"Okay, okay, no problem! We'll definitely get it done," the eldest brother and his wife happily agreed.
Since one of their own had been bullied like this, they had to help and get justice.
They didn't realize that their way of thinking was already changing. In the past, they probably would've told Biyun to just bear it and move on.
"Then your dad and I will just stay at home and not get in your way!" Madam Hua said.
Freya, Brian, and Biyun had discussed privately and decided to keep her being trafficked a secret. Besides the three of them, no one in the family would know.
The more people who know a secret, the less it stays a secret.
Back in this time period, people were too harsh on women. If it got out that Biyun had been sold for half a month, even if nothing had happened to her, her reputation would still be ruined.
After they discussed everything, they all went back to their rooms to sleep. In the afternoon, they went back to the fields to work.
The food at home had been better these days, so everyone was full of energy and worked more efficiently. Except for Fang, even the two little kids were grateful to Freya.
Bang, bang, bang. Freya's door was knocked on.
"Brother, Sister-in-law, Secretary Wang and the others are here!" Sister Xiao's clear voice came from outside.
"Got it, we're coming!" Brian looked at Freya, whose smiling face had instantly turned into a tired one, and laughed lightly.
"Alright, we've been so focused on Sister's situation that I didn't get a chance to ask about the mountain. I'll go hear the news."
"Ugh, fine, I'll come and go back to sleep after talking!" Freya yawned, looking drained.
She hadn't slept well the whole night and was really exhausted.
When the two arrived at the main room, Secretary Wang, Officer Duiz, and Mr. Zhao were already seated, drinking water while they waited.
"You all have too much energy. I'm about to fall over from sleepiness!" Freya saw how energetic they were and couldn't help but be impressed.
"Haha, the harvest this time was huge. I'm too excited to feel sleepy!" Mr. Zhao laughed heartily, clearly in high spirits.
This accomplishment was no small thing. He never imagined that a simple trip to visit his wife's family would turn into such a great opportunity.
"I'm old, don't sleep much anyway, and with Widow Lina locked up in my house, I didn't dare fall asleep, afraid she'd run off. She was just taken away, so I came along to join the fun," Secretary Wang said cheerfully, sipping his water.
He was feeling good, and in his heart, he thought: the Xiao family sure is different now, they even served white sugar water. It was not only sweet and tasty but seemed to refresh him too.
He had no idea that it was actually spiritual spring water poured by Freya. She'd forgotten to take it back to her room, and Sister Xiao had casually used it for the guests. The only decent tea set in the house was the one Freya had brought out from her space.
He was in a great mood too. Helping to catch a spy was a big deal, and at the very least, he'd be getting a banner of honor. In these times, reputation was everything.
"I've been on edge, so I didn't feel sleepy either. We just finished transporting the goods and were about to leave, but I came along with Mr. Zhao to say hello. Brian didn't sleep well out of worry either. But don't worry, Mr. Zhao says your wife is really capable," Officer Duiz teased as he looked at the dark circles under Brian's eyes.
"Yeah, even though I know she knows some martial arts, I couldn't help but worry," Brian said a bit embarrassed, taking a sip of water.
The group glanced around at each other's dark circles and red eyes, then burst out laughing.
"I just came to say, this mission was completed successfully. As Freya said, get ready for promotions and raises. Freya, congratulations. The higher-ups are very pleased with your contribution."
The higher authorities have already started working on your parents' case. At most, in ten days or half a month, the official notice of their rehabilitation will be released!
"And here, this is 500 yuan, my life-saving money!" Mr. Zhao said as he pulled out a wad of bills from his pocket and handed them to Freya, jokingly.
"Oh? Then I won't be polite. After I take the money, we're even. You won't owe me anything anymore." Freya's big eyes lit up instantly. Without any hesitation, she reached out and took the money.
"That won't do. My son and I owe you our lives. That's not something money can repay. It's just that I didn't bring much money on this trip. In the future, our families should visit each other more. Once you and your family return to the capital, my wife and I will visit and properly thank you."
Mr. Zhao said sincerely. He believed this young educated woman, Freya, was not an ordinary person. She was like a dragon stuck in shallow waters for now, but she would soar into the sky someday. He didn't want to lose contact with someone like her.
"Let's just be friends from now on. Don't bring up money and all that!" Brian said with a gentle smile.
However, as he looked at Freya's delighted face and how she quickly tucked the money into her cloth bag without hesitation, he felt a bit pressured. His wife seemed to really like money. It looked like he had to work hard to earn more.
Everyone happily cracked sunflower seeds, munched on peanuts, chatted for a while, then left.
"Finally, I can get a good night's sleep. Brian, let's sleep together. Just look at those dark circles under your eyes, I feel so bad for you." Freya reached out to touch his peach blossom-shaped eyes with concern.
"Alright, let's both get some rest.
You've had a rougher night than I have."
Brian was already used to Freya lifting him onto the bed. Being held by her now didn't make him feel awkward anymore. He responded calmly as she hugged him.
The two of them lay face to face, full of tenderness in their eyes. Their foreheads pressed together as they closed their eyes.
By the time they woke up, it was already evening.
"I need to go to the cowshed tonight to see my parents and tell them the good news.
Then I'll stop by my sister's house. Tell me her exact address. I need to check on those three nieces of mine."
Freya leaned against Brian's chest, eyes closed, lazily talking about her plans.
"You've been working so hard, always handling everything.
I won't go with you to the cowshed. It'll draw too much attention and someone might notice.
As for my sister's house, it's the third house at the intersection of Tongshan Road and Tongbai Road. It'll be dark soon. Make sure you stay safe out there alone."
Brian gently stroked her little head resting on his chest, feeling a deep ache in his heart. Freya had suffered so much because of him.
Even though he heard Mr. Zhao talk about how capable she was, he still couldn't help but feel worried and protective.
"Right, I've been so busy these past few days I forgot to tell you. I know traditional medicine, and I checked your pulse. I can cure your legs. So, if you feel bad about how hard I'm working, then once you're healed, you can pay me back by working like a horse for me."
Freya noticed his downcast mood and remembered his legs.
"Really? But the hospital doctors said there's little hope for my legs." Brian was thrilled but also doubtful.
"When I say I can cure you, I mean it. I guarantee you'll be standing in half a month. Don't doubt me, got it?"
Freya pinched Brian's handsome face, clearly displeased with his suspicion.
"My bad, I believe you. You'd never lie to me. Don't be mad." Brian rubbed his head against Freya's neck, acting spoiled.
"Ah. That tickles. Brian, your hair is so stiff." Freya giggled, trying to dodge him.