Rebirth of the Useless Young Master’s Counterattack Chapter 42

Chapter 42: A Gentle Trap  

All the guests present were prominent figures in Chuan City. Seeing the expression on the eldest young master of the Mu family, they could tell he was thoroughly frightened, evoking a wave of sympathy from the crowd. It made sense - after all, this was supposed to be his younger brother’s engagement ceremony, yet the bride-to-be was in love with him instead. Even if they ended up together in the future, it would become a laughingstock for others.  

“Mu Lichuan, tell me, weren’t we once engaged? Wasn’t it only because of special circumstances that I was forced to marry Mu Xiaolin?” Mo Shanshan’s face was streaked with tears. “If not for you, I would have died long ago. I don’t love the man who tried to kill me.”  

She was determined to drag Mu Lichuan down with her. As for how their lives would turn out after the engagement, she didn’t care - at the very least, Mu Lichuan was far better than Mu Xiaolin.  

Mu Lichuan desperately wanted to bury his face in his hands, or better yet, find a hole to crawl into. He never imagined Mo Shanshan could be so shameless. “Miss Mo, please restrain your grief. Some things cannot be forced.” The young man’s voice was soft, even carrying a faint smile.  

“Forced? I’m just asking you, was I once your fiancee or not?” Mo Shanshan knew full well that the boy wanted to sever all ties with her, simply because he didn’t love her. Matters of the heart couldn't be forced.  

“Yes.” A shadow flickered deep in Mu Lichuan’s eyes. Could it be that, after all this back and forth, he was still destined to be engaged to Mo Shanshan? Did this mean the trajectory of fate was truly unchangeable? His own mother had suffered the same fate.  

“If that’s the case, then why did I become Mu Xiaolin’s fiancée?” Mo Shanshan’s face was filled with despair. “Patriarch Mu, isn’t that right? As for the exact reason, I’m sure the Mu family knows very well.”  

Mu Changnian’s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot. His second son was being humiliated, while his eldest son acted as if he wanted nothing to do with the situation. As the patriarch of the Mu family, his dignity was utterly trampled. “Patriarch Mo.” He had no intention of interfering in the affairs of the younger generation, nor could he. If he did, he would be accused of bullying the weak.  

Mo Xiangxiong wore an apologetic expression before scolding, “Shanshan, what are you doing? Today is your engagement, a joyous occasion. How can you throw a tantrum like a child?” However, he dismissed her behavior as mere spoiled willfulness. What the crowd truly thought was their own business.  

“Father, I’ve thought this through. I can’t bear to lose Lichuan. Even if… even if I have to be his second wife, I’d be happy.” Mo Shanshan’s voice was soft, but she made her “love” sound pitifully humble.  

Mu Lichuan’s lips twitched as he looked at her. “Miss Mo, marriage is a matter of parents' orders and matchmaker’s words. Since fate has deemed us incompatible, why insist on forcing it?”  

“Since Lichuan puts it that way, Patriarch Mu, please betroth me to him instead. Let this engagement ceremony be for Lichuan and me.” Mo Shanshan acted as though she were deaf, completely ignoring Mu Lichuan’s words.  

Mu Xiaolin felt so humiliated he wished he could disappear. “You want to marry my elder brother? Have you even considered whether you’re worthy? What is my brother’s status, and what is yours? A used-up shoe, who would want you?”  

“Father, since Miss Mo loves elder brother so much, shouldn’t I, as the younger brother, step aside for them?” The boy’s eyes bore into the youth below as if he wanted to devour him alive.  

Mu Changnian felt he had no face left to save, but to avoid offending the Mo family, he declared, “In that case, let this engagement be between Lichuan and Mo Shanshan.”  

The moment these words were spoken, the entire hall erupted in murmurs. Was the Mu family’s engagement ceremony such a joke? Could the groom really be swapped out so casually?

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 10 Part 2

Seeing Ji Taoyu, the women quickly shut their mouths. Out of respect for his status, they forced smiles. “We were just joking around, Xiao Taozi. Don’t take it seriously.”  

“I won’t. But I’ve heard that northerner used to fight on the battlefield, his temper is fierce. And he was comrades with Brother Changsui from the Zhao family, who went to defend the borders. If he hears this kind of talk and loses his temper, do you think you could handle it?”  

Not all of them had seen Huo Shu, but they’d heard descriptions of a tall, intimidating man. Ji Taoyu’s words sent a chill down their spines.  

“We won’t say such things again.”  

Huo Shu listened as Ji Taoyu recounted the gossip he’d overheard. His expression darkened.  

Gossip was unavoidable, whether in the north or south. Northerners might be more blunt and crude in their rumors, but he’d never cared much for outsiders’ words.  

However, when it involved disrespect toward elders or the deceased, his gaze turned icy. “Who said it?”  

Ji Taoyu, hearing the cold edge in Huo Shu’s voice, quickly said, “I didn’t tell you this so you could confront them. People will talk no matter what. Even if you teach them a lesson, it might not shut them up, it could just fuel more gossip.”  

Huo Shu looked at Ji Taoyu. “So you’re suggesting I leave as soon as possible?”  

“No.”  

Ji Taoyu shook his head. “They’re saying these things because they don’t understand your relationship with the Zhao family or why you’re staying under the same roof. If everything were properly clarified, they wouldn’t dare spread rumors.”  

“Properly clarified?”  

“Yes.”  

Ji Taoyu continued, “Brother Huo, you could formally recognize Yuan niangzi as family, with the village elders as witnesses. Once that’s done, everyone will understand the relationship, and the villagers won’t treat you as an outsider. It’d also make it easier for you to get things done here.”  

“Of course, this is just a suggestion to protect Yuan niangzi's reputation. In Tongzhou, a woman or ger’s reputation is everything. And since you’re my savior, I felt I should speak up. But you might have your own plans.”  

Huo Shu studied Ji Taoyu for a long moment.  

“You’re right. I hadn’t considered that.”  

Ji Taoyu relaxed when he saw Huo Shu taking his words seriously.  

He’d been worried that someone like Huo Shu - raised in the north, hardened by battle, might dismiss such gossip as trivial.  

If he left after finishing his business, all the rumors would fall on Yuan niangzi, a widow.  

And in the face of gossip, society was always harsher on women and ger, they’d be the ones to suffer in the end.  

“I’ll discuss it with Auntie when I return.”  

Ji Taoyu nodded.  

A breeze rustled through the courtyard, shaking loose dried leaves from the camphor tree onto the awning.  

Huo Shu glanced at the sky, realizing it was getting late. He retrieved the hairpin he’d brought back from Zhao Changsui and handed it to Ji Taoyu.  

“This is the token. Changsui had a lover before he was conscripted, this was from her.”  

“He never spoke much about her, but he always kept this hairpin on him. Before he died, he asked me to return it along with the money for his parents.”  

“I could’ve given it directly to Auntie, but she seemed unaware of this person’s existence. Since Changsui cared for her, whether she’s moved on or not, I should deliver this personally. It’s a matter of closure.”  

Ji Taoyu carefully took the hairpin and examined it - a simple silver pin with a few crabapple blossoms at the tip.  

Two of the flowers were chipped at the edges.  

“This hairpin is ordinary, not very valuable, and the style was popular years ago. Many people probably own similar ones. But from the design, we can tell the owner was a girl, ger usually don’t wear this type of hair ornament.”  

Huo Shu frowned.  

“Also, Changsui was conscripted over a decade ago. By now, that girl would’ve long since married. It’d be unwise to make a public search.”  

“That’s what I thought too. That’s why it’s tricky.”  

Ji Taoyu asked, “Was the pin damaged later?”  

“No. It was already like this when Changsui got it.”  

Ji Taoyu raised his brows. “That sets it apart from other crabapple hairpins.”  

He set the hairpin down, thinking. “How about this, if you trust me, Brother Huo, you could leave the hairpin with me. During village gatherings or feasts, I’ll wear it. People will find it odd and take notice. If the owner sees it, she might approach me privately.”  

“Also, when you formally recognize Yuan niangzi as family, you could explain to the elders that you’re Changsui’s comrade, returning a token. Once word spreads, attending a few village feasts might yield results.”  

Huo Shu’s eyes narrowed slightly.  

“Seems I came to the right person.”  

“Then… I’ll keep the hairpin for now?”  

Huo Shu nodded.  

Just as they finished speaking, voices sounded outside the gate. “Xiao Taozi, come see who’s here!”  

Hearing the cheerful chatter, Ji Taoyu quickly stood.  

Before opening the gate, he called out, “Father, you’re just in time! Brother Huo is here, he was waiting for you over tea. I’m not sure what he needs.”  

Ji Yangzong replied, “Probably something about Changsui.”  

Then, to the young man beside him, “Erlang, come in.”  

Huo Shu stood with his hands behind his back, watching as a youth of about seventeen or eighteen followed Ji Yangzong into the courtyard.  

Dressed in a well-fitted blue robe that draped over his slender frame, his hair tied with a bamboo hairpin, his face was refined, his lips perpetually curved in a gentle, scholarly smile - the very picture of a cultured, amiable scholar.  

“Brother Erlang.”  

Ji Taoyu greeted him warmly, his eyes crinkling like an obedient child’s.  

Hearing the affectionate address, Huo Shu’s expression cooled, his brow arching slightly.  

Rebirth to Erase Dark History Chapter 54 Part 2

The Wei family still lived in the hospital staff quarters, but in a larger new apartment. Song Yufang looked embarrassed when she saw the ingredients they brought. "Jiajia, I’m sorry, you shouldn’t have brought food when you’re our guest."  

"Auntie Song, don’t be polite. When Wei Jing visits me, he brings piles of stuff too."  

"Mom, come see, how do you want to prepare these?" Wei Jing called from the kitchen.  

Song Yufang and Yang Jiabo entered the kitchen. They couldn’t possibly finish all the food Yang Jiabo had brought, so Song Yufang picked what to cook that night and stored the rest in the fridge.  

While Song Yufang busied herself in the kitchen, Yang Jiabo offered to help but was shooed out. She told Wei Jing to entertain him properly. With nothing else to do, they played chess on the balcony. Yang Jiabo's reckless play starkly contrasted with Wei Jing's strategic approach - resulting in a one-sided slaughter.  

Yang Jiabo quickly lost interest, shooting Wei Jing annoyed glances. Wei Jing didn’t go easy on him, seemingly enjoying the reaction. Yang Jiabo decided this was just sadism and refused to play anymore.  

With nothing else to do, Wei Jing suggested other games such as military chess, Go, checkers, but Yang Jiabo rejected them all. He wasn’t a masochist.  

Instead, Yang Jiabo grew interested in Wei Changdong’s books, so the two holed up in the study. Yang Jiabo read medical texts, while Wei Jing casually flipped through a biography.  

"Jiajia, you seem really interested in pathology?" Wei Jing asked.  

"Yeah. My dad’s health isn’t great, it doesn’t hurt to learn more." This was a habit from his past life. Plus, as a pharmacy, medical knowledge helped him serve customers better.  

"Uncle Yang seems healthy, though. Why not take him for a full checkup?" Wei Jing was puzzled, why did Yang Jiabo always say Yang Jianjun was unwell?  

"I take him for checkups every year. As people age, their bodies decline, it’s better to be cautious. You should pay attention to your parents’ health too. Some people seem strong but aren’t." Yang Jiabo spoke from experience.  

"Got it." Wei Jing considered the advice. His parents, both hospital workers and had regular checkups, but he’d start paying closer attention to their reports.  

Wei Changdong returned early that day. Seeing Yang Jiabo and Wei Jing quietly reading in the study, he smiled. Knowing Yang Jiabo’s interest in pathology, he gifted him a few rare medical books.  

Soon, Wei Jing’s vacation ended, and he left Wujuan Farm for the capital. On his first day away, Yang Jiabo felt oddly unaccustomed to the absence of his ever-present companion.  

At night, Yang Jiabo sprawled across his bed, stretching indulgently. He rolled from left to right, then right to left. The bed was finally his alone again.  

But his joy was short-lived. Rolling to Wei Jing’s side, he caught the lingering scent. Wei Jing always stayed with him when visiting, and though Yang Jiabo complained, he secretly enjoyed it.  

Wei Jing was a warm person. Yang Jiabo knew he did this because he’d learned about his illness, he wanted to support and comfort him. Being cared for felt nice.  

Staring at the empty space, Yang Jiabo’s chest felt hollow. He chalked it up to habit and didn’t dwell on it.  

Yang Jiabo liked solitude, but he didn’t mind Wei Jing. Though he’d initially struggled to adjust, he now felt the absence when Wei Jing left.  

At such times, he reminded himself: everyone returns to their own life. Especially after starting a family, priorities shift. In the end, he’d still be alone.  

Wei Jing was still young. In a few years, he’d find a girlfriend, marry, and build his own family. The thought left Yang Jiabo with an inexplicable ache.  

After Wei Jing left, he called Yang Jiabo almost daily - chatting about work, daily life, or random anecdotes. With phones, distance felt shorter.  

Wei Jing’s friends occasionally called too - holiday greetings, Xu Chen begging for food, Ren Boying asking for medicine, Chang Jin wanting flowers, Meng Fan just rambling. Meng Fan found Yang Jiabo easygoing and got along well with him.  

But Meng Fan mostly talked about Ren Boying + endless praise followed by complaints about his overbearing nature. Yang Jiabo found it odd but couldn’t pinpoint why.  

After their last visit, the group had all sent Yang Jiabo gifts. Even Qin Rong mailed dried fruits - a polite gesture that slightly improved his opinion of her.  

Days passed steadily. Yang Jiabo and Yang Jianjun got driver’s licenses, and Yang Jiabo bought a sturdy, no-frills Volkswagen. One day, returning from the fields, he heard the landline ringing - a rarity since cell phones became common.  

Puzzled, he answered. "Hello?"  

"Is this Li Wen’s family?" A hoarse voice asked.  

"Yes. Who’s speaking?" Yang Jiabo answered reflexively. His second uncle’s family had no phone, so his second cousin listed this number as a contact.  

"I’m Li Wen’s regimental commander, Chen Junxian. Are his parents there?"  

"Commander Chen, I’m Li Wen’s cousin. His family doesn’t have a phone, can I pass on a message?" Yang Jiabo’s heart raced with foreboding. In his experience, military leaders didn’t call soldiers’ families without reason.  

"It’s like this, Li Wen had an accident during a rescue mission—" The voice grew heavier, hesitating.

"What happened to my cousin? Is he okay?" Yang Jiabo tensed. Then, he heard the man take a deep breath.  

"Li Wen sacrificed himself to save civilians."  

Yang Jiabo’s mind blanked. The rest of the words blurred.  

"Hello? Can you hear me?"  

"Yes… You said Li Wen sacrificed himself?" Yang Jiabo’s throat tightened as he sought confirmation.  

"Yes, his ashes will be sent home in three days for burial."  

"My cousin… really died?" Yang Jiabo asked again, clinging to hope.  

"Comrade Li Wen did sacrifice himself. Please accept our condolences. He was a brave soldier, awarded first-class merit and posthumously honored as a martyr."  

"What’s the use of honors when he’s gone?" Yang Jiabo drowned in guilt.  

"I understand your grief, but nothing can bring him back," the voice softened.  

"I know. We’ll prepare for his return," Yang Jiabo said brusquely before hanging up.  

"I’m sorry… I’m so sorry, Second Cousin… It’s all my fault," Yang Jiabo slumped by the phone, repeating apologies like a mantra.  

In his past life, Second Cousin had lived a full life. His parents, though biased, hadn’t neglected him. Second Cousin loved firearms, growing up when rural families still owned hunting rifles, he’d been an excellent shot, often hunting pheasants and rabbits.  

Later, as gun control tightened, he’d switched to crafting bows. Yang Jiabo had tried learning but lacked talent.  

Second Cousin adored guns, hunting, and fishing. As an adult, he’d even handcrafted a real gun as a collector’s item. Adults dismissed him as unserious, but kids adored him.  

Feeling overlooked by his parents, he’d married into a suburban family. At first, life was good. He got a truck license and drove for his in-laws.  

Then came the accident, his truck plunged off a cliff. Though severely injured, he survived. The emergency treatment cost a lot of money, then he had to rest for three years. Although he recovered, he walked with a limp.  

Transmigrated As Cannon Fodder To Marry Chapter 97 Part 1

Chapter 97  

    Although the Fifth Prince's mother came from a humble background, she was still one of the Emperor's concubines. While she couldn’t compare in other aspects, at least in terms of food, the Fifth Prince was slightly better off than the Sixth Prince, who had been deliberately suppressed by Cao Lan'er. He could at least eat his fill, even if the meals weren’t particularly good.  

    As a child, Yue Heng took medicine far more often than he ate a full meal. Under Cao Lan'er’s indulgence, it was normal for him to go hungry or only half-full - as long as he didn’t starve to death.  

    Once, he was even pushed into the water by a eunuch for making a fuss about being hungry and demanding food. The Fifth Prince happened to pass by with his attendants and rescued him. That was how the two brothers truly got to know each other.  

    Because his mother’s status was low, the Fifth Prince and his mother had also suffered their share of bullying. Knowing how bitter that felt, seeing Yue Heng in an even more pitiable state stirred compassion in his young heart, and he took on the responsibility of looking after his younger brother.  

    His main method was digging a hole outside Yue Heng’s secluded palace quarters and secretly giving him half of his own meals every day. Yue Heng would sneak out at midnight to eat. No matter how miserable those days were, he truly survived that hardest period thanks to the food his Fifth Brother sent him.  

    Human memory is strange, some things are forgotten, while others remain deeply etched. 

    Yue Heng would never forget the image of himself as a child, crouching by that small hole in the wall, wolfing down cold rice and leftovers.  

    And so, he also clearly remembered the kindness his Fifth Brother had shown him.  

    Yue Heng was clever, and the Fifth Prince was no fool either - otherwise, their hole-digging and food-smuggling operation would have been discovered long ago.  

    When Yue Heng began learning martial arts from his uncle and started building his own influence, he developed a habit of sending books to the Fifth Prince. Anything he could get his hands on, especially military strategy texts and secretly copied treatises on statecraft.  

    The Fifth Prince vaguely sensed something but maintained a facade of being inarticulate and dull-witted. In private, however, he studied the books Yue Heng sent him thoroughly.  

    When Yue Heng began taking action against Cao Lan'er and her faction, he outright told the Fifth Prince that he wanted him to become Emperor.  

    The Fifth Prince smiled and said, "I thought you’d had that idea for a long time."  

    Yue Heng had indeed considered it early on, but his resolve only strengthened after he began his revenge.  

    Yue Heng remembered his Fifth Brother telling him that being a good Emperor would be difficult, but he was willing to try. He also asked Yue Heng to supervise him - if he ever changed, Yue Heng should depose him and appoint a new ruler.  

    The Fifth Prince said Yue Heng understood things more clearly and knew what he wanted, whereas he feared that after becoming the ruler of the world - an Emperor who held power over life and death, he might lose his true self, having grown up under the shadow of power struggles.  

    At that moment, Yue Heng felt certain his Fifth Brother would make a good Emperor because he knew exactly what kind of person he was.  

    Yue Heng also knew he himself didn’t want to be Emperor but could assist his Fifth Brother. Dayue would surely thrive under their joint rule.  

    Most importantly, his Fifth Brother had suffered enough from being bullied by palace eunuchs and maids and had witnessed the vile schemes of harem women fighting for favor. He would never let his own children suffer the same fate or allow his concubines to resort to such ruthless tactics.  

    "But where there are people, there will be conflict and competition. When the Fifth Prince is busy with state affairs, can he really monitor his harem daily to stop women from vying for favor?"  

    The Sixth Prince wasn’t much of a storyteller either. Though Jiang Lin sensed the deep brotherly bond, he was skeptical of the last part. With a harem full of women, the drama would be endless.  

    "True, so Fifth Brother decided he’ll only have an Empress, just one woman in the harem. If she wants to argue, she’ll have to quarrel with him. But as married couples know, fights between husband and wife are always settled by bedtime."  

    Yue Heng even winked suggestively at Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao.  

    Jiang Lin: "...Sixth Prince, you sure know a lot."  

    Yue Heng wore a confident and proud expression. "I’ve done my research. If things aren’t settled by bedtime, it’s definitely the man’s fault."  

    His gaze shifted between Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao, tinged with envy. "With a pair like you, if one can’t manage, the other can step in. It’ll definitely work out."  

    Jiang Lin: "..." He knows way too much.  

    So Jiang Lin decisively shattered Yue Heng’s fantasy. "Bedtime can wait. Has my Su Qiao even agreed to marry you?"  

    A critical hit - Yue Heng visibly deflated.  

    Unlike Jiang Lin, who only knew how to mock the Sixth Prince, Wei Yunzhao was kinder and steered the conversation back to the Fifth Prince. "Has the Fifth Prince truly decided to have only an Empress?"  

    "Of course," Yue Heng answered firmly. "He’s even chosen his Empress."  

    Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao exchanged glances, impressed by the speed but also full of questions. "Who?"  

    "You know her, the Yin family’s daughter, the one formerly betrothed to the Crown Prince."  

    Not only did this bunch of brothers all have their eyes on the Yin family’s daughter, but now that they’d taken the Crown Prince’s position, they were also taking his intended bride?  

    Yue Heng explained: "When the old man wanted to name Fifth Brother as Crown Prince, he was reluctant at first. The old man told him to name his conditions, and Fifth Brother said he’d taken a liking to a girl, who just happened to be the former Crown Prince’s fiancee. To keep the throne from falling into my hands, the old man had no choice but to grant this small request. He issued a separate decree betrothing Yin Feifei to Fifth Brother as Crown Princess."  

    Jiang Lin: "..."  

    Wei Yunzhao: "..."  

    It was hard to decide whose move was more outrageous.  

Rebirth of the Useless Young Master’s Counterattack Chapter 41

Chapter 41: Confession to Young Master Mu  

Mu Lichuan had an inexplicable feeling toward the girl Mo Shanshan. "How did I mock you? Aren’t you about to become my younger brother’s fiancee?"  

Mo Shanshan’s face was full of grievance. "You—" In the end, she turned and left, clearly unwilling to speak with him any further.  

Mu Lichuan shrugged, thinking that the girl must be suffering from pre-wedding jitters - otherwise, why would she act like this?  

The Mu family’s outdoor celebration was lively, filled with festivities for the union of the Mu and Mo families. Yet, some keen observers noticed the forced smile of the Mu family’s second young master and the reluctance of the Mo family’s eldest daughter.  

Mu Changnian delivered the opening speech, then called Mu Xiaolin and Mo Shanshan forward. The latter took a deep breath before grabbing the microphone and loudly declaring, "I refuse to be engaged to Mu Xiaolin! The one I’m engaged to is Mu Lichuan, the Mu family’s eldest young master—not this shuzi!"  

[庶子 (shùzǐ): Common/Secondary Son, born to a father’s official concubine in aristocratic families (ancient china). Legally recognized but ranked below 嫡子 (dízǐ, sons of the primary wife) in inheritance and social status]  

The term "shuzi" was an ancient reference, and using it in modern times carried a humiliating connotation. After all, which prominent family didn’t have its share of scandals? Even if a family legitimized an illegitimate child, their past status was usually only whispered about privately. To say it out loud in public wasn’t just an insult to the bride’s family, it was a disgrace to both sides.  

"Mo Shanshan!" Mu Xiaolin glared at the girl with a venomous expression. "A used goods, I don’t want to marry you either!" He had already been thinking of ways to call off the engagement, but he never expected her to call him a "shuzi."  

"Mu Xiaolin, watch your words! Who are you calling used goods ?" Mo Shanshan’s face flushed crimson. This matter was a lifelong pain for her, only a select few knew about it, and no one else had any idea.  

Mu Xiaolin sneered. "You, of course! Who knows how many men have had you? And you still dare to demand an engagement with me? You’re not even fit to be my concubine!" He was a prodigy, a genius. A mere ordinary girl like her should consider it an honor if he so much as glanced her way.  

"You—you—! No wonder you’re a shuzi, you can’t even speak properly! The reason I’m like this is all because of you!" Mo Shanshan felt dizzy with rage. So what if he was a genius? So what if he was the Mu family’s rising star? Look at his behavior, nothing more than a brat still smelled of mother's milk!  

[乳臭未乾 (rǔ xiù wèi gān): lit. still smells of mother's milk; fig. immature, inexperienced.]  

Their argument was brief. At first, Mu Changnian had been stunned by Mo Shanshan’s words. By the time he regained his composure, the two youngsters were already in a heated quarrel.  

"Enough!" Mu Changnian’s face darkened with fury. The Mu family’s dignity had been completely trampled. Even if they wanted to call off the engagement, this was not the time or place. "Marriage is a serious matter, how can you treat it so frivolously?"  

Mo Xiangxiong’s face also turned ashen. If this engagement fell through, the rift between the Mo and Mu families would only grow deeper.  

Mo Shanshan noticed her father’s expression but glanced toward another direction instead. "Patriarch Mu, the one I love is Mu Lichuan! He was the one originally engaged to me, I want Mu Lichuan!" She had laid her heart bare in front of everyone, throwing caution to the wind.  

"Crash—!" Mu Lichuan accidentally knocked over a nearby table, sending glasses tumbling to the ground. His face was frozen in shock, and when he noticed everyone’s stares, he forced an awkward smile. "My apologies… just a slip…" No matter how strong his mental fortitude was, he never expected Mo Shanshan to pull such a stunt, it was utterly overwhelming.

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 10 Part 1

Chapter 10 

Huo Shu arrived at the Ji family’s home roughly the time it takes for an incense stick to burn (15 to 30 minutes) after Ji Taoyu had left.  

Ji Taoyu had just returned home, having scattered two handfuls of rice bran to feed the chickens and ducks they kept. After washing his hands, he was about to brew some tea to enjoy under the shade of the courtyard awning when he heard a knock at the gate.  

He wiped his hands and hurried to open the gate, only to see a man nearly as tall as the gate itself holding the food box he had brought earlier.  

“Was it not to your taste?”  

Ji Taoyu couldn’t help but ask.  

Huo Shu lowered his gaze to the little ger staring intently at the food box and replied slowly, “If I said it wasn’t to my taste, would you refuse to let me in?”  

Only then did Ji Taoyu realize he was blocking the entrance. Flustered, he quickly stepped aside. “Ah, Warrior, please come in.”  

“I’m returning the food box to you.”  

Ji Taoyu pursed his lips and, after closing the gate, trotted after Huo Shu.  

Seeing the man’s back turned to him, he ventured, “So… how was the taste?”  

Huo Shu sat down in the shade of the awning, legs slightly apart, and instead of answering, opened the lid of the food box for Ji Taoyu to see.  

Inside were three empty dishes neatly arranged - originally containing osmanthus cakes, a dish of crispy bamboo shoots with cured meat, and a bowl of crucian carp soup.  

The flavors were undeniably good, and all of it had ended up in Huo Shu’s stomach.  

To be fair, Mother Zhao’s cooking was also quite tasty, but between the two, Ji Taoyu's skills were superior - his culinary abilities bordered on refinement.  

This was no overnight achievement, it was the result of constant practice at home.  

The Ji family never lacked for food and drink in the village, with plentiful ingredients on their table, giving them ample opportunity to refine their tastes.  

Though, perhaps this was also honed for the sake of his scholar husband-to-be.  

Huo Shu raised an eyebrow. Why was he even thinking about this?  

“Just some simple home-style dishes, nothing compared to the flavors of city restaurants.”  

Seeing the empty food box, Ji Taoyu couldn’t help but feel pleased. After a modest remark, he carried the box to the kitchen.  

Watching the little ger circle his arms around the box and skip lightly into the house, Huo Shu’s tense brow relaxed slightly.  

By the time Ji Taoyu returned, Huo Shu had already averted his gaze, casually lifting a cup of tea to his lips.  

“Are your parents not home?”  

“Mother is here. Father just left to record this year’s autumn harvest. A mute laborer also went to work in the fields.”  

No sooner had he spoken than Huang Manjing emerged from the house, having heard the commotion outside.  

She greeted Huo Shu politely. Ji Taoyu had already told her earlier that Huo Shu would be coming to discuss something, and that he was specifically looking for Taoyu.  

After asking a few questions and receiving Ji Taoyu's assurance that it was nothing bad, she didn’t press for details.  

Children grew up and had their own affairs, this wasn’t a bad thing. Being able to handle matters independently would serve him well after marriage.  

She exchanged a few words with Huo Shu: “Warrior Huo, feel free to discuss matters with Xiao Taozi (小桃子, little peach) first. His father will be back soon.”  

“Alright.”  

With that, she left to attend to her own tasks, not eavesdropping on their conversation.  

Only after his mother had left did Ji Taoyu sit down diagonally across from Huo Shu. Seeing the man leisurely sipping tea, he took a breath and said, “Warrior…”  

Before he could finish, he was interrupted: “Just call me by my name.”  

“Huo—”  

Though Huo Shu had never personally told him his name, Ji Taoyu already knew it.  

But Huo Shu always seemed so stern, so unlike his peers, that calling him directly by name felt disrespectful. At the last moment, he changed it to: “Brother Huo.”  

Huo Shu’s grip on the teacup tightened imperceptibly. He didn’t look at Ji Taoyu, but his eyes softened slightly in secret.  

“What is it?”  

Ji Taoyu blinked. “So… what are your plans? Have you decided when you’ll leave?”  

Huo Shu set down the cup. “Do you want me to leave?”  

“That’s not what I meant.”  

Ji Taoyu straightened. “I just wanted to ask about your plans. Earlier today, I overheard some unpleasant talk on the road.”  

That morning, after preparing the dishes and sneaking out while his parents weren’t looking, Ji Taoyu had brought the food box to Huo Shu. On his way to the Zhao family, he saw Yuan niangzi (Zhao's mother) heading out, exchanging a few pleasantries with some villagers.  

At first, it was all polite, but as soon as Yuan niangzi walked away, the villagers started gossiping.  

“You know, ever since that tall northerner arrived in our village and started staying at Yuan Huiru’s place, she’s been glowing these past few days, full of energy.”  

One of the women laughed. “Aren’t you ashamed, saying such things?”  

“Oh, don’t act so prim. Didn’t you see how cheerful she looked just now, like it was New Year’s?”  

“Lately, I’ve seen Yuan Huiru buying meat, slaughtering chickens, feasting every day like never before, not even during festivals. Having a man at home really makes a difference!”  

Though they didn’t say it outright, the suggestive tone and laughter made their meaning clear.  

Ji Taoyu was furious. These words were practically insulting both mother and son, utterly disgraceful.  

He hid the food box nearby and stepped forward to argue. “Father already said that northerner is a relative of the Zhao family. How could you speak so crudely?”

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 162 Part 1

 Chapter 162  

    The commotion outside made Lu Gu uneasy. He set down the dog and hurried out. He had been worried that Shen Xuanqing might resort to violence, but against Lu Daxiang and Du Hehua, he had no idea how to drive them away, those two were shamelessly thick-skinned. He could only trust Shen Xuanqing to handle it.  

    He could tell the noise was coming from outside the west wall. As he stepped past the gate and turned the corner, he nearly collided with a tall figure. Before he could even see who was behind Shen Xuanqing, he was blocked.  

    "Go back. Big Brother is out here, so don’t worry about it." Shen Xuanqing raised a hand to stop him, steering him back around the corner and guiding him toward the courtyard as he spoke. "They only cared about having a child, not raising one. Now they want you to give them money and food to support them in their old age? I had no choice but to take drastic measures."  

    "If we don’t drive them off this time, they’ll keep coming back to freeload. That wouldn’t be so bad, but I’m afraid they’d slander our family’s reputation, and then life would get difficult."  

    Lu Gu didn’t resist. After being pushed back inside and hearing Shen Xuanqing’s words, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger. Give them money and food? When Du Hehua raised him, she wouldn’t even give him a hot meal. Yet today, she had the gall to demand money and provisions - what kind of logic was that?  

    He was mild-tempered and inarticulate, so angry he couldn’t even speak. He didn’t want to cry, but tears fell against his will.  

    Seeing this, Shen Xuanqing pressed him down onto a chair to sit and comforted him, "They didn’t get what they wanted. I doubt they’ll dare come back."  

    Lu Gu didn’t even bother fetching a handkerchief, just wiped his tears roughly with the back of his hand and said indignantly, "If they come again, I won’t pay them any mind."  

    Shen Xuanqing laughed at once, nodding repeatedly. "Good, good. Ignore them."  

    Earlier, at the corner of the wall, Shen Xuanqing’s large frame which was far more robust than the average man’s had blocked Lu Gu’s view entirely, so he hadn’t seen the people behind him. But now, his earlier worries had faded. He only wished Lu Daxiang and Du Hehua would leave sooner and never return.  

    Before long, the noise outside died away completely, and Shen Yaoqing walked back in through the gate. Lu Gu had already dried his tears and instinctively looked toward him.  

    Shen Yaoqing returned the long door bolt to its place behind the gate. His face bore a smile, clearly pleased at having vented his anger. He said cheerfully, "Those two are gone. They got a good beating this time, and they were in such a panic when they left, they definitely won’t dare come back so easily in the future."  

    After all, Lu Daxiang was Lu Gu’s birth father, Shen Yaoqing didn’t want to cause resentment between them, so he added, "Guzi, don’t blame Second Brother for hitting them. They had the nerve to come here demanding money. If we didn’t beat them, they’d think we’re easy to bully. You know how it is - once they get familiar, they’ll keep coming back. We had to cut off their ideas for good."  

    "Mm. I don’t blame him," Lu Gu replied with a slight nasal tone.  

    Seeing how reasonable he was, Shen Yaoqing felt even more at ease.  

    Today had been a warm, sunny day, but their mood had been ruined. Still, they’d gotten some satisfying revenge. After resting for a while and drinking some water, since it was still early, Shen Yaoqing and Shen Xuanqing went to the backyard to build up the pigpen. Lu Gu carried a bundle of dry grass to feed the ox.  

    When the next spring’s plowing came, their young ox would have to start learning to pull the plow. Before, Shen Yaoqing and Shen Xuanqing had to rely on their own strength to drag the plow, but next year, they could take turns with the ox. Naturally, they had to feed it well so they wouldn’t have to wait to borrow someone else’s ox after they’d finished plowing.  

    After tending to the ox and mule, Lu Gu returned to the main room to tidy up his sewing supplies.  

    The two pups were frolicking in the front yard, playfully nipping at each other and imitating grown dogs with low growls, chasing and pouncing, utterly carefree. Guaizi tilted his head as he watched them play, as if getting into the spirit himself. He barked a couple of times at the pups, but he was too big to join in their biting games.  

    Having sat in the shade for too long, Lu Gu felt a bit cold, so he moved his stool into the sunlight in the yard. Dahui, who had been lazily sunbathing, seemed to sense his melancholy and soon lay down at his feet, wagging his tail.  

    The fluffy dog’s head pressed against his calf, and Lu Gu couldn’t resist rubbing Dahui’s head for a long while.  

    Guaizi, who had been playing happily, suddenly turned and saw Lu Gu petting Dahui. He immediately ran over, whining and nudging his head into Lu Gu’s hand, even trying to push Dahui aside.  

    Lu Gu finally smiled, rubbing Guaizi’s head and pinching his ears, giving him a thorough petting until the dog’s eyes squinted in contentment.  

    Dahui was so well-behaved that Lu Gu didn’t want to neglect him. After petting Guaizi enough, he patted his head and said, "Alright, go play."  

    Then he smoothed Dahui’s fur.  

    Dahui, who was most diligent at guarding the house at night, inevitably dozed more during the day. Once he lay down beside Lu Gu, he didn’t move again, closing his eyes to sleep.  

    Just as Lu Gu withdrew his hand, the two pups’ barks suddenly grew louder. Xiaohuang yelped in surprise, then bared his teeth and tussled with Huang’er.  

    They’d bitten too hard and gotten upset. Ever since they’d been brought home, this was a common sight. Pups would playfully nip to practice their biting skills, but since they were still young, sometimes they didn’t know their own strength. What started as play could turn into real fight, their barks fierce yet still puppy-like.  

    Sometimes, when Xiaohuang couldn’t win against the slightly larger Huang’er, he’d run off to hide. But this time, both were angry, neither willing to back down. Lu Gu had to stand up and grab each by the scruff, separating them before they tore out each other’s fur, which would scatter everywhere in the wind.

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 161 Part 2

    Lu Gu knew nothing of this. Lu Daxiang cared too much about face to speak of Ye Yuzhen’s past to anyone.  

    Running into Xu Yanrong three days ago had dredged up these old memories, and after being turned away by the Li family, Lu Daxiang returned home in a foul mood.  

    Having been married to Du Hehua for years, she had long pried the truth about Ye Yuzhen out of him and knew why he was upset. But she had bigger plans, since Lu Wen was unreliable for now, why not turn to Lu Gu? She coaxed Lu Daxiang, saying that after raising Lu Gu for so many years, now that the Shen family was prosperous, it was time for him to show some filial piety. Otherwise, he’d be an ungrateful wretch deserving of divine punishment.  

    Ever since cozying up to the Li family, Lu Wen occasionally sent servants to Anjia Village with gifts for Du Hehua, sometimes even Lu Daxiang. Gradually, they had more money to spend, living more comfortably than before, even becoming picky about food and drink.  

    Naturally, they spent recklessly. In previous years, the grain from their fields would last the winter, but now they craved rice at every meal, looking down on porridge. Thinking Lu Wen would provide, they indulged without care until the first snowfall left them nearly out of food.  

    They had even dressed up to visit the Li family, only to be dismissed at the door.  

    With supplies running low, Lu Daxiang was swayed by Du Hehua’s words. Today, the two conspired and headed straight for Qingxi Village.  

    Since Du Hehua had once beaten Lu Gu, she hid behind a tree to avoid provoking him, just in case Lu Gu softened and gave Lu Daxiang something.  

    Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yaoqing were stunned, who knew there was such a backstory?  

    Only now did Shen Xuanqing understand why, whenever Du Hehua called Lu Gu a "bastard," Lu Daxiang never argued. That word was an insult not just to Lu Gu but to Lu Daxiang himself, who would be laughed at behind his back.  

    Lu Daxiang’s silence showed he had been convinced by Du Hehua’s whispers, convinced Lu Gu really was a bastard. Before, Shen Xuanqing had thought Du Hehua was just hurling random abuse, never imagining there was such a history.  

    But he didn’t believe it. Lu Gu was gentle and kind-hearted, without a trace of malice. If Ye Yuzhen had raised him to be so well-behaved, she surely wouldn’t have done anything disgraceful.  

    Seeing Lu Daxiang’s dark expression, still fuming over Ye Yuzhen, and Du Hehua’s venomous sneer, Shen Xuanqing remembered how Lu Gu had been reduced to tears and called a "bastard" - a vicious insult. He also recalled how Du Hehua had once driven Lu Gu to attempt suicide by jumping into the river and struck him on the temple so hard he passed out, taking a long time to recover.  

    Old and new grievances piled up. If he hadn’t seen these two today, it might have been fine, but since they had delivered themselves to his doorstep, Shen Xuanqing didn’t hesitate. Another heavy punch landed squarely on Lu Daxiang’s face, knocking out another tooth.  

    "You’re blind and stupid, doting on a real bastard as your own son while letting your flesh and blood be abused and nearly killed. Guzi didn’t hold your past against you and just told you to leave, that’s his kindness." Shen Xuanqing tightened his grip on the door bolt and sneered. "I’m not him. If you hadn’t come, we’d have kept our distance as agreed. But since you’re here, are thieves supposed to steal and walk away unscathed?"  

    Earlier, he had let the dogs bite because he couldn’t hit a woman, but this vile shrew had slandered Lu Gu as a bastard so thoroughly that even Lu Daxiang believed it. Who knew how much suffering Lu Gu had endured under her hands?  

    Inside the main room, Lu Gu held a dog’s head in his arms, wiping Guaizi’s face and eyes with a handkerchief.  

    Shen Xuanqing had told him to stay inside, and though anxious, there was nothing he could do. Seeing blood on Guaizi’s mouth - different from the blood of prey, he felt a twinge of fear and took out a handkerchief to clean the teeth and muzzles of the dogs that had bitten someone.  

    Dahei had the worst temper, so he didn’t dare touch his fangs. Guaizi and Dahui, however, were docile in his hands, staying still as he wiped their teeth and even opening their mouths wider when asked.  

    Since the handkerchief was already dirty and there were plenty more in the house, he rinsed it in water and decided to clean Guaizi’s face properly, as the fur was a little soiled.  

    Earlier, when Shen Xuanqing set the dogs on them, Lu Gu had seen the wounds on Lu Daxiang and Du Hehua’s legs. The two, living comfortably now, wore padded clothes, and the torn cotton showed little blood - likely not serious injuries. Only Guaizi and Dahei, who had bitten harder, had more blood on their muzzles and teeth.  

    He had called the dogs back, partly out of fear and partly to prevent Shen Xuanqing from getting into legal trouble if things went too far.  

    Lu Gu’s mind wandered. Earlier, he had heard Shen Xuanqing walk behind the wall, was he saying something or preparing to hit them? For a moment, he considered standing by the wall to listen, but Shen Xuanqing had told him to stay inside, so he dismissed the thought.  

    After cleaning Guaizi, he noticed Xiaohuang tugging at his pant leg playfully. He scooped the pup onto his lap to wipe his face, but before Guaizi could whine in jealousy, two agonized howls came from outside, startling him and turning him pale. He set the pup down and hurried out

Rebirth of the Useless Young Master’s Counterattack Chapter 40

Chapter 40: A Young Woman's Thoughts  

Mu Xiaolin's entire demeanor was off. He ripped off his tie, his voice icy. "Why should I be engaged to a tainted woman two years my senior?"  

Mo Shanshan was two years older than him, what else could she be but an old hag?  

"Xiaolin." Bai Ping understood her son's resentment. Truthfully, she wasn't happy either. Mo Shanshan had originally been Mu Lichuan's fiancee. Now that she'd been defiled by a ghost, they were pushing her onto Xiaolin instead.  

She had tried to prepare him mentally, but when the day came, no man could swallow such humiliation without bitterness.  

"Mom, I know we have no choice. But even my woman is just Mu Lichuan's cast-off trash. How am I supposed to accept this?" The boy's delicate features twisted with quiet fury.  

If not for his mother, he’d gladly unleash the dark energy inside him, let it consume them all until not even their corpses remained.  

At first, the sight of those blackened bodies had terrified him. But now, after watching countless zombie apocalypse films, he'd grown numb. Compared to those gruesome deaths, his victims merely turned an unnatural shade of black - hardly noteworthy.  

"Xiaolin, I’ve told you, you must endure." As the Mu family’s matriarch now, she had to consider their interests, so long as it didn’t harm her son.  

Mu Xiaolin took a deep breath. "Mom, I know I have to endure. But what’s strange is..." He trailed off, his eyes conveying silent suspicion.  

He’d suspected this for a while - that their every move seemed anticipated in advance.  

Bai Ping understood immediately. "Don’t worry. I’ll handle it."  

This required the master’s intervention and a specialist’s inspection.  

Watching them, Mu Lichuan realized they might have discovered the hidden cameras, or were pretending to. Either way, it was time to remove them. Leaving evidence now would backfire.  

He’d already placated his grandfather and proved Mu Xiaolin wasn’t his father’s son. The earlier DNA test had clearly been tampered with, and it didn’t take a genius to guess by whom.  

Yet, with the dark energy inside Mu Xiaolin acting as a ticking time bomb, they had no choice but to acknowledge him as a member of the Mu family for now. Better to appease him than risk an outburst.  

The engagement between the Mu family’s second young master and the Mo family’s eldest daughter drew every influential figure in Chuan City. For Mu Lichuan, it was also his formal introduction to high society.  

In his past life, these CEOs had groveled before him. Now, with his father yet to introduce him, their gazes slid past indifferently.  

"Mu Lichuan." Mo Shanshan approached the youth, her heartbeat quickening at the sight of him sipping wine with effortless grace. If she had to marry into the Mu family, she wanted him - not that unstable time bomb, Mu Xiaolin.  

Who’d want a husband who’d outlive her youth as a cultivator?  

Mu Lichuan turned, smiling at the girl in the pristine white gown. "Miss Mo - no, I should call you sister-in-law from today."  

"Mu Lichuan, are you mocking me?" Mo Shanshan’s pretty face twisted slightly. A venomous thought took root - Wasn’t he originally my fiance? Why not make it so again? 

As for Mu Xiaolin - too gloomy, too unlikable. And what she didn’t like, she discarded.  

Tonight’s banquet was the perfect opportunity.  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 9 Part 2

At first, Zhao's mother thought Huo Shu might not care to listen, but to her surprise, he occasionally chimed in.  

For example:  

“How many branches does the Ji family have?”  

“The village head’s generation had eight siblings, and his sons have four branches.”  

Huo Shu listened quietly. Breakfast was simple - plain congee with pickled vegetables, but Zhao’s mother’s fermented side dishes were excellent.  

The long, tender cowpeas she had picked in summer were now perfectly fermented - crisp, salty, and savory.  

“So the You family will overshadow the Ji family now?”  

Zhao’s mother said, “With a juren offering protection, the You family is bound to rise. Surpassing the Ji family wouldn’t be surprising. But since the two families are set to marry, their rivalry won’t escalate too much. The village head’s branch will also benefit.”  

“Still, the village head deserves it. He went to great lengths to support You Erlang’s studies.”  

Huo Shu fell silent for a moment. None of this helped him find the man who had seduced Changsui, but since it involved the Ji family, he listened anyway.  

Zhao’s mother’s words only stirred an inexplicable irritation in him.  

Abruptly, as if deliberately changing the subject, Huo Shu remarked, “The pickles are delicious.”  

Zhao’s mother smiled. “Changsui loved them too. You two have similar tastes, no wonder you became sworn brothers.”  

“I’ll go to town later to buy some fabric and flour. I’ll make dumplings for you, sour bean paste with fresh meat filling. How does that sound?”  

Huo Shu didn’t refuse her kindness and agreed.  

Pleased, Zhao’s mother glanced outside. The clouds lingered, and the wind was chilly. Even if it didn’t rain, it would likely be overcast.  

“Autumn rains bring cold weather. Thankfully, most of the grain has been dried. Each rain cools the air further, so we must prepare autumn clothes early, or we’ll be caught off guard when winter arrives.”  

Zhao's mother hadn’t bought fabric for new clothes in years. She endured the autumn and winter with what she had, often coughing through the cold months. Now that life was slightly better, she no longer needed to be so frugal.  

She looked at Huo Shu, dressed in a worn linen short robe - no patches, but clearly old.  

“You always dress so lightly. Let me make you a thicker set of clothes.”  

Huo Shu brushed his sleeve. “I’m used to it. I’m not cold. No need to trouble yourself.”  

“The climate here is different from the north. It’s easy to fall ill if you’re careless. Besides, it’s no trouble. Women enjoy sewing, especially for family.”  

Huo Shu paused, then set down his chopsticks and reached for his purse. “Then I’ll trouble you.”  

But Zhao’s mother stopped him. “I’m making these for you. Every family makes clothes for their children in autumn, since when do children pay?”  

Over the days, she had noticed Huo Shu wasn’t slovenly, yet he alternated between the same two outfits. He likely had little money.  

Despite his own struggles, he hadn’t kept the silver Changsui had saved. Instead, he traveled thousands of miles to deliver it - a gesture that moved her deeply.  

Huo Shu said, “I have money.”  

Zhao’s mother thought he was being stubborn and pushed his purse back. “Save what you have. You’re not even married yet, there’ll be plenty of expenses later. It’s hard to save in the military. Spend wisely.”  

Huo Shu sighed helplessly, glancing at the gold nuggets inside.  

After breakfast, Zhao’s mother took a basket and an oil-paper umbrella to town.  

Huo Shu practiced a set of martial arts in the yard, then chopped two baskets of firewood for the kitchen. It was still early.  

The gloomy clouds refused to disperse, making it unsuitable for drying grain, so there was little else to do.  

The Zhao family didn’t own much land. Years of hardship had forced them to sell some, leaving only a few mu. Zhao’s mother had already tended to most of the crops.  

By mid-morning, the air grew stifling.  

Huo Shu sat indoors for a while, fiddling with the long hairpin before putting it away.  

With nothing to do, he stepped out in light clothing.  

The Jiangnan water country was crisscrossed with rivers. On muggy days, fish and shrimp were said to be easier to catch.  

The northern deserts had few such waterways. Back then, his swimming skills were mediocre, it was Zhao Changsui who taught him how to dive and swim in lakes.  

Now that he had the chance, why not enjoy it?  

Just as he left the courtyard, he spotted a familiar figure hesitating outside. His brow twitched. “Need something?”  

Ji Taoyu, seeing the man at the gate, hurried over and handed him a food box.  

Huo Shu’s expression softened.  

“You keep your word. But sneaking around like this might make people think you’re meeting a lover.”  

Ji Taoyu flushed. “I’m not! Since the food’s delivered, I’ll go.”  

Huo Shu watched him turn to leave, then called out, “Wait.”  

Taoyu stopped. “What else?”  

“Weren’t you going to help me find someone? Since you’re here, let’s discuss it. I don’t know where to start.”  

Huo Shu leaned against the gate. “Auntie’s out. Come in.”  

“I-Inside?”  

Ji Taoyu’s eyes widened. Now that Huo Shu knew he was betrothed, why did he invite him in when the house was empty?  

Huo Shu frowned at his hesitation. “What do you think I’ll do to you?”  

Ji Taoyu bit his lip. If Huo Shu tried anything, he wouldn’t stand a chance.  

“It’s improper. If people see and gossip…”  

Huo Shu raised an eyebrow. “Afraid it’ll reach your fiance’s ears?”  

Taoyu stiffened. Why was this man so sharp-tongued today?  

He twisted his sleeve. “Gossip is bad no matter who hears it.”  

Huo Shu studied the lowered head and quiet voice, his mood souring.  

The north and south were different. In the war-torn north, survival was paramount and social niceties mattered little. Men, women, and gers mingled freely, even drinking and gambling together.  

The peaceful south, with its emphasis on propriety, was stricter.  

Huo Shu knew this. While the south didn’t forbid interaction between unmarried men and gers, Ji Taoyu was already betrothed to a half-baked scholar’s family, no less. Of course, he’d be cautious.  

Yet the more Ji Taoyu resisted, the more irritable Huo Shu felt.  

But what was the point of bullying a defenseless ger?  

“Fine, thanks.”  

He lifted the food box slightly.  

“Go on.”  

After two steps, he heard Ji Taoyu hesitate, then suggest tentatively:  

“What if I go back first, and you come to my house later to discuss finding the person? My father’s the village head, people often visit to discuss matters. No one would gossip. Is that alright?”