Chapter 19
They came looking for you, and you turned right around to come to me—seems like they're targeting me.
Fang Zichen curled his lips: "What do they want now?"
The village chief explained Ma Dazhuang's intentions.
Guaizai had lingering trauma from these three, especially Ma Dazhuang. Just hearing the name made him tremble in fear. His small hands clutched Fang Zichen’s clothes tightly as he buried himself in his arms, no longer as cheerful as before.
A faint sound came from outside—perhaps something had been knocked over by the wind. The village chief paid it no mind and asked, "What's on your mind? Tell your uncle the truth."
Fang Zichen glanced outside. The rain was easing, showing signs of stopping, but the sky remained dark and heavy. There would likely be another thunderstorm tonight.
Guaizai stiffened all over. Instead of gripping Fang Zichen’s clothes, he wrapped his arms around his neck, as if terrified and only finding comfort this way.
"...Father," he called softly, his voice full of unease.
Guaizai was three years old and could understand people’s words. The Ma family was not a good place, and he didn’t want to go back.
Fang Zichen imitated Zhao Ger, gently patting his back over and over: "What’s wrong, Guaizai?"
Guaizai buried his face in Fang Zichen’s neck, his voice muffled: "...Don’t like grandfather."
At first, Fang Zichen didn’t understand, but then he realized he was referring to Ma Dazhuang.
Seeing Fang Zichen silent, Guaizai lifted his face and nuzzled against him, calling him "Father" in a soft voice. When Fang Zichen turned to look at him, he grinned, revealing a row of tiny white teeth.
Fang Zichen’s heart melted completely.
Such a small, well-behaved, beautiful child calling him "Father"—whoever tried to take him away would have to fight him to the death.
"Uncle, you don’t need to worry about this."
The village chief asked, "Then what’s your plan?" He couldn’t guess whether Fang Zichen would agree.
From his own perspective, comparing three taels of silver to a ger who had given birth to a child—any sensible man would choose the three taels.
A decent unmarried girl's bride price wouldn't even be that much. Wouldn't that be better than taking in someone who's already been married?
Besides, from the very beginning, Fang Zichen hadn’t wanted to marry Zhao ger. It was only out of pity that he eventually took him in.
Fang Zichen glanced outside again, then said after a moment’s thought, "I think Zhao Ger is quite good. He's well-behaved, obedient, and hardworking."
Before coming to Xiaohe Village, he hadn’t even turned eighteen. Marriage had always felt like something distant to him. In later generations, people married much later, and he’d never really imagined what his future partner would be like. His mother often asked during their chats, "What kind of girl does our little Fangzi like? Tell your mom, and I’ll keep an eye out for you."
His answer was always generic: "Just someone good-looking."
Zhao Ger’s skin was a little dark, but his features were fine and pleasing—good-looking by any standard. His temperament also matched Fang Zichen’s preferences, though if pressed, Fang Zichen wouldn’t yet say he liked him.
At best, he was in the stage of developing a fondness for him.
Hearing this, the village chief knew Fang Zichen wouldn’t send Zhao Ger back and inexplicably felt relieved.
"If you want to keep Zhao Ger, it’s best to send those three taels to the Ma family as soon as possible, to avoid any more trouble. Ma Dazhuang and Ma Erzhu might be bullies, but they’re simple-minded. Ma Laosan is different, that man has some brains," the village chief said. "The sooner you buy back Zhao Ger’s contract, the sooner you can rest easy. Do you have the silver? If not, I can lend it to you."
Fang Zichen shook his head: "I don’t have it right now."
The village chief stood up: "Then I’ll go get it for you. You can pay me back when you have the money."
"No need," Fang Zichen refused outright.
"Don’t be polite with your uncle!"
"I’m not!" Fang Zichen said. "I don’t have it now, but I’ll get my wages tomorrow, and then I will!"
Working at the docks for just over half a month and expecting three taels in wages—are you dreaming?!
The village chief opened his mouth, but Fang Zichen looked outside again and suddenly said, "Village chief, it looks like a heavy storm’s coming."
You should hurry home!
"......"
After seeing the village chief off, Fang Zichen carried Guaizai into the kitchen, where he found Zhao Ger standing motionless, holding a bowl of water, completely unaware of his presence.
From the look of it, he must have overheard the village chief’s words.
Before, Fang Zichen had been relieved that Zhao Ger hadn’t become twisted after over a decade of abuse in the Ma family. But after spending more time together, he realized that while Zhao Ger’s nature hadn’t warped, he was deeply sensitive and insecure. The slightest disturbance could send him into a panic.
Like this morning, running to the docks in the rain—if Fang Zichen hadn’t come out, he might have stood there all day in the downpour before quietly returning.
"Zhao Ger?" he called softly.
Zhao Ger looked up, his eyes soft and fragile.
"You..." He suddenly reached out and grabbed Fang Zichen’s wrist. "Husband... don’t send me back. I-I don’t want to go back. Please, I’m begging you."
This was the second time he’d called him that. The first time, Fang Zichen had seemed uncomfortable with it, so he’d stopped.
His hands were icy cold, his whole body trembling with fear. Fang Zichen hadn’t expected such a strong reaction and was momentarily stunned.
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