Chapter 261: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 261: The First Heartbeat - Zhen'er’s Request (Part 5)
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Looking at Little Black, Xiao Ruiyuan's eyebrow twitched. To him, this horse hardly counted as one, but it was just suitable for teaching a child.
However, Little Black's performance surprised him. Not only was the horse gentle by nature, but after being taught, it quickly understood simple commands. If it weren't so small, he would have thought it was a retired warhorse.
"Who picked this horse?" Xiao Ruiyuan asked Zhen'er out of curiosity. The choice was impressive. Even though it was a bit scrawny, with proper care, it might grow into something remarkable.
"My elder sister picked it. It only cost eight taels of silver! The day we brought Little Black home, it had diarrhea. We all thought it wouldn’t make it, but my elder sister insisted it would get better, and it did. It even grew prettier. Big brother, don’t you think my sister has a great eye?"
Zhen'er proudly recounted the story, eyes shining with admiration for his elder sister.
"Yes, your sister indeed has a good eye," Xiao Ruiyuan listened intently, eager to learn more about the girl he liked. "What does your sister usually do at home?"
Zhen'er tilted his head, thinking, and then started counting on his fingers. "Sometimes she goes to the mountains with Xiao Hua, sometimes she goes to the orchard behind the house. She reads, makes clothes, takes care of the little furball, cuts grass to feed Little Black and Da Huang and Xiao Huang. Then she makes delicious pastries..."
Xiao Ruiyuan listened carefully, picturing the girl in various scenarios—playful, serious, gentle. He suddenly felt a strong desire to stay, even if it was just to watch her go about her daily activities.
Zhen'er rambled on, finally looking up at the distracted Xiao Ruiyuan and asking, "Big brother, don’t you think my sister is the best sister in the world?"
Xiao Ruiyuan snapped back to reality, his lips curving into a smile. "She is the best."
But Zhen'er scratched his head in frustration. "But last time we visited Dad, Uncle Han wanted to find a husband for big sister. I don’t want my sister to get married. What should I do?"
Xiao Ruiyuan's gaze turned icy, like a sharp arrow. "Which uncle?"
Zhen'er was frightened by his cold stare and stammered, "Uncle... Uncle Han."
Oh no, big sister, come quickly! Big brother is scary!
Uncle Han?
Xiao Ruiyuan sneered coldly, clenching his fists. He didn't care who this Uncle Han was. Anyone trying to take away the woman he liked would have to deal with him!
But she was growing older, and she might be betrothed before coming of age. Unfortunately, it wasn't the right time to express his feelings. Otherwise, he would find a way to secure their marriage.
The thought of his beloved possibly being promised to someone else without his knowledge made Xiao Ruiyuan feel a tightness in his chest, a growing frustration.
Even if she got engaged, he could snatch her away, but it would damage her reputation. He had to find a way to prevent this from happening.
Various strategies flashed through his mind, but none seemed suitable. Suppressing his anxiety, he looked down to see Zhen'er's suspicious expression. An idea formed, and he focused his gaze on Zhen'er.
Zhen'er, feeling uneasy under his intense stare, shivered involuntarily, sensing something bad was about to happen.
When Mo Yan came over with a bucket of diluted spiritual spring water to feed the horses and cows, she saw the pair, heads together, whispering. As soon as they noticed her, they separated nonchalantly.
"What are you two talking about?" Mo Yan asked casually.
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(End of Chapter)
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