Chapter 450

The winter in the southern Chongqing region was damp and cold.

A light drizzle was falling as the high-speed train arrived.

Sophia Sullivan and her two companions had just stepped off the train when a cold wind blew into their collars.

The chill seeped into their bones.

Hannah Morse wrapped her scarf tighter, tucked her chin in, and shoved her hands into her pockets, looking like a plump little quail.

"Sophia, let's hurry. This platform is so drafty."

Her breath formed white puffs in the air.

Sophia nodded. "Let's get out of the station first."

The small county station was spacious and quiet.

There were no crowds, only a few scattered travelers.

"I asked. The bus to town runs every fifty minutes. The last one just left."

Marcus Lawrence stated calmly, "If we want to get to town today, our only options are a private minivan or hiring a car."

Sophia asked, "What's a hired car?"

"Private cars that take passengers," Marcus added. "Also privately operated."

Sophia glanced at the sky. "It's getting dark. Should we stay in the county tonight and leave tomorrow morning?"

Hannah nodded vigorously. "Agreed! It's safer during the day."

Marcus said, "I have no objections."

It was already eight PM by the time the three checked into a small hotel.

The streets were silent, the night heavy.

Hannah pushed open the window. Only a few grocery stores and barbecue stalls had their lights on.

"Sophia... it's so quiet here... it's a bit scary..."

She rubbed her arms.

Sophia handed her a prepared cup of instant noodles. "This is all we have."

They had originally planned to go downstairs for barbecue.

But seeing the vendor wipe raw meat with the same rag used for the grill instantly killed their appetite.

Hannah sniffed. "It smells so good~"

Sophia chuckled. "That's not like you."

"What do you mean?"

"You're so picky about food. You actually think instant noodles smell good?"

"Hehe, I'm just hungry~"

She began eating hungrily.

A sudden knock sounded at the door.

Hannah paused. "Who is it?"

"It's me."

Marcus's voice.

Sophia opened the door. Marcus stood there, eating noodles with a plastic fork.

He asked, "Did you guys find the heater switch?"

Sophia: "?"

Hannah: "?"

Two confused faces.

Marcus stopped chewing. "Is... there a problem?"

Hannah said, exasperated, "Dude, this is the south. There's no central heating."

Marcus was stunned. "It's this cold... and no heating?"

Hannah smiled sweetly. "That's right~"

This shabby little hotel didn't even have working air conditioning.

So pathetic.

She had never stayed in such a terrible place.

That night, the three finished their instant noodles and went to bed early.

The next morning, they boarded the first bus, the 516.

But...

The bus was packed!

Mostly with elderly people.

Baskets and carrying poles were piled everywhere, filled with fresh vegetables and local produce.

Hannah was dumbfounded. "Why are there so many people?"

The three were immediately pushed into the middle of the bus.

Baskets were at their feet, standing elderly people pressed close beside them.

So close they could smell what the others had for breakfast.

"Sophia, I'm scared..."

Tears welled in Hannah's eyes as she looked for Sophia.

But her gaze met Marcus's instead.

Sophia had been pushed further back.

Their eyes met. One was about to cry, the other was stunned.

"You..."

"Marcus, I'm scared..."

A corner of Marcus's heart softened.

"Come closer, over here..." He tried to make some space.

Hannah immediately moved closer.

"Why are all these people crowding the bus so early?"

"Probably for the market."

The vegetables in the baskets were meant for selling.

Most were likely from rural areas.

Suddenly, someone shoved Hannah from behind, sending her stumbling forward.

Marcus's expression changed. He caught her against his chest.

Preventing her head from hitting a seat.

"Are you okay?" He helped her up, checking on her anxiously.

Hannah's face flushed red. "Marcus... I can't breathe..."

Marcus immediately pulled open a window.

Cold air rushed in.

"What are you doing? It's freezing! Why open the window?"

"Exactly! The wind is giving me a headache!"

"Close it! Close it now!"

Marcus's voice turned low and firm. "My friend is having trouble breathing. She needs the window open. Please understand."

"Trouble breathing... she's just making a fuss..."

"If you're fat, don't squeeze onto the bus. You take up space and make demands..."

"Exactly! We're a bus full of elderly people. If we catch a cold, will you pay for it?"

The chorus of complaints made Hannah bow her head in shame.

Marcus patted her lightly, signaling her not to be afraid.

He said loudly—

"Your comfort is your business. My friend needs the window open. Is there a problem? Not everyone is as unreasonable as you!"

"Who says overweight people can't ride the bus? We bought tickets. Your baskets and poles are taking up space. Did you buy tickets for them?"

No one spoke.

The driver glanced at Marcus in the rearview mirror.

Someone muttered under their breath, "Young people these days are so mouthy..."

Marcus remained expressionless.

With fresh air, Hannah gradually recovered.

She looked at Marcus with admiration—

"Oh my god! Marcus, you were so cool just now!"

Marcus's ears, which hadn't reddened during the argument, now turned bright red.

He felt a little embarrassed.