Jing Xin smiled and decided to buy the ring. Remembering that the left hand’s ring finger is connected to the heart, she planned to place the ring on Jiang Xiang Yang’s finger that night. She purchased many ingredients and spent over two hours cooking a full table of dishes.
The clock showed 8:30 PM, but Jiang Xiang Yang had not returned home, which was strange as he had been eating with her daily recently.
Jing Xin placed the ring in the wardrobe and noticed several of Jiang Xiang Yang’s clothes were missing. Unease grew—could he be planning to leave? When he asked her to wait for him, was he actually planning to go? Panicked, she called his phone, but it was switched off.
Thinking of San Bao, who might know where he had gone, she carefully dialed his number.
In a noisy background, San Bao answered, “Sister-in-law, what’s up?”
Jing Xin took a deep breath and asked, “Are you with Xiang Yang?”
“Oh, no. I’m out taking care of something,” he replied casually.
Jing Xin mentioned Jiang Xiang Yang’s ID was left at home, tricking San Bao into revealing he would be at the dock around 10 PM.
Driven by desperation, Jing Xin rushed out without a coat, unable to bear the thought of never seeing him again.
At the dock, which was quiet and desolate, only a few people remained. Despite the approaching New Year, there was no festive atmosphere.
“Brother Jiang, why Macau? Why won’t you let us come with you?” West Melon offered a cigarette to Jiang Xiang Yang.
The conversation revealed Jiang Xiang Yang’s plans to develop opportunities in Macau’s gambling industry, with his companions expressing their intention to follow him.
Ruan Hong Ling, with reddened eyes, vowed to find him in Macau, determined to follow him wherever he went.
Jiang Xiangyang extinguished his cigarette: “I appreciate your kindness. Wait until I’m settled, and then you can come over. For now, stay here. The casino won’t be short of people. Go back now; the boat will be here soon.”
His sharp gaze swept across the people in front of him, and no one dared to speak. They obediently started their motorcycles and left, leaving only Dujian and Ruan Hongling waiting on the platform.
