Chapter 136: Missed Flight, Midnight Encounter

A crowd of frantic travelers, their eyes red from racing for red-eye flights, had just cleared security and were sprinting toward the boarding gates, dragging luggage of every size behind them.

But Xie Bingran cut against the flow, walking briskly back to security, slipping out the side exit and returning to the departure hall.

This was the domestic departure hall. It was past ten at night and almost deserted.

Xie Bingran circled around until she found an attendant and asked how to get to the China Southern Airlines service desk.

Even though she was fearless “Bing Ge,” she was still a young woman traveling so far from home for the first time…

She tightened the straps of her backpack and jogged until she reached the service desk.

“Hello, I missed my flight and need to rebook…”

The late-night China Southern staff took her boarding pass and asked which flight she wanted to change to.

It was the ten-a.m. flight tomorrow. Xie Bingran already knew Xu Chen would be on that one.

For some clear purpose, unfinished business, and an inexplicable fondness…

She had deliberately missed her flight so she could “coincidentally” see Xu Chen again tomorrow morning.

The attendant tapped away at the computer and said,

“The change fee is four hundred eighty-five…”

Xie Bingran frowned, doing quick mental calculations.

Her right hand in her jacket pocket flexed her fingers.

“Is there a bank nearby?”

“There’s an ATM by the northeast exit of the departure hall, but it’s under maintenance during the day. Not sure if it’s working now.

“Otherwise, go down to the first floor, exit Gate A17, turn right, and walk about 100 meters. There’s a China Merchants Bank with a 24-hour ATM.”

“What time do you close?”

“We’re staffed 24/7, but if you want to rebook I’d hurry. There’s still late bookings through travel agencies. I’m afraid this flight might fill up by morning.”

…

Xie Bingran quickly headed for the northeast exit of the departure hall. The ATM was blocked by barriers and a sign reading “Under Maintenance.”

The elevator and escalator were shut down, so she raced down the stairs.

She finally reached the first floor—the arrival hall.

There weren’t many people, and a convenience store was still open.

From Gate A3 to A17 was quite a walk.

Outside wasn’t as bright as inside the terminal. A few buses stood idle at the curb, and a taxi or two passed by.

The night breeze was chilly. Xie Bingran zipped her jacket up to her chin.

After turning right and walking about a hundred meters, she saw the glowing “24h ATM” sign.

She exhaled in relief and pushed open the iron gate.

She approached the ATM and set her brown leather backpack on the ground.

She unzipped the outer compartment and fished into the inner side pocket for her wallet.

She pulled out the only bank card and slid it into the machine…

The whir of the cash counter sounded. Xie Bingran pressed her lips together, silent, and grabbed two envelopes from a nearby counter.

With a click, the ATM door popped open, revealing a thick stack of bills.

She took the money, counted it quickly—it was exactly ten thousand yuan.

She slipped the ten thousand into one envelope and pressed the withdrawal button again.

…

Minutes later, Xie Bingran held two heavy, bulging envelopes.

She also withdrew five hundred yuan for the rebooking fee and stuffed it into her pants pocket.

At last she smiled, tucked the two thick envelopes into the bottom of her backpack.

She was about to turn and leave when the door behind her slammed open!

Two middle-aged men burst in, faces twisted with urgency and menace.

“Hand over the money! Now!”

One of them brandished a switchblade.

Bing Ge’s expression snapped to attention. She hunched her backpack tightly against her back and pulled the straps as snug as they’d go.

Ensuring the bag pressed against her spine, she could move without hindrance.

Her eyes scanned the room. Her right hand closed around the only hard object she carried: her phone, a gift from Xu Chen.

…

The two thugs blocked the narrow reinforced glass door.

The man with the butterfly knife was surprised that this young woman showed no fear, even a look of fierce determination.

But as a criminal on the run, he didn’t care about surprises.

“Just hand over the envelopes! I see them right there! Don’t make me hurt you!”

Xie Bingran stayed rooted in place. She dipped her chin and arched her back slightly, like a leopard coiled to strike…

“I just want your money. I don’t want to make a scene.”

The thug glanced at the CCTV camera above—they didn’t have much time.

A cruel look flickered in his eyes. He snarled and lunged at the girl with his knife raised!

In an instant, two figures blurred together.

A dull “thud” echoed.

Then a horrified scream…

The man at the door didn’t even see what happened.

When he looked again, his accomplice was kneeling on the floor.

The butterfly knife was now in the girl’s hand. His partner’s arm was clutched tightly in her grip.

The girl bit her lip and said nothing.

There was a sharp crack, followed by a scream of pain as the man’s arm went limp.

He collapsed, one arm useless and one leg bent unnaturally.

The man guarding the door realized he’d underestimated her. He turned to flee.

Before he could move, a dark shadow swooped in.

He felt someone yank his head backward, slamming his face into his knee.

…

…

Both thugs lay on the floor.

One was unconscious. The other clutched his injured arm and leg, staring up at the athletic girl in shock.

Xie Bingran brushed stray hair from her forehead and stepped on his leg to make sure he couldn’t move.

Only then did she pull out her phone and dial the police…

It was 2006. ATMs didn’t have the multi-layer security they’d have ten or twenty years later.

Besides, it was late at night and the victim was just a seemingly vulnerable young woman…

In under a minute, two officers burst in and quickly subdued the criminals.

They asked a few questions and took the switchblade from Xie Bingran.

The two “uncles in uniform” looked at the young woman in disbelief.

All three were taken to the airport police station. Xie Bingran followed a female officer to record a brief report.

The officers pulled the bank’s surveillance footage and, once they saw what happened, exchanged astonished glances.

Two armed thugs taken down by a young girl in a few moves?

The evidence was clear and irrefutable. No doubt remained.

The criminals were promptly detained. The case was straightforward, though both men were injured and awaiting treatment.

Xie Bingran sat casually on a bench outside, her forehead-shadowing bangs hiding her icy gaze.

Two officers emerged. One said,

“Miss Xie, it’s late. You’re a young woman—shouldn’t you be more careful?”

“Oh.”

“You’re waiting for tomorrow’s flight, right? Where will you stay tonight?”

“I’ll wait at the airport.”

The officers shared a look, concern in their eyes.

“Head to the north zone of the boarding hall. It’s the overnight waiting area.

There are patrols, hot water, and restrooms.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem. We’ll have you sign one more form, then we’ll escort you there.”

…

Xie Bingran still had to rebook her ticket. The officers walked her back into the terminal and stayed with her.

The China Southern staff jumped at the sight of two officers arriving.

Xie Bingran handed over her boarding pass and repeated her request to change it.

When the new boarding pass was issued, she confirmed the flight details and couldn’t suppress a smile.

…

Minutes later, the officers escorted Xie Bingran to the airport’s overnight rest area.

On the rows of benches, six or seven passengers were either sitting or lying down, waiting for morning flights but unwilling to pay for a hotel.

Xie Bingran thanked the officers, said goodbye, and claimed an empty bench.

The other travelers glanced at her curiously but quickly closed their eyes again.

Xie Bingran sat silently, hugging her leather backpack to her chest.

She pulled a protein bar from her side pocket, tore off the wrapper, and took a big bite.

…

…

Meanwhile, Xu Chen’s flight landed in the Provincial Capital.

Passengers retrieved their luggage and lined up to disembark.

At the very end, Teacher Tian Fangfang stepped off the plane.

Tian Chaorui waited outside and said,

“Teacher Tian, Bing Ge missed her flight. I just saw her message—she rebooked for tomorrow morning…”

“What?!”

“Sorry, Teacher Tian. I fell asleep on the plane and didn’t notice she wasn’t on board. I thought she’d gone to the restroom…

“The phone just turned on, and I saw her message.”

Tian Fangfang paused, panic on her face.

But she quickly composed herself, held down her emotions, and turned on her phone.

Once she had signal, she read Xie Bingran’s text.

She was annoyed but controlled herself and called Xie Bingran.

Still, she didn’t reveal any anger. As the team leader, she felt responsible.

Teacher Tian clarified the situation, asked if Xie Bingran was safe and confirmed the morning flight details.

Xie Bingran didn’t mention her recent danger—only that she’d camped at the airport and would arrive tomorrow morning.

“Be careful. I’ll tell the driver to pick you up at the airport around noon.”