Chapter 23

Chapter 23: The Scoundrel Contemplates Kidnapping Ningning!

Shen Ningning, uninterested, continued walking straight ahead.

The scoundrel trailed not far behind her.

"Little sister Ningning, why are you ignoring me? By age, you should call me 'Uncle,' it's only fair."

"Ah, forget it, I won't argue with a kid. I have something to tell you, will you listen?"

Shen Ningning still ignored him.

The fierce gaze of the Black Wolf King kept the scoundrel from getting any closer.

So, the scoundrel could only shout from a distance, "I know Uncle Liu and others have been fixing your house recently!"

"Look at me, young and strong, I can help you too. Plus, I know carpenters in the city, they're definitely better than our village folks!"

"If you're willing, I can represent you. With my status, I can get you a fair and cheap price!"

Just as he finished speaking, a door in the neighboring yard suddenly opened, and a bucket of slop was hurled out.

The scoundrel couldn't dodge in time and got drenched in the slop!

"Which bastard did this!" He took off the rubbish on his head, cursing angrily.

Turning around, he saw it was Aunt Liu, Uncle Liu's wife.

One of the most vociferous women in the village.

"Oh my! It's the scoundrel! I heard someone spouting nonsense at my doorstep, so I grabbed the last bucket of slop to snap him back to reality. I didn't expect it to be you."

Aunt Liu smirked with a sneer, hands on her hips, and began to scold.

"If your house lacks water, pee and look at your own character in the reflection!"

"You good-for-nothing scoundrel, squandering all the property your father left you, idling away every day, the most malicious heart in the village!"

"And daring to bother Ningning with your nonsense, come near again and I'll tear your mouth!"

The scoundrel couldn't outwit her and knew Aunt Liu was prone to hitting when angry.

So he simply continued to bother Shen Ningning.

"Little sister Ningning, trust me just once, you won't regret it!"

Shen Ningning was annoyed.

Especially as the scoundrel approached, reeking of the foul slop!

She pouted, "Wolf, chase him away."

The Black Wolf King and the others were already poised to act.

No sooner had Shen Ningning spoken than the Black Wolf King ferociously lunged forward.

"Aaah!" Terrified, the scoundrel took off running.

In his haste, he slipped on the slop and tore his trousers right down the middle!

He didn't care, scrambling up to flee for his life.

Aunt Liu clutched her stomach, roaring with laughter.

"So satisfying! That was truly satisfying!" she exclaimed.

Shen Ningning called out softly, "Wolf, come back now! Don't really bite him, or you'll get stinky too!"

Upon hearing this, Wolf Three immediately turned around.

It was a wolf that really liked to stay clean.

Having been with Shen Ningning for a while, it had become picky about its food, avoiding anything unappetizing.

Aunt Liu admired Shen Ningning for her cleverness and quick-wittedness.

"Ningning, you're heading to the village house too, right? I'm going to deliver food to my husband. Let's walk together."

Shen Ningning obediently nodded.

On the way, Aunt Liu spoke candidly, "Ningning, look at how hot the weather is, the ground is cracking. Yet, they're still working hard for you."

"Not to take credit, but my husband, Old Liu, has made many trips back and forth for the renovation of your village house."

"He's a quiet man, never complains, no matter how tough it gets. But I'm straightforward. Let's talk openly."

"What do you think about giving Old Liu a little extra for his hard work?"

Shen Ningning lifted her delicate, fair face.

Blinking, she said, "Aunt Liu, don't worry. I'm aware of how hard the uncles have worked. I won't let them be underpaid."

Aunt Liu chuckled dryly.

But inwardly she thought: This little girl is really sharp, not directly agreeing or disagreeing to a pay raise.

When they reached the village house, they found that Uncle Liu and the others had made remarkable progress.

He had gathered around fourteen villagers to help.

In just two days, they had already dismantled the old, dilapidated fences and bricks.

They worked swiftly and with attention to detail.

However, every one of them was drenched in sweat, their skin sunburned to a bright red.

Shen Ningning quickly instructed Wolf Four to hand over the package it was carrying.

"These are pancakes made by my grandma, with some fruit inside to quench your thirst. Uncles, please take some to eat."

Upon hearing there was food, the villagers promptly set down their tools.

Uncle Liu had just been sawing wood, now covered in sawdust.

He urged everyone else to eat first while he continued working with his head down.

Aunt Liu, feeling sorry for her husband, took some pancakes and fruit to feed him directly.

Seeing each villager drenched in sweat, Shen Ningning glanced around thoughtfully.

"Take a break, everyone. I'll be right back."

With that, she turned and ran off, with the Black Wolf King quickly following.

In a short while.

Shen Ningning returned, tugging her own cart behind her.

The villagers were astonished: "Ningning, is this your cart?"

The little one nodded, wiping the glistening sweat beads from her forehead.

She smiled sweetly, "I brought the fresh water I purchased from the city to quench the uncles' thirst!"

"It's all in the cart, please help yourselves to it!"

The villagers moved forward to inspect.

Inside the cart, they saw eight water barrels neatly arranged!

The water inside was ice-cold and crystal clear!

In the city, such water costs ten taels per barrel!

No one dared to drink at first, just staring in awe.

Shen Ningning urged them, "Go ahead and drink! Don't be shy, uncles. It's hot, and you've been working hard!"

Only after she spoke did they dare to start moving the barrels.

Drinking bowl after bowl of this refreshing water was indescribably relieving!

It was like a scorching desert under the sun suddenly receiving a cool, refreshing downpour!

Each of the helpers eagerly drank two bowls each.

Three barrels of water were quickly consumed.

But Shen Ningning didn't mind at all.

Rewarding for their hard work was only right.

Besides, the water in the barrels wasn't ordinary; it was spring water.

Drinking more meant no worries about the uncles getting heatstroke.

Having eaten and drunk, the villagers' enthusiasm for work soared.

One of them even started singing aloud, energizing everyone even more.

Shen Ningning stayed with them the entire time.

Helping with whatever she could.

Like picking up trash.

The Black Wolf King and its companions were also very diligent.

Passersby from the village who saw this found it fascinating.

Aunt Qin had previously claimed that the wolves were dangerous.

But now, it seemed the wolf pack was far more amiable than the Qin family!

They kept busy until it was nearly dusk.

Shen Ningning's face had turned a rosy red from the sun.

Just helping for an afternoon had left her feeling quite exhausted.

So, considering the hard work of Uncle Liu and the others.

The little one announced, "Uncles, I've thought it over, I'll pay you more for your labor."

"Four taels each, settled upon completion, no delays. And from now on, I'll take care of your water and food every day."

The villagers burst into cheers upon hearing this.

"Thank you, Ningning!"

"Ningning, having you in Xiangyun Village is our blessing!"

They were overjoyed.

Unbeknownst to them, the scoundrel lurking around the corner was glaring bitterly at Shen Ningning's figure.

"Stupid kid, just relying on those wolves, acting all high and mighty," he muttered under his breath.

The scoundrel's eyes shifted, concocting a malicious plan.

"I'll see how you remain so arrogant when I get someone to kidnap you and sell you off."

In his mind, not earning money and missing out on food and water was all Shen Ningning's fault!

Two days passed.

The scoundrel arrived in the village with two shifty and sleazy-looking men.

"Hide here, the kid passes by every day through this spot. From what I've seen, she relies on her wolf pack for help."

"Wait for the moment the wolves leave her side, then grab the child and run. She's only four, she won't be able to fight back."

The two men nodded, a cunning smile on their faces.

"You're sure this little girl is pretty and has delicate skin, right? She'll definitely fetch a good price!"

"I released Prince Mo yesterday, after complaints about his lack of presence. This time, I've made him go wild for half a chapter. Surely, that's enough, right? Now, hand over your votes! (author's note: metaphorically holding a pot lid and reaching out for votes)"