Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Confrontation with the Ruthless Bandits

The bandits totaled eight, each robust and strong, gazing at the old ox with eyes glinting green.

Clearly, their objective was straightforward and blunt.

They wanted money and the ox.

Moreover, if Wen Ran’s observation was accurate, nearly half of them had blood on their hands.

She licked her dry lips, her heart already beginning to fret.

If it were a one-on-one fight, she might stand a chance, but here was one elder, one child, and a man of unknown combat ability.

Is it surrender then?

She hadn’t made up her mind yet, simply hugging the little girl in her arms, half-lowering her eyes to conceal her chaotic thoughts.

The leader glared menacingly, “Hurry down, or my brother’s blade might not miss.”

Zhang Jian held tightly onto the reins of the ox cart, fully aware that there was still a chance to escape in this confrontation; if they descended, with only the elderly and children behind him, it was like washing one’s neck for the ax to fall.

“Big brother,” Zhang Jian swallowed hard, “please, show grace, we are willing to cooperate in everything.”

He held the rope tight with one hand, the other reaching into his pocket for money, “Money, it’s all here, we have old and young ones, show mercy and let us pass, would you?”

Lü Xiaofeng, giving birth, Zhang Jian adhered to the principle of spending more on the road, carrying thirty or forty dollars, along with some rare tickets.

At this point, there was no choice but to bring out everything.

Seeing Zhang Jian so cowardly, the bandit suddenly found it tasteless.

The leader’s eyes rolled, “We’ll accept the money and tickets, leave the old ox, and the rest can go.”

Damn it, they’ve been on the run these days, and those soldiers are like dogs chasing the scent, relentless.

Leaving them in such a dire state, they’re barely daring to appear in public.

Forcing them into robbery.

Though their luck seemed good, encountering a cattle driver.

Longing for beef they hadn’t eaten in ages, just the thought had them drooling.

“Ox?” Zhang Jian stiffened, “Ox, it can’t be, this is the team asset, if it falls into my hands, even if I die countless times…”

Sure enough, the opposite side almost immediately bared their fangs, pulling out machetes and lightly saying, “Complain anymore, and you’ll die now.”

Seeing Zhang Jian’s sudden pallor, the bandit laughed heartily, and some gazed lecherously at Wen Ran.

He leered, “Boss, we’ve had an arduous journey, haven’t been near a woman in ages, why not…”

The one speaking was a short man, his gaze locked on Wen Ran.

Wen Ran saw it herself, not before Zhang Aunt blocked her view, turning her back to Wen Ran, shaking slightly in front of her.

The leader frowned without speaking; instead, the second-in-command joined in, “That’s right, boss, we’ve been on edge the whole way, why not enjoy a bit before the stew’s ready?”

The second-in-command was a fat bald man who chuckled wickedly, “Boss, we’ll let you first.”

“No! Don’t do this!” Aunt Zhang barely knew what to say, instinctively pleaded, “Take the money, take the ox, but leave us alone…”

“Hahaha, boss you see, this old woman hasn’t realized the situation yet?”

“Do they really think they can go home? Seeing our faces and wanting to leave unharmed?”

His words changed Zhang Jian’s expression, “Direct your grievances at me, those behind are women, children, and the elderly, would you not be embarrassed if word got out?!”

“Alright, forget the nonsense,” the fat bald man waved dismissively, “Stay calm, and we’ll make it quick, disobey and…”

He laughed menacingly, “Don’t blame us for being harsh.”

Aunt Zhang still held her granddaughter; turning her head, she looked at Wen Ran, eyes full of despair, tears blurring her vision, apologizing, “Good child, Aunt apologizes.

If I hadn’t insisted you come up, you might have avoided this misfortune.”

The little girl in Wen Ran’s arms clung to Aunt Zhang’s arm, “Mom, Mom, I’m scared…”

Aunt Zhang held the child tightly, tears streaming down.

It’s destiny, dooming the Zhang Family!

Poor little Treasure Bead, just six years old, not even grown…

Aunt Zhang, who never believed in deities, now inclined toward praying.

Bodhisattva, please protect us!

Whether the Bodhisattva would respond, Wen Ran didn’t know, but she realized silence could lead to disaster.

Her eyes lifted slightly, using Treasure Bead as cover, she secretly passed a dagger to Aunt Zhang.

The cold handle fell into her palm, Aunt Zhang, bewildered, glanced down, saw the dagger.

She couldn’t believe it, looking up as Wen Ran whispered, “When the chance comes, run.”

“What, what are you going to do?”

Up front, Zhang Jian negotiated hopelessly, Wen Ran observed everyone’s position, swiftly planning a solution.

“Don’t mind me, focus on staying safe.”

Wen Ran suddenly leapt off the cart, facing Zhang Jian directly under their watch, “You come down.”

Zhang Jian looked at Wen Ran, astounded, “What, what are you doing? Coming down now, why?”

He really couldn’t fathom, at this point, why play hero?

Her beauty unnoticed until now, risk discovery without escape.

“I’m replacing you,” Wen Ran’s mind was in chaos, unwilling to elaborate, seeing Zhang Jian hesitate, she pulled him down, whispering, “Take Aunt and the child and run.”

Then, with a forceful shove, she propelled him to Aunt Zhang’s position.

With a smile, Wen Ran seated herself on the cart, “Don’t be mad, brothers, he’s my brother, not too smart, lacking flexibility.

Therefore, I’ll take the ox and go with you, but you have to let my mother, brother, and sister leave, okay?”

Everyone’s eyes betrayed suspicion, “You have such nerve?”

Wen Ran lifted her brows confidently, “Why not? I’ve long tired of this monotonous life, following you heroes on adventures fulfills my lifelong dream.”

The fat bald man appeared interested, “You consider us heroes?”

“Yes!” Wen Ran nodded, “Robbing the rich, aiding the poor, if that’s not heroism, what is? But I’m willing to go with you, my family…”

Unclear of Wen Ran’s background, they paid her little mind; just a pretty woman, letting her do as she pleased.

What harm could she bring?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep