to show some sincerity.”
Chen Xing noticed three cups on the table and the rich spread of dishes, and asked, “Who else is coming?”
Before Xiao Wu could reply, Jiang Chuan’s family of four walked in. Jiang Gu was fanning her mouth, and Jiang Xia told her, “You’ll be fine once you have a grilled bread slice.”
Jiang Gu looked at the table in surprise and exclaimed, “Oh, isn’t this the uncle we met at the county restaurant at noon today?”
Only then did the others realize that Chen Xing was the one who recommended the wine to them in the afternoon. It was quite a coincidence to run into him in the county earlier.
Chen Xing was also an honest person. Even though he had become the captain of the production team, he did not put on airs. Fie recognized Jiang Chuan and said with a slightly dunken smile, “What a coincidence. I didn’t expect the wine you bought was for tonight. But 1 don’t think 1 can drink anymore. 1 won’t be able to go back tonight if 1 drink two more glasses!”
He gave a hearty laugh, indicating he was already quite drunk.
Seeing his state, Xiao Wu realized it wasn’t wise to pour more. If Chen Xing got too drunk and they discussed serious matters, he might forget everything the next day.
So, Xiao Wu packed up the cups and started serving dinner.
Although Chen Xing was drunk, he was still conscious. He realized that Xiao Wu had made such an elaborate dinner because he had something important to discuss. He thought to himself that one should be careful when accepting gifts, as they might come with strings attached.
With this in mind, Chen Xing directly asked, “Xiao Wu, if you have something to say, just say it. I’ll definitely help if I can. If you don’t speak up, I won’t be able to eat in peace.”
Hearing Chen Xing’s words, Xiao Wu detailed the years of oppression Jiang Chuan and Zhou Lan had faced from Old Madam Jiang, including selling their eldest daughter and then forcing them into the mountains, followed by stripping them of their possessions.
Upon hearing the story, Chen Xing was furious and slammed the table, “This is outrageous!”
Jiang Gu was eating a roasted bread slice when she was startled by the sudden noise. Her body shivered, causing the bread slice to fall from her hand. She felt like crying out of fear, but she was worried about making the man even angrier, so she bit her lip to hold back the tears.
This was a psychological trauma caused by being beaten and scolded by Old Madam Jiang since she was little. Even though her parents and elder sister loved her very much now, she couldn’t shake off this trauma.
Chen Xing, being a father himself, realized that the child was frightened. He quickly apologized to Jiang Gu, “Little girl, don’t be scared. 1 wasn’t angry at you. I just saw a bug on the table and slapped it.”
After saying that, Chen Xing picked up another piece of grilled bread for Jiang Gu and dipped it in meat sauce.
Jiang Gu widened her teary eyes and looked at the table doubtfully. After taking the bread slice, she finally felt better.
The commotion sobered up Chen Xing completely. At that moment, he was filled with righteous anger, mostly directed at the wicked Old Madam Jiang.
Being a father to a daughter, the mere thought of his own daughter being sold off, not knowing if she’d marry well or if her husband might mistreat her, filled Chen Xing with rage.
After comforting Jiang Gu, Chen Xing turned to Jiang Chuan, speaking generously, “What should we do about this? I will do everything 1 can to help you find your eldest daughter!”
Once again, Jiang Chuan was moved by the genuine kindness of people from this era. He regretted not drinking tonight; otherwise, he would’ve shared a few rounds with Chen Xing. He was determined to be friends with him!
Jiang Chuan briefly explained his plan, hoping to leverage the upcoming population census to inquire in various villages about his daughter’s whereabouts, or to directly confront Old Madam Jiang.
After some contemplation, Chen Xing felt that neither approach was very good, “Old Madam Jiang has kept your daughter’s whereabouts a secret for so long, and she definitely won’t tell me either. Maybe we should have someone else inquire for us.”
“Who?” Both Jiang Chuan and Zhou Lan asked simultaneously..