“It’s not a big deal. We have the space, don’t we? If I encounter any wild animals, I can just enter the space and come out once they’re gone. There won’t be any danger.”
Seeing his subconscious concern, Zhao Chen felt a warmth in his heart, softening his tone, “So, you don’t need to worry about the money. I’ll handle it.”
Chen Jiu sighed in relief.
As long as there’s no danger, that’s good. It’s fortunate to have the space.
Looking at the medicinal herbs in the basket, Chen Jiu couldn’t help but admire Zhao Chen for thinking of ways to earn money in such a short time.
How could this person be so capable?
Still, he felt embarrassed to pick things to plant for himself, so he said, “Then, you can plant whatever you want.”
Everything was new to him; it didn’t matter what was planted.
Zhao Chen noticed his restraint and didn’t press him. He nodded and said, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll head out. There are still many herbs to gather.”
Chen Jiu felt he had forgotten something, but the conversation with Zhao Chen had been overwhelming. Not only had he learned how to deal with his enemies, but he also found out his illness could be cured. In his stirred emotions, he couldn’t remember, so he just said, “Go ahead.”
Coming out of the space and back into his room, he noticed he was holding ten copper coins. That reminded him that he intended to buy the “Portable Space User Manual” from the space marketplace with those coins.
He was about to re-enter the space when he heard people talking outside.
The familiar yet strange voice made Chen Jiu’s expression change.
Instinctively wanting to avoid meeting that person, he remembered Zhao Chen’s advice, gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, and walked out.
In the fenced courtyard, a young man in a crow-blue robe and a young boy in a gray-white robe, holding a bound book, were walking towards the house.
The boy, who was carved out of jade, affectionately pulled at the young man’s sleeve and smiled, “Brother Yun, at this time, usually only my older brother and sister are home.”
He then lowered his voice, “You can spend more time talking to my sister later!”
Qian Yun responded absentmindedly. Compared to Chen Jiu, whom he had been betrothed to since childhood, he indeed preferred the charming and lively Chen Ling. Although Chen Ling was not yet of marrying age, his family wasn’t rushing him to marry. He could wait until she was of age.
Today, he came to the Chen house because of what happened last night.
Wang Tiezhu, with his big mouth, had gone to his house at dawn, telling everyone that Chen Jiu and Zhao Silly were involved, mocking Qian Yun for being cuckolded by Zhao Chen.
Though most villagers didn’t witness it and were skeptical—after all, Chen Jiu was ill, not brainless, and wouldn’t abandon Qian Yun for Zhao Silly—they didn’t hesitate to use it as gossip. Soon, everyone in the village was talking about it.
Most laughed at Wang Tiezhu, saying he was jealous of Qian Yun and thus making up stories about his fiancée. Some maliciously speculated that Chen Jiu was promiscuous, but those remarks were quickly dismissed.
Especially after Chen Guangren openly called a doctor. When curious villagers asked, the doctor straightforwardly said that Chen Jiu’s old illness had relapsed and he had no other symptoms, making them more convinced it was Wang Tiezhu’s prank.
Chen Guangren was known in Shui Lian Village for fiercely protecting his children. If Chen Jiu and Zhao Silly had anything between them, wouldn’t he have gone to beat up Zhao Silly?
Moreover, Chen Jiu was so frail that walking was difficult—how could he be involved with anyone?
Even for a prank, the story needed to be believable!
This was not what Qian Yun had expected. Plus, Chen Ling hadn’t followed their plan of using an excuse to take Chen Jiu to the Qian house early in the morning.
Thinking something had gone wrong, he waited patiently but, seeing no sign of Chen Ling, could no longer wait and used the pretext of taking Chen Gui, who studied with him, home to see what had happened.
Chen Gui was young, often too soft-hearted and indecisive. Qian Yun and Chen Ling hadn’t told him the plan, fearing he’d feel sorry and help Chen Jiu instead.
However, Chen Gui always tried to matchmake him with Chen Ling. Hearing Qian Yun suggest checking in at home, his eyes lit up, and he quickly agreed, even playfully asking Qian Yun to bring him home to create an opportunity for them.
This suited Qian Yun perfectly, and he agreed without hesitation.
Once inside, Chen Gui invited Qian Yun to sit in the main hall before quietly going to find Chen Ling. But as he stepped out, he saw Chen Jiu, neatly dressed, walking towards him.
The young man, not yet twenty, wore a dark blue robe, moving with a grace that was elegant but not effeminate. The beauty spot at the corner of his eye added a charm to his already handsome, pale face.
Chen Gui paused, his eyes flashing, and showed a concerned yet obedient smile.
“Big brother, why are you out?”
