The armored vehicle didn't stop moving until the village lights disappeared completely behind them.
Liu Meilin breathing was uneven.
Her hands were shaking.
Not from fear for herself.
But for her family.
Lu Jianfeng noticed immediately.
He pulled her closer inside the moving vehicle.
"They'll be protected."
"My brothers aren't trained fighters," she whispered.
My mum and dad would be so worried.
"My sisters-in-law… they were standing in front of bullets."
Her voice cracked.
That was what broke him.
Lu Jianfeng cupped her face gently.
"They stood in front of bullets because they love you."
Her eyes reddened.
Love.
A word she never truly trusted in her previous life.
But now?
Her family had proven it with their bodies.
[Emergency Protocol Activated]
Hidden Organization Detected]
Recommendation: Immediate Power Upgrade
Her vision blurred slightly as the interface flickered.
Lu Jianfeng noticed.
"It's happening again, isn't it?" he asked quietly.
She nodded.
The system projected data in front of her:
Enemies are not businessmen.
They are a hidden syndicate controlling regional trade.
Food control threatens their political leverage.
Her eyes darkened.
"So this isn't about money."
It seems it's because of her mission that she did with they help of her system that helped her to sell goods and get upper hand in the market.
Lu Jianfeng's expression hardened.
"It's about control."
Meanwhile, in the village
The Lius home was in chaos.
Broken glass.
Bullet holes in the walls.
Smoke in the air.
Liu Cheng stood in the middle of the house, fists clenched.
"They dared."
Liu Qiang punched the wall.
"We were too weak."
Zhao Lihua stepped forward sharply.
"No."
All the brothers turned.
Her voice trembled but her eyes were firm.
"We were brave."
We tried to fight in that difficult situation.
Our sister has done so much for us ever since she fell down and woke up after being unconscious for a long time, she changed.
We were so poor that we couldn't eat meat, she's the one feeding us now.
Doing so much for us.
Even in the wreckage, her sharp tongue survived.
Then softly, almost hesitantly
"She risked everything for us. Now it's our turn."
Silence filled the room.
For the first time, the sisters-in-law were not background figures.
They were pillars.
Liu Meilin wasn't alone.
And neither were they.
Back inside the armored vehicle
[System Mission Issued]
Expand empire beyond food.
Diversify assets.
Build protection network.
Reward:
✔ Combat Instinct Enhancement
✔ Business Intelligence Expansion
✔ Emergency Wealth Boost: 2,000,000,000
Liu Meilin inhaled sharply.
System even in this moment you're still bringing up missions.
"Mistress that's my job"
Lucian raised a brow.
"Good news?"
She looked at him slowly.
He smirked faintly.
"Good."
His fingers intertwined with hers.
Liu Meilin stood alone .
Her shoulders trembled.
Lu Jianfeng approached quietly.
She didn't turn.
"I thought if I worked hard enough…" she whispered, "…danger wouldn't follow."
I just wanted a peaceful life now.
I don't want to loose my family again.
Lu Jianfeng stood behind her.
"It follows power."
Her voice cracked.
"I don't want my family hurt because of me."
He wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"They're proud of you."
Tears finally fell.
Slowly.
Lu Jianfeng rested his chin against her head.
"You're not fighting alone."
She leaned back into him.
And for the first time since the attack
She allowed herself to cry.
In a dark forest.
****************************
A man stepped out of the shadows.
Older.
Calm.
Dangerous.
Behind him was Jiang Yanyan
Who was shivering from getting involved with these dangerous people.
But because of revenge he wouldn't give up not until he gets what he wants.
He looked at the attack report.
"They survived?"
"Yes."
The man smile faded.
He tapped the table
Jiang Yanyan, eyes where red from anger
"Again he said under his breath."
How could she always survive.