Lin Ran's face darkened—was this for real?
The taxi driver also looked stunned. "You know my son?"
Lin Ran sighed. "I know your mom too."
The driver instantly frowned. "Hey, kid, no need to curse at me. After all, I’ve let you ride for free three times."
Lin Ran quickly clarified, "I’m serious. Your mom, Wang Dahua, and I go way back."
Both the driver and his wife were genuinely shocked now. This young man not only knew their son but also their mother/mother-in-law.
"Who are you?"
"My name’s Lin Ran. Ask your mother if you want to know more."
Lin Ran didn’t want to explain the Lin family drama—just thinking about it disgusted him.
The driver’s eyes widened further. "So you’re the poor kid Mom mentioned! No wonder you’re skipping fares. Lin Tianba isn’t giving you money, is he? That deadbeat dad—if I had the means, I’d have punched him ages ago."Lin Ran hadn’t expected his personal troubles to be known even by Wang Dahua’s family.
His image of her as tight-lipped shattered instantly.
Wang Anjian clung to Lin Ran’s leg. "Brother Lin Ran, will we meet again? Can I come play with you?"
Lin Ran almost agreed but hesitated.
"We’ll definitely meet again, but don’t come looking for me. My family’s… kinda gross."
"Gr…oss?" Wang Anjian tilted his head, confused.
"Brother Lin Ran, if there’s a bad person, just stay away from them! Anjian likes you. You can come play with me instead. If anyone bullies you, I’ll beat them up for you, okay?"
Lin Ran patted his head. At this moment, Wang Anjian was still this world’s little angel.
"Brother has to go find a wife now, so no time to play. Just listen to your parents, grow up a bit more, and I’ll come find you."
Wang Anjian nodded. "Okay."
Then he reached out to stroke Little Black’s head and squished its face. "Little Black Cat, I’ll play with you another time. I’m your Owner No. 2!"
[Little Black: Ughhh, you’re my nightmare. Never wanna see you again.]
The driver grinned. "Lin Ran, call it fate. Let me treat you to a meal—I booked a table at Banjude today. Join us."
Lin Ran shook his head. "You three go enjoy some family time. I’ll pass. But do take Anjian for a full check-up soon. He’s six and a half now—it’s about time."
"Alright, next time then." The driver wasn’t one to fuss. They parted ways.
Lin Ran carried Little Black outside, untying the rope around its neck.
[Little Black: Waaah, freedom at last! No more playing with demon kids! Luo Yao’s so cruel—only Lin Ran’s nice to me waaah!]
The driver hoisted Wang Anjian and said to his wife, "Let’s go, honey. I ordered your favorites at Banjude."
Beaming, she linked arms with him as they left.
Back in his car, Lin Ran smiled at the sight of their happiness—but it quickly faded.
He knew it wouldn’t last.
"I really wish they could stay this happy… But I’m leaving soon, and who knows when tragedy will strike."
[Little Black: Just go already. I’m exhausted.]
[Lin Ran: Why’re you hiding under the seat?]
[Little Black: Too humiliating. Can’t show my face.]
Little Black’s once-sleek fur was now a patchy mess, and Lin Ran didn’t push it. He started the engine.
As Lin Ran drove off, Luo Yao watched coldly from a van behind him.
"I hate that ugly thing. It was in A-Ran’s arms—my spot."
She’d never guess it was the same creature she’d tossed off a bridge last night, assuming it wouldn’t survive the fall.
Lin Ran drove with one hand on the wheel, the other clutching a gift for Luo Yao.
Suddenly, he frowned at the road ahead.
"Looks like an accident."
He usually avoided meddling but couldn’t resist a glance—typical onlooker curiosity.
Then his eyes widened.
A semi-truck had toppled onto a sedan, the scene gruesome.
But what horrified him was the crushed car’s familiarity—it was Wang Anjian’s father’s taxi.
Lin Ran slammed the brakes and sprinted over, shoving through the crowd. Inside the wreckage, the family was trapped.
Wang Anjian wailed in a cramped corner. His father spat blood; his mother lay motionless, drenched in it.
Lin Ran charged forward, bystanders trying to stop him.
"Hey, man, don’t rush in! Let the cops and paramedics handle this!"
Eyes bloodshot, Lin Ran shoved past them and dropped to his knees.
"Anjian! Are you okay?!"
"Lin… Ran… bro…" The boy’s voice was weak.
Lin Ran scanned the wreckage, but the driver suddenly grabbed his arm.
"Bro…ther… save… my… son."
The man glanced at his wife’s crushed chest—lifeless.
Silent tears fell.
"You… owe me… three fares… No need… to pay… Just… take… Anjian…"
With that, he went still, trusting Lin Ran to save his boy.
The parents were gone. Only Wang Anjian remained, pinned in the backseat. Grief-stricken, Lin Ran focused on rescuing him.
He strained to lift the semi-truck—but it was too heavy.
Then a second pair of hands joined. A third. Dozens.
The crowd stepped up.
People weren’t heartless—just cautious in a harsh world. But seeing Lin Ran act first erased their hesitation.
Let the first mover bear the blame.
Soon, the truck was raised. Its driver had crawled out, legs broken, now unconscious on the roadside.
Another family’s tragedy.
Ambulances and fire trucks arrived. Wang Anjian and the truck driver were loaded up; firefighters worked to free the parents.
Lin Ran watched, heart pounding.