“We are currently under the Changhong Bridge in XXX Street, XX District, Didu City,” the uncle said, then paused and asked Gu Suiping, “But how long will it take you to get here? If it takes a long time, we can’t stay here for long because the temperature will be too low at night, and people might freeze to death if we stay too long.”
"Wait a moment, I'll check right away." Gu Suiping quickly ordered his assistant to look it up, then hurriedly replied, "It will probably take about four hours."
"That's too long. How about this, I'll take her to the nearby police station. That way she'll be safer, and you'll feel more at ease." The uncle said, bending down to start packing up his tools.
"No way! I'm not going to the police station!" Gu Ningning was extremely resistant when she heard that.
The middle-aged man frowned, unsure of the specifics.
"I don't want to go to the police station, please help me, uncle." As she spoke, Gu Ningning's eyes reddened, her voice choked with sobs, and she lowered her head. The uncle sighed and suggested to the person on the other end of the phone, "How about I take her home first? I'll send you the address, and you can come to my house to pick her up."
Upon hearing this, Gu Ningning looked up at the uncle, still feeling somewhat uneasy. After all, he was a stranger, and it would be even more troublesome if something happened while she was at his house.
Gu Suiping was also considering whether to refuse, but the uncle immediately understood when he saw Gu Ningning's reaction, and hurriedly explained, "Sorry, I was just thinking that it's convenient because it's close to my home."
"Okay, there's a five-star hotel across the bridge. It's safe there. I'll take her to the hotel and get her a room. That way you'll feel more at ease."
Just as Gu Suiping was about to agree, he heard Gu Ningning refuse.
"No, I don't want to check into the hotel!" Gu Ningning was worried that if she checked in and registered her information, Gu Qingyan and Rong Mo would be looking for her, which was too risky.
The older man assumed she had no money, and seeing her shivering from the cold, he suggested, "I'll register you, don't worry."
"Thank you so much, brother." Seeing that the man had said that, Gu Suiping quickly replied, "I will definitely reward you handsomely when I come to pick up my daughter! I will also give you the money for the hotel room."
"Oh, it's all alright. I also have a daughter about the same age as her, so I understand. You can call me anytime." After explaining everything, the man hung up the phone with peace of mind.
Just as she hung up the phone, Gu Ningning saw two young men walking towards her from under the bridge, seemingly out for a stroll.
They saw a pretty young girl standing there, a smile playing on her lips as she kept looking in their direction.
The middle-aged man was busy packing up various tools and chairs and didn't notice the commotion at all. He was muttering to himself, "Young lady, are you cold? If you are, move around a bit. I'll be done soon, and we can leave in a bit."
"Okay, Uncle." Gu Ningning pursed her lips and moved closer to the uncle.
Two young men quickly passed by them and walked on ahead.
Gu Ningning breathed a sigh of relief, realizing she had been overthinking things, and her anxiety subsided.
"Let's go." The uncle straightened up, folded the chair and carried it in his hand, then slung his fishing backpack over his shoulder and beckoned her to walk towards the bridge.
A warm feeling welled up in Gu Ningning's heart. She couldn't help but glance at the uncle and asked with some confusion, "Uncle, why are you willing to help me? We don't even know each other. You could have chosen not to do this."
"It's just a small favor."
You don't look very old. Seeing you is like seeing my daughter. I think to myself, if she encounters any trouble outside, I hope someone can help her.
So, how could I not help you? It's nothing serious, let's hurry up and go, it'll get even colder once it's completely dark. Don't let you get too cold.
Upon reaching the steps, the uncle smiled, adjusted his backpack, and quickly took two steps up the stairs. He then extended his hand to Gu Ningning and said, "There's moss here, be careful not to slip. Hold my hand as you come up."
Just as Gu Ningning reached out her hand, a figure suddenly darted out from a corner beside the bridge arch, grabbed her hand, and yanked her down, causing her to fall to the ground.
Before she could react, Gu Ningning was grabbed by the hood of her clothes and pulled backward.
"Help me..." Gu Ningning opened her mouth wide to call for help, but the person behind her quickly covered her mouth and nose with a wet towel.
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"Would you like to check out your Western restaurant? It's not far from here."
Rong Mo put the baby supplies he had bought into the trunk, closed the door, and said to Shen Zhi Qiu, "Since we're already out, and it's almost dinner time, how about we go try some new dishes?"
"Alright." Shen Zhi Qiu nodded with a smile. "I'm getting a little tired of eating nutritious meals every day lately."
Seeing Rong Mo's teasing look, Shen Zhi Qiu pursed her lips, "But you absolutely mustn't tell Aunt Zhao, okay?"
"I understand, my young lady, please get in the car!" Rong Mo smiled and opened the car door, saying to Shen Zhi Qiu, "As long as you don't eat raw, cold, or spicy food, it's fine to eat out once in a while."
Lu Jia helped Shen Zhi Qiu into the car and then closed the door.
There was some traffic, and by the time they arrived at the restaurant, it was past lunchtime, and people were gradually leaving.
Lu Jia got out of the car, reached out to help Shen Zhi Qiu down, and reminded her, "Watch your step."
The three of them chose to dine on the second-floor terrace as usual.
The store manager, Linda, had reserved this spot in advance, and the flowers on the table had been replaced with gardenias, which Shen Zhi Qiu liked.
Shen Zhi Qiu took a deep breath, feeling refreshed and in a better mood. "Brother, I'm hungry. I want to eat steak and paella."
"Okay, okay, eat more if you like it." Rong Mo smiled as he ordered the dishes.
"Since having a child, it seems like it's really rare to have such a quiet time. This kind of night is so pleasant and comfortable," Shen Zhi Qiu said with a sip of hot soup.
"How about we go out once a week?" Lu Jia turned to her and suggested with a smile.
"Great! I'd also like to see the new movie that's been showing recently." Shen Zhi Qiu was in a good mood and ate a little more than usual. She patted her stomach and smiled contentedly.
"Then I won't bother you anymore, I won't be a third wheel," Rong Mo joked with a smile. "You can eat together, but you can go see the movie by yourselves."
Just as Shen Zhi Qiu was choosing dessert, a slender figure emerged from the second-floor stairwell and walked straight toward her.
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