Chen Ling watched as he finished the medicine, her smile becoming even more gentle and radiant.
Chen Jiu looked at the sky and handed the empty bowl back to Chen Ling, smiling, “It’s getting late. How about you stay at home and cook, so Father won’t come back hungry? I can go alone to find Silly Zhao.”
Chen Jiu’s hatred for Lan Shi was no less than for Chen Ling, but he didn’t mention worrying about her being hungry.
“But can your body handle it?” Chen Ling asked, concerned, not noticing this detail.
Chen Jiu, tired of her pretense and worried that the medicine might take effect too soon, leading to an even worse situation than in his previous life, replied directly, “I can manage. Don’t worry, sister. I will definitely get your purse back.”
He wanted to pat Chen Ling’s shoulder as a gesture of reassurance but couldn’t bear to touch her, so he turned and walked away.
Chen Ling was quite content, watching his hurried departure with a mocking smile. She muttered to herself, “Since you’re so eager to be alone with Silly Zhao, as your sister, I’ll just have to fulfill your wish.”
“Rest assured, early tomorrow morning, Brother Yun and I will bring Father, Mother, our brothers, and everyone we can to the thatched hut to find you.” She emphasized the last three words with particular weight.
Her voice was low, so naturally, Chen Jiu didn’t hear it.
Even if he had heard, he wouldn’t be surprised.
Such a malicious person, constantly scheming to take the inheritance his father left him, could hardly have good intentions.
However, he wouldn’t let her manipulate him any longer.
Leaving the Chen household, Chen Jiu didn’t head straight to Silly Zhao’s thatched hut. Instead, he went to a secluded part of the river to vomit the medicine he had just drunk, then slowly made his way to his destination.
His body was already weak, having recently been ill and not fully recovered, making it unsuitable for any strenuous activity.
In his previous life, the experience had brought no pleasure, only disgusting emptiness and a sense of violation. It took him over a month to recover and get out of bed, and he was lucky to survive at all; the doctor had initially said he wouldn’t live for a few days.
During that period, the only comfort Qian Yun offered was a couple of brief visits, motivated by his interest in the supposed wealth.
Back then, Chen Jiu hadn’t realized it and thought Qian Yun was forced by parental opposition.
Now he knew Qian Yun was selfish and heartless.
The incident left a deep scar, and despite Qian Yun’s attempts to coax him afterward, Chen Jiu resolutely refused further contact.
That incident also left him feeling guilty whenever he faced Qian Yun, especially after marriage, leading him to hand over the jade pendant without much thought.
Fortunately, he hadn’t endured more, or he might have spent the rest of his life in disgust.
With a slightly cold expression, Chen Jiu took a deep breath and steadied his emotions before continuing on.
The thatched hut where Silly Zhao lived was at the foot of the mountain at the edge of the village, quite a distance from the Chen household.
Chen Jiu wasn’t in a hurry, walking slowly to conserve his strength, while also thinking of how to persuade Silly Zhao to cooperate.
After all, he was a fool who didn’t understand much. Would he really listen?
But no matter what, he had to try.
Marrying a simpleton who understood nothing was better than marrying someone constantly scheming behind a smiling facade.
Since marriage was inevitable, why not choose someone who would listen to him?
With this in mind, Chen Jiu quickened his pace slightly.
He wanted to coax Silly Zhao quickly, by any means necessary.
Perhaps sweets would work?
He remembered that he still had two pieces of malt candy his father had given him yesterday in the sachet he carried.
But it seemed like fate always wanted to create trouble for him.
