Don't Say You're Heartless (Modern Edition)

39 Skills

"I know. But I have no choice. All these years I served in the military for my country, but when I came home to care for my family, I found myself completely powerless. I don't know anything else— I can only make money this way. As long as I can get my mother treated, I don't care about anything else." As he spoke, Zhu Xuan kept his head lowered. Yang Qiong knew he wasn't truly indifferent. Otherwise, he wouldn't be unable to lift his head.

"Have you tried reaching out to local organizations? They should have some policies to help." Seeing Zhu Xuan, Yang Qiong felt as if she were witnessing a hero's downfall.

Zhu Xuan nodded. "I've tried. They gave me some money, but it wasn't enough to solve the problem." He finally lifted his head. "Yang Qiong, I understand your family situation, so you can't really grasp my pain. One day, when you have someone you care about the most, you'll understand why I'm doing this today. I know it's wrong, but I can't just watch my mother die without trying to save her." Zhu Xuan choked up as he spoke.

This was the first time Yang Qiong had seen this man with tears in his eyes. Even when he had been injured with his intestines exposed, he hadn't flinched. Such a strong man had abandoned the principles he had long upheld for the sake of money. What happened to the vows he took when he enlisted? What happened to the glory of the military flag? Is it us who have changed, or has society changed?

"Your arm should be able to move now, right?"

Zhu Xuan moved his arm and nodded.

"Then you can leave. Don't do this kind of thing again. If they could hire me, they could hire someone else. You won't always be the victor." Yang Qiong stood up and, after a moment of thought, asked, "Do you mind leaving a contact number?"

Zhu Xuan stood up and provided a phone number. "I suggest you leave quickly. The situation here is very complex, and you'd better not get involved. Consider this as my debt to you. I'll repay it when the opportunity arises."

"No need. I don't want to collect this favor from you. Let's just settle everything and move on."

"You've mellowed quite a bit over the years," Zhu Xuan said, genuinely impressed.

"People do change. Whether for better or worse." Yang Qiong's words carried a hint of meaning.

Zhu Xuan understood but didn't elaborate. "If you let me go, how will you explain to Sun Xianghong?"

"It's simple. Just say the matter has been resolved."

"Alright, as long as you're not in trouble. I'm leaving." Zhu Xuan didn't say 'thank you' or any other formalities. They were comrades-in-arms, and such words were unnecessary. All the gratitude was felt internally.

When Sun Xianghong finally received Yang Qiong's call and returned to the villa, Yang Qiong was eating sashimi.

"I saw you had a lot in the fridge, so I just took some out. I hope you don't mind," Yang Qiong said, continuing to eat without slowing down.

Sun Xianghong smiled. "Of course, I don't mind. If Miss Yang likes it, I can have someone prepare more for you to take away."

"No need. Let's get to business. I've handled the matter. That person won't come back."

Sun Xianghong sat across from her. "How did you handle it?"

"Well... that's a trade secret, so I can't disclose it." Yang Qiong finally put down her chopsticks and began to speak seriously.

"So, Miss Yang caught that person?" Sun Xianghong, seeing that direct questioning wasn't working, began to be indirect.

"No. We were evenly matched, so we agreed to a truce." Yang Qiong smiled innocently.