Chapter 99: Descending the Mountain
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
It turned out that the man was a worker Wang Gang had hired from outside.
In the forest farm, there were more than a dozen workers like the man.
Wang Gang used the forest farm as a cover. After recruiting workers, he arranged for these workers to mine in the mountains behind the forest farm. After the mines were dug out, Wang Gang would then find a way to transport the minerals to other places to sell.
“We all suspected that Wang Gang was secretly mining, but everyone was short of money. Wang Gang paid us, so we pretended not to know. Many of us thought about quitting after the new year. After all, this was a violation of national policy. If we were caught, we might even be executed. However, some wanted to continue working with Wang Gang because he paid well.”
The man leaned against a tree trunk. While speaking, his tone held a hint of helplessness mixed with bitterness. After clearing his throat, he continued his narrative.
However, what no one anticipated was that after a heavy rain, the mine tunnel collapsed.
Since the workers Wang Gang recruited for mining lacked professional Imowledge, the mine tunnel that they had dug out already had many safety hazards. Coupled with the overnight heavy rain, the existing problems of the mine tunnel became even more serious, ultimately leading to its collapse.
“Even though the mine tunnel collapsed, the workers below were not immediately crushed to death. After all, there were still some support structures within the tunnel. However, some workers suffered severe injuries,” the man said, his eyes now tinged with a mixture of hatred and anger.
“But who could have imagined that Wang Gang, that b*stard, out of fear that the mining operation would be exposed, actually inspected the vicinity of the mine tunnel after the rain and didn’t take any rescue action!” Listening to the man’s account, Ye Ling’s mood gradually grew heavier.
It wasn’t difficult to guess Wang Gang’s intentions.
He probably knew that the workers below were still alive. Yet, if he were to take rescue measures, there would be no way to cover up the incident. Not to mention whether the surviving workers could be kept silent, there might even be those who would threaten him for compensation.
If this matter escalated, it wouldn’t be surprising if Wang Gang couldn’t continue as the forest farm manager, and his own life might be at stake.
Moreover, it was quite evident that Wang Gang wasn’t a kind-hearted boss. Therefore, he chose to completely ignore the workers trapped below, effectively leaving them to die slowly in the mine tunnel.
Ye Ling recalled the sight of Wang Gang the day before, wearing his work clothes and his rubber boots still covered in wet mud.
Perhaps at that time, Wang Gang had just returned from the mine tunnel.
After the man finished his story, he felt some strength returning to his body. He used his hands to support himself on the ground and made an effort to stand up.
Once the man stood up, he turned to Ye Ling and said, “Miss, thank you for saving me. I initially wanted to quickly descend the mountain, spread the word about this incident, and then find people to rescue those workers trapped under the mine. However, I was afraid that I would collapse on the way down. I never expected to run into you. I’m truly fortunate. Now, I feel like I can make it down the mountain. I won’t detain you any longer. Don’t you have something urgent to attend to? Where are you headed?”
Originally, the man had intended to seek help from Ye Ling. However, after she gave him the medicine and he felt his strength returning, he didn’t want to impose further. He had decided to seek help on his own.
“I’m also heading down the mountain,” Ye Ling replied calmly. “My friend is still locked up in the warehouse at the forest farm by Wang Gang. Let’s go together.”
The man’s eyes lit up, and he nodded enthusiastically. “Alright, let’s expose the vile deeds Wang Gang has done together!”
Guided by the dim moonlight, the two of them swiftly descended the mountain.
When they reached the foot of the mountain, their view became clearer. Ye Ling noticed that the man was limping as he walked.
“Your leg…” Ye Ling expressed her concern.
The man smiled indifferently. “It’s fine. We manual laborers can handle a bit of pain. Young girl, do you know where your village chief or village cadre lives?”
Ye Ling pondered for a moment before shaking her head. “I don’t know either. Come with me to my home. My family will know.”
The man didn’t object. Along the path, they soon arrived at the Wan family’s doorstep.
Ye Ling pushed open the courtyard gate, and she saw that the lights inside the house were on. She called out, “I’m back!”
Soon, Wan Xue rushed out of the house. The young boy’s eyes were red from staying up late. When Wan Xue spotted Ye Ling, his eyes grew even redder, and he rushed over excitedly to hug her. “Sister Lingling, where were you?”
Ye Ling patted Wan Xue’s head and inquired, “Where are your second brother and the others? What about Min Nan?”
