The Rebirth of Crazy ger Chapter 63

Chapter 63  

"What are you doing?!" Lai Yuan said, stepping forward to pull Mu ger over and wrapping an arm around him, his expression fierce.  

Wang Jin froze, his gaze shifting from Yuan Heng’s face to Lai Yuan. The words "Brother Heng" that were about to leave his lips slid back down his throat, sinking into his stomach. The welcoming smile on his face stiffened into stunned silence.  

In his memory, Lai Yuan was always soft-spoken and meek, when had he ever been so fierce?  

Mu ger was also stunned, but he quickly regained his composure. He tugged at Lai Yuan’s sleeve briskly, and Lai Yuan lowered his head to look at him.  

Some unspoken exchange passed between their eyes. Lai Yuan’s expression darkened, while Mu ger offered Wang Jin an apologetic smile before pulling Lai Yuan away with visible displeasure, bidding Yuan Heng farewell.  

Yuan Heng responded with an indifferent hum, carrying a piece of tender meat into the courtyard. Watching the two hurry off, Wang Jin suddenly seemed to remember something and rushed after them, calling out to the departing figures.  

"A-Mu! A-Mu!"  

Yuan Heng’s footsteps halted abruptly. His body stiffened, his fingers curling and tightening silently.  

When Wang Jin failed to call Mu ger back, he turned around and tugged at Yuan Heng’s sleeve. "Brother Heng, I couldn’t get Lai Yuan and A-Mu to stay. Can you help me deliver that basket of down feathers in the courtyard to A-Mu later?"  

"..." Yuan Heng glanced down at the basket of down feathers.  

These were the fine feathers Wang Jin had asked him for earlier - fluff plucked from the skin of small birds. Though hunting birds wasn’t difficult, collecting the down had still taken Yuan Heng some effort. He didn’t know what use the little ger had for them, but every time he received the feathers, he would be overjoyed, exclaiming that they were precious and stroking them several times a day…  

And now, this little ger was giving away all the down he treasured so much to Mu ger…  

"You’re really good to Mu ger," Yuan Heng said stiffly, his pale eyes darkening as if tainted by some shadowy emotion, concealing depths of darkness no one else could fathom.  

Wang Jin paused. The man had uttered those inexplicable words with stiff lips, his face unusually pale and grim…  

Since the Ju ger’s family had been driven away, Wang Jin hadn’t seen the man wear such an unpleasant expression.  

Wang Jin keenly sensed the man’s displeasure, but no matter how hard he thought, he couldn’t figure out why the man was upset…  

Had something happened during the hunt?  

Lowering his gaze in thought, Wang Jin clasped his hands behind his back and sauntered over to the man. Stopping just a step away, he tilted his head and lightly rested it against the man’s shoulder, rubbing against him in a coaxing manner.  

"Brother Heng~"  

His voice was soft, carrying a sticky sweetness he himself hadn’t noticed. The man’s heart skipped, his clenched fingers loosening imperceptibly, fingertips trembling slightly in the air.  

The ger leaned against his shoulder, nuzzling like a cat seeking forgiveness after misbehaving. The man’s heart trembled along with his fingertips, the dark clouds in his chest scattering as sunlight sprinkled into his heart.  

The ger kept squirming without restraint, to the point where he might topple over if he wasn’t careful. If he fell and got hurt, the little ger would surely pout in grievance.  

The man’s lips curved slightly as he raised a hand to steady him, but then the ger spoke in a muffled voice: "What’s wrong?"  

"..." The man’s hand froze mid-air.  

He looked down at the ger, whose eyes were clear like a newborn fawn’s, gazing at him as if observing a strange new world, full of curiosity.  

So, this little ger’s affectionate behavior wasn’t because he realized his earlier mistake…  

"Brother Heng, did someone bully you? Tell me, and I’ll help you think of a way to teach them a lesson!"  

The ger rolled up his sleeves, ready to stand up for him. Normally, the man would have been delighted by such protectiveness, but now… it only confirmed his suspicion.  

This ger had no idea what he’d done wrong earlier!  

"What’s wrong, Brother Heng~?" The sweet, sticky voice could melt half the man’s body, but the words only made Yuan Heng grit his teeth in frustration.  

"Figure it out yourself!" He pushed Wang Jin away, his tone irritated, before grabbing the tender meat and heading to the kitchen.  

Wang Jin blinked in surprise. Normally, the man would have pulled him close for a kiss by now—yet today, he’d coldly pushed him away!  

This was far from normal.  

Wang Jin hurried after Yuan Heng, but the man seemed determined to ignore him, focusing solely on his tasks no matter how much Wang Jin clung to him.  

After a while, Wang Jin sat on a small stool in the kitchen, propping his chin in his hands as he watched the man work, gradually sinking into deep thought.  

What is he so upset about?  

Even if something during the hunt had angered him, the man wasn’t the type to take it out on others, he’d never treated Wang Jin like this before…  

Unable to find an answer, Wang Jin’s gaze gradually grew entranced as he studied the man.  

The man was becoming even more handsome, his face so perfect it seemed carved by the heavens, his features more striking than anyone else’s. His eyes were sharp and commanding, and below his straight nose, his pale lips were pressed into a cold line, like jade.  

But Wang Jin knew those lips were nothing like their appearance, they were scorching hot and incredibly soft.  

Kissed long enough, they would swell just like his own, turning a deep, enticing red…  

At this thought, Wang Jin licked his lips, feeling a sudden longing. Normally, the two of them were shamelessly clingy, sticking together whenever alone, kissing all the time. But today, they hadn’t kissed once, even after the man returned, he’d ignored Wang Jin’s attempts to get close.  

Why is he suddenly so distant?!  

Frowning in frustration, a sudden image flashed through Wang Jin’s mind.  

Something similar to kissing, but not quite, and the target wasn’t the man… but Mu ger… Realization dawned on Wang Jin…  

"Little ger, come eat," the man called out, carrying dishes to Wang Jin.  

Even while angry, the man couldn’t bear to let Wang Jin go hungry and had prepared his favorite dishes.  

Wang Jin looked up at him, then suddenly leaped up, wrapping his arms around Yuan Heng’s neck and practically hanging off him.  

Yuan Heng instinctively moved the dishes aside to avoid spilling them, giving Wang Jin a disapproving look. "You little—"  

Before he could finish, the ger’s lips pressed against his.  

Yuan Heng’s eyes widened slightly, his fingers tightening around the plates.  

When the kiss ended, Wang Jin gazed at him with damp eyes. "Brother Heng, you’re jealous again!"

Rebirth of the Useless Young Master’s Counterattack Chapter 72

Chapter 72: The Water Ghost

The Immortal Bridge was a famous bridge in Leshan, spanning approximately three kilometers in length. Beneath it flowed the Leshan River, its depth unknown and never officially measured. Originally built with chains, it was later reconstructed with concrete, revealing an approximate depth of eight meters.  

Legend had it that immortals once lived in Leshan, hence the bridge’s name. Some claimed to have witnessed an immortal ascending from the water’s surface, though the truth remained unclear—after all, it was just a myth.  

Many villagers lived in Leshan, and with modern advancements, their livelihoods had improved through the trade of mountain goods and wild game. However, the river had also become heavily polluted—though still better than in the past.  

Tourists often admired the waters beneath the Immortal Bridge, finding them refreshing and serene. No one expected something sinister to lurk beneath.  

Could it be that the blackened aura he saw on the young man’s forehead was connected to the bridge?  

“Brother, since there’s a problem here, hasn’t the government sent anyone to investigate?” Mu Lichuan felt relieved upon learning he hadn’t strayed far from the capital. Leshan was, after all, a tourist hotspot near the capital.  

The young man nodded. “They inspected it. Most accidents were blamed on tire bursts or brake failures causing vehicles to plunge into the water.” But how could that be? Everything was checked before departure, why would problems only arise at the Immortal Bridge?  

Mu Lichuan knew the driver found his appearance odd. If not for the protective talisman, the man would have fled like the others.  

“Don’t worry. Weren’t you fine before?” Mu Lichuan's voice was soothing, like a tranquilizer, easing the driver’s nerves. He understood these “accidents” were likely tied to the bridge, and they weren’t frequent.  

“True, nothing happened before. Problems usually occur near dusk. I’m running late, but if I don’t deliver, my company will dock my pay.” The driver had a family to support - elderly parents and young children. If something happened to him, what would become of them?  

“I told you, nothing will go wrong.” Mu Lichuan’s calm tone steadied the man’s heart.  

As the sun set, casting golden light over everything, their truck entered the Immortal Bridge.  

Mu Lichuan frowned as thick fog rolled in, which was unnatural for this hour. “Slow down!” he warned.  

The driver, previously dazed, snapped to attention, gripping the wheel tightly. They just had to make it across.  

The bridge stretched silently, the only sound their breathing—at least, for the driver.  

“This is Leshan, the territory of this immortal. How dare you cause trouble here?” A female ghost in ancient mourning robes appeared, her hair disheveled, face cold and aloof.  

Mu Lichuan scoffed. “An immortal? A water ghost dares call herself an immortal?” Dripping wet, she must have drowned, yet no one had stopped her reign of terror.  

He knew the capital's crackdown on superstition made it hard for exorcists to act. Had he not intervened, the truck would have plunged into the river, leaving the ghost victorious.  

“Who said I’m a water ghost? I’m—” Before she could finish, a talisman struck her, eliciting a bloodcurdling scream. Her ethereal form twisted into a true specter, her face now a blur of malice.  

Without pity, Mu Lichuan formed a hand seal, channeling soul energy to obliterate her. The process took barely a minute, he’d done this often enough.  

The driver only saw a burst of flames, then sparks, before the fog vanished. He wiped cold sweat from his brow.  

“It’s over. The bridge won’t trouble you again. But stay alert, the fog here is treacherous.”  

The driver bowed deeply. “So you’re a master! Forgive my earlier disrespect.” He’d wondered why a ragged boy stood in the middle of the mountain road, now he knew. This youth had saved his life.  

Mu Lichuan accepted the gratitude. Checking the driver’s forehead, he saw the black aura had vanished, the blood calamity resolved, thanks to the water ghost’s defeat.  

“Consider it repayment for the ride.” What went around came around. Had the driver refused him, disaster would have struck.  

Knowing masters were eccentric, the driver didn’t press further. He also knew of the capital's hidden dangers.  

Mu Lichuan’s first priority was new clothes. His current state invited scorn, people would mistake him for a beggar.  

The driver offered his home, but he declined. He disliked debts, and more trouble was the last thing he needed. Best to return before his great-grandfather worried.  

He’d only meant to check on He Chen’s daughter at the hospital. But after nearly dying in a bus trap, he knew the hospital hid dark secrets.  

"If they don’t provoke me, I won’t provoke them. But since they want me dead, I’ll return the favor."  

“What’s this?” Mu Lichuan found himself barred from an upscale boutique.  

Night had fallen, but the city thrived. He lacked cash, but his card held ample funds.  

"People like you aren’t welcome here," a haughty saleswoman sneered. His mud-caked, ragged appearance screamed poverty. Their store even offered water service, which was only offered for respectable customers, this boy would only dirty the floor.  

"People like me? You open for business but refuse customers?" Mu Lichuan arched a brow. True, his shoes left black prints on the tiles, but her attitude was unacceptable.  

"We welcome real customers, not..." She trailed off, but her meaning was clear: Stay out, pauper.  

Mu Lichuan’s eyes flickered with cold anger. “Ever heard ‘Don’t despise youth for its poverty’?" Normally, he bought clothes casually. This store’s elegance had drawn him—only to meet such prejudice.  

Had he arrived in finery, flanked by attendants, she’d have groveled.  

So this is the capital's outskirts? How crude.

He wasn’t one to stand on pride, but nearby shops were eateries or hotels. Best to clean up first.  

As the saleswoman opened her mouth again, the store manager rushed over, shoving her aside.  

“Sir, apologies! She’s new—please, come in.” The manager wasn’t stupid. A boy who spoke like that was no ordinary tramp.  

“Is that so?” Without another word, he strode in, leaving grimy footprints. The saleswoman’s face twisted in disgust.  

After browsing, he turned to leave. The manager’s expression darkened, had she misjudged? Was he truly penniless?  

“See? The floor’s filthy. Make him clean it!” the saleswoman spat. Closing time neared, and she’d have to scrub because of him.  

“Me?” Mu Lichuan pointed at his soot-streaked face, his expression unreadable.  

“Who else? If you can’t afford our clothes, stay out!” the manager snapped.  

He’d noticed her earlier hesitation, she’d gambled on him being rich. Too bad.  

“Ah.” He’d forgotten, this chain seemed familiar. Yuan Dacheng dabbled in clothing. Was this one of his?  

“Well?” The manager grew uneasy under his gaze.  

“A manager with the same attitude as her staff.” He sighed. Poor layout, poorer service.  

"Ah, here we go." Surprisingly, Yuan Dacheng’s son, Yuan Chengzhi, arrived. Spotting him, Mu Lichuan smirked. His deliberate refusal to buy was about to teach them a lesson.  

As the manager opened her mouth, she saw the young master—and her face paled.

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 191 Part 1

Chapter 191

As soon as they entered, Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yaoqing examined the shop. Compared to the other shops they had seen on the street earlier, this one was indeed a bit smaller, though not overly cramped. Facing the street was a double-paneled door, with a small window on each side of the wall. From the outside, the windows appeared to be paper-covered and couldn’t be fully opened. Upon entering, they saw that the windows had been boarded up from the inside with wooden planks.  

The shop was decent enough. There would be no issue placing a butcher’s block at the entrance and setting up a few sturdy wooden racks inside for hanging meat.  

Yang Xian called out toward the rear entrance, and someone immediately responded. A man with a deeply furrowed, sorrowful brow emerged - none other than Shopkeeper Hu, the owner. The shop was completely empty, and seeing acquaintances while standing in such a state embarrassed him, so he had been hiding in the back.  

"Shopkeeper Yang," Hu Ping gave a slight cupped-hand salute. Yang Xian had already come earlier to inquire about the price, so he knew what was going on. One look at Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yaoqing told him they were the potential buyers.  

Shen Xuanqing’s towering stature made Hu Ping scrutinize him a few extra times. He had always thought his shop was quite spacious, but with such a tall and burly man standing inside, it suddenly didn’t feel as spacious as it used to.  

"These are my two younger brothers from the Shen family, Yaoqing and Xuanqing," Yang Xian briefly introduced them to Hu Ping.  

"Shopkeeper Hu," Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yaoqing saluted in return as a greeting.  

Hu Ping, two years older than Yang Xian, returned the courtesy. "Younger Brothers Shen."  

"Why are the windows boarded up?" Shen Yaoqing asked.  

Hu Ping, noting the slight resemblance between the two, guessed they must be brothers. He answered, "We got hit by burglars a couple of years ago. They smashed the window and climbed in to steal. After that, I had them nailed shut."  

Remembering his goal of selling the shop, he paused, glanced at the empty space, and forced a bitter smile. "It might not let in much light now, but at least it keeps thieves out. The planks are thick, and I made sure they’re sturdy."  

So that was the reason. Shen Yaoqing nodded. There wasn’t much else to see in the front, so the group proceeded through the rear entrance to inspect the back.  

The rear entrance was only as wide as a single door panel, leading to a narrow passageway. To the right was a vertically elongated room. Hu Ping walked ahead, lifting the curtain for them to take a look. The room wasn’t very large - just a bed and a table inside, but it could accommodate one or two people for the night.  

Continuing down the passageway, which was wide enough for two people to walk side by side, they reached the back. Since the building didn’t extend all the way to the rear wall, there was an open space to the right. Emerging into this area, the previously cramped passage suddenly opened up into a small, empty courtyard. It wasn’t big, but the rear wall had a small door serving as a back exit.  

The shop wasn’t particularly large, but neither was it too small. At the sight of this unused patch of land in the back, Shen Xuanqing immediately thought it would be suitable for slaughtering livestock.  

"There’s no stove here," Shen Xuanqing remarked casually. Since he’d need boiling water for butchering pigs and rabbits, the lack of a kitchen was a problem.  

Hu Ping explained, "Younger Brother Shen, you see, this was originally a sundry goods shop. We only sold items that didn’t require cooking. Since my home is in Xiangzhi Alley, I either had meals delivered or went back to eat, so I never built a stove here."  

"I see," Shen Xuanqing nodded, then headed toward the back door.  

Though he was more familiar with Fenggu Town, he didn’t know Jixing Town as well since he hadn’t visited often. Before Yang Xian could speak, Hu Ping said, "This leads to Liuzhi Alley."  

Old Man Yang, hands behind his back, peeked out through the back door. With nothing else to do at home, he had tagged along to help his only apprentice evaluate the shop.  

Liuzhi Alley was a dead end, with the sundry shop’s back door marking the last building. About six or seven steps further into the alley stood a mud wall blocking the way.  

Looking in the other direction, an old woman happened to step out of a door and tossed a basin of water onto the ground outside. The muddy water spread across the narrow alley. Liuzhi Alley was narrow, and anyone passing through would have to step over the puddle to avoid tracking mud elsewhere.  

"The alley’s narrow, but quite a few people live here," Old Man Yang observed. Seeing nothing else of interest in the alley, he stepped back inside and added, "Luckily, they’re all decent folk, mostly long-time residents of the town, along with some merchants’ families renting here. Since it’s close to several main streets, the prices aren’t cheap."  

Hu Ping nodded, his expression still troubled. He forced a smile and said, "With so many people around, I usually keep the back door locked. I only open it when some elderly women come knocking to buy needles and thread. Even though Liuzhi Alley's narrow, like Uncle Yang said, the property prices around here aren't low. The idle ruffians and troublemakers can't afford to live here."

"To put it bluntly, even if someone had the nerve to steal, Xixing Street is a major area in Jixing Town. Just this row alone has plenty of shops and businesses. Sure, people might bicker and give each other the cold shoulder sometimes, but if a thief were caught, everyone would join in beating them half to death. Living in these back alleys, where everyone sees each other daily, even the slightest rumor spreads fast. No one would dare try anything shady."  

Since he was trying to sell the shop, he naturally emphasized its safety to reassure potential buyers.  

This wasn’t a lie, Xixing Street was considered a major thoroughfare in Jixing Town, so property prices were pretty good. The back alleys weren’t overrun with unsavory characters either. Otherwise, Old Man Yang and Yang Xian wouldn’t have recommended Shen Xuanqing come see this shop in the first place.  

As for thieves, in these times, there wasn’t a single place completely free of them. Even the Shen family had once had their chickens stolen by Zhang Zhengzi. It was just a common occurrence, so the best one could do was find a reasonably safe location.  

Shen Xuanqing closed the back door, his gaze sweeping over the small backyard and passageway. "The shop’s a bit small, but it could work. The problem is, there’s nothing here - no stoves, tables, chairs, nothing. All that would have to be bought separately. No extra perks."  

Hu Ping looked awkward. The front had originally had shelving for goods, but it had been taken away. With nothing else to sweeten the deal, he said, "The bed and table in that room...if you buy the place, I’ll leave them for you."  

Shen Xuanqing’s expression didn’t change. If the bed and table stayed, it would save him the trouble of moving furniture in, but the space was still tight. Their family raised the most rabbits - over a hundred. The breeding pairs had just been put together, and by next month, when the weather warmed, the does would start giving birth. Selling rabbit meat would likely become their main business. Live rabbits would have to be transported here and kept for a few days before slaughter, but the backyard was the only space available.  

He eyed the width of the backyard. Against the side wall of the building, two rows of rabbit cages could probably fit. Squeezing them in, they might be able to keep ten or twenty rabbits.

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 30 Part 4

Seeing You's mother's hysterics, Huang Manjing swiftly pulled Ji Taoyu behind her. "What are you doing?"  

"A physician treats all patients equally. His injuries are severe, and my skills are limited. If I recklessly try to set his bones, I’d only harm him further."  

Ji Taoyu said calmly, "The priority is to find a skilled physician as soon as possible."  

You's mother, regaining some rationality, turned to the You family elders. "Eldest Brother, has the doctor you called for arrived yet?"  

The You clansmen hesitated, but no one spoke up.  

Someone muttered under their breath, "With things so chaotic outside, who dares go into the city to fetch a doctor…"  

"Your own nephew is lying here half-dead, and you’re too cowardly to even call a doctor? Instead, you bring some half-trained village healer, are you trying to kill Lingxiao?"  

You's mother's fury was palpable as she watched the You family prioritized their own safety over her son’s life, she was livid enough to spit blood.  

"Lingxiao is a child of the You clan! If anything happens to him, none of you will benefit from him ever again!"  

The You family, already resentful of You's mother pressuring them to buy a house in the city for You Lingxiao, now snapped back openly in front of outsiders.  

"Lingxiao’s mother, you call us cowards, but we have whole families to feed. If something happens to us, how will they survive? You’ve already squeezed us dry for silver, and now you want us to risk our lives for your son? Isn’t that greedier than us?"  

"Greedy? After mistreating us widow and orphans, then shamelessly clinging to us once Lingxiao succeeded, which of you Isn’t greedy?"  

You's mother wasn't content with just shouting; she jumped up, declaring, "I'll take you all on right now!"

Chaos erupted in the room - shouting, pulling, shoving. Amid the noise, You Lingxiao’s eyes flickered open. Seeing Ji Taoyu by his bedside, for a moment, he thought he had already died.  

He called out weakly, "A-Yu?"  

His words were drowned out by the noise. It wasn't until Ji Taoyu turned and saw him awake that he raised his voice. "Stop fighting! He’s awake!"  

The room fell silent. You's mother rushed to the bed. "Son, you’re finally awake! You scared me to death!"  

Tears streaming down her face, she said, "Your uncles and aunts are heartless, not one of them would even call a doctor for you!"  

The You family, embarrassed, finally relented. The eldest uncle said with a sigh. "Fine, I’ll go."  

"Eldest Brother, take our mule. It’ll be faster."  

Once the two left, You's mother wiped her tears. "Lingxiao, what happened? Was it really bandits?"  

You Lingxiao, still weak, felt some relief seeing he was home. But at the mention of bandits, fear gripped him again.  

"I-I don’t know. I was on my way to pay the remaining sum for the house when I heard shouting. Then everything went black, and I passed out."  

He tried to reach for his money pouch but found his right hand immobile, only searing pain answered his attempt. "My hand!"  

"Lingxiao, don’t move. Wait for your uncle to bring the physician."  

The fifth uncle of the You family checked and frowned. "The silver’s gone."  

"What’s wrong with my hand?!"  

You Lingxiao tried again to move it, but there was no response—only agony. The more he struggled, the more terrified he became. "Mother, my hand!"  

"Lingxiao, calm down. The physician will fix it. You’ll be fine."  

You's mother held him down. "You’ll be fine."  

"My right hand! How will I write?!"  

As You Lingxiao grew frantic, the family rushed to restrain him, fearing he’d fall off the bed.  

Ji Yangzong exchanged a glance with Huang Manjing before stepping forward.  

"Since he’s awake, that’s good. With this incident, the village is in panic. I need to reassure everyone and organize defenses. I’ll take my leave now."  

Surprisingly, at these words, You Lingxiao quieted.  

"A-Yu..."  

The man on the bed called out weakly. "Don’t go. I’m in so much pain."  

Ji Taoyu turned to look at him. Even cleaned of blood, You Lingxiao’s pale, bruised face was pitiful.  

Ji Yangzong tensed, worried that his ger might soften.  

"I’ve left pain-relief ointment made by my grandfather. It’s very effective. Have Sun niangzi apply it, it’ll help."  

"I’m sorry, but my skills aren’t enough to treat your hand."  

Relieved, Ji Yangzong and his wife quickly ushered Ji Taoyu out, ignoring You Lingxiao’s pleas.  

"I was in the city today and saw no bandits."  

Ji Yangzong couldn’t fathom how You Lingxiao had encountered them, let alone been beaten.  

"And no one else mentioned bandits?"  

"Didn’t you hear? He was carrying money to buy a house, a two-courtyard one. That’s no small sum. He must’ve been targeted."  

Huang Manjing shuddered. "Bandits are ruthless, killing and looting without mercy. That he survived at all is heaven’s mercy."  

Ji Yangzong sensed something was off, too many strange things didn't add up. But without proof, he kept his suspicions to himself. 

Seeing You Lingxiao like this, he felt little sympathy - karma repays evil deeds.  

Noticing Ji Taoyu’s silence since leaving the You house, he asked, "Why so quiet? Scared? Or... do you still care for You Erlang?"  

Ji Taoyu shook his head, denying any lingering concern.  

As a scholar, he knew more than anyone that reputation was everything, yet You Lingxiao had still framed him. Once the truth came out, his feelings had died. All that remained was disgust

But the bandit rumors did unsettle him. "You Lingxiao’s hand bones are shattered badly. Even if Grandfather came, it might be beyond saving."  

He could set bones, but not like this. Suggesting another doctor was just giving them false hope.  

The Ji couple's faces fell. Before they could speak, a figure leaning against a tree ahead caught their attention, as if waiting for them.

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 30 Part 3

Ji Taoyu quickly averted his gaze and took a deep breath. He touched his forehead, feeling something was off. He wondered if he had caught a chill from the morning wind, but this didn’t feel like the onset of a cold, because his forehead wasn’t feverish.  

Uncertain, he hurried away as if fleeing.  

Two days later, nearing the end of the month.  

Ji Yangzong returned from the city with a grim expression.  

He had gone to the prefectural yamen to discuss the schedule for delivering grain to the city and to inquire whether additional manpower could be allocated this year.  

Unfortunately, he had the bad luck of running into the assistant prefect at the census office, who reprimanded him for requesting extra personnel during such a busy period for the government.  

Being scolded by a superior wasn’t unusual, but the assistant prefect's attitude made Ji Yangzong suspect that You Lingxiao and his mother might have already whispered something in his ear.  

Uneasy and frustrated, Ji Yangzong brooded over the matter.  

With unrest spreading, if the prefecture refused to allocate more manpower to ensure the safe delivery of grain to the city’s granaries, any mishap would not only fall on the village heads but also bring no benefit to the government.  

Ji Yangzong decided it was time to discuss with fellow village heads the possibility of taking turns escorting the grain into the city.  

As he pondered gloomily, he noticed eight villagers gathered at the village entrance, engaged in heated discussion.  

Ji Yangzong’s expression darkened further—hopefully, they weren’t gossiping about his family again.  

But before he could approach, some villagers spotted him.  

"Village head!"  

The villagers rushed toward him as if finding a pillar of support.  

Before they even reached him, they shouted: "Something terrible has happened! The You family’s second son has been beaten!"  

"What?"  

The villagers repeated: "You Erlang was beaten!"  

Ji Yangzong scolded sharply:  

"Don’t spout nonsense! He’s a juren, who would dare hit a scholar?"  

Seeing Ji Yangzong’s disbelief, the villagers grew anxious. "It’s true!"  

"Just two days ago, Sun niangzi finalized the household registration documents to move into their new house in the city. How could he have been beaten?"  

Ji Yangzong suspected the villagers were exaggerating rumors again, spinning wild tales out of thin air.  

"Village head, if you don’t believe us, go see for yourself at the You residence! They just carried him back not long ago, right through the village path."  

A villager gestured wildly. "There was blood everywhere! You Erlang’s face was covered in dirt and blood, we barely recognized him!"  

"That’s right, it was horrifying! Sun niangzi was wailing so loudly half the village heard her."  

Seeing how vividly the villagers described the scene, and with multiple people corroborating, Ji Yangzong felt a chill run down his spine.  

"Did they say who did it?"  

"Some outsiders carried You Erlang back. They said bandits have been causing chaos - riding horses, waving swords, robbing and attacking anyone they see. The places they’ve passed through have suffered terribly."  

The farmer trembled as he spoke. "You Erlang must’ve run into those bandits and got robbed. Some kind passersby carried him back—otherwise, if he’d been left unconscious on the road, he might have bled to death."

Ji Yangzong's eyes widened, his mouth hanging open in disbelief.  

After a long pause, he finally managed to ask, "How is he now?"  

"Don't know. We just saw him being carried back."  

The farmers pitied You Lingxiao. Almost losing his life was truly tragic, but now that banditry had erupted right before their eyes, their hearts were in turmoil.  

In decades of living in Tongzhou, this was the first time banditry had come so close. Before, it had only been rumors from those who frequented the city, treated as mere tales. No one had imagined it would actually reach their doorstep.  

Now, fear spread like wildfire, and everyone was on edge.  

"Village Head, with things so chaotic outside, what should we do?"  

"Yeah, what if they come to the village?"  

Ji Yangzong tried to calm them. "Don’t panic. The prefecture has already dispatched soldiers to suppress the bandits. For now, everyone should stay inside the village as much as possible."  

"The more critical the situation, the more we must keep our heads clear. I’ll go check on the You family first. You all go home and make sure the children don’t wander outside to play."  

"Yes, yes."  

As Ji Yangzong hurried to the You residence, he still couldn’t quite believe it was true.  

Only when he reached the You family’s gate and saw the anxious faces of the You clan gathered in the courtyard did he finally accept that You Lingxiao had indeed been attacked.  

He stepped into the yard, expecting cold shoulders, but instead, the You family rushed toward him. "Village Head, you’re here!"  

"How is he? Is the injury serious?"  

No sooner had Ji Yangzong spoken than he saw his own wife emerge from inside.  

"You’re here too?"  

As he walked further in, he was stunned to find Ji Taoyu sitting by the bedside.  

Ji Yangzong’s brow furrowed. "Xiao Taozi, why are you here?"  

"Lingxiao is badly hurt, and we couldn’t find another physician in time. Since Tao ger has studied medicine under Physician Huang, we asked him to take a look first."  

The eldest uncle of the You family quickly explained.  

Huang Manjing had only come because she didn’t trust Ji Taoyu to handle this alone.  

The entire room waited for an initial assessment. Ji Taoyu’s hands were covered in blood. He glanced at his father before turning to You's mother, whose face was streaked with tears.  

"Most of his injuries are superficial, but the most serious is his broken hand. We still need to call a proper physician immediately."  

You's mother nearly fainted after hearing these words. The You family gasped in shock. "Will he still be able to write in the future?"  

You's mother grabbed hold of Ji Taoyu in panic.  

"You have to set his bones! Even if you resent him, you can’t abandon him now! This is a matter of life and death, how can a physician act like this?"  

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 190 Part 2

    Their own family’s fortunes had improved, and while the villagers maintained polite appearances, there were always envious types who’d invent rumors over nothing. Better to be cautious. Wei Lanxiang hadn’t even told her own family, secretly aiding the Wu family’s grandmother twice before the New Year.  

    But charity wasn’t a permanent solution. She had done what she could, and that was enough to ease her conscience.  

    The Wu family barely scraped by, managing to feed themselves but utterly incapable of affording medicine when illness struck. Where would they get the money to treat an old woman?  

    Wei Lanxiang sighed repeatedly. Ji Qiuyue poured her tea and offered a few words of comfort. Zhao’er, oblivious to the adults’ conversation, drooled as he reached for the osmanthus cakes on the nearby table, nearly toppling over in his eagerness. Afraid he might fall, Wei Lanxiang quickly steadied him. She hadn’t held her eldest grandson properly these past few days, and now she finally smiled, using her handkerchief to wipe his drool.  

    As she chatted with Ji Qiuyue, waiting for Lu Gu and Shen Yan to finish cooking, her mind drifted to thoughts of saving for her own coffin.  

    People often said young men saved money for bethoral gifts, but preparing for death was just as important. In old age, one had to set aside funeral provisions money to buy coffin with good wood and burial items—lest they end up with nothing but a thin coffin or a straw mat after a lifetime of hard work.  

    Both of her sons were filial and gave her money every year. By now, she had saved enough to afford a decent coffin by rural standards. She kept the money tucked away, waiting patiently, thinking that if she came across good wood, she could put it to use.  

    But for now, with her eldest grandson in her arms and the younger one still asleep in the room, Wei Lanxiang hadn’t had her fill of holding them yet. Though she didn’t shy away from the topic of buying a coffin, she still wanted to live a few more years. Besides, her body was still strong and in good health, so death seemed a long way off. So she kept these thoughts to herself.  

    With just one dish to stir-fry, the meal was ready quickly. Lu Gu served Wei Lanxiang first. Before long, he spotted men carrying hoes passing by the gate and knew Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yaoqing would be back soon. He stoked the brazier in the yard and peered out the gate—sure enough, there they were.  

    Men attending feasts outside the home were mindful of manners and wouldn’t gorge themselves. True enough, Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yaoqing hadn’t eaten their fill. Lu Gu brought them the cabbage and buns.  

    With the village affairs settled and no further disruptions, Shen Xuanqing hitched the mule cart early the next morning and set off for Jixing Town with Shen Yaoqing. Having extra family along made decisions easier. Lu Gu stayed behind to take care of the children. Besides, he didn’t understand the intricacies of such matters anyway.  

    "Brother Guzi, if we really open a shop there, I want to go see it!" Shen Yan was thrilled at the prospect of their family buying a shop. In all her life, the farthest she’d been was Fenggu Town. Jixing Town was even more distant, and she’d heard that just beyond it lay Yuqing Prefecture’s city - a place she’d never visited.  

    Lu Gu was holding little Lingjun, playing with him. Their little shuang'er had such a lovely smile that he couldn’t resist kissing his soft little cheek. Hearing Shen Yan, he smiled and said, "Of course! But we’ll have to wait for Erqing to come back first to know for sure."  

    Though he spoke calmly while busy with the child, his heart was full of hopeful tension, wondering whether they would actually go through with the purchase.  

    On the road, Shen Yaoqing took the reins today while Shen Xuanqing sat beside him. The two brothers went straight to Lao Yangtou’s house upon arriving in Jixing Town. Buying a shop was a big matter, so Lao Yangtou led them toward the sundry goods store, stopping by a tavern on the way to fetch Yang Xian.  

    The four of them walked together. Yang Xian said, "I’ve asked around about this shop. It’s small, just enough space for a counter, three shelves, a table, and four stools. I know the owner, and he’s asking for sixty taels. But if you really like it, I reckon you could bargain it down to forty or fifty."  

    He glanced at the shops along the street and added, "Places like these, in good locations and slightly bigger, go for seventy or eighty taels at most, with all deeds included. The highest might be ninety or a hundred. That shop’s location isn’t bad, but it’s cramped. Sixty taels is too much."  

    Shen Xuanqing had never bought a shop before, but he’d once asked Luo Biao about it, and Yang Xian’s words matched what he’d heard. Aside from spacious establishments like taverns, restaurants, or larger inns in prime locations - which could cost hundreds of taels, ordinary shops didn’t fetch exorbitant prices. Still, even fifty or sixty taels was a considerable sum. For small businesses, breaking even in a year was already good. If business was slow, it might take even longer.  

    Jixing Town was half again as large as Fenggu Town, being closer to the prefectural city. With no wars or disasters in the past decade or so, the region had enjoyed favorable weather, and the population had grown steadily. Jixing Town now had three or four more long streets than it had twenty years ago, becoming increasingly prosperous.  

    Shen Xuanqing observed everything as they walked. After passing two streets, they arrived at Xixing Street. Near the middle, toward the end of the street, stood the sundry goods shop for sale. Inside, it had been completely emptied—not a single stool, table, or even a rag remained. The barrenness was so stark it was almost laughable. The debt collectors had truly lived up to the word emptied, no exaggeration.  

    The shop faced the street, its half-open door revealing everything at a glance from outside. With nothing left inside, even a thief would find nothing to steal—unless they decided to haul off the door planks or window frames.

The Rebirth of Crazy ger Chapter 62

Chapter 62  

Wang Jin was taken aback. The excitement in Yu-ger's eyes was unmistakable. He narrowed his eyes, pondering for a long moment before speaking slowly, "He... has entered your family. Shouldn’t he now be your..."  

The term "sister-in-law" obviously didn’t fit. Wang Jin paused, then said, "brother's ger?"  

He had confronted Yu-ger’s "brother's ger," yet this person was thrilled about it?  

In such a short time, the tension between Yu-ger and Yue-ger seemed to have escalated.  

"He’s not my brother's ger!" Yu-ger pouted unhappily.  

Mu-ger interjected, "But he and the leader have already married. The entire tribe attended the wedding banquet, you were there too."  

Yu-ger looked on the verge of tears. "If I’d known earlier, I would never have let him into our home! He’s too domineering, too terrifying!"  

Mu-ger chuckled. "Is it really appropriate for you to say this to us?"  

After all, this person had once been at odds with them.  

Yu-ger straightened his back. "Appropriate? Of course it is! There’s no one more appropriate to talk to than you two. Starting today, I’m following you two. As long as you help me teach Yue-ger a lesson, you’ll be my friends!"  

"Friends?" Wang Jin blinked, his long lashes casting delicate shadows under his eyes, making his expression seem inscrutable.  

The ger before him spoke softly, his voice like the faint chirping of a small animal. Those two lightly uttered words carried no intimidation, yet they made Yu-ger’s heart waver. Unbidden, memories of how he had once wronged this person surfaced in his mind.  

Even though he had already apologized, Yu-ger’s heart pounded nervously.  

As the leader’s younger brother, his words carried weight in the tribe. Many people wanted to befriend him, and he had been confident that Jin-ger wouldn’t refuse his overtures of friendship.  

But now, with just two softly spoken words, he hesitated. His certainty wavered.  

Somehow, he sensed that this person wouldn’t agree to be his friend.  

He wanted to say something to change Wang Jin’s mind, but his words came out stuttered and disjointed.  

"You... being my friend... has... has many benefits. I... I’m the leader’s brother. If my brother has any news... or extra food... I can..."  

By the end, his voice had dwindled to a whisper.  

Yu-ger had always been domineering, speaking with bold confidence. It was rare for him to lower his voice like this.  

Seeing this, the distance in Wang Jin’s eyes lessened slightly, replaced by a hint of gentleness. "We can be friends. But if you’re expecting me to fight your battles for you, you’ve come to the wrong person."  

Not only could he not interfere in Yu-ger’s family matters, but dealing with Yue-ger - a master manipulator, gave him a headache every time. He had no desire to invite that kind of trouble.  

Yu-ger’s expression twisted into a mix of joy at not being outright rejected and sorrow at Wang Jin’s bluntness.  

He muttered dejectedly, "But... friends are supposed to help each other. If you help me this once, I’ll listen to whatever you say."  

He seemed genuinely miserable under Yue-ger’s oppression, his face fell, tears welling in his eyes as if he were about to burst into loud sobs.  

"I’m really suffering! Not enough to eat, not enough to wear, even the furs at night are thinner now. But worst of all, he frames me every day. He gives away huge amounts of fruit and meat, then claims I ate it all or that I caused trouble outside and he’s compensating for it. I didn’t do anything, yet he pins everything on me!"  

Earlier, Yu-ger had ranted endlessly about Yue-ger stealing his food and skimping on his necessities. But this framing was new information.  

Mu-ger and Wang Jin exchanged glances. They had wondered why the leader’s family allowed Yue-ger to give away so much food.  

They had assumed it was because the leader doted on Yue-ger. Now it seemed Yue-ger had fabricated excuses.  

Mu-ger asked, "Didn’t you... tell your brother and father?"  

"I did!" Yu-ger gritted his teeth. "I’ve been telling them! But that guy is an expert at acting. A few fake tears, a sob about how ‘unfair’ things are, and my brother and father side with him. Then they scold me instead! They say I eat too much or bully others outside. Even if I had ten mouths, I couldn’t argue against his crying!"  

"..." Given Yu-ger’s past behavior, the accusations of overeating and bullying weren’t entirely unfounded. No wonder no one believed him.  

Yu-ger sniffled. "I don’t know what to do. He struts around in front of me, even ordering Zhen-ger and the others around, and they were my friends!"  

"..." Friends? Those two had always seemed more like lackeys, fawning over Yu-ger before.  

Wang Jin lowered his eyes in thought. "So what you want now is to clear your name with your brother and father?"  

Yu-ger nodded vigorously. "Not just that, I want Yue-ger to know I’m not someone he can push around!"  

Wang Jin pondered for a moment, a sly glint flashing in his lively eyes.  

"I have an idea." Wang Jin smirked, leaning close to whisper into Yu-ger’s ear.  

Yu-ger’s face immediately brightened, all gloom and grievance vanishing as fiery determination took its place.  

"That’s perfect!" He rubbed his hands together, itching to get started.  

"Don’t be too obvious," Wang Jin reminded him.  

Yu-ger quickly reined in his excitement, scratching his head sheepishly. "Got it. I’ll keep it under wraps. Let’s see how he tries to frame me then."  

Wang Jin nodded, his own delight barely contained. "If this plan doesn’t work, come find me again."  

"Mm! Okay!" Yu-ger beamed with gratitude. "Thank you, Jin-ger! I’ll head back now."  

"Mm." Wang Jin watched as Yu-ger left.  

Mu-ger tugged at his sleeve. "A-Jin, didn’t you say you wouldn’t get involved?"  

Wang Jin turned back with a grin. "I didn’t."  

"?"  

"Giving advice isn’t getting involved." Wang Jin winked, his cunning gaze resembling a sly fox’s. "With Yu-ger keeping Yue-ger busy, we’ll have some peace for a while."  

Mu-ger stared blankly for a second before realization dawned. "A-Jin, you’re just using—"  

Wang Jin clapped a hand over Mu-ger’s mouth. "A-Mu, don’t say it like that. I gave him a good plan, this is mutual benefit!"  

"What exactly did you tell him?" Mu-ger pulled Wang Jin’s hand away but kept hold of it, curiosity burning in his eyes.  

In his haste to silence Mu-ger earlier, Wang Jin had leaned in close, so close their noses nearly touched. With his hand blocking the way, the proximity hadn’t seemed so intimate. But now, with their hands clasped and no barrier between them, their breaths mingled, creating an inexplicable sense of intimacy.  

Their unblinking gaze into each other’s eyes, from a distance, could easily be mistaken for a pair of lovers lost in a tender moment—on the verge of a kiss.  

Yet neither noticed how compromising their position was, maintaining this closeness as they whispered.  

Until—  

"A-Mu!" A beastman’s shocked voice cut through the air, startling them.  

They turned to see Yuan Heng and Lai Yuan standing at the courtyard gate.  

Yuan Heng’s face was ashen, his lips pale. Lai Yuan looked utterly stunned.

Rebirth of the Useless Young Master’s Counterattack Chapter 71

Chapter 71: What Is Mercy?

"If you don’t try, how will you know? Isn’t there a way to send a dream?" Xiao Mo suppressed a laugh and said. Since leaving Mi Shen’s body, he had drawn in a strand of energy, allowing him to easily pull the young man out of this "banner." However, doing so would also completely destroy the Nine-Sail Ghost Banner.  

Mu Lichuan had no choice. He knew Xiao Mo was doing this on purpose, though the reason remained unclear for now. But he couldn’t rely on Xiao Mo to solve every danger for him. If that was the case, he might as well try.  

In his sleep, Mi Shen saw Mu Lichuan sitting in a place filled with ghosts, asking to "borrow his luck"… Though he felt inexplicably strange, remembering how Mu Lichuan had helped him before, he agreed without hesitation…  

Mu Lichuan had expected it to take a long time, but just as he began, a golden energy swept into the dark space, shining directly upon him.  

The young man quickly formed hand seals - all under Xiao Mo’s guidance. Otherwise, with his current Foundation Establishment level, there was no way he could escape on his own.  

With a pfft, the cultivator refining the Nine-Sail Ghost Banner suddenly spat out bright red blood, his face turning deathly pale. The next moment, a young man appeared before him.  

"You—" This man was a demonic cultivator, but the dragon energy in the capital was too strong, making it impossible for demonic cultivators like him to thrive. He had only stumbled upon this banner by chance and discovered it could collect ghosts and even refine shadow souls, thus beginning his cultivation journey.  

"Demonic cultivator?" Mu Lichuan stared at the disheveled old man before him. Aside from his blood-red eyes, his hair was a tangled mess, and his clothes looked like they hadn’t been changed in ages, nearly blending into the darkness.  

"No, you’re an unorthodox cultivator." Before the old man could speak, Mu Lichuan corrected himself. The man’s demonic energy wasn’t particularly strong; instead, his yin energy was more pronounced. At first glance, Mu Lichuan had mistaken him for a demonic cultivator, but demonic cultivators had far more terrifying auras, whereas this man’s evil energy was comparatively weaker.  

[Unorthodox Cultivator (异端修者): a practitioner who uses cruel, taboo, or unorthodox methods (e.g., ghost refinement, human sacrifice) but lacks the systematic demonic lineage of a demonic cultivator]

The old man stared at the banner he had painstakingly refined, now completely destroyed, his face twisted with hatred. "Give me back my ghost banner! I’ll make you pay with your life!" As he spoke, his hands rapidly formed seals, clearly intent on killing Mu Lichuan.  

Mu Lichuan casually tossed out a high-grade talisman. With a series of pops, the old man collapsed again, his hair even catching fire as he writhed on the ground, completely immobilized.  

"You vile unorthodox cultivator, using such things to harm people? Killing you would be too merciful." Mu Lichuan loomed over him, his voice cold.  

This was a cave, yet it had modern lightbulbs, a small bed, and even some yellow talismans—likely purchased by the old man.  

"You… who are you?" The old man had been peacefully cultivating, how had he provoked a righteous cultivator out of nowhere? The young man was only at Foundation Establishment, yet the talisman he had just used was at least Golden Core level, leaving him utterly defenseless.  

Mu Lichuan found the question laughable. "Who am I? You nearly refined me, and now you ask who I am?" Was he pretending to be ignorant? How could he not know?  

"You’re… human? The ghost banner couldn’t possibly refine a living person!" Though his mind had dulled from cultivation, the old man understood that this likely had something to do with his enemies. But he couldn’t fathom how a living person could enter the ghost banner, and even destroy it.  

Hearing this, Mu Lichuan frowned. So, even this unorthodox cultivator didn’t know what was going on? "You… weren’t the one who trapped me inside?"  

The old man immediately denied it. "A cultivator as strong as you? Who would dare refine you? Fellow Daoist, spare me! I haven’t done anything wrong, and the ghost banner is already destroyed. Please, show mercy."  

The old man knew he had kicked an iron plate. One wrong move, and he’d lose both his life and his cultivation. He had spent years carefully preserving his life, rarely venturing near the capital. This cave was supposed to be his secluded cultivation spot, once he refined the ultimate yin ghost, he’d have nothing to fear. But man proposes, God disposes. Now, his plans were ruined, and the cultivator before him was shockingly young.  

"Spare you?" Mu Lichuan’s mind raced. Aside from his grandfather and his past life’s Mu Xiaolin, he had never interacted with other cultivators.  

Seeing the hesitation on his face, the old man pressed on. "Yes! I’ll help you investigate who’s really behind this."  

Right now, his body was incapacitated, unable to attack. If he could just lull the young man into lowering his guard, he might find an opportunity to strike. An unorthodox cultivator like him would never submit to anyone.  

Mu Lichuan sneered, then condensed spiritual energy into a blade and stabbed it straight into the old man’s dantian. The man’s eyes widened in disbelief, he had never expected to die like this.  

"I thought you’d believe him?" Xiao Mo was surprised by Mu Lichuan’s actions. After all, the boy was only fifteen. No matter how capable, he lacked experience. (Of course, Xiao Mo conveniently forgot his earlier complaints about Mu Lichuan’s low intelligence.)  

"I’m not a naive child," Mu Lichuan replied flatly before ransacking the cave. The old man was pathetically poor, aside from talismans, there was almost nothing of value.  

"What’s this?" The young man picked up a stone, sensing the spiritual energy within. If he wasn’t mistaken, it was a spirit stone.  

"A low-grade spirit stone. In the cultivation world, these are used as currency," Xiao Mo explained softly. "For the lower realms, even having something like this counts as wealth."  

Mu Lichuan found five more spirit stones and stored them all in his spatial ring. Though he knew they were useful for cultivation, he wasn’t sure about the future. He wouldn’t stay here forever—eventually, he’d have to go to other worlds.  

He knew nothing about the cultivation world beyond scattered rumors. Experience would be the best teacher.  

After looting the cave, Mu Lichuan prepared to leave. But staring at the dense thicket of weeds, he felt a flock of crows metaphorically flying over his head, just how long had this place been neglected?  

Elsewhere, a middle-aged man watched as a lantern’s flame snuffed out. His face twisted with fury. "Who? Who dares kill my sworn brother?!"  

Though they were only oath brothers, the two had relied on each other since childhood. This time, they had separated to cultivate in peace, hoping to break through their bottlenecks.  

Mu Lichuan couldn’t fly on a sword or burrow through the earth, so he had no choice but to hack through the weeds step by step. He had no idea where he was—only by reaching a road could he tell whether he was still near the capital or somewhere else entirely.  

"Chop after chop, chop, chop…" Mu Lichuan cheered himself on. As for Xiao Mo? The guy had vanished into his spiritual sea again the moment he escaped the spatial trap, not even bothering to say goodbye.  

Despite the grueling trek, not a single drop of sweat formed on his forehead. Three days and nights later, Mu Lichuan finally descended the mountain—though by then, he looked like a wild man.  

His hair was a tangled mess, his face smeared with dirt, his clothes reduced to tatters, and his shoes barely recognizable.  

"I’ll have to carry spare clothes from now on," Mu Lichuan muttered, acutely aware of his wretched state. Thankfully, his wallet and cards were still intact—once he found a store, he could buy new ones.  

Cars were few and far between on this road. Whenever one passed, Mu Lichuan waved, but drivers sped up as if fleeing a monster.  

Frustrated, Mu Lichuan reached a fork in the road with no idea which direction to take. His phone had long since died. Escaping alive this time had taken a considerable amount of luck.  

When another car approached, Mu Lichuan stepped directly into its path. The driver had no choice but to stop the car. "Trying to get yourself killed? If you want to die, don’t drag others into it!"  

Mu Lichuan studied the young man’s face, his darkened brow indicated impending disaster. "Sir, could you give me a ride?"  

The driver eyed Mu Lichuan warily. A lone boy in broad daylight, in the middle of nowhere? It was downright eerie. But seeing his shadow confirmed he wasn’t a ghost.  

Seeing the hesitation, Mu Lichuan added, "I really just ended up here by accident. It’s hard to explain, but I promise I’ll repay you. I’m a master, you know." To prove it, he took out a peace talisman. "Here, take this."  

The young man, inexplicably drawn to the boy’s clear eyes, accepted the talisman and let him into the truck.  

"Sir, you’ve been having a rough time lately. Be careful," Mu Lichuan said from the passenger seat. The man was driving a cargo truck, likely transporting goods.  

The driver sighed. "Yeah, no one takes this road unless they have to. Once we reach Immortal Bridge, strange things always happen."  

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 190 Part 1

Chapter 190  

    The Wu family’s funeral was a quiet affair, with no suona or drums, but at least the presence of relatives coming to mourn and offer condolences prevented it from being too lonely. Since the feast was modest, Wei Lanxiang and a few other older women helped by supporting the elderly, fetching water, and keeping things running without too much fuss.  

    Lu Gu hadn’t gone out much these past few days, staying at home instead. Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yaoqing spent the nights at the new house, and last night, Shen Yan came over to sleep with him and the child.  

    After the three-day vigil, at noon, the village men finished the vegetarian feast and carried the thin coffin up the southern slope for burial, mindful of the timing.  

    Since their house was the last along the path leading up the mountain, they could hear the commotion outside. As long as those in mourning clothes didn’t enter, there was no issue with them passing by the door.  

    Lu Gu had just finished feeding little Lingjun milk fruit and was coaxing him to sleep when he heard the noise of the coffin being carried outside. He paid it little mind, continuing to pat the child until he finally dozed off. Only then did he lay him down on the bed and tuck him in under the quilt. Afterward, he took Shen Xuanqing’s red waistband from the chest and draped it over the head of the bed, it would be needed for changing when he returned.  

    Wei Lanxiang had been helping at the Wu family’s place. Though she hadn’t gone to the gravesite, she also had slept at the new house these past couple of nights, since there were two young children at home. Lu Gu guessed she’d return early, so he fetched firewood from the woodshed and lit the brazier using the embers from the clay stove.  

    "Yan Yan, go get Mother’s red waistband," he said, adjusting the brazier before calling into the house.  

    "Ah, got it," Shen Yan replied. After changing into clean clothes, she brought it out. Seeing Lu Gu crouched there tending the fire, she asked, "Brother Guzi, do you have any clothes to wash?"  

    The water was icy cold in this weather, so the family usually heated water for washing clothes. Washing clothes for just one person wasn’t efficient, so they typically did it all together.  

    Lu Gu finished with the brazier and stood up. "Not for me, just Lingjun’s diapers and pants. When Eldest Brother and Erqing get back, they’ll probably have dirty clothes too, after digging graves and moving earth these past few days. We can wash everything together then."  

    "Alright, we’ll wait for them," Shen Yan said before calling toward Ji Qiuyue’s room, "Sister-in-law, what about you? Any clothes to wash?"  

    Ji Qiuyue was struggling to coax the unruly Zhao’er to sleep and answered, "I’ve got two pieces here, soiled by this stinky little one’s pee. I was just thinking about washing them today."  

    "Good, that’s plenty of clothes to wash. We’ll do it all together later," Shen Yan said, then went to fetch a wooden basin from under the eaves and gathered her own clothes along with little Lingjun's diapers and pants.  

    Before long, Wei Lanxiang returned as expected. Guaizi had gone out to play, so there was no barking to announce her arrival. Before even stepping inside, she called from the gate for someone to bring her the brazier.  

    Lu Gu carried it over, and once she crossed the threshold, Shen Yan handed her the red waistband to change into—only then did she relax.  

    "Well, that’s one matter settled. Let me rest a bit," Wei Lanxiang sighed, sinking into a chair in the main hall.  

    Though she hadn’t been overly exhausted these past few days, the constant wailing at the funeral had worn on her. The Wu family was pitiable, they were so poor they couldn’t even afford oil, scraping by with nothing to spare. They’d even found a small bag of wheat kernels hidden beneath the broken bed planks of the Wu family’s grandmother. The grains were dirt-stained, clearly gathered one by one from the fields during her lifetime. Even in the bitter cold of winter, she hadn’t eaten them, saving them instead.  

    The Wu family mentioned that before her death, she had patted the bed planks, lips pressed tight without uttering a word. Only after they found the hidden wheat did they realize it was her final gift - a mouthful of food for her children and grandchildren. The heaviness of it all weighed on the heart.  

    Lu Gu took a stack of returned bowls to the kitchen. Seeing Wei Lanxiang sighing mournfully, he brought out a packet of osmanthus cakes for her to nibble on.  

    The Wu family was so poor that Wei Lanxiang couldn’t bear to eat their food. By now, she was genuinely hungry and said between bites, "Guzi, are there any leftovers from lunch?"  

    Lu Gu quickly replied, "No, Mother. I thought there’d be a feast there today, so I didn’t save any. I’ll start cooking now."  

    "Ah, I meant to eat there, but seeing how destitute the Wu family was, I figured it’d be better to leave that food for them, they need it more than we do." Wei Lanxiang sighed again. "Just steam me a bun and stir-fry some cabbage. That’ll do."  

    "Understood, Mother." Lu Gu rolled up his sleeves and headed to the kitchen, with Shen Yan following to assist.  

    Since the Wu family’s vegetarian feast hadn’t offered much to eat, they steamed extra buns and made a larger portion of stir-fried cabbage. They served Wei Lanxiang a bowl and kept another aside in case Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yaoqing wanted some when they returned.  

    Zhao’er refused to nap today, squirming and fussing. Unable to settle him, Ji Qiuyue carried him out to play with Wei Lanxiang, who was resting in the main room.  

    Holding her eldest grandson, Wei Lanxiang recounted the story of the wheat kernels to Ji Qiuyue, sighing over how wretched poverty could make a person.  

    Last winter, during the bitter cold, she had gone to the riverside fields to dig up grass roots for the rabbits and encountered the Wu family’s grandmother doing the same. Unlike their family, the old woman was gathering them to eat. With no wild vegetables available in winter, the Wu family relied on dried ones, but they were so frugal that the grandmother would scavenge for grass roots whenever the sun was out. By eating those, she left more of the precious dried vegetables for the rest of the family.  

    Moved by pity, Wei Lanxiang had told the old woman to wait by the river and keep quiet. She then sneaked back home to fill a small hemp sack with several bowls of rice, instructing her to hide it in her broken bamboo basket and take it back secretly, lest others in the village see and stir up gossip.

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 30 Part 2

After seeing his father-in-law off, Ji Yangzong returned with his hands behind his back, his face clouded with worry.  

He knew You's mother had come to show off her newfound status, but her words hit a sore spot. If the Xue family really decided to flex their influence, the Ji family would be in trouble.

Now that they were moving to the city and cozying up to the Xue family, even though the You family was undeniably in the wrong regarding Ji Taoyu, and even though You Lingxiao had tearfully claimed at the gathering that he couldn’t bear to let Ji Taoyu go, their two-faced behavior made it unlikely they’d dare bring up the Ji family to the Xue family.  

But no one knew what schemes the mother and son might cook up over time, and they remained a lingering threat.

Huo Shu had a rough idea of what was troubling Ji Yangzong.  

"The Xue family hasn’t formally betrothed their daughter to You Lingxiao yet because they’re still hedging their bets. You Lingxiao has potential, but for an official family, he’s hardly their only option."  

Ji Yangzong looked at Huo Shu. "What do you mean?"  

"If the ‘treasure’ they’re betting on loses its value, based on your understanding of the Xue family, would they continue supporting You Lingxiao...or discard him?"  

Ji Yangzong said, "You Lingxiao is talented and handsome, that’s what the Xue family value. But the You family is still just ordinary family, and their clan isn’t united. Without his potential, the Xue family wouldn’t waste their resources on him, they only have one daughter, after all."  

Huo Shu nodded. "Exactly. In that case, Village Head, there’s no need to worry about the You family anymore."  

Ji Yangzong still didn’t fully grasp Huo Shu’s meaning, but Huo Shu said nothing more.

Huo Shu glanced in the direction of the Ji family’s kitchen and said:  

"Thank you for the hospitality today, village head. I’ll take my leave first."  

Ji Yangzong, noticing Huo Shu’s expression, composed himself and said: "Xiao Taozi and his mother are washing dishes in the kitchen. They should be almost done. I’ll have him see you off."  

"No need to trouble them."  

With that, Huo Shu turned and left.  

Ji Yangzong frowned, somewhat puzzled.  

Returning inside, Ji Taoyu wiped his hands on his apron and asked: "Has Grandfather left already?"  

"Yes."  

Ji Taoyu fastened the food box and asked: "What about Brother Huo?"  

"Both gone."  

"Gone?"  

Ji Taoyu’s eyes widened in surprise. He quickly grabbed the food box and rushed outside.  

Ji Yangzong watched his impulsive ger and said to Huang Manjing: "This child."  

"You bought a lot of shrimp earlier, and there’s plenty left, big and fresh. Xiao Taozi said that since Sun niangzi's visit disrupted the meal and since Huo Shu seemed to like the shrimp, he wanted to pack some leftovers for him to take back."  

"That’s fine."  

Ji Yangzong said: "This child is quite thoughtful."  

"Brother Huo!"  

Huo Shu was walking leisurely toward the Zhao family’s direction, intending to take care of some business, when a familiar voice called out from behind.  

He turned and saw Ji Taoyu running toward him along the field path, clutching a food box.  

"You left too quickly."  

Huo Shu walked quite a ways ahead, and by the time Ji Taoyu caught up, the ger was already panting. He hastily handed the food box to Huo Shu.  

"What’s this?"  

Ji Taoyu, still catching his breath, said: "Sun niangzi disrupted the meal earlier. Father was worried you didn’t eat well, so he asked me to bring you this. There’s plenty of food left at home. If you don’t mind leftovers, take these back with you."  

Huo Shu didn’t respond immediately, but he still took the food box.  

He opened it to take a look, and his brows twitched slightly.  

Inside the box was a plate of shrimp - smaller than the ones served at lunch, but every single one had been peeled, leaving only the meat with the heads intact, neatly arranged in two full layers.  

Huo Shu recalled how Ji Taoyu had slipped into the kitchen right after the meal, barely even bidding farewell to Huang Yinsheng when he left.  

He had thought the young ger was simply tired from cooking all morning, but now…  

An indescribable warmth stirred in Huo Shu’s heart, making it hard for him to look away.  

"I-I was afraid the plate wouldn’t hold much, so I peeled the shells off."  

Ji Taoyu, noticing Huo Shu’s lingering gaze at the peeled shrimp, felt as if he himself were being scrutinized. His ears turned slightly red. "Do you have vinegar at home?"  

Huo Shu carefully closed the lid and nodded.  

"That’s good."  

Ji Taoyu, somewhat embarrassed, said: "I-I should head back now. I’ve delayed you enough."  

"Ji Taoyu."  

Huo Shu suddenly called out to him just as he was about to leave.  

"Hmm?"  

Huo Shu looked quietly at the young ger. Ji Taoyu’s brows furrowed slightly as he returned the gaze in confusion. "What is it?"  

"Nothing."  

"Things are chaotic outside. Don’t go out unless necessary. If you must, let me know."  

"Alright."  

Huo Shu opened his mouth, wanting to say more, but for the first time, he felt frustrated by his own reticence.  

After a brief silence, he could only say: "Go back."  

Ji Taoyu acknowledged him with a sound.  

Walking away with his back to Huo Shu, his mind momentarily blank, he soon remembered that Huo Shu had accepted the food box, and his steps lightened slightly.  

Just as he reached the corner, he suddenly paused.  

Ji Taoyu pressed his lips together and slowly turned his head, intending to catch a glimpse of Huo Shu’s retreating figure. But when he looked back, he saw the man still standing there, watching him silently.  

The winter wind was cold, yet it seemed to avoid Huo Shu as he stood motionless in the breeze.  

When their eyes met, Ji Taoyu suddenly felt something rise in his chest - something warm, spreading rapidly with the rhythm of his heartbeat.  

It was like a floodgate opening or spring sunlight bursting forth, filling his body so completely that even the cold wind no longer felt biting.