Husband, Let Me Touch Your Abs - Chapter 89

Chapter 89

 

In the dim woodshed, Xiaonian and Xiaodou huddled together, trembling.

 

“Big sister, what are we going to do?”

 

“Don’t… don’t be afraid. Big brother and sister-in-law will definitely come to save us…” It was all her fault. If she hadn’t bought that stupid rabbit cage, they wouldn’t have run into the kidnappers. Who knows where she and her brother would end up being sold…

 

The more Xiaonian thought about it, the worse she felt. Covering her face, she couldn’t help but sob.

 

Seeing her cry, Xiaodou also burst into tears. If he hadn’t insisted on buying the rabbit, they wouldn’t be locked up here. The two children clung to each other, crying their hearts out.

 

“Stop crying, or you’ll get beaten.”

 

A voice suddenly came from the corner, startling them into screaming and shrinking against the wall.

 

“Don’t be scared. I’m not a bad person. I was caught by them too.”

 

Through the light filtering in through the cracks in the door, they saw a boy about their age sitting in the corner. He was thin, wearing tattered clothes, with messy hair covering his face, making it almost impossible to see what he looked like.

 

His leg seemed injured, as he struggled to move closer to them and asked, “Where are you from? How did you end up here?”

 

Having been deceived once, Xiaonian and Xiaodou didn’t dare to trust anyone easily. They stared at the boy warily with tense faces.

 

“I really mean no harm. Look at my leg—it was beaten by those people outside. It’s probably broken and hasn’t gotten better for days.”

 

As he spoke, he rolled up his pants to show his injured leg, covered in bruises and purple marks that looked particularly horrifying.

 

Xiaodou trembled and clung tightly to his sister, too scared to look.

 

Xiaonian, however, managed to calm down slightly and asked in a low voice, “Were you tricked into coming here too?”

 

“No, my dad sold me. At first, he sold me to a human trafficker, but I kept running away, so that fat woman sent me here instead.”

 

The “fat woman” he mentioned was known as Aunt Lan, a well-known human trafficker in Pingzhou. On the surface, she ran a legitimate business, but secretly she was involved in all kinds of shady activities, including kidnapping children. The children she abducted were secretly sent to Sun Mazi to be sold elsewhere, avoiding public sales to avoid getting caught.

 

“Why did your dad sell you?”

 

The boy let out a bitter laugh. “Because we’re poor. My family has three older brothers, all needing money to get married, so they sold me instead.”

 

“Judging by your clothes, you weren’t sold, were you?”

 

Xiaonian shook her head. “My brother and I were wandering around the western market when that fat woman tricked us…” She couldn’t help but tear up again as she recounted the events.

 

The boy didn’t know how to comfort her and sighed softly. “Stop crying. They probably won’t sell you immediately. Local kids aren’t sold in Pingzhou directly because if your family finds you, they’ll report it to the authorities, and these people will be in trouble. If your family can find you within three to five days, you should be fine. But if not, they’ll sell you elsewhere.”

 

The siblings burst into tears again at his words.

 

The boy winced at their wailing. “If you keep crying, you’ll really get beaten.”

 

Almost as if on cue, the wooden door banged loudly. “Shut up, damn it! Cry again, and I’ll feed you to the dogs!”

 

Frightened, Xiaonian and Xiaodou immediately clamped their mouths shut, not daring to make another sound.

 

After a long silence, Xiaodou whispered, “Big sister, will Big Brother and Sister-in-law find us?”

 

Xiaonian bit her lip, choking back her tears. “They will. They definitely will.”

 

—

 

As night fell, Lu Yao rushed back to the restaurant after searching the western market in vain.

 

“Beichuan, something’s wrong. Xiaonian and Xiaodou are missing!”

 

“What?!” Zhao Beichuan, who was about to close up shop, turned pale. “You couldn’t find them?”

 

“I’ve searched everywhere I could,” Lu Yao said, trembling and barely holding back tears.

 

“Don’t panic yet. Let’s check if they went home first.”

 

The two locked up the shop and ran back home, only to find the door locked. Their hearts sank.

 

“What do we do now?” Lu Yao could no longer hold back and burst into tears.

 

Zhao Beichuan’s chest tightened. “We’ll report it to the authorities. If that doesn’t work, I’ll go to the barracks to ask General Liang and Captain Ge for help.”

 

They hurried to the yamen, but it was late, and the gatekeepers waved them off. “Come back tomorrow if you have something urgent.”

 

Lu Yao pleaded anxiously, “Our children are missing. Please help us!”

 

“It’s already dark. Even if we wanted to help, it’d be hard to search now. Come back tomorrow morning.”

 

Lu Yao was about to protest, but Zhao Beichuan pulled him away. Making a scene might land them in trouble for disrespecting the officials, delaying things further.

 

Frustrated, Lu Yao exclaimed, “How can they be so heartless? This is a matter of life and death!”

 

“Don’t lose hope, Lu Yao. I’ll go to the barracks and ask Captain Ge for help.”

 

When they arrived at the barracks, they found that most of the soldiers were already resting. Zhao Beichuan showed the copper badge General Liang had given him. A guard said, “It’s too late; General Liang has gone home. If it’s urgent, you’ll have to find him at his residence.”

 

But they didn’t know where General Liang lived. Even if they did, it was unlikely he’d come out to help so late at night.

 

Lu Yao forced himself to stay calm despite his overwhelming guilt and sorrow.

 

“Let’s go back to the shop.”

 

At the restaurant, Lu Yao started piecing things together. The children were last seen around noon at the western market, meaning they had only been missing for half a day.

 

Given the strict checks on carts entering and exiting the city, it would be difficult to smuggle out two children so quickly. Xiaonian and Xiaodou were likely still in the city—for now. But if they didn’t act quickly, the children might be sold elsewhere in a day or two.

 

Their best chance was to find help. Being unfamiliar with the city, searching for the children on their own was like finding a needle in a haystack.

 

Lu Yao clenched his fists, the pain of regret and guilt tearing at him. If only he hadn’t given them that coin to go out and play. He’d thought Pingzhou was safe but had forgotten that this was still ancient times, and the western market was full of all sorts of people.

 

Zhao Beichuan’s eyes were red as he stared blankly at the ceiling. His siblings were his only family. If anything happened to them, how could he face their parents in the afterlife?

 

Suddenly, someone walked by the shop and peeked inside. “Still open at this hour?”

 

Lu Yao froze. “F-Fifth Master?!”

 

Cao Fifth Master, hands tucked into his sleeves, replied with a nod. “Just came back from drinking at Quanfu Tavern. Saw your shop still lit up and thought I’d check in. What’s going on with you two?”

 

“Fifth Master, please help us!” Lu Yao couldn’t hold back and fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face.

 

Cao hurriedly helped him up. “Hey now, what’s this about?”

 

Zhao Beichuan choked out, “Our sister and brother went missing in the western market today.”

 

“How could two kids go missing like that? Could they have been kidnapped?”

 

Lu Yao bit his lip and nodded reluctantly. “We reported it to the authorities, but they told us to come back tomorrow. We’re afraid it’ll be too late…”

 

“Tch, reporting it to the authorities is useless. Those people are only good at collecting their wages and doing nothing.”

 

Lu Yao tried to kneel again. “Fifth Master, we beg you to help us.”

 

“Alright, alright, get up. I’ll help you ask around.”

 

They had come to the right person. Cao was well-connected, with friends on both sides of the law. He was also known for his loyalty and willingness to help once he promised to do so.

 

“You two wait at the shop. I’ll head home and send my boys out to look.”

 

Lu Yao nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Fifth Master.”

 

“Don’t mention it. Your little ones are so well-behaved. It’d be a shame if something happened to them.”

 

Lu Yao covered his mouth, trying not to cry again.

 

Cao hurried home and immediately called his servants. “Go to the alley behind the market and find a few people. Tell them Cao Wu has an urgent matter to discuss.”

 

The servants nodded and ran off with lanterns.

 

“Be quick about it. Don’t waste any time. If they’re not in the alley, check Tian’s gambling house.”

 

“Got it!” The servants dashed out.

 

Hearing the commotion, Cao’s wife came out of the back courtyard. “What’s going on?”

 

“A friend’s children went missing. They asked me to help find them.”

 

“Oh dear, how old are the children? How could they go missing like that?”

 

Cao Wu pulled his wife into the house and drank a cup of tea. “The children are sensible; they were probably abducted by traffickers. They only went missing today, so they’re likely still in the city. I’ll see if I can help find them.”

 

“You know the family,” his wife said. “They’re the ones who brought us food from their eatery on your birthday.”

 

Cao’s wife replied, “I remember them. Their fish dishes were good. Go help them. Losing a child must be so distressing.”

 

Before long, a servant brought back a few people. These were the leaders of the biggest gangs in Pingzhou, who were on good terms with Master Cao Wu. Naturally, they genuinely offered their help when called upon.

 

Master Cao Wu explained the missing child situation from the Lu family eatery. Huang Yazi, the leader, froze for a moment. “Master Wu, you mean the Lu family eatery at Ma Zadao?”

 

“Yes, that’s the one.”

 

“Alright, leave this to me! I’ll make sure to find the child for you.”

 

The others didn’t know the full story, but Huang Yazi’s men understood. The last time they were paid by Yazhaju to stir up trouble at the Lu family eatery, they happened to encounter a military officer who backed the eatery.

 

Not only did Manager Lu not report them, but he also spoke on their behalf. Although Huang Yazi was a hooligan, he knew how to repay kindness, so he took this matter seriously.

 

Master Cao Wu said, “I’ll count on you, gentlemen. Whether or not you find the child, I’ll treat you all to drinks.”

 

“Master Wu, you’re too kind.”

 

The group wasted no time and dispersed to gather information, seeking anyone who might know who abducted children recently.

 

—

 

Meanwhile, Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan remained at the eatery, waiting for news.

 

Lu Yao’s eyes were swollen from crying as he leaned on Zhao Beichuan’s shoulder, his usual vigor gone.

 

About an hour later, Cao’s servant ran over to deliver a message. “Manager Lu, our master has already arranged for people to help search for the child. There should be news tomorrow. He asks you both to go home and rest for now.”

 

Lu Yao quickly pulled out a string of coins and handed it over. “Thank you, brother. I appreciate you coming all this way so late.”

 

“Oh no, no, if my master knew I accepted your money, he’d kill me,” the servant said, turning and running off.

 

Speaking of Master Cao Wu, one had to mention his family background.

 

At first, Lu Yao only thought he was a wealthy merchant. Later, he learned that the Cao family was extraordinary. Master Cao Wu’s father had been a second-rank official in the previous dynasty.

 

After the old master passed away, the family divided their inheritance. Being the youngest, he voluntarily returned to Pingzhou to guard the ancestral home.

 

His brothers gave him plenty of fields and properties. A quarter of the shops on Changxing Street belonged to the Cao family. Just from collecting rent, he could live comfortably for a lifetime. So, in the city, those with status respectfully called him “Master Wu.”

 

With such a powerful figure involved, Lu Yao felt that Xiaonian and Xiaodou would surely be safe.

 

The two extinguished the candles, locked the shop, and trudged home. Pushing open the door to the cold, empty house, Lu Yao let out a long sigh.

 

If they couldn’t find the children, there would be no point in keeping the shop open. He’d carry this guilt for the rest of his life.

 

Zhao Beichuan silently lit the lamp and spread out the bedding. Neither of them could sleep, sitting through the night.

 

—

 

“Douzi, wake up… Douzi…”

 

Xiaodou suddenly opened his eyes to see his sister quietly waking him.

 

“Sis…”

 

“Shh, don’t make a sound. I just heard someone talking outside. Get up and listen with me. Maybe it’s our big brother coming to find us.”

 

Xiaodou pricked up his ears, and the two of them crouched behind the wooden door, eavesdropping.

 

“Huang, what brings you here?”

 

“I’m here to ask something. Did you take two kids yesterday?”

 

“No,” Sun Mazi feigned ignorance. He was a sly character who only cared about money.

 

Huang Yazi knew his tricks and didn’t believe him. “I’m warning you ahead of time. These two kids have a strong background. Their elder brother is connected to Lieutenant Liang from the military.”

 

Sun Mazi kept smiling. “What does that have to do with me? I haven’t done anything in a long time. Don’t slander me.”

 

“It’d better not be you. If you get caught…” Huang Yazi gave him a look he’d understand. Ordinary people didn’t cross paths with officials, and criminals like them avoided the authorities even more.

 

At this, Sun Mazi began to panic and cursed Lan Yi silently. That foolish woman had to abduct these two troublesome kids! What bad luck!

 

“Still, if these kids can be safely returned, their family probably won’t pursue the matter. Their manager is a reasonable man,” Huang Yazi said, recounting how Manager Lu had stood up for them before.

 

After speaking, he noticed Sun Mazi’s thoughtful expression and guessed that the kids were likely in his hands. But he didn’t press the issue, pretending not to know.

 

“If they’re not here, then never mind. I’ll keep looking. Master Wu entrusted me with this, and I intend to handle it well.”

 

Sun Mazi stopped him. “Hey, wait. What does this have to do with Master Cao Wu?”

 

“I don’t know. We were asked to look into it. Maybe the families are related.”

 

Sun Mazi pondered. “Alright, I’ll help you ask around. If I see kids about the right age, I’ll let you know.”

 

“Fine, I’ll be going then.” Huang Yazi left without revealing that he suspected the kids were there. He headed straight for the Lu family eatery.

 

—

 

At dawn, Zhao Beichuan and Lu Yao first went to the authorities to report the missing children.

 

The officer merely noted the children’s names, ages, and descriptions before telling them to go home and wait.

 

Lu Yao anxiously asked a few more questions, only for the officer to glare at him. “The office is busy with numerous cases daily. We’ll search when we have time. If you’re so worried, go look for them yourself. Stop asking so many questions!”

 

Zhao Beichuan quickly pulled him away. Outside, Lu Yao was so angry he nearly fainted. He hated this corrupt feudal society more than ever.

 

In modern times, if a child went missing, the police would help search, or you could at least post missing person notices online. Anything was better than waiting helplessly.

 

Zhao Beichuan wiped his sweat. “Go back to the shop and wait. I’ll visit the military again. If Master Wu has any news, they’ll come to the shop to find us.”

 

There was no other option, so Lu Yao nodded.

 

As soon as the shop opened, a customer came to buy cold noodles. Lu Yao listlessly said, “Sorry, we’re closed today. There’s been an issue at home.”

 

“Alright, I’ll come back in a few days.”

 

After sending off the customer, Lu Yao sat behind the counter, staring blankly at the ledger. Beside it were Xiaonian’s scribbles imitating his handwriting. Tears began to flow uncontrollably again.

 

He couldn’t bear to think about what would happen to Xiaonian if they couldn’t find him…

 

Bang! Bang! Bang! Someone knocked urgently on the door.

 

Lu Yao wiped his tears and looked up. “Sorry, we’re closed today.”

 

“I’m not here to eat. Manager, I know where your kids are!”

 

Lu Yao jumped to his feet, accidentally knocking over the chair behind him. “What did you say?”

 

Huang Yazi said, “Master Wu asked us to help yesterday. Early this morning, I checked several brokers but didn’t see your kids. Then I remembered a hooligan who often sells abducted kids. I went to test him.”

 

“The kids are with him?”

 

“Very likely. When I mentioned your connection to the military, he turned pale. He’s probably scared.”

 

Lu Yao dropped to his knees, overwhelmed. “Thank you, thank you!”

 

Huang Yazi awkwardly avoided him. “Don’t thank me. You helped us last time.”

 

Only then did Lu Yao recognize him as the leader of the gang that had caused trouble before.

 

“Where is this person? Can you take me to them?”

 

“You can’t go alone. There are several of them. Where’s your husband?”

 

Just then, Zhao Beichuan rushed back, accompanied by a centurion and over twenty soldiers. They had been ordered by Lieutenant Liang to ensure the children were found.

 

Seeing Huang Yazi, Zhao Beichuan immediately stormed forward, shouting, “What are you doing here again?”

 

“Beichuan, don’t hit him!” Lu Yao stopped him. “He’s here to help us find the kids!”

 

Huang Yazi nodded repeatedly, intimidated by the soldiers behind Zhao Beichuan. He dared not act tough.

 

“Does he know where the kids are?”

 

Lu Yao explained what Huang Yazi had just said. “We can’t waste time. Let’s go!”

 

Huang Yazi led them to the alleyway but stopped before entering. “It’s the wooden door on the left at the end of the alley. Please don’t say I told you.”

 

In their line of work, secrets were currency. If word got out that Huang Yazi had cooperated with officials, his reputation and livelihood would be ruined.

 

Zhao Beichuan nodded, thanked him, and hurried into the alley with Lu Yao.

 

The soldiers, disciplined and efficient, followed closely. Soon, they reached the house Huang Yazi had mentioned.

 

Lu Yao stepped forward and knocked. “Is anyone home?”

 

Soon, they heard Sun Mazi’s grumpy voice from inside. “Who is it? Who the hell is bothering me again?”