Through the dark maintenance bay, Jin Chao glanced at Jiang Mu's figure before turning to pull down the roller door. His steady footsteps echoed through the empty space, stopping at the entrance to the break room. He watched as Jiang Mu rose to face him, a faint blush coloring her cheeks from emotion. Still young, she couldn't hide her feelings around him. Just days ago when she'd left him, her face had been etched with grief, eyes brimming with sorrow. Now they shone with bright anticipation.
Jin Chao silently studied her for a moment before uttering two words: "As expected."
Jiang Mu didn't understand what he meant by "as expected," only sensing that Jin Chao wasn't particularly surprised to find her at the auto shop, waiting for him so late at night.
He wore a simple dark half-sleeved button-up shirt, different from his usual work uniform. Dressed like this, he appeared clean, reserved, and carried a mature elegance.
Without another word, he turned to fetch a carton of coconut milk from the corner refrigerator and handed it to Jiang Mu, then turned back to brew himself a strong coffee.
Jiang Mu casually set the coconut milk on the table and hurried to his side. "What do you mean 'as expected'? That person, the one surnamed Lu... the anti-smuggling police officer, did he tell you he'd seen me?"
Jin Chao's stirring hand paused slightly. He lifted his gaze to hers, his eyes steady as his lips parted. "You know too much."
Jiang Mu gripped the edge of the table, her eyes downcast with worry. "Are you going to silence me?"
Jin Chao brought the coffee to his lips for a sip, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. His eyes held shifting lights as he regarded her deeply. "What do you think we do?"
Jiang Mu wanted to force a light laugh, but she couldn't manage it. She felt trapped in a vast web, confused and tense.
Jin Chao set down his coffee, picked up the coconut milk, twisted it open, and handed it to her. "Sit down and talk."
Jiang Mu mechanically followed his instruction, pulling the chair behind her to sit obediently before him. She took a large gulp of coconut milk, screwed the cap back on, placed it beside her, and fixed her gaze firmly on him.
Leaning against the table with his coffee, Jin Chao took a slow sip before lifting his eyes to speak at a measured pace. "Since Jin Fengzi told you about me, you should understand my situation. After I'd been at Wan's for over two years, Wan Sheng Bang occasionally had me handle matters outside the auto shop."
"He's a gambling man. I originally thought he just enjoyed playing mahjong, maybe visiting casinos occasionally. Later I learned he kept a group of young drivers who would periodically participate in underground racing circuits. The stakes were high, often reaching six figures."
"Once when one of his drivers had an accident—the deposit was paid but no one could race—he asked me to fill in last minute. I've always felt indebted to him, so I agreed. I won, earning him a substantial amount. He wanted me to leave the auto shop and work exclusively for him in this capacity, offering significant compensation, but I refused."
"Some time later, he asked for my help again, promising it would be the last time if I raced that once. Still working under him, I couldn't refuse and agreed to help him one final time. Unfortunately, our route was betrayed, and we ended up at the police station. That's when Officer Lu approached me."Although the words weren't explicitly stated, the implication was that they hoped I could help keep an eye on Wan Sheng Bang and share information with them if anything came up. At the time, I didn't know Officer Lu's true identity and thought he was just an ordinary police officer, perhaps investigating illegal street racing. I gave a superficial agreement but never actually contacted him.
It wasn't until later, after I discovered that Wan Sheng Bang had made me the scapegoat and after I left Wan's shop, that I contacted Officer Lu again.
That was when I learned that what they were really investigating wasn't Wan Sheng Bang, nor was it illegal street racing. They were using the illegal racing organization as a way to track down the smuggling ring behind it.
Before this, they had already cracked various smuggling cases of different scales across the country—involving luxury cars and imported parts. During their investigations, they discovered many cases shared common characteristics. Each time they thought they had caught the mastermind, after shutting down one operation, another would pop up elsewhere after some time. The person behind it all was deeply hidden and could even utilize official seals and documents from foreign companies to commit crimes.
Later, when they tracked down the street racing crowd, they discovered that many of their cars were illegally smuggled, or that the vehicles used smuggled parts after modifications. That's when they focused their attention on this racing organization.
However, this time they didn't act rashly. Those they caught were mostly released after paying fines. They wanted to plant a few people inside, to infiltrate through street racing and uncover the smuggling ring behind it.
But this Alliance operated very cautiously. Trying to insert an outsider without reason was nearly impossible. The anti-smuggling unit had been struggling to penetrate this organization until I contacted Officer Lu."
Jin Chao lowered his gaze and took a sip of coffee. Jiang Mu's expression was more serious than ever before, even more focused than during lectures. Jin Chao's words painted a completely unfamiliar and terrifying picture in her mind—a scene filled with crime and danger that she had never encountered in her entire life.
She continued his train of thought: "So they chose you because you had previously worked for Boss Wan. The organization, or rather the Alliance, was familiar with you. Plus, you had that compensation payment hanging over you—everyone knew you needed money. After leaving Wan's shop, wanting to make quick money would seem perfectly natural."
A slight curve appeared at the corner of Jin Chao's lips: "Not stupid. But it wasn't just that. I had an opportunity that no one could doubt. They would think I was getting involved at this time because of Wan Sheng Bang—because I had a falling out with him and wanted to oppose him. Even Wan Sheng Bang himself thought so, though that was indeed part of the reason."
Jiang Mu suddenly understood. She hadn't considered this point—Jin Chao's position was too unique. He had been involved with cars since high school. All the underground racing circles in Tonggang knew his name, some might even have close connections with him and knew his background well. Although he hadn't been involved in that circle after getting out, his fallout with Boss Wan provided the perfect timing. No one would suspect anything.
But Jiang Mu noticed Jin Chao's wording: "Part of the reason? Then what's the other part?"
Jin Chao slightly lowered his eyelids, his entire person seeming to freeze. After a long pause, he said in a low voice: "As a condition, Officer Lu promised me that if we could crack this case, they would round up Wan Sheng Bang and his accomplices. Once they're captured, they promised to help overturn my conviction."Jiang Mu felt a burning heat coursing through her body, her palms even breaking into a sweat. It felt as if she had returned to that night—the night she followed Jin Chao to race cars on that desolate hillside. She had kept urging him to focus on serious matters and stop messing around, but Jin Chao merely clenched his jaw, his gaze steady and calm as he watched her, never relenting.
She had never imagined that what he insisted on wasn’t about making money at all, but about reclaiming his own justice and innocence.
At this moment, Jiang Mu’s emotions were beyond words—excitement, shock, fear, perhaps all of it.
Her gaze burned as she stared at Jin Chao and asked, “Did Officer Lu contact you? Did he tell you I was following him?”
Jin Chao didn’t deny it, and Jiang Mu pressed further, “Did he say anything to you?”
“He just informed me and told me to handle it.”
Jiang Mu’s fingertips trembled slightly, her voice unsteady as well. “Aren’t you worried now that you’ve told me?”
Jin Chao lowered his head, the shadows of his brow bones deepening, and suddenly laughed. “Worried about what? That you’d sell me out?”
“Of course I wouldn’t!” Jiang Mu nearly exclaimed.
The people around Jin Chao were a mixed bag. Though they all seemed like brothers, those he could truly trust were few and far between. And Jiang Mu was the most unique among them all. They weren’t bound by blood, but Jin Chao knew that even if everyone around him turned against him, the girl before him would not.
He lifted his eyelids, the lingering amusement in his eyes drifting over her face. Jiang Mu had never known a man could pierce hearts and devour bones with just a look. Her heartbeat swayed along with the intensity of his gaze.
She heard Jin Chao say to her, “On the way back, I kept thinking about how to smooth this over and let you focus on your college entrance exams. Just before we arrived, I figured it out.”
His breath rising and falling, he leaned in closer and told her, “Even if I temporarily lied to answer your questions, I’d have to come up with more excuses to cover it up. Rather than letting this distract you, it’s better to tell you directly.”
“What happened to me before the college entrance exams might become a lifelong regret. If my issues end up holding you back, I’d probably regret it for lifetimes to come. Now, can you promise me you’ll go back and get some proper sleep?”
Jiang Mu blinked slightly, staring at him without moving. A few seconds later, she abruptly asked, “Then you…”
Jin Chao raised his brow in confusion. “What about me?”
“Did you go to those places to build connections with those people too?”
“Which places?”
Jiang Mu’s eyes darted away. She pursed her lips, lowered her head, and after a long hesitation, muttered, “You’re not clean anymore…”
Jin Chao coughed dryly, picked up the coffee beside him, finished it, and set the cup down before leaning in again. His eyes held a smile, the scent of coffee enveloping her as he spread his hands open. “How should I prove it?”
Jiang Mu’s mind was filled with that intoxicating aroma. Her face flushed crimson, and she lowered her head almost to the ground, whispering, “How would I know?”
Seeing her flustered and embarrassed, Jin Chao stopped teasing her. He picked up his phone and glanced at it, reminding her, “It’s getting late.”
Jiang Mu suddenly lifted her head in protest. “But I don’t want to leave now. I still have so many questions. Didn’t you just get back? Can’t I stay a little longer?”
Jin Chao lowered his lashes, his tone teasing. “So eager to stay with me?”Jiang Mu was truly mortified this time. She turned her back and said, "Did you have to say it out loud? Do I not deserve to save face?"
The corners of Jin Chao's eyes curved as he straightened up and said to her, "Let's go, we'll talk on the way."
He drove a car from the dealership to take Jiang Mu back to Jin Qiang's house. Along the way, Jiang Mu's emotions were surging, and she couldn't help but ask, "So what have you found out so far?"
Jin Chao raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone admonishing, "Haven't you considered that what you're inquiring about is classified information?"
Jiang Mu reflexively covered her mouth, looking both fearful and intensely curious.
Jin Chao kept his eyes on the road but seemed to notice her small gesture. He chuckled softly and said, "This street racing alliance has a ranking system that records each person's race appearances, placements, and bounties in detail. Officer Lu and the others suspect this ranking is linked to a criminal syndicate. In such a massive transnational smuggling case, there are people working at the top, and there must be people on the ground to handle the goods. Those pulling the strings behind the scenes wouldn't easily distribute the goods. The street racing organization is just a front, using races to cultivate or observe suitable people for this business."
"It also involves a rather complex risk classification system. For instance, some goods can be distributed through local influential bosses like Wan Sheng Bang, but riskier shipments require individual runners. If they get caught, it's easier to cut ties without sacrificing major local players. That's why the anti-smuggling units always come up empty."
"But not everyone has the nerve or courage for this business. Those higher in the rankings are more likely to be noticed because they share common traits—they're bold, reckless, and desperate for money."
Jiang Mu became increasingly engrossed, unconsciously leaning closer to Jin Chao. "So that's why you've been competing in race after race?"
Jin Chao glanced down at her. "I don't have Wan Sheng Bang's extensive network. For me, racing is the quickest way to get noticed. Before the New Year, their suspicions were confirmed—someone contacted me to move a shipment. At first, it was just a test run with me. The contact would arrange the buyers, and I'd handle the delivery. Back and forth, the quantities kept growing."
Jiang Mu suddenly frowned as she remembered something. "During New Year's at Wuyin Temple, what did that man mean when he said you were planning to take over the West Pass business?"
"That man is He Zhang. He works closely with Wan Sheng Bang, handling this side of the business. His nephew, Wan Da Yong, is now working with He Zhang too. They've teamed up in their greed. It's because Wan Sheng Bang had a slip-up before the New Year that someone contacted me to test a shipment. Unexpectedly, my operations went smoother and smoother. Now, Wan Sheng Bang and I are openly clashing over control of the West Pass."
Jiang Mu recalled the day Wan Qing had approached her and asked, "Were they trying to sabotage your shipment that time?"
Jin Chao sighed and rolled down the window. The breeze from outside drifted in, and his voice seemed to scatter with the wind, so faint that Jiang Mu found it unreal.
"Losing that shipment did affect my credibility within the Alliance, but everyone knows what really happened. To wreck my car so thoroughly in such a short time—only someone in the same line of work could have that kind of capability.""Once the conflict between me and Wan Sheng Bang starts affecting the alliance's business, there has to be a solution. From a broader interest perspective, those people won't just stand by and watch us fight among ourselves."
Jiang Mu grew increasingly tense: "What kind of solution?"
Jin Chao patted the steering wheel: "The most traditional approach."
Jiang Mu seemed to have guessed something, but the sheer amount of information overwhelming her left her momentarily stunned. She heard Jin Chao continue: "Wan Sheng Bang also knows that once our issues are brought into the open, someone will inevitably step in and demand we resolve it cleanly. The current problem is the ownership of Xikou Pass. Only by securing this can I potentially access higher-level connections. So according to convention, if we can't reach an agreement privately, the most traditional solution is to settle it with a car race. The loser can no longer interfere with the other party's goods—that's the rule."
Jiang Mu gradually understood: "No wonder they destroyed your car while ruining the goods. Are they cutting off your escape route?"
Jin Chao didn't speak, merely curling the corner of his mouth—everything was already self-evident.
Jiang Mu straightened up from her seat and asked: "When? I mean, when will you settle this with his people?"
"Mid-month."
"Can the car be repaired?"
Jin Chao remained silent, parking the car at the entrance of the residential area before turning to Jiang Mu: "We're here."
But Jiang Mu was reluctant to get out. She turned sideways, staring intently at him: "I promised you I'd focus on the college entrance exams and not let this affect me, but you have to be honest with me. I need to know what's really going on."
Jin Chao looked into her anxious eyes, pondering for half a minute before getting out of the car, lighting a cigarette, and telling her the truth.
The car needed complete restoration, both externally and internally. The modifications required were too extensive, and Feichi's hardware wasn't capable of such transformations. Most repair shops in Tonggang had explicitly refused to take on the job. Acquiring the necessary equipment and tools would require substantial investment. The destruction of the last shipment had already dealt Jin Chao a heavy blow. Even if he tried to set up his own repair shop with modification capabilities, he lacked the funds, and time wasn't on his side.
Additionally, the parts needed for the modifications—whether it was the V6 twin-turbo engine, second-generation wide-body kit, or components for the intake, turbo, full exhaust system, suspension, and shock absorbers—couldn't be fully sourced.
Wan Sheng Bang's people had clearly blocked his avenues in advance. Everyone in Tonggang's business chain, from repair shops to parts suppliers, was taking sides. Helping Jin Chao would mean cutting off Wan Sheng Bang's revenue streams. Old Man Wan had entrenched his influence in Tonggang for decades, and no one dared to challenge him lightly.
Jiang Mu never expected things to be this dire. She got out of the car and asked: "Can't we seek Officer Lu's help? Maybe he can get you a car that can race?"
Jin Chao shook his head: "No. The cars he has are all confiscated. If they reappear on the market, their origins would raise suspicions."
Jiang Mu said anxiously: "Is there no other way?"
Jin Chao simply smoked quietly, his brow deeply furrowed: "I've asked someone to source parts from out of town, but I still need to find a repair shop willing to take the job."
Jiang Mu paced back and forth in frustration: "What if—I mean, what if—it can't be repaired? What then?"Jin Chao tilted his head and exhaled smoke from his lungs, replying, "Then just grab any car and drive over."
Although Jiang Mu didn't understand cars, she had witnessed the speed of those vehicles last time. If Jin Chao took a factory-standard car, its performance would inevitably lag behind those modified sports cars. Even with his exceptional skills and steady driving, he wouldn't have an advantage.
Jiang Mu stopped walking and stood before him, worried. "Isn't there any other way to resolve this? Do you really have to go?"
Jin Chao retorted, "What other way? Sit down for tea and negotiations with Wan Sheng Bang?"
A faint, mocking smile curled at the corner of his lips. "If it were just about business, there'd be room to talk. But my goal isn't to make money selling goods. To settle this privately, either he compromises or I do. Do you think he'd ever compromise? If he backs down, he loses decades of prestige in Tonggang. If I back down, I'll carry this criminal record for life."
He crushed the cigarette butt fiercely, lowering his gaze to fix Jiang Mu with an intense stare. "Do you think Wan Sheng Bang has no blood on his hands? Do you think their racing organization is clean? How many drag racing accidents have been brushed off as ordinary crashes?"
"Cars imported through shady channels may look new on the outside, but many have refurbished parts from scrapped vehicles. When accidents happen, no one takes responsibility."
"The person who got into trouble because of me back then—it was because Wan Dayong swapped in faulty parts using this method. Should I stand by and watch more people fall into their dirty hands?"
"I could move forward and let the past go, but then I'd have to keep my head down forever, branded a murderer by everyone who knows me. Even if I leave Tonggang, this record would follow me like a shadow—inescapable."
"I lost my chance at the college entrance exam, spent half a year in jail, and lived like a ghost for four years after my release. Should I continue like this for the rest of my life?"
A fierce, unyielding intensity flashed in Jin Chao's eyes as he told Jiang Mu, word by word, "This is my only chance to overturn the case."
Hearing those words, Jiang Mu's soul trembled. She couldn't utter another sound.
After entering the residential complex, her mind was in turmoil. It felt like an unreal night. She had been in Tonggang, by Jin Chao's side, for over half a year. He had always seemed like a diligent mechanic, routinely managing a small auto shop, with a few close brothers, occasionally drinking and grilling skewers—no different from any ordinary person.
But tonight, Jin Chao had revealed his truest self—a side Jiang Mu could never have imagined. Beneath that seemingly indifferent exterior lay an unyielding resolve, an identity she thought only existed in old Hong Kong dramas or blockbuster films.
Special, mysterious, dangerous—it all felt like a dream to Jiang Mu.
She didn't return to Jin Qiang's home immediately. Instead, she found a seat on a fitness equipment downstairs. She needed to think, to digest everything Jin Chao had told her.Put yourself in her shoes—could she swallow this injustice? Knowing full well she had been set up as the scapegoat, her future ruined, yet she worked loyally for the real culprit for four years, dedicating herself day after day while facing that hypocritical, repulsive face. In the end, the other party showed not an ounce of remorse, instead continuously suppressing her and pushing her to the brink. What would she do?
In that instant, she seemed to understand Jin Chao’s desperate counterattack. There was no other way out. Even if he wanted to run his auto shop peacefully, Boss Wan would never tolerate him. If they could have coexisted without conflict, the past year wouldn’t have been filled with relentless harassment. His business would suffer, and Jin Chao would be left with no way to survive.
He was not one to willingly be trampled underfoot. In her eyes, Jin Chao had long harbored lofty ambitions—he would not allow himself to be tarnished by dust, nor would he resign himself to bearing the weight of an unjust conviction. Thus, this path was one he was bound to take. Even if fierce tigers lay ahead and hungry wolves pursued from behind, he would press forward without hesitation.
A criminal record—a term even Zhao Meijuan found difficult to utter, a topic Jin Qiang repeatedly evaded, the original sin Jiang Yinghan scorned.
If the case could be overturned, would the obstacles looming between them also dissolve like a taut blade meeting its sheath?
Jiang Mu felt as though her entire body were ablaze, a great flame swirling in her mind, setting her blood boiling with fervor.
...
After seeing Jiang Mu home, Jin Chao drove back to the auto shop. He had barely sat down for more than ten minutes when the rolling shutter of the shop was suddenly pounded with deafening force.
Frowning, he turned and walked back to the repair bay. Pulling up the shutter, he found Jiang Mu standing before him, breathless and flushed. Jin Chao looked at her in astonishment: "Didn't I just take you home? Why are you here again?"
Gripping his sleeve excitedly, Jiang Mu declared, "I have a plan. Come with me to a place."
Author's Note: Today's update combines two chapters into one extra-long installment.
Note: "久有凌云志" is a quote from Chairman Mao, meaning "to have harbored lofty ambitions since youth.""
Gratitude:
Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or irrigated the story with nutrient solutions between 2021-09-28 14:22:32 and 2021-09-29 16:22:40.
Special thanks for the hand grenades: 17444142, Language Master (1 each).
For the landmines: "Dazzling" (12), 47253517, Tiger Tooth Sister Rong Xiaorong, 45671851, Little Little, Takayasan, Jiji (1 each).
For the nutrient solutions: Between the eyebrows and the heart, TsezukiMoi (15 bottles); Dreaming on the other side, Gentle waves and clear breeze, Wandering fish, Life as if seen for the first time, Ning's smile, Evening (10 bottles); Summer fire? (6 bottles); Snowy Flying Bird (5 bottles); Warmth (4 bottles); Specially Pampered Witch (3 bottles); You (2 bottles); Yi Man, Wooden Brain Shell (1 bottle).
My heartfelt thanks for your support—I will continue to strive!
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