Chapter 100: Provoking a Demon

After Han Guoqiang and Chu Ling were sent to the town health clinic, the doctors provided emergency treatment and then arranged for an ambulance to take them to the county hospital. Their injuries were far too severe—particularly Han Guoqiang, who was barely clinging to life by a single breath. The clinic's limited resources could only stabilize them enough for transfer to a larger hospital.

When Chu Ling regained consciousness, it was already noon the next day. The nurse watching over her saw she had awakened and a look of pity flickered in her eyes.

"Comrade, you’re awake. Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?"

"My husband—how is he?" Chu Ling’s first words were of concern for Han Guoqiang.

Hearing this, the nurse comforted her, "Comrade Han Guoqiang was saved. He’s still in the intensive care unit, but it seems he’ll soon be out of danger."

"That’s good," Chu Ling replied, her voice hoarse and weak.

She closed her eyes in exhaustion, a single tear slowly sliding from the corner of her eye. Seeing her in such distress, the nurse sighed gently. "Rest well. I’ll check on you later."

Once alone, Chu Ling could no longer hold back and began to sob. The torment she endured in the cave yesterday was a nightmare that would haunt her for life. She couldn’t understand why fate had treated her so cruelly. She had been reborn, and everything seemed so beautiful, so full of hope. Yet, in an instant, it had all been destroyed. Why? Why?

Covering her face, Chu Ling’s crying grew more desperate. Suddenly, the delicate, pretty face of Lin Xiaodou flashed through her mind. It seemed that ever since she decided to take action against Lin Xiaodou, trouble had followed her relentlessly.

So... could all of this be Lin Xiaodou’s revenge?

If that were true, then that woman was terrifying.

Chu Ling felt cold all over, trembling uncontrollably. Her only support, Guoqiang, had now been ruined. How could she go on living?

---

The town’s police station had been in utter chaos these past few days. First, Blackstone Village’s Chen Guang and Han Guoqiang, along with others, were beaten without cause one night. Then a group of women came forward, reporting a criminal gang involved in human trafficking. Soon after, several ruthless men kidnapped Han Guoqiang and Chu Ling, subjecting them to unspeakable torment.

Although it was confirmed that those men were linked to the trafficking gang, nobody could figure out why they specifically targeted Han Guoqiang for revenge.

Han Guoqiang clearly didn’t know them.

What was even more shocking was that these criminals, infamous for their wicked deeds, had all died horribly. According to the rescued women and Chu Ling’s testimony, a hero had saved them, killing the criminals. No one could describe what this hero looked like, and the case became a mystery.

The investigation was too complicated for the local police, so their superiors sent several special officers from the county to assist. Yet, after half a month, there were still no clues. The so-called hero had vanished without a trace.

At the police station, Xiao Jingyao’s face was grim as he instructed his team, "Keep watching the women who returned to town, and also keep an eye on Comrade Chu. That person might turn up again."

A young officer nearby, somewhat puzzled, asked, "Captain, those criminals are dead—why are we wasting time looking for the hero? Shouldn't we just report back?"

Another nodded in agreement. "Yes, I think what he did was right. He killed people, but only beasts."

"Enough! Never speak like that again," Xiao Jingyao’s handsome face was icy as he swept his gaze over them. "No one has the right to take another’s life. If someone commits a crime, the law should judge them. If everyone acted like this, the country would descend into chaos. Look at the uniforms you’re wearing, and recall what you just said—aren’t you ashamed?"

At those words, everyone hung their heads in shame. Though they all privately felt the hero had acted rightly, from the standpoint of public servants, the hero’s actions were outrageous. Nearly twenty people had been killed; it was a major case, and no wonder the captain was angry.

Seeing everyone fall silent, Xiao Jingyao softened his tone. "Alright, get to work. Be sure to report anything promptly—don’t act alone."

They all nodded. "Yes, Captain!"

---

While the police continued their investigation, Han Guoqiang had been discharged from the hospital. His resilience was remarkable. In just twenty days, he had moved from intensive care to a regular ward, and now he could walk again. Seeing his recovery and at his insistence, the doctors allowed him to leave.

The brigade leader and Old Li came by ox cart to collect him from the clinic. When they saw him, the brigade leader was stunned.

In just twenty days, Han Guoqiang and Chu Ling had changed beyond recognition.

Han Guoqiang had once been robust and muscular, radiating strength. Now he was so frail it seemed a breeze could blow him away. His gaze was dark and brooding, with shadows under his eyes, and he seemed impatient with everyone. He was nothing like the cheerful, honest country man he had been.

As for Chu Ling, she had once been a delicate, exquisitely dressed beauty. Now she was disheveled, her face pale as a ghost, her former allure completely gone.

Recalling what they’d been through, the brigade leader sighed. "Let’s go. We should hurry back. Rest well on the cart."

"Mm," Han Guoqiang replied, not even greeting them, just climbing onto the ox cart.

Chu Ling followed, moving cautiously as if afraid of something.

"Move over," Han Guoqiang said quietly, glancing at her.

Chu Ling flinched, obediently scooting over.

She had stayed in the county hospital to care for Han Guoqiang these past days. At first, he was lost in the pain of losing his manhood and did nothing to her. Ten days later, once he regained mobility, he began to torment her—not only beating and berating her, but forcing himself on her. Yet he could not complete the act, for he was no longer whole. When frustrated, he would bite her neck viciously, calling her a used-up slut.

Chu Ling was deeply aggrieved, but could only cover her mouth and cry quietly.

No one could help her. Her family, having learned of her situation, sent a telegram severing ties. She had nowhere to go and could only remain in the Han household for now. If things became unbearable, she would have to find a chance to seek help from the brigade leader.

Just as she was thinking this, Han Guoqiang suddenly leaned toward her, his breath hot on her neck like a venomous snake.

"Don’t think about running. Serve me well when we get back, or I’ll tell everyone about what you did to Zhang Lian."

Chu Ling’s pupils contracted, her whole body trembling.

"You... what are you saying?"

Only now did Chu Ling realize—her Guoqiang was nothing like the gentle, honest man she remembered. It seemed she had provoked a demon.

.............