Chapter 178: You're Really Amazing

Bailu stared at his sexy and charming collarbone for a moment, and when her gaze moved upward, their eyes met.

It felt as if they had been caught doing something naughty.

"Cough... turn around," she said.

Turning around meant facing the wall. Xiao Cheng didn't turn; instead, he got off the bed, sat on the edge, and turned his back to Bailu.

A bruise, the size of a palm, covered an old scar from a knife. New and old wounds intertwined, the bluish-purple marks doubled, appearing reddish-purple and disturbing.

Certainly, during the chaos tonight at Tianshang, he must have been sneak attacked by some sinister person. The shape of the injury looked like a chair leg, definitely not as slender as a bottle.

Moreover, a broken bottle would leave glass shards, but there were none on Xiao Cheng's back, and his skin wasn't cut.

The injuries were hidden beneath the flesh.

Bailu opened a small bottle, poured some medicinal wine into her hand, and covered Xiao Cheng's back, gently rubbing.

"You said you weren't hurt. What's this on your back, you big liar?" she remarked.

Xiao Cheng turned his head. "I'm not a liar. I don't lie to Lulu. These are just minor injuries; they'll be fine in a couple of days."

"Who told you that minor injuries aren't injuries? You have wounds on your back, and you're still carrying me. Do you think your injuries aren't severe enough?" Bailu felt like her heart was soaked in a sponge filled with water—sour and swollen.

As the pressure on Xiao Cheng's back became gentler, he softly spoke, "Lulu, it's not severe."

"Not severe enough to ignore the injuries and act recklessly?" Bailu squeezed a bit harder.

Xiao Cheng grunted, "Lulu, be gentle."

"Gentle isn't effective," Bailu continued to rub. "Grandma said you have to rub it hard to disperse the medicinal properties, make it evaporate, and rub until it feels warm. Only then will it be effective for recovery."

Saying this, she rubbed a bit more forcefully.

It was like punishing an unruly child.

Under the force, the medicinal wine evaporated, and the wound started to feel warm. Xiao Cheng pursed his lips. "Lulu, it hurts."

"I'm not hurting," Bai Lu corrected his childish sentence.

She continued the ruthless rubbing, making him, who concealed his injury and insisted on carrying her, regret it.

Let's see if he learns his lesson and dares to do it again next time.

The continuously evaporating medicinal effects made Xiao Cheng's back feel like it was engulfed in a fiery sea, burning with pain.

He turned around, grabbed Bai Lu's hand, and apologized sincerely, "Okay, I won't do it next time."

Bai Lu smiled and said, "Hmm," indicating that she understood, then pulled her hand back, pushing him away.

Xiao Cheng: "..."

The burning sensation attacked his back again, completely masking the warmth of Bai Lu's hand.

"Lulu?"

"Hmm..."

As Bai Lu raised her head, Xiao Cheng kissed her, silencing any questions she might have had. The unspoken words were all lost on her lips.

The motion of rubbing in her hand stopped abruptly as he turned around, slipping away. He caught it.

Placed on his exposed chest, he felt the heartbeat transition from steady to slightly rapid.

His other hand gripped her neck, leaving no space to retreat. Bai Lu's mind went blank.

Xiao Cheng's kiss wasn't a light touch; it was an aggressive attack from the start, as if he were extracting something.

When Bai Lu's sluggish brain reacted, her mind had become a mush, clouded by the kiss.

At this moment, Xiao Cheng let go.

The deep gaze seemed to contain surging flames, suppressed. He looked at Bailu, his voice unusually hoarse—

"It doesn't hurt anymore."

Is he using her as a painkiller?

Bai Lu wanted to punch him, but she bit her lip and refrained: "Why didn't you scream when you were injured before?"

"No one used to apply medicine for me."

Xiao Cheng answered Bai Lu's question truthfully, looking at her blushing face with a firm gaze. "But now, there's Lulu."

After regaining composure, Bai Lu wanted to say, "I'll leave after I finish my exams." However, when she saw the obvious expectation in Xiao Cheng's eyes, the words at the corner of her mouth involuntarily swallowed back.

After some consideration, she felt it was necessary to remind him: "You can't do this in the future."

"Why is it inappropriate?" Xiao Cheng asked, not understanding.

Bai Lu would rather face a big shot. At least, big shots understood certain unspeakable matters instantly.

Children, on the other hand, understood nothing.

Moreover, a child's memory only lasted for one night. Tomorrow morning, he would forget what happened tonight.

"Even if I tell him about sleeping in separate rooms now, he will forget by tomorrow; agreeing or not agreeing is the same.

It's really frustrating.

Bai Lu sighed, decided not to say anything more, and pushed Xiao Cheng back, saying, ''There's still a bit of medicinal wine that hasn't been applied.''

Xiao Cheng was surprised, ''How is it not applied yet?''

Bai Lu gave him a cool look, ''Who told you to expose your back to others for a beating? The scars are so long; a bit of medicinal wine won't be enough.''

''I didn't expose my back to others.'' Xiao Cheng argued logically, ''I was ambushed.''

After hearing his explanation, Bai Lu nodded in understanding while pouring medicinal wine onto her hands, asking, ''Did you get revenge?''

''I did.'' It was necessary.

Seeing his cold and vengeful eyes, Bai Lu couldn't help but laugh, ''How did you get revenge?''

Xiao Cheng looked at Bai Lu's smiling face, pure and clean eyes, and said nothing.

Bai Lu smiled and said, ''I'm not afraid.''

Still, Xiao Cheng remained silent. Despite Bai Lu pushing him to turn around and covering his back with the soft warmth again, he didn't speak.

As the pressure gradually increased, the soft warmth was replaced by a scalding sensation, but he didn't speak again.

Bai Lu guessed, ''Did you break the enemy's leg?''

Since she already guessed, Xiao Cheng wouldn't deny it but corrected, ''Stepped on it.''

''You're really impressive!'' Bai Lu admired him as a man and vigorously rubbed him a few times, two times, three times.

''Is this reward good enough?'' Xiao Cheng remained silent.

Probably not, because Bai Lu rubbed him forcefully three more times and the spicy medicine's effect spread.

Helpless, Xiao Cheng pursed his lips. The hands on his back suddenly disappeared, leaving only the lingering pain.

He turned around abruptly, ''Is it done?''

''Yes, there was only a small area left to apply, and now it's done.'' Bai Lu held the small bottle of medicinal wine, got off the bed, and put it back in the drawer by the window.

Turning back, Xiao Cheng was already putting on his clothes, buttoning them up one by one.

After buttoning the third button at the top, he let go.

The distinct curve of his collarbone lay exposed beneath the unbuttoned collar.

It caught Bai Lu's eyes faintly.

Xiao Cheng took the opportunity to lie down, turning off the lights and covering themselves with the blanket.

Bai Lu was momentarily stunned, then realized that after a busy day, they could finally sleep.

If the child likes to hug, then let him.

Unexpectedly, just as she closed her eyes, Xiao Cheng's deep, magnetic voice reached her ears, ''Lulu.''

''Do you like the new clothes I bought for you?''

With a slight smile at the corner of her closed eyes, Bai Lu replied sincerely, ''I like them.''

Xiao Cheng chuckled lightly, holding her as they drifted off to sleep.

—May 24, 1997, the first time Xiao Cheng gave Bai Lu clothes, shoes, and supplements."

 Chapter 177: Do Not Look Rudely

The sound of footsteps echoed from the bathroom.

Step by step, as if treading on the tip of the heart.

Bai Lu's figure stiffened.

Xiao Cheng wouldn't come out without wearing clothes, right!

"Do you have anything else to take? Tell me, I'll get it for you. Don't come out!"

Before Bai Lu could finish her sentence, the footsteps were already behind her, followed by a chilly breath like snow.

In an instant, the entire space was filled with the rushing heartbeat from all directions, making her ears deaf.

Breath paused, time paused.

The cold breath passed by Bai Lu, turning from behind to in front, from elusive to suddenly visible.

Bai Lu immediately closed her eyes, hands covering her eyes, nervously retreating three steps. "What are you doing?"

Xiao Cheng looked at Bai Lu, who covered her face, looking puzzled. "I haven't done anything."

As he spoke, he took a step towards her.

One step, and he was in front of her.

Bai Lu sensed the approaching cold breath, retreated again, and her heels had reached the low threshold of the bathroom. She couldn't retreat any further, or she would enter the bathroom.

She could only reach out her hand to block him. "Stop, don't come any closer. Why did you come out?"

Xiao Cheng looked at the fair hand extended in front of him, wanting to hold it. He looked up and saw Bai Lu, who was covering her face and still nervous. He slowly reached out his hand.

He handed her the empty hot water bottle.

"The hot water is finished, here's your hot water bottle."

Bai Lu took the hot water bottle and walked away.

The next second, she directly collided with a cold, hard, and resolute wall. When she instinctively leaned back, a force wrapped around her waist.

The whole person steadily crashed into the robust and resolute chest.

The hand covering her face fell off.

Her eyes were filled with mosquito coil circles.

What's going on? She clearly walked around, how did she still collide? She's really going crazy!

Do not look rudely! Do not look rudely!

Xiao Cheng saw Bai Lu still tightly closing her eyes in his arms, as if she had finally discovered something, he chuckled.

Opening his mouth to explain, "I am wearing clothes."

"... You should have said it earlier!"

Bai Lu finally opened her eyes without any burden, the mosquito coil circle vision gradually becoming clear.

Suddenly, it was a feast of beauty.

The strong and sturdy chest of a man was right in front of her, healthy and sexy wheat-colored skin, distinct muscles, robust and resolute. The old knife scars had faded, and the faint pink traces added a touch of imposing aura to the plainness. The not-so-obvious iron sand bullet wounds on the chest made the still picture suddenly enter the blood curtain of gunfire.

To defend one's dignity, one must be decisive in killing; to be ruthless and "cruel," one must create the awe-inspiring authority that everyone fears and obtain a few taels of broken silver to sustain life.

Haughty and ruthless, indifferent to human emotions, was the world's initial interpretation of Xiao Cheng; strategizing in the business world, sitting steadily in a high position, was the world's later admiration for Xiao Cheng.

No one knew what kind of past was hidden beneath the suit and leather shoes.

Bai Lu witnessed it today.

Perhaps, in the memories of her previous life, she also witnessed it, but didn't see and feel it so vividly.

Seeing that Bai Lu had been silent all along, Xiao Cheng thought she was hurt and quickly hugged her.

Patting her back, he said, "Be more careful next time you walk."

Bai Lu thumped him, "Clearly, you suddenly walked to the right and bumped into me. I was walking on the right. You just needed to walk straight. Why did you walk to the right... Clearly, you only wore pants and said you were wearing clothes. Nonsense..."

"She was covering herself back and forth, still giving him indecent looks!

Xiao Cheng grabbed her little fist in front of his chest with not much strength and sternly retorted, "Pants are also clothes."

Bai Lu withdrew her hand and pushed him away, saying, "Yes, yes, you're right. If we don't take a bath soon, the water will get cold."

"Lu Lu, wait for me to sleep together."

Xiao Cheng finished his serious admonition before going to take a bath.

Bai Lu turned around, wanting to say "dream on" to him, but when she saw the new wound on his back, she stopped abruptly.

She said nothing, turned around, and went back to the room.

The night was cool like water, so quiet that even the sound of fish splashing water in the small river could be heard. Occasionally, a few strands of shimmering moonlight fell on the river, creating a beautiful scene.

The fish swam away with a splash of their tails.

Xiao Cheng returned to the room after taking a bath and saw Bai Lu sitting at the bedside, waiting for him with a book in her hand.

He walked over immediately.

Bai Lu's gaze moved from the book to Xiao Cheng's face, and she said, "Take off your clothes."

Xiao Cheng paused in his steps.

Quickly getting on the bed, he approached Bai Lu, and his deep, dark eyes stared at her intently.

"What did you just say?" he asked.

Bai Lu, looking at his face just a centimeter away, expressionless, extended a finger and pushed him away.

She put down the book in her other hand and took out a small bottle from under the pillow.

Speaking slowly, she said, "Take... off... your... clothes."

Seeing the small bottle in Bai Lu's hand, Xiao Cheng's eyes flashed with panic, and he decisively stepped back.

"No need, I'm not injured," he said.

The small bottle in Bai Lu's hand was the medicinal wine for treating bruises that Xiao Cheng's grandparents had given him when they went back to Xiao's village to pay respects during Qingming Festival. The medicinal wine could not only treat sprains but also promote blood circulation and remove bruises caused by injuries.

As Xiao Cheng turned around, Bai Lu grabbed his arm. "Where are you going?" she asked.

"To wash clothes," Xiao Cheng found a reason.

Bai Lu's face showed a cool smile. "I already heard the sound of you washing and hanging clothes."

Saying that, she reached out towards his neckline.

Xiao Cheng covered his collar and retreated to the bedside, leaning against it closely.

But Bai Lu followed and sat in front of him.

Softly, she said, "Good boy, take off your clothes."

Xiao Cheng shook his head. "I won't."

"Lulu wants you to be reserved."

Bai Lu bit her lip, and her smile became cooler. "When you want to hug me to sleep, why don't you talk about being reserved?"

Xiao Cheng: "..."

"When you kiss me, why don't you mention being reserved?"

Xiao Cheng: "..."

"When you want me to wait for you to sleep together, why don't you talk about being reserved?"

Xiao Cheng: "..."

"That's different."

"How is it different?"

Bai Lu grabbed Xiao Cheng's hand covering the collar. "You can make a scene when you're drunk, can't you listen?"

"No," Xiao Cheng refused to let go.

Even though Bai Lu held his hand, she still couldn't open the buttons on the collar, one by one. Even when one finger was pried open, the other hand covered it again, and at last, both hands were used.

He just wouldn't let Bai Lu unbutton his collar.

Bai Lu wasn't angry at all. She slowly let go of his hand, her tone light and ethereal. "Okay."

"Since you don't want to take it off, I won't force you. When you went out of the province for business a few days ago, I cleaned up the utility room, washed all the sheets, pillowcases, and mosquito nets. You..."

"I'll take it off!"

Xiao Cheng didn't wait for Bai Lu to finish. He let go of her hand and quickly unbuttoned his collar, from the first to the last button.

It took less than three seconds.

The speed was so fast that when Bai Lu turned her head back, it was already a breathtakingly beautiful scene that could make countless peach blossoms fall.

Xiao Cheng casually tossed his clothes aside.

"It's off."

Chapter 176: Supplement

Bai Lu squeezed Xiao Cheng's hand, expressing gratitude. Xiao Cheng, looking at her small hand in his, suddenly hugged White Dew and kissed her face.

"Don't say thank you. I don't like it."

"Your way of not liking it is to kiss?"

Bai Lu was stunned for a second, realizing that the child had already let go after stealing a kiss.

He then pulled her to open the wardrobe, searching for a backpack in the corner. Opening the zipper, he took out a seemingly ordinary package—a black plastic bag.

"For Lulu," Xiao Cheng put the items in Bai Lu's hands and looked at her earnestly.

As she smelled the herbal fragrance, Bai Lu opened the package to find precious medicinal herbs—supplements.

However, there was a twist, "These supplements..."

Xiao Cheng immediately responded, "To help Lulu nourish her body."

Bai Lu doubted her eyes; she examined the herbs under the intense light from the moon outside and the indoor lamps, realizing they were genuine: deer antler, seahorse, sea cucumber, cordyceps, Korean ginseng, and more.

All were precious ingredients for body nourishment, but these, combined with other valuable herbs on the table, seemed to target a specific area—the kidneys!

These were aphrodisiac supplements!

Bai Lu's mouth twitched, muttering, "Are you sure these are for nourishing my body?"

Xiao Cheng confirmed, "For Lulu's body."

Bai Lu thought, 'May the heavens take away this devil! I'm not a man; why would I need aphrodisiac supplements!'

"Are you sure..." Bai Lu looked at the tall and sturdy man in front of her, with a well-built physique outlined by his clothes, feeling uncertain.

After hesitating for three seconds, she finally asked, "Are these supplements for you to nourish your body?"

"No," Xiao Cheng furrowed his brow, explaining seriously, "Last time at the hospital, the doctor said your health is not good. Supplements can help you."

Bai Lu was touched by Xiao Cheng's consideration for her health, but she couldn't appreciate these particular supplements.

She wondered how he managed to turn a simple request for supplements into a purchase of aphrodisiac kidney supplements.

Bai Lu, while organizing the supplements on the table, asked casually, "When you went to buy supplements, how did you ask the seller?"

Finally realizing White Dew's reaction was different from what he imagined, Xiao Cheng asked, "Did I buy the wrong supplements?"

While speaking, he emptied the contents onto the table, attempting a careful inspection.

Even though... he couldn't discern anything.

Seeing his bewildered eyes, Bai Lu knew he truly didn't understand what was wrong with these items.

"No, you didn't buy the wrong ones. It's just that these supplements are too strong. My body is too weak right now, so I can't take them," she explained, improvising a reason, hoping the child would believe her.

Every time she said something, he believed it.

Xiao Cheng believed her but expressed concern, "If your body is so weak that you can't even take supplements, when will you recover your health?"

Bai Lu comforted him by patting his head, "It's okay. These supplements are too strong when taken together. We can take them separately. Buy some other items and put a small portion of the supplement in the pot to make soup; it will still nourish the body."

Xiao Cheng, although relieved, still questioned, "Are you sure these are too strong? I bought them for nourishment."

'...May the heavens help me deal with this devil! I'm not a man; I don't need aphrodisiac supplements!'

"Do you make sure..." Bai Lu looked at the man before her, questioning his intentions. "Did you really buy these for me to nourish my body?"

"No," Xiao Cheng asserted, "I went to the herbal market and told the seller I needed supplements for body nourishment. The seller didn't ask anything and gave me these."

Bai Lu didn't know what to say.

This guy, when not drunk, wasn't as harmless as he seemed now, obediently listening.

With a single glance, he could send chills down one's spine, make legs go weak, and scare the neighbor's child into tears.

Perhaps the seller knew he was not to be messed with, so they weighed whatever he wanted without asking too many questions.

After tidying up the supplements on the table, Bai Lu placed them back in the inconspicuous black plastic bag under the window and in the wooden cabinet that came with the room.

However, as soon as she put them away, Xiao Cheng took them out.

She held his hand about to open the bag and asked, "What are you doing?"

"Taking them to make soup."

Xiao Cheng continued to open the bag, saying, "You said a little bit would still nourish us. Let's do it tonight."

Bai Lu used all her strength to stop the child from causing trouble, quickly closing the small wooden cabinet's door.

"Today is too late, and we don't have other ingredients at home for soup. Let's do it another day."

Afraid that Xiao Cheng wouldn't relent, she urgently dragged him back to the bed and covered him with a blanket, saying, "Let's go to sleep."

"The light isn't off," Xiao Cheng tried to get up.

Bai Lu tightly held one of his hands, allowing him to turn off the light with the other hand.

After turning off the light, Xiao Cheng lay back in bed.

One second later, he got up again.

"I haven't taken a bath."

Bai Lu, holding onto his waist, said, "Didn't I tell you earlier when you came back? You drank too much tonight and can't take a bath. Take one tomorrow morning."

"I'm not drunk!" Xiao Cheng objected.

Judging by that stubborn and childish tone, not being drunk would be strange.

"Fine, fine, you're not drunk." Bai Lu coaxed the child kindly, "Let's wash up tomorrow morning. I'll wake you up earlier. Now, let's go to sleep, okay?"

"No."

Xiao Cheng insisted, "I want to take a bath."

White Dew sighed. "The water in the pot is not hot enough, and it's already late. Let's wash up tomorrow morning. I'll wake you up early. Sleep now, okay?"

"No."

Xiao Cheng refused, "I want to take a bath."

Bai Lu doubted if ten buffalo horns were enough for him to stop, or if even ten cows couldn't bend his stubbornness, which seemed as unyielding as reinforced concrete.

He didn't even bring clothes.

What was he thinking?

"You didn't bring clothes."

"I forgot."

If you forgot, just come back and get them!

Not only did Xiao Cheng not come back, but he also confidently left a message, "Lulu, help me get my clothes."

What was a moment of being touched turned into a moment of speechless frustration for Bai Lu.

And look at the time now; it's already 1 am, and he still wants to take a bath. The water in the pot has cooled down.

He was simply being unreasonable!

With one hand holding Xiao Cheng's clothes and the other carrying the main house's hot water bottle, Bai Lu knocked on the bathroom door.

"There's still plenty of hot water from noon. Pour it into the bucket and wash together. Don't use cold water; it's not good for you."

The door opened slightly, revealing a well-defined large hand reaching out to take the clothes from Bai Lu.

After a while, the hand reached out again to take the hot water bottle.

Bai Lu hadn't heard any water sounds when she arrived, and Xiao Cheng's arm wasn't wet; he probably hadn't started bathing yet.

He had just undressed.

An indescribable scene flashed in her mind. Blushing, Bai Lu turned and left.

"Lulu..."

Xiao Cheng called her, but she didn't respond. 

 Chapter 147: Stand Out

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 586: Situation

Especially the question about the servant's favorite food made him feel that the other party was just asking random questions to make things difficult for him.

If it had been the Song Lu of the past, he would definitely have been resentful and would have argued his case.

But now his pride had been worn down considerably and he was more humble. Without any questioning, he agreed to these tasks and left.

Once Song Lu left, Luo Qisheng quickly entered the study and wrote a letter, which he had someone deliver to Chu Heng.

In the days that followed, Ye Muyu hoped for a letter every day.

Since the clan demanded that its members restrain themselves and not cause trouble and to stay as low-key as possible, after praying for Chu Heng's success in the imperial examinations, the Chu family in the village quieted down.

Even Ziluo went to learn double-sided embroidery at regular intervals.

Even Chu Xing stopped going out to do business and stayed home every day to finish the recently repaired house.

The men in the clan worked during the day and made Zhuge Suo in their spare time.

The Zhuge Suo nearby weren't selling anymore, but Chu Xing had discussed with Chu Heng to have the caravan sell them, so the clan could still make some money.

The boys continued their studies.

And every household in the clan gained an inconspicuous servant.

Even in her own home, there were two simple and honest servants who lived in Luchuan's house. One named Liu Hai usually went to the county with Zhang Shu to gather information.

The other named Han Zhuang helped with chores at home.

And Ye Muyu tried to stay at home as much as possible, hardly ever leaving the house.

Days passed by incessantly.

Ye Muyu learned some news every day through Zhang Shu.

At first, Zhang Shu brought back news about Song Lu: "Madam, this servant has learned that Song Lu goes to the Wang family every day. It is said that Song Lu hopes that the Wang family will not hold a grudge against his family. Now, everyone in the county knows that Song Lu has offended the Wang family, and even his classmates dare not contact him too much."

"Besides going to the Wang family on time every day, he also goes to the bookstore to copy books to earn some money. He also rented the most dilapidated house in the county."

Ye Muyu knew that Song Lu had already started taking action and she hoped he would succeed.

Then, two days later, Zhang Shu brought back more news.

"Today, when Song Lu came out of the Wang family's house, he seemed to be limping a bit. Later, this servant followed him and saw him go to the pharmacy to buy medicine for bruises and injuries."

Ye Muyu's pupils contracted. "Where is he injured?"

"It's his knees and chest. It seems that the knee injury is from kneeling, and the chest injury is from being cut by some sharp object." Zhang Shu also admired Song Lu a bit. He didn't want to be the son-in-law of the Wang family, but for the sake of his family, he was willing to beg like this, even sacrificing his dignity. It had to be said that he was definitely the top scholar among them.

"Secretly send him some medicine. Go find Doctor Qi from the village and ask him to give you some of the medicinal wine he researched last time." Ye Muyu said, handing over some silver coins.

Zhang Shu nodded in understanding.

Speaking of the medicinal wine, this was something that Chu Heng had told her about before he left. He had given the prescription for the medicinal wine to Lu Sangqi, asking him to research it.

Ye Muyu only knew then that Chu Heng had already colluded with Lu Sangqi, otherwise he wouldn't have given him the prescription for the medicinal wine. When she wanted Chu Heng to take Lu Sangqi with him the next day, she woke up to find that Chu Heng had already left. She then realized that Chu Heng had deliberately left Lu Sangqi behind.

It was all for the sake of having a doctor at home without having to go to the county and be seized upon by the Wang family.

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 585 Willing to Do

Song Lu's pupils contracted, confirming his suspicions. Indeed, it was his weakness that led him to not even dare to consider dealing with the Wang family. Now, Chu Heng's attitude had slapped him in the face, stirring up his dissatisfaction with the situation.

"It's okay, I'm willing." Song Lu's voice this time was more determined than ever.

He wasn't afraid. On the contrary, he was happy to be able to contribute.

"Good, in that case, I'll have Zhang Shu take you to the county. You'll be informed of the specifics of what to do." Ye Muyu naturally wouldn't refuse such a helper.

After that, the two didn't say much more, watching Song Lu and Zhang Shu get on the mule cart and leave.

Hu Shi didn't know the details and asked, "Madam, did Scholar Song really come to apologize?"

"Of course." Ye Muyu nodded.

Hu Shi hesitated and asked, "Why did he come so late? Don't you think it's too late?"

"And, why didn't he explain things to the old house? He just left like this. I wonder what the old lady and the others at the old house think."

Ye Muyu hesitated for a moment. "Um, I actually forgot about that..."

"What does this have to do with Madam? It's because Scholar Song didn't think it through himself. Let me tell you, if it were Master, he would definitely explain it to Madam in person before leaving." Hu Shi admired Chu Heng from the bottom of her heart. No one could compare to him, undoubtedly.

Ye Muyu rubbed her nose, feeling a little guilty. "Actually, he didn't mean to."

"Even so, he's too careless..."

Ye Muyu cleared her throat and quickly changed the subject. "Didn't we say we were going to make pumpkin dumplings today? Let's go and make them."

"Madam, I'll go prepare the ingredients..." Hu Shi's attention was indeed diverted.

Ye Muyu looked at the sky and could only hope in her heart that Chu Heng's actions would go smoothly.

On the other side, Song Lu quietly entered the second courtyard with Zhang Shu and met with Luo Qisheng.

Zhang Shu only said that he was brought here by Madam, then left.

Luo Qisheng looked at Song Lu and asked, "What does Madam mean?"

"Madam promised to let me help Mr. Chu, and I can enter the Wang family's house without arousing suspicion." Song Lu immediately explained his value.

He knew that he was already in a position to make amends, and this steward didn't seem to get along well with Madam Chu, so he naturally wouldn't waste words.

Luo Qisheng squinted. "How can I trust you?"

"This is a token from Madam Chu." Song Lu quickly handed the piece of paper to Luo Qisheng.

Luo Qisheng took it and saw the familiar numbers on it, believing most of it. He quickly took the note and said without changing his expression, "I trust Madam, but I don't trust you. Since you're willing to help, I'll give you a few tasks first. If you complete them, then I'll believe you."

"Okay."

"You go to the Song family and tell Mr. Wang..." Luo Qisheng quickly gave him several unrelated tasks. Some were to go to the Wang family, some were to inquire about the biological mother of Miss Wang, and one was to find out what the gatekeeper at the Wang family liked to eat.

Although each sounded related to the Wang family, when looked at separately, they couldn't be connected.

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 1084: Is Shu Yu Trying to Seduce People?

Shu Yu frowned as she looked at the man in front of her. Even though staying on the deck provided better air, it also attracted the attention of others.

Just like the man in front of her.

The man introduced himself, "I am surnamed Yao. May I know the girl's name? I was on the second floor enjoying the view when I happened to see the girl reading here. I assume the girl is also knowledgeable and talented. Which famous work do you like the most?"

As he spoke, he glanced at the other book Shu Yu had placed aside and smiled as he read the title on the cover, "Nan Lou Dong Qing... A legend?"

When he saw the last two words, his expression momentarily twisted, and he looked at Shu Yu in surprise, "Miss, are you..."

"The young master wants to read too? I'm sorry, I don't have many novels with me when I'm traveling. I don't have any extras to give you. If you want to read, you can buy a couple of books the next time the ship docks. I heard this novel is quite popular lately, and the bookstores in the city should have them. It's easy to find."

Young Master Yao, "..."

At that moment, Ying Xi hurried over and stood in front of Shu Yu, giving Young Master Yao a "Make way" look.

Where did this person come from? Her miss already had Master Meng.

Putting aside the little bit of interaction they had with Master Meng in their childhood, her miss was so outstanding that only Master Meng was worthy of her. Others should step aside, especially this young man in front of them.

Ying Xi raised her hand and forced him to step back two paces, saying, "Young Master, don't linger here. Our Miss wants to read, please don't disturb her."

Young Master Yao was either intimidated by the novel or shocked by Shu Yu's words, but he really did walk away after being pushed back by Ying Xi.

Ying Xi was stunned for a moment. She thought she might have to draw a dagger to get him to leave.

But it was a good thing he left. She sat back down beside Shu Yu.

Shu Yu chuckled and gave her a thumbs-up.

Both the master and servant were unaware that two people were standing behind the window on the second floor, watching them from above.

One of them said with some annoyance, "What's wrong with Brother? That woman is obviously trying to flirt with people while staying on the deck. What good girl would show up in such a place, holding a book and reading? Doesn't she get seasick? She's obviously pretending. Brother is usually so clever, how could he fall for it?"

The other girl said softly, "I saw her maidservant coming out from below the deck just now. I think they are staying in the cabins below and came up to get some fresh air on the deck."

"Sister Jiayi, you don't have to make excuses for her. We all know the identity of people staying in the cabins below. I bet that's why she wants to stand on the deck and get acquainted with a wealthy young man."

The more she talked, the angrier she became. "Look at my brother. He actually fell for it. Just wait, there will be more young men going up to talk to her later."

She was right; two more young men did come up to Shu Yu later.

Shu Yu was in the prime of her life, good-looking, and had a carefree and unrestrained appearance, which was different from most young ladies nowadays.

It was rare to have such a beautiful sight on the deck, naturally attracting attention.

Shu Yu was getting annoyed, but fortunately, the two young men who came later were gentlemen. After hearing that Shu Yu didn't want to be disturbed, they didn't appear again.

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Chapter 312: Wu Shi Jumps into the River, Xiao Ruiyuan Comes Searching (7)

Xin'er also felt extremely relieved. If something really happened to Aunt, their cousins would be pitiful, and that old woman would definitely come to trouble her sister. Thank goodness, thank goodness!

"Oh right, are Old Mo and eldest uncle not dealing with this matter?" Mo Yan asked in confusion. These two men might be foolish, but they wouldn't let Hong Shi strip her daughter-in-law's clothes, right?

Xin'er shrugged, "eldest uncle and second uncle went into the city to find work. We don't know where they are now! Grandpa also went somewhere and isn't at home, so who else can stop that crazy woman?"

Mo Yan furrowed her brow. This matter probably wasn't over yet. She wanted to go and see Wu Shi, but at this critical moment, Hong Shi might say something unpleasant. It's better to wait a bit longer!

In the evening, Li Zhong and his granddaughter returned home. Learning that business was much worse than the previous few days, Mo Yan was not surprised. After all, the price was 20% higher than other shops', and it was a new shop. If the sales were still good, she would be surprised.

"We sold nearly eight taels of silver, which is really good. I thought three or four taels would be good enough!" 

After tallying up the accounts during dinner, they found out they had sold seven or eight taels of silver, which surprised Mo Yan.

Li Zhong, however, was not satisfied. "Compared to the first three days, it's much worse. If it continues like this, we won't earn much silver in a month."

Mo Yan looked at the number of grains sold in the account book and smiled, "Grandpa Li, you are too impatient! There are plenty of wealthy people in the East Market. As long as we establish the reputation of our Mo family's fragrant rice, we won't worry about not having customers. Grandpa Li, just wait and see."

Li Zhong felt a little embarrassed. He wanted to manage the shop well and didn't want Mo Yan to be disappointed. Indeed, he was a bit too eager. A grain shop's business takes time to build up.

Seeing him relax, Mo Yan mentioned asking two new help at the shop again, and briefly mentioned Wu Shi's incident of almost jumping into the river.

"If something like this happens, I don't know if my cousin will go tomorrow. If he doesn't, Grandpa Li, you can take there aunt Cai's son first and let him get familiar with it."

Li Zhong nodded in agreement.

The two worried things did not happen. The next day, Li Zhong opened the courtyard gate and found Tie Tou standing in the corner, not knowing how long he had been standing there, his face frozen blue from the cold.

Knowing that he was Tie Tou, Li Zhong quickly pulled him in, "You silly child, why didn't you knock on the door? What if you caught a cold?"

Tie Tou sniffed and smiled foolishly but didn't say anything.

Li Zhong had heard Mo Yan mention his temperament before, so he didn't blame him. He pulled him into the kitchen and let him sit in front of the stove to warm up.

Seeing that he was wearing thin clothes, and the outermost clothes were patched up, Li Zhong thought for a moment, went back to his room, and took out a new cotton jacket and a new coat that he hadn't worn yet and gave one to him.

"These are still new. If you don't mind the old style, just make do with them."

Tie Tou stood up hastily, wanting to give them back, and stammered, "I-I can't accept them." They were brand new clothes, how could he accept them!

"If I ask you to wear them, you will wear them. If you dislike them, you might as well throw them into the stove and burn them." Li Zhong pretended to be impatient and left, closing the kitchen door behind him as he left.

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