Asianovel

Chapter 81: Doctor

By the time Shen Xingran finished his story, Lu Ran had already twisted the lid back on and placed the can back into his backpack as if he hadn't done anything.

Shen Xingran assumed that Lu Ran was stunned by his taste and knowledge, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes.

He turned to Ji Min and asked, "Mr. Ji, what do you think?"

Ji Min: "..."

What did he think? He hadn't even heard half a sentence.

His full attention was on the can in Lu Ran's hand, afraid that the guy might accidentally shake the cockroach onto him.

Afterward, Shen Xingran took them to visit the main bedroom of the villa, which was the suite currently occupied by Madam Shen and Shen Hongyuan.

As soon as Ji Min opened the door, he caught sight of Lu Ran once again pulling out a canister.

Not only did he promptly pour a considerable amount into the crack of Madam Shen's bedroom door, but as he passed by Shen Xingyu's room, noticing that Shen Xingyu wasn't home, he also slipped several bugs underneath the door.

From the corner of his eye, Ji Min could only glimpse at the terrifying black shadows scurrying about on the ground.

It seemed that the fear of cockroaches was ingrained in human nature.

At this moment, even Ji Min, who was in a wheelchair, felt an urge to retract his feet.

Shen Xingyu, who had tasted cockroaches before, might have an unpredictable reaction when he returned home and saw these creatures crawling all over the floor...

By the time they reached the first floor, Lu Ran's large canister was almost empty.

Shen Xingran then led them to the kitchen.

The kitchen was spacious, and he intended to introduce the chef the Shen family had hired.

As Shen Xingran turned to call the chef, Ji Min swiftly wheeled his chair around to look at Lu Ran.

There were hardly any cockroaches left in the jar Lu Ran held, but it was still covered with a thick layer of egg cases.

Lu Ran then opened the kitchen cabinets and the refrigerator, stuffing the egg cases from the jar into every compartment.

Lastly, he poured the remaining ones into the gaps between the cabinets.

Ji Min: "...."

That was ruthless.

When Shen Xingran returned, he still persisted, "Chef Wang has gone out to buy groceries, Mr. Ji. Why don't you stay for dinner?"

The moment he finished asking, Ji Min firmly rejected the offer, "No!"

"Cough, let's leave now."

With that, Ji Min hastily led Lu Ran out of the Shen family's villa and into a car.

After leaving the villa, Lu Ran tossed the empty can into a trash bin.

Watching this scene, Ji Min couldn't help but ask, "Did you get rid of everything?"

"Relax! I left it all for them!" Lu Ran replied enthusiastically.

A mischievous smile appeared on his face as he continued,

"I've been wanting to pour it into their room, but cockroaches can crawl everywhere, and I would suffer too if I lived there. Now that we've moved out, I don't have to worry about it!"

Ji Min: "..."

Large cockroaches were not commonly seen in the capital city.

In a family like the Shens, they might never have encountered such pests before.

If Lu Ran had openly poured the contents into their room, the Shens would likely have immediately called pest control services.

But now, an entire can had been emptied silently...

The Shen family would have quite a time realizing the infestation, finding pest control, and eradicating them completely.

Besides, there was nothing that insecticide could do against egg cases.

At this moment, Ji Min felt as if he had invited a deity into his home.

But then again, this was the only source of amusement for the child. It wasn't too much to bear.

The car slowly exited the gated community where the Shen family resided.

As the familiar yet oppressive house gradually disappeared from view, Lu Ran, who had just been gleefully releasing the cockroaches, fell silent.

He turned to stare out the car window, watching the Shen family's residence fade away, his emotions mixed.

This was because Lu Ran recalled the first time he left the Shen family in his previous life.

Deciding to sever ties with his biological parents was no easy task.

Especially since it severed the family bond he had yearned for over a decade.

When he left, Lu Ran was determined, feeling both relieved and strangely bewildered.

Yet, his resolve to leave the Shen family ultimately resulted in him being bedridden for ten years.

Upon his rebirth, Lu Ran swore he would never leave the Shen family.

Even if every idiot in the Shen family were to depart, he would remain.

He would endure until they were all gone.

But now, he still chose to leave.

The young man fell into a long silence.

Ji Min glanced sideways at him.

To his surprise, the child hadn't gone to the back seat; he hadn't even pulled out the folding seat in the middle row.

Once Shen's mansion was entirely out of sight, he sat directly in the car.

Noticing Ji Min's gaze upon him, the youth leaned slightly to the side.

He didn't touch Ji Min's leg but gently rested against the armrest of the wheelchair.

He said, "Boss, if there comes a day when you no longer want me to live with you, please inform me a month... no, three months in advance, okay?"

He gestured three fingers toward Ji Min and said, "I need to find a place early before I can move out."

Something softened within Ji Min.

The man didn't say, "I won't let you leave."

He understood that to a child who had always been homeless, such a promise was as fleeting as a castle in the air, offering no real comfort.

So, he simply nodded.

Extending his broad palm, he gently placed it on the child's soft hair and rubbed gently, saying, "Alright."

The car just happened to pass by a bustling commercial street. Ji Min gently ruffled the youth's hair and said, "Don't curl up any longer. Come on, take a look and tell me what you'd like for dinner tonight."

Lu Ran climbed up and peered out the car window for a while. He then said, "I'm going to buy some ice cream."

Ji Min's brows lifted subtly.

Though it's early spring, having ice cream is quite excessive, are you trying to give your stomach a hard time?

Yet, the thought that this boy could polish off four ice creams in one go during winter made him hold back any scolding.

He simply instructed the driver to pull over by the roadside.

Whatever Ji Min wanted to eat today, he was free to do so.

Lu Ran opened the car door and got out.

Ji Min didn't follow but lowered the window to look outside.

The young man entered an ice cream fast-food shop, but soon returned empty-handed.

"Why didn't you get any?" Ji Min asked.

"Because they didn't have the flavor I wanted," Lu Ran replied.

Ji Min thought to himself that this boy was quite particular.

Just as he was about to ask Lu Ran to get back into the car, he saw Lu Ran head for a shop a little further away.

After visiting three shops back and forth, the youth finally returned with four ice creams held delicately in both hands.

It was Ji Min who eventually opened the car door for him.

Seeing how many he was holding, Ji Min instinctively reached out to help share the load.

However, Lu Ran bypassed his hand and slid directly into the car.

Ji Min: "...Are you really going to eat all four by yourself?"

Lu Ran regarded him warily. "Of course, these four are all mine!"

With that, he bent down to bite off the tips of all four ice creams.

Ji Min rolled his eyes at him. "Look at how easily you're pleased."

Lu Ran ignored him.

"Nothing else?" Ji Min asked.

Upon seeing the youth nod in agreement, he then instructed the driver to proceed to a respectable restaurant.

Dinner couldn't possibly consist solely of ice cream, right?

Following Ji Min into the restaurant, Lu Ran still held the four ice creams in his hand.

It's not particularly warm outside right now; it would be quite a challenge to consume four in one go.

Yet the youth continued to eat at a leisurely, unhurried pace.

Ji Min furrowed his brow and took a closer look.

The youth held four ice creams in his hand, each representing three distinct flavors.

Two of them are vanilla-flavored, and the pink one is likely strawberry.

There was also a light yellow one, exuding a subtle lemon fragrance.

Ji Min possesses exceptional memory.

Vaguely, he recalled that last time Lu Ran had enjoyed ice cream in his office, it was these very flavors he'd chosen.

Ji Min inquired, "You really like these three flavors, particularly vanilla?"

Upon hearing the question, Lu Ran gave a vague response, "I guess so."

As he spoke, he took another large bite of the ice cream, all the way down to the cone.

In the evening, Lu Ran returned to Ji Min's villa.

It wasn't his first time visiting, so he was quite familiar with the place.

However, he hadn't expected that Ji Min had actually prepared a room for Big Yellow.

The room was fully equipped with a dog bed and toys.

Lu Ran couldn't help but marvel; indeed, men were willing to put in effort when it came to certain rumors...

Oh wait, he should commend his boss for his generosity.

Despite Ji Min providing a new doghouse for Big Yellow, Lu Ran still brought along the old one.

Big Yellow had accompanied him through several environment changes, always with this doghouse.

Although Big Yellow was already very familiar with Ji Min's place, having something with his own scent would likely provide the puppy a sense of security.

Having tended to Big Yellow's needs, Lu Ran returned to his own room. He caressed the soft bed. He clearly remembered his reaction the last time he slept on such a plush mattress. He still wasn't accustomed to sleeping on a soft bed. However, Lu Ran didn't call for anyone. Instead, he removed the bedding from the mattress and spread it out on the carpet, making himself a makeshift floor bed. Then, he laid down on it and studied his schedule for the next day. Downstairs, Ji Min was still occupied with his tasks. Looking up, he asked the butler, "Has everything been arranged?" "I've already informed Doctor Kemler, and he should be arriving shortly," replied Butler Chen.

Ji Min nodded.

Shortly after, the sound of a car echoed from outside the courtyard.

He instinctively glanced at the lit window upstairs.

Instead of waiting for the vehicle to come in, he went out to greet personally.

Doctor Kemler was a middle-aged man in his fifties, but his hair and beard were both snowy white.

He appears to be an energetic little old man, full of spirit.

He was slightly surprised to see Ji Min, and greeted him warmly, "Ji! You've actually come out in person to welcome me!"

"So eager, have you decided to go through with the operation?"

Saying this, he opened the car door and was about to step out.

In the fraction of a second before he could descend, Ji Min called out, "Wait a moment."

Dr. Kemler: "?"

He looked down to see Ji Min scrutinizing him from head to toe with great scrutiny.

Ji Min frowned and said, "You look too much like a doctor, that won't do."

Dr. Kemler: "?"

"I did tell you not to dress so professionally, but your stethoscope is even sticking out of your shirt pocket," Ji Min pointed out.

"But I am a doctor," Dr. Kemler replied.

Ji Min turned to the butler Chen and said, "Find him something more casual to wear."

Only then did he explain to Dr. Kemler, "The children at home have a strong aversion to hospitals, so please don't give off that hospital vibe when you go in."

Dr. Kemler tried hard to recall who this "child" Ji Min was referring to, but couldn't figure out where this person came from or why they held such importance to Ji Min.

Yet, after some contemplation, he decided to be honest and said:

"I'm not well-versed in pediatrics. Should I call for a pediatrician who is more skilled in dealing with children?"

Ji Min: "..."

Butler Chen couldn't help it and chuckled.

Observing the expression on Butler Chen's face, Doctor Kemler gradually grasped the situation.

He took the adoptive father from Butler Chen and teased in a clear, fluent Mandarin, "Ji Min, have you ever heard that every tycoon has a miserable doctor friend?"

"So what?"

Ji Min raised an eyebrow, his tone cold and detached, "You're not my friend, just a doctor I hired at great expense."

"Also, change your clothes quickly."

Dr. Kemler: "..."

After Ji Min waited for them to change clothes in the car, he allowed them entry into the yard.

He led the way into the villa.

Before going upstairs, he paused and turned to Dr. Kemler, saying, "Your glasses are too doctor-like. Change them."

Unable to resist, Dr. Kemler muttered under his breath,

"Is your 'child' really just afraid of doctors? He sounds like a delicate little princess."

Ji Min ignored the teasing tone in his words and corrected him, "He's a boy."

Dr. Kemler raised an eyebrow and smoothly adjusted his phrasing, "Then what's the issue with this delicate young male?"

Ji Min frowned as he recalled,

"He occasionally falls into a state of rigidity, drenched in cold sweat, and trembling. It usually happens when he sees a specific person."

"From your description, it sounds like a panic attack," Dr. Kemler said.

"And…" Ji Min paused, "I'm not sure, but you should check if there are any issues with his limbs and joints later."

"I could do that, but without professional equipment and without being able to reveal my medical identity, it might be quite challenging," Dr. Kemler replied.

Ji Min shot him a chilly glance and, in a tone of a concerned family member, complained, "Can't you just look with your eyes?"

Dr. Kemler: "…"

Was he supposed to be an X-ray machine?

However, Ji Min's cautious preparation piqued Dr. Kemler's curiosity.

Ever since Ji Min's car accident, he had been the latter's primary physician. But he also knew all too well that Ji Min was rather indifferent about his own health, let alone anyone else's.

Ji Min led him to a room on the second floor.

Doctor Kemler took note of the cushioned runner along the hallway.

As Ji Min raised his hand to knock, Kemler expected to see a delicate, pea-princess-like youth.

To his surprise, the door opened to reveal a lively teenage boy, around eighteen or nineteen, playfully crawling on the floor with a small dog.

Spotting an outsider by the door, the boy lifted his head in curiosity.

His healthy cream-colored skin was flushed from exercise.

Next to the pale Ji Min, this boy seemed to be the picture of vitality, not illness.

Feeling deceived, Doctor Kemler was tempted to turn and leave.

But remembering his substantial salary, he swallowed his frustration.

Then, Ji Min beside him cleared his throat and introduced their guest to the young man inside, "This is a friend of mine, visiting today."

"Oh." Lu Ran knelt on the ground, straightening his body.

There was still a hint of confusion in his eyes.

Disregarding his life in the orphanage, ever since he returned to the Shen family, Lu Ran had always been excluded from their social circle.

Therefore, he didn't quite understand why Ji Min's friend would come to visit him.

Ji Min noticed this as well.

His words paused, and he quickly fabricated an excuse: "He's very interested in Y University's veterinary program, so he heard about it and wanted to discuss it with you."

"Bring him in," Lu Ran tidied up the toys on the living room rug.

Before Dr. Kemler entered the room, Ji Min shot him a warning glance.

A silent message to not reveal his profession as a doctor.

Dr. Kemler responded with a serious OK gesture.

He then greeted Lu Ran with a smile, "Hello there, young one. I have a great interest in the nutrition program at your school."

Upon Dr. Kemler's voice, Lu Ran's ears perked up with acute sensitivity.

The youth's pair of lustrous, jet-black eyes appraised him for a moment, their gaze pausing significantly upon the pen fastened at his collar.

Gazing over at Ji Min once more.

Ji Min didn't notice.

The door to Lu Ran's bedroom was ajar, allowing Ji Min a clear view of the room upon entering.

The bedding had been removed from the bed and neatly arranged on the carpet.

Ji Min was somewhat surprised.

He turned to look at the child sitting beside him and asked, "Why aren't you sleeping on the bed?"

Lu Ran felt a bit awkward but still answered honestly, "The mattress is too soft; it's not very comfortable."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Ji Min asked with a frown.

"I can sleep on the floor too," Lu Ran replied.

Ji Min's lips twitched but he ultimately said nothing.

It seemed that the child had made do with such conditions last time as well.

Dr. Kemler, who was attempting to diagnose the patient with his keen observations, couldn't help but spare a moment's attention to their conversation upon hearing them.

Not fond of soft beds.

Some patients with joint pain did have this preference.

But for a teenager like the one before him, it wasn't typical.

Both Ji Min and Dr. Kemler were lost in their own thoughts when they heard the quiet child suddenly ask, "Doctor, which hospital are you affiliated with?"

"Oh, the New City Private Hospital," Dr. Kemler responded instinctively.

As soon as he spoke, he shuddered in realization.

Lifting his gaze, he met Ji Min's menacing stare.

Dr. Kemler hurriedly clarified, "Oh no, it wasn't me! I was trying my best to hide it!"

Ji Min sighed and gently placed a hand on his forehead.

Lu Ran found the situation amusing and asked, "Isn't it just a doctor making a house call? Why are you being so secretive, Boss?"

Ji Min thought to himself, 'You've got nerve.'

He sighed and asked, "How did you figure out that it was a doctor?"

"Didn't this doctor call you before?" Lu Ran pointed out.

Upon hearing this, Dr. Kemler immediately straightened up.

See, it wasn't that he couldn't withstand deception.

It was Ji Min who had let something slip ahead of time.

Ji Min never imagined that Lu Ran, who had only heard Dr. Kemler's voice once over the phone, would actually remember it.

Despite initially observing Lu Ran's aversion to hospitals, Ji Min had assumed he would also be resistant to doctors.

Ji Min had already envisaged various scenarios of the challenges of dealing with a sick child.

Surprisingly, Lu Ran was unexpectedly cooperative when he heard about the physical examination.

As Dr. Kemler was about to examine his joints, the youth hesitated momentarily, but then obediently extended his arm as requested.

Ultimately, Dr. Kemler was unable to discern anything unusual.

"Soothe your worries, Ji Min. Your young one is in perfect health."

Lu Ran, relieved but unnoticeably so, replied, "I told you!"

The next morning arrived.

Ji Min drove Lu Ran to school on his way to work.

In the car, Lu Ran continued to dwell on the matter, "You actually invited the doctor home and pretended he was a friend to hide it from me."

Feeling a bit awkward, Ji Min chose to ignore him.

Lu Ran gave him a scrutinizing look.

Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he asked, "Boss, if you have time to worry about a lively me, why haven't you had your leg surgery?"

Ji Min was taken aback.

Previously, Lu Ran's provocation had indeed prompted him to inquire about the surgery.

It wasn't yet certain that surgery was necessary.

Ji Min turned his head to look out the window, not responding.

It wasn't impatience but rather uncertainty about how to reply.

He also didn't wish to reveal his insecurity and... unease about the surgery in front of the child.

But the moment he turned, he felt someone boldly poke his arm.

Then, a fluffy head leaned in, persistently asking, "Why is that?"

Ji Min: "..."

After some thought, he simply employed the tactic Lu Ran often used.

Lowering his gaze to the young man before him, he inquired, "And what of you? Why do you take such an interest in my leg? Could it be that you harbor feelings for me?"

Lu Ran was taken aback.

Chapter 83: Stop 23: Is That So?

The moment Si Shuhao laid eyes on Yan Qiling, all the repressed emotions and sorrowful cries within her erupted.

Her tense nerves relaxed abruptly, causing her vision to blacken as she fainted!

However, Yan Qiling seemed to have not noticed this scene. He brushed past her without any regard for the maidservants and nurses, rudely bypassing their attempts to stop him. He walked straight to the screen, still holding that ledger in his hand.

"Madam?"

From behind the screen, Old Madam Bai's icy voice echoed.

"Bao Lu, take the others and step back."

Just as everyone was about to retreat, Old Madam called out again.

"Hold on. Miss Second, remove your silver bracelet and give it to me."

The entwined love bracelets were forcefully taken off, and Old Madam Bai put them on her own wrist, examining them from every angle but failing to spot anything unusual.

Observing the modest silver bracelet's humble appearance, which didn't match her own jade accessories, she nonchalantly tossed the matching bracelet into the tray and dismissed the matter with a casual remark:

"Very well, fate seems to be on your side. For now, let today's events unfold as such. Jiaolü, remember to find some valuable jewelry for the young ladies. Don't let the Wen family think that our Bai family is impoverished, allowing our girls to wear such trinkets."

"Truly, after being away for a few years, all that reading has ruined your sense of propriety. You're displaying such petty behavior. I wonder where you've learned to neglect the rules of our household."

Si Shuhao had already fainted, and those who had experienced Old Lady Bai's formidable demeanor dared not respond.

Fortunately, Old Lady Bai seemed to be merely complaining and didn't have any further intentions.

The two young misses, along with their maidservants, were "invited" out of the main hall and silently carried away in waiting palanquins towards the embroidery room.

Only Yan Qiling and Old Lady Bai remained in the chamber.

Amidst the swirling incense smoke, the pungent fragrance gradually became overpowering. Ordinarily, it would have made anyone's eyes water, but Yan Qiling remained unaffected.

Not only that, he carelessly set aside the ledger and, with an air of leisure, traced his index finger along the silk-screened twelve beauties partition.

"Mei Xi, Daji, Bao Si, Xi Shi..."

His fingers traced the paintings on the screen and the dim, translucent light, moving at a leisurely pace:

"Zheng Xiu, Xia Ji, Qi Fu, Xiao Zhou Hou, Xiao Mei Niang, Yang Yu Huan, Zhao Feiyan, Zhao He De."

With the last name uttered, he casually turned around the screen.

Yet, there was nothing behind it but an echoing emptiness, as if a hollow question was breathed from the depths of eternity:

"Why have you, too, entered my domain, O Master of the Boundless?!"

The man's dual eyes gazed into the abyss, his blue irises fading entirely, replaced only by a crimson glow in his right eye, like a red lotus flame burning in the dark!

He spoke softly:

"To seek something."

"And upon success, I shall depart immediately."

That hollow voice echoed, sinister and deep:

"What if I don't want to?"

The man chuckled softly.

"Why should it concern me whether you're willing or not?"

-

Si Shuhao was unsure how long she had been unconscious.

She gradually regained consciousness within the swaying palanquin, no longer possessing the strength she had mustered in the main hall earlier.

Recalling the events felt like a distant memory, an illusion from another life.

Leaning against the soft cushion, she spread her fingers apart, afraid to touch anything around her.

Piercing pain surged through her in waves. The nails that had been punctured were starting to lift and turn purple or black, a far cry from their previously well-maintained state.

She stared blankly, contemplating if her nails could grow back if they fell off.

But soon, her thoughts jumped even further into the future.

Despite Yan Qiling's timely intervention to save her, she felt an emptiness within her.

Apart from the incident where she was suspended by ropes in the classroom previously, she had never been so close to death before.

During her time with Ming Yiyang and Yan Qiling in the previous two worlds, she thought surviving wasn't that difficult – as long as they deciphered the rules, they could leave calmly and resume their normal lives.

But now, looking back,

she realized how naive she had been.

It seemed true that she had been overly protected by the Celestial Emperor, to the point of losing her basic sense of danger.

Fortunately, her actions didn't violate any rules.

Otherwise, she would have likely met a gruesome end with those few strikes.

Piercing pain shot through her fingertips from time to time.

She dared not move her fingers, unsure how to deal with the slightly flipped nails. Helpless, she allowed blood to drip onto Daxi's clothes from the cuts beneath.

For some reason, her face was suddenly wet.

She gently touched her cheek with the inside of her wrist, only to find her face covered in tears.

Her wrist was dampened by the moisture, but the young girl didn't reveal any sign of sorrow. Instead, she gave a self-deprecating smile, and a faint glimmer in her eyes shimmered in the darkness.

She couldn't.

Be so reckless anymore.

The price she would have to pay was too high.

The four girls were safely escorted into the embroidery room without any further incidents on the way.

Si Shuhao, being the injured one, was specially arranged to lie down on a bed by Sù Bó.

Liao Xinya searched everywhere for medicine and cloth to bandage her. In contrast, Yue Pengpeng, seemingly detached from the situation, started to devise an escape plan.

Si Shuhao observed everything with weary yet warming eyes, a sluggish sense of comfort rising within her tired heart.

She didn't want to dwell on what had just happened. Just as she was about to open a lighthearted story to soothe herself, she heard the rustling of fabric behind the gauze.

She should have been startled.

After all, the bed was against the wall.

No one could approach from that side, so there was no way any sound of fabric rubbing could come from there.

Yet, she sat up calmly, turning her head to gaze at the blurry wall beyond the gauze, without screaming or reacting excessively.

She didn't know what she was facing, nor was she sure if her cries for help would endanger others. Without understanding the situation, she preferred to face it alone first.

A shadow, resembling a slithering snake, emerged from behind the gauze.

It was a delicate and smooth hand, as white as an eggshell!

Si Shuhao stared at it calmly, watching it glide further, slowly touching her wrist before gently pinching it.

The young girl knew she was unarmed, with her nails in their current state, rendering her powerless to resist. If today was her doomsday, then let her death at least hold some meaning.

Just as she was about to voice out what she had witnessed, another hand suddenly emerged, followed swiftly by a third.

The second hand held a strangely shaped gourd.

The third hand uncorked the gourd and, using a cotton ball of unknown origin, dipped it into the red medicinal liquid inside before gently soothing her injured fingertips.

A fourth hand, wielding a pair of tweezers, motioned for silence with a "shh" gesture.

Then, it delicately trimmed away her flipped-back nails.

Si Shuhao suddenly understood.

These hands didn't bear her any ill will; in fact... they seemed to be here to help her?

Remaining cautious, Si Shuhao kept silent but was ready to speak up at the first sign of trouble.

Though the application of medicine was as gentle as possible, it still caused her to gasp from the pain.

Fortunately, these hands worked in perfect harmony, as if they had their own thoughts, attending to her wounds. Amidst this terrifying world where she was all alone, they brought her a absurd sense of security.

This surreal and peculiar scene was entirely concealed by the gauze. The occasional gasps of the young girl were not enough to arouse suspicion from others.

When Liao Xinya, now empty-handed, pulled back the veil, even someone as composed as she couldn't help but be astonished.

Si Shuhao's injured fingers – they had somehow been tightly wrapped without her knowledge!

The young girl was already sound asleep, offering no explanation for this phenomenon.

Liao Xinya put down the veil, and Su Bo, standing behind her, asked with concern,

"Has she fallen asleep? How is her hand?"

Liao Xinya replied with a calm expression,

"I've temporarily bandaged it with cloth for now. Leave the further treatment to me; there's no need to worry."

Su Bo let out a sigh.

"You've been working hard... I hope her beautiful nails... can grow back someday..."

Alone on the side, Yue Pengpeng paid no attention to them. Instead, he lit a candle, propped his chin up, and used a brush pen to record names on the desk, lest he forget.

-

The sky was overcast, as if rain was imminent, casting a dampness in the air that made passersby appear pale and colorless.

Despite the vibrant red decorations adorning every corner, the servants, both maids and pages, maintained an eerie silence, not revealing the slightest hint of joy or excitement.

Those in the know would recognize it as the White family sending off their daughter in marriage, but those unaware might mistake it for the White family holding a funeral ceremony.

Ming Yiyang leaned against the wall and lit a cigarette.

Vaporous mist veils the profound contours of his profile.

Amidst the green tiles and white walls, he seems like an interloper, bearing an eerie sense of mismatched elegance.

Yet, at some moments, he merges seamlessly into the ink-washed landscape, imparting a unique harmony.

Ming Yiyang spots Yan Qiling, accompanied by Shiweng Guang, appearing in this setting.

This man's dual-colored eyes shine as if rinsed by water, astonishingly radiant even in the dim light, embodying a tranquil beauty.

Ming Yiyang gazed at the other person in silence.

Chi Zihe's words rang in his ears like a sudden clap of thunder from the past:

"He's no different when he's normal or not. That kind of person is pretty terrifying, you know?"

There was indeed no difference.

It was quite terrifying.

Was it him?

The lingering smoke swirled in the breeze, but Ming Yiyang didn't extinguish it willingly.

He didn't continue smoking either, merely holding it between his fingers, allowing the burnt tobacco to scorch his skin and nails, igniting a fiery warmth.

In truth, he wasn't the only one standing there.

Lin Yongjian, Yi Hongda, and Yu Kui were also present, engaged in hushed conversation with expressions more solemn than ever before.

However, when Yan Qiling arrived with his companions, they had already turned their heads, especially Lin Yongjian.

This person seemed to have finally noticed Yan Qiling's unusual heterochromatic eyes and began to carefully trace the contours and hues within them.

Despite the inexplicable frustration in Ming Yiyang's heart, he disliked seeing this person being stared at by others.

He placed the cigarette between his lips and drew deeply.

Amidst the billowing white smoke, he watched intently as that person brushed off Lin Yongjian's attempt at conversation, walking straight towards him with bony fingers extended in a demanding gesture.

It was an unwavering, unyielding approach.

For a moment, Ming Yiyang wanted to extinguish the burning cigarette directly onto that flawless, pure white palm.

He wanted to see if the other could maintain such a calm expression when sparks flew.

But in the end, he crushed the cigarette against the damp moss.

The sound of it sizzling echoed.

Ming Yiyang recalled the first time he saw this person, calmly holding a cigarette between his tongue and lips.

Yan Qiling.

What was he thinking back then?

It seemed he had never truly grasped this person's thoughts.

Pausing for a moment, Ming Yiyang placed the charred cigarette butt into the outstretched hand of the man.

Yan Qiling took out a handkerchief from his bosom to wrap the cigarette butt, temporarily storing this now-useless piece of trash.

The young man suppressed his emotions and asked,

"How is Si Shuhao?"

"He's recovering quite well."

Having confirmed the employer's state of survival, Ming Yiyang retrieved from his chest the entwined love bracelet that Old Madam Bai had confiscated.

"The synchronization bracelet on her wrist suddenly heated up and moved to a distant location. So, I followed it and found it in the Bai family's storage room."

He took out his phone and displayed a photo:

"There was a map in the storage room. Madam Old Bai's Shou'an Hall is the heart of the entire Bai family. To the north, even farther away, are the two young ladies' embroidery chambers."

After Yan Qiling studied the map carefully, she heard the young man ask softly, almost in her ear:

"What did you do in Shou'an Hall yesterday?"

The sudden darkening of the phone screen reflected a fleeting glimmer in Yan Qiling's dual-colored eyes. He donned his trademark smile and said,

"I exchanged the ledger for some new rules."

He handed the phone back to the young man and retrieved from his bosom a red note wrapped tightly in silk:

"This, is the entirety of the rules for surviving in the Bai family."

His words silenced all whispers, drawing the attention of everyone present.

Chapter 80: Persuasion

Ji Min didn't give up.

When he met Lu Ran again, he brought up the topic once more.

Having learned from the previous aborted attempts, this time, he began the conversation with a thoughtful and solemn tone. "I've given it a lot of thought, and I believe it would be more suitable for you to move in with me."

"Eh?"

Lu Ran was stroking a dog when he heard the remark, and he looked over with an expression of astonishment.

Ji Min casually explained, "It's very quiet where I am, very suitable for you to study. And I've also prepared a room for Big Yellow."

He emphasized the last sentence with particular emphasis.

Lu Ran fell silent for a moment, eyeing him skeptically. "But I don't feel like living at the Shen residence has affected my studies..."

Saying this, he narrowed his eyes at Ji Min. "You can't possibly be..."

The moment he opened his mouth, Ji Min knew what was coming.

But by now, Ji Min had learned how to handle such situations with grace.

The man calmly sipped his tea, not responding to the child's remark.

Instead, he cut straight to the point, "You're very afraid of Shen Xingyu."

Lu Ran fell silent, clearly hit where it hurt.

Defensively, he shot back, "Not at all! I fed him a cockroach the other day, and now he runs away whenever he sees me. He should be the one afraid of me."

Ji Min raised an eyebrow but didn't comment.

He simply continued observing the young boy sitting across from him.

Under the man's seemingly penetrative gaze, Lu Ran quietly set Big Yellow down and picked up the cup in front of him.

He lowered his head to bite on the straw, then lifted his gaze to secretly glance at the man across from him.

Ji Min stared at him without moving.

Lu Ran lowered his head again to engage in a battle with the straw, flattening it and eventually shaping it into a square.

He raised his head to look at the man once more.

The man was still calmly observing him.

"Alright, alright!" Lu Ran grew slightly irritated, pushing the cup away as he stiffened his neck and declared, "What's wrong with me being a bit afraid of him?!"

"It's perfectly normal for me to be afraid of him!" Lu Ran declared assertively.

Ji Min's brows knitted deeply. "What did Shen Xingyu do to you?"

He had long noticed that Lu Ran's reactions whenever he encountered Shen Xingyu were rather unusual.

That sort of stiff, cold-sweat-inducing state far exceeded the level of "a bit scared."

Lu Ran choked.

Aside from the reason behind the car accident in his previous life after he met Shen Xingyu, he had also been somewhat afraid of Shen Xingyu before the accident.

After some careful contemplation, Lu Ran beckoned to Ji Min in a secretive manner.

Observing his actions, Ji Min leaned in closer.

Before long, he felt the youth draw close to his ear, whispering softly, "Don't you find something... not quite right about Shen Xingyu?"

"Hmm?"

Ji Min was somewhat surprised.

"What's abnormal about it?" he asked.

Finishing his question, Lu Ran wore an indescribable expression as he said, "Is he mentally ill or something?"

He even shuddered in fear as he continued, "I feel like he's more seriously ill than the others in the Shen family because he can disguise himself as a normal person."

Lu Ran argued convincingly,

"Isn't it normal for someone like me, who's mentally stable, to be scared of and keep my distance from someone like him who's mentally unstable?"

Ji Min: "..."

Actually, before meeting Lu Ran, he had quite admired Shen Xingyu.

Shen Xingyu was outstanding in his work capabilities, managing several projects for the Shen Corporation impressively.

If this were before, Ji Min would have dismissed Lu Ran's words as the ramblings of a child who flushed cups down the toilet at the slightest provocation.

But now...

Ji Min pondered carefully before nodding in agreement, "You're right."

The Shen family was evidently not a conventional bunch.

Living in such an environment was akin to a normal person living in a mental institution.

How could it not affect Lu Ran?

Thus, Ji Min logically continued, "That's why you should move out even more. You're still studying; what if you get influenced negatively by staying in the Shen household all the time?"

"Hmm? So I... should move out?"

Lu Ran seemed to be convinced.

Ji Min concealed the amusement in his eyes.

He had long realized that Lu Ran, this young one, was quite a handful.

Yet, when someone genuinely had his best interests at heart without any intention to control or dominate him, this young boy could be particularly persuadable.

Obedient, gentle, and submissive.

The young man hesitated for a moment.

Eventually, he recalled something and looked at the man across from him, asking, "But Boss... this is all about my personal affairs. It doesn't seem to be related to work. Why are you so concerned?"

Ji Min's breath caught.

It seemed that this 'negotiation' was heading towards another setback.

But Ji Min quickly pulled out another prepared argument.

With an unperturbed expression, he calmly lifted his gaze to glance at the youngster in front of him, much like how he would point out mistakes to his subordinates during meetings. His brow arched as he asked, "How is it unrelated to work?"

"How many times have you taken leave recently?"

"Well, I've been busy with my studies," Lu Ran replied.

Ji Min, resembling an unscrupulous capitalist, argued, "If your family matters didn't occupy your study time, how could your studies interfere with your work?"

Lu Ran furrowed his brow. "Hmm... Something like that, I suppose?"

Yet, why does it always feel as if something is amiss?

"You moving in would solve everything, and you wouldn't have to worry about your assignments being eaten by anyone," Ji Min earnestly implored.

"Yet, yet..."

Lu Ran endeavors to grasp the elusive sense of discomfort.

Suddenly, it dawned on him.

Turning to Ji Min, he asked, "So, Boss, are you suggesting we live together?"

Ji Min: "..."

Housekeeper Chen, having overheard the entire "negotiation," couldn't help but let out a subtle smile.

At this moment, President Ji was very tempted to turn around and leave.

However, it was unacceptable for him to leave Lu Ran alone in the Shen household.

Despite appearances, the youth seemed capable of handling everything on his own.

When it comes to matters on which Ji Min has already made a decision, his executional prowess is undeniably strong.

He drew in a deep breath, steadfastly meeting the astonished gaze of the youth, and solemnly nodded his head.

"Yes, that's right."

Before the young man could utter the words "You do like me," Ji Min gave Housekeeper Chen a subtle nod. "Ahem, Uncle Chen, please step outside for a moment."

Housekeeper Chen was taken aback but still obeyed and left the room.

He waited outside the door for a while.

The conversation inside seemed amicable, with no voices audible.

In reality, Ji Min had yet to say a word.

He was gently stroking his forehead with one hand, mentally preparing himself.

"Boss, what exactly do you want to say?" Lu Ran asked curiously.

Ji Min held up his palm to silence him.

Taking a few more deep breaths, he struggled to speak. "You've been so busy with your studies lately that you might not be aware."

"Hmm?" Lu Ran looked at him, confused.

Ji Min took another deep breath.

"Due to the fact that we haven't spent much time together recently, the rumors about me have escalated."

"What?!" Lu Ran's face paled in shock.

Maintaining his composure with great effort, Ji Min tried to sound serious while talking nonsense. "They're saying that because I'm inadequate in that department, even an ex-boyfriend as passionate about me as you eventually gave up on me."

"Aah?" Lu Ran wore a regretful expression. "Why did they figure out the truth so easily?"

Ji Min: "..."

He reached up to press against his throbbing temple, reminding himself that patience was crucial in such situations.

Thus, he forced himself to nod in agreement and continued with his fabrication:

"They also said that all those things you mentioned before were just me boasting. Apparently, after trying it, you were very unsatisfied, so much so that you didn't even want to live with me. Instead, you preferred to spend your days in the lab."

Lu Ran's eyes showed pity as he heard this. "You really had it rough, Boss."

Ji Min wiped his face dramatically. "So, do you understand now?"

moments later, the door opened.

Housekeeper Chen looked over curiously.

There, Lu Ran eagerly propelled Ji Min forward on his wheelchair.

The man on the wheelchair seemed to have lost all hope, as if half of his soul had withered away.

This sight made Butler Chen's heart skip a beat.

Could it be that Ji Min's confession was rejected?

Ji Min used to approach life with an extremely indifferent, even pessimistic attitude.

His demeanor improved slightly after meeting Lu Ran.

Now, having experienced a painful breakup, wouldn't his condition worsen?

But something didn't add up.

Didn't Lu Ran reject him, both directly and indirectly, numerous times before?

Yet, he didn't display such despairing behavior back then.

Butler Chen was worried.

He saw the young man behind the wheelchair sigh apologetically, "I'm sorry, Boss. I didn't expect that just because I've been busy with my studies and haven't visited, they would spread such rumors about you."

Butler Chen: "?"

"I knew you've been insisting on me moving in lately," Lu Ran reflected on his past actions and vowed, patting his chest, "Don't worry, Boss. Once I move in, I'll definitely put an end to all these rumors!"

Ji Min: "…"

Butler Chen remained perplexed.

Move in?

Didn't he succeed? Why did Ji Min still look so devastated?

Realizing that his repeated promises seemed unconvincing and empty, Lu Ran spoke sincerely, "This is the kingdom I've built with so much effort over these days. How could I let it crumble to ruins?"

This time, Butler Chen understood.

He looked at Ji Min in silence, silently.

Well, well.

To lure someone back, he was really pulling out all the stops.

He was even willing to admit his own incapability!

What else could be said? This was undeniably true love!

Ji Min leaned back in his chair silently, gazing at the sky at a 45-degree angle with an expression that seemed to say, "Just kill me now."

The child behind him still wore a mysterious expression as he reassured, "Boss, don't worry. I absolutely won't reveal a word of what you've told me today!"

Ji Min: "...."

You've spilled everything already, yet you claim you won't speak of it?

Believing you is like believing in ghosts.

"Alright, I'll move next weekend," Lu Ran said.

As soon as he finished speaking, the man half-dead on the wheelchair suddenly sat up straight.

He checked his watch and said solemnly, "Isn't there still time today? Move today."

"Aah? So soon?" Lu Ran was rather astonished.

Ji Min gritted his teeth in frustration.

After paying such a great price, how could he not move?

He had to bring the person back today and keep a close eye on him.

Lu Ran: "..."

Indeed, men were always in a hurry when it came to such matters.

Ji Min instructed the driver to head straight for the Shen residence.

His vehicle had parked numerous times near the Shen family's home and often stopped in front of their gate.

This was the first time he had brazenly driven into the Shen family's courtyard.

All because someone in the car had rather rudely requested, "Park closer, even closer. It'll be easier for me to carry the boxes later."

It is not yet time for the workday to conclude, and currently within the Shen household, only Madame Shen and Shen Xingran are in residence.

Upon seeing the Ji family's car approaching, he hurried to greet them.

Exiting the vehicle, I saw Lu Ran alight from the backseat.

The young man descended but seemed to be pulled back by someone in the car, causing him to lean back in.

Uncertain of what was discussed within, he nodded in assurance, "I understand, I understand. How could I possibly forget the book?"

With that, he attempted to leave once more.

But before he could turn away, he was pulled back in.

The person inside the car seemed to be fussing over details like a concerned housekeeper.

Lu Ran's brows knitted together as he asked, "If I don't bring any clothes, what am I supposed to wear?"

After several more instructions, Lu Ran finally left the car.

However, not long after he got down, an elderly man dressed as a butler alighted from the passenger seat.

He stood in front of Lu Ran and offered a polite smile to Madam Shen and Shen Xingran, saying, "Our Master wishes to extend an invitation for Young Master Lu Ran to stay at the Ji residence for a few days."

Madam Shen was taken aback upon hearing Butler Chen's words.

Did this mean Lu Ran was going to leave?

As she comprehended the implications of Butler Chen's statement, Madam Shen felt a sense of confusion.

Lu Ran went missing at the age of four.

Decades later, he was finally brought back to the Shen family.

She had been annoyed and reluctant to accept him, but the moment she heard that Lu Ran was leaving, Mrs. Shen couldn't help but feel a twinge of mixed emotions.

But soon, that complexity turned into delight.

This Lu Ran was finally leaving?

No longer causing trouble for the Shen family?

This was a matter worthy of great celebration and fanfare!

Lu Ran paid no attention to the two and went straight upstairs to pack his belongings.

He didn't have much; a backpack and a suitcase contained all his possessions.

Madam Shen had transitioned from initial confusion upon hearing Lu Ran's departure to subsequent delight once she realized the implications.

Until now, as she watched Lu Ran descend the stairs with his luggage in hand, she was finally reminded that she was the mistress of the Shen household, and Lu Ran, for all intents and purposes, had already been openly acknowledged as a member of the Shen family.

At this moment, she ought to say something.

Thus, as Lu Ran passed by the living room,

There, Mrs. Shen was seated on the sofa, holding a cup of tea in her hand. She addressed him with a calm, indifferent tone: "Stop right there."

Lu Ran raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

Seemingly sensing his departure, Madam Shen returned to the demeanor Lu Ran had first encountered when he arrived at the Shen family residence, that of the head of the household.

With a lecturing tone, she said, "When you go out, always remember that you are a member of the Shen family. Don't disgrace us in front of the Ji family."

"Going out and returning with no benefits, only to have the Shen family clean up your mess again and again..."

Her reprimand was interrupted as a figure in a wheelchair appeared in the foyer.

The man in the wheelchair scanned the living room with his dark eyes, asking impatiently, "Isn't everything ready yet?"

The target of his impatience was obvious without being stated.

Madam Shen's words were abruptly cut off as if her throat had been choked.

Beside her, Shen Xingran also looked at Ji Min in astonishment.

He had only come to the Shen residence to pick up Lu Ran, but this man had actually gotten out of the car himself.

Considering that Ji Min and Lu Ran were unrelated and had no connection at all, it was already somewhat inappropriate for him to insist on taking the young man home.

It was even less appropriate for him to make an appearance now.

"Everything's ready long ago."

Lu Ran pushed the suitcase over to Ji Min.

He was about to follow Ji Min when he caught sight of Madam Shen and paused.

Ji Min raised an eyebrow at him. "Why aren't you walking?"

Lu Ran winked at him, trying to convey his message subtly.

Unfortunately, Ji Min failed to understand and only frowned back at him.

After Lu Ran's prolonged attempts at hinting, he finally turned to Madam Shen and spoke, "My boss is very interested in the layout of this villa and would like to take a tour."

Madam Shen: "?"

Ji Min: "?"

Ji Min rubbed his temples gently.

He had already been quite impolite by personally coming to fetch Lu Ran, and now a tour...

Lu Ran shot him another intense glance.

Ji Min: "..."

He heard himself say to Madam Shen, "Indeed, I'd like to have a look at the layout of this house."

Although Madam Shen was slightly confused, she sensed an opportunity.

Recalling Shen Xingran's previous request, she promptly said, "Ranran, you and Lu Ran show President Ji around."

Ji Min had no idea what Lu Ran was up to but had no choice but to follow along reluctantly.

Shen Xingran had his own little plan. Instead of pressing the button for the second floor in order, he directly pressed the third floor as he called the elevator.

His room on the third floor was recently tidied up.

He knew all too well how much a person's surroundings could influence others' impressions of them.

Therefore, he deliberately brought Ji Min to the third floor, opened the door, and presented the room he had meticulously decorated.

Ji Min had no interest whatsoever in admiring Shen Xingran's "special group" room.

Meanwhile, Shen Xingran continued explaining the concept behind his room arrangement.

Yet, Ji Min noticed that Lu Ran, who had been by his side, was now quietly hiding behind his wheelchair.

The young man delicately unzipped his backpack and retrieved a glass jar from within.

Amidst Shen Xingran's endeavor to maintain an elegant tone, he opened the jar and whispered to the remaining "experimental ingredients" inside.

"Exit, my darlings, you are free once more~"

Ji Min: "..."

Chapter 167: Humiliated

As the Xu family members ran forward, still glancing back, they failed to react in time. Chen Dashan and Shen Lie, hidden behind the tree, had already swiftly emerged, delivering the final blows to the two bandits who were still barely alive. They ensured their deaths, then removed the iron arrows from their bodies, taking the swords that the bandits had seized from the fallen soldiers.

Their actions were swift and composed, as if they were merely reaping prey and skinning them during a hunt. The Xu family couldn't help but halt in their tracks. They were both stunned and exhausted from narrowly escaping death. Wei Lingzhen, for instance, was now so weak that she felt limp all over. If not for the fact that she was still holding onto Shen Yin, she would have collapsed.

Their entire family had nearly met their end right there that day.

Shen Lie strode forward with large and swift steps, quickly closing the distance between himself and the Xu family members. He took in each of them with a sweeping glance before finally directing his question to Shen Jin: "Where is Tian Ya?"

Shen Jin's eyes reddened instantly, and she pursed her lips, shaking her head.

Shen Lie had already guessed something when he saw only the three brothers emerge from the cave. At this moment, his nose tingled, and he swallowed to suppress the emotion. He didn't ask further and handed the seized knife to Xu Wenqing, who was beside Shen Jin. "Take it for protection."

Turning to Xu Shopkeeper, I said, "We can't afford to delay. With the chaos in the city, we must leave immediately. Big Mountain and I will scout ahead and keep watch. Could you and Uncle Xu please carry Little Silver and Little Iron?"

Shopkeeper Xu nodded repeatedly, hurriedly passing the hoe to his eldest son for him to carry. He also warned about the poison on the hoe's blade and asked for caution. Then, he took Shen Yin from his wife and explained to Shen Lie that Shen Yin and Shen Tie were desperately hungry before saying, "I've hidden some food in my shelter."

Starving, his situation aligned with Shen Lie's assumption. He nodded. "I know where the food is, but we can't go now. Our group is too large, and the city has just fallen. The bandits won't have the energy to monitor the outskirts. This is our best chance to escape. Once they regain their strength, it'll be much harder to leave. Besides, the secret tunnel could be discovered at any moment. You can't carry much grain at once, and revealing our position would be disastrous."

Xu Shopkeeper didn't ask further. "We'll follow your lead."

Xu Shuren took the iron rod from Xu Wenhong, while Chen Dashan handed his knife to Xu Wenhong and ventured ahead to scout. Shen Lie observed Shen Yin and Shen Tie. Only Shen Yin could still open her eyes to look at him, weakly mouthing something, likely calling out to him.

His eyes reddened. He squeezed Shen Yin's hand and reassured her not to be afraid. Then, he signaled for Xu Shopkeeper and the others to follow, guiding them into the forest.

Xu Wenqing and Xu Wenhong carried shovels on their shoulders and held the knife, their hands trembling with excitement. Besides keeping watch, they often glanced at Shen Lie and the already-forthgoing Chen Dashan.

So these were the Shen Lie and Chen Dashan that Father and Wenbo had mentioned. Like divine soldiers descending from the heavens.

No one paid attention to the young men's excitement. Xu Shopkeeper and the others remained vigilant, fearing exposure. Apart from initial instructions, they dared not speak another word.

...

When Shen Lie and Chen Dashan first arrived, it was challenging. Now, with all the bandits rushing into the city, their return journey was easier. They only needed to remain hidden in the forest and watch out for bandits or refugees who might have been at the sentry posts and were now heading towards the county seat. Unlike before, they didn't need to detour for two days.

Indeed, there were sentries, but they were likely stationed further away. The ones nearby had heard the commotion of the city's fall and were rushing towards the county town. Shen Lie and Chen Dashan stealthily moved through the forest, managing to evade detection.

As for the villagers who had fled into the mountains, not a single one could be seen in the vicinity.

Consequently, after just an hour and a half, Shen Lie and Chen Dashan led the elderly and children into the inner mountainous region of Ten Li Village.

Since they had been walking in the mountains, Shen Jin hadn't initially realized they were retracing their steps back to the village. It wasn't until the surroundings became increasingly familiar that he froze in shock.

Not with joy, but with fear.

His entire being was seized by an overwhelming terror, causing his pace to slow down. His eyes reddened, but he dared not let anyone notice. He lowered his head slightly.

"Your big brother and your parents, this is how it is. There are some things you mustn't know. I hope you won't blame big brother. Remember the skills I taught you. Practice them diligently. As long as you can hunt, you can survive in the forest. As long as there isn't a severe drought or epidemic, relying on this great mountain, most can endure. Do you understand?"

In the four months since leaving those families, it had felt like an eternity for Shen Jin. But no matter how long, he still vividly recalled the words his elder brother spoke to him before he left with Xiao An.

That day, he had obtained the slingshot he had yearned for so long, and his elder brother and Xiao An had dug a hideout for him. He returned home overjoyed, eagerly anticipating the next morning when he would carry his small bow and train with his elder brother, Xiao An, and the other kids, just like before.

Yet, when he went looking for them the following day, there was no more training. All that remained were empty houses.

All those who had trained together with him had departed, leaving him behind.

He was aware of the reason, hence his sorrow, not resentment.

No one dared to involve his parents in their actions. His elder brother, sister-in-law, An and Anning had treated them kindly enough.

Back then, Shen Jin believed that with his craftsmanship, a hideout, the support of the mountains, and his parents, he could somehow survive. But after the nightmare in Qiyang County, he no longer held that confidence.

Without anyone to protect him, he couldn't protect anyone else, not even himself.

Each step he took grew heavier, yet he had no idea how to initiate a conversation.

Should he beg his elder brother to take them away?

How much grain would it take to feed the three brothers?

Pirates were rampant everywhere; the land couldn't be cultivated, and without food, how could they live?

Would they end up like his family?

Shen Jin found it hard to utter a word. His elder brother and sister-in-law had not owed them anything. The family had long been divided, with all ties severed between the two branches. Despite being in the mountains, his elder brother still managed to visit him from time to time, bringing dried meat and arranging for others to look after him. Most importantly, he had rescued them from that deadly place – an immense favor that could never be repaid.

Shen Jin dared not imagine what would happen if he were to encounter another predator again.

He stifled his sobs, wiping away his tears, and followed the group in silence, watching as his elder brother and Big Shan led them to the shelter he had dug for him. He observed as his brother squatted down and reached out to lift the shelter's lid.

Shen Jin lowered his head even further, trying to hold back his tears, but they refused to listen, spilling down his cheeks before he could blink.

...

With the shelter's lid lifted, Wei Qing, who was conserving his energy with his eyes closed inside, jolted in fear. When he recognized who had opened the cover, he leaped up in excitement.

"Shen Lie!"

In a few quick steps, he climbed up the small steps within and emerged from the underground hole. Seeing his sister, her husband, and his two nephews, he joyfully scrambled out, "Sis! Wenqing, Wenhong!"

He embraced both nephews tightly.

Still damp-eyed, Shen Jin, who had expected his elder brother to return them to the shelter and then leave, stood there in a daze, staring at the unfamiliar young man emerging from his family's shelter.

Chen Dashan gave Shen Jin a fleeting glance before tactfully averting his gaze.

At this moment, Shen Lie's attention fell on Shen Yin and Shen Tie, especially the significantly weaker Shen Tie. He put down the weapons in his hands and the items on his back, took Shen Tie from Uncle Xu, and asked the shopkeeper, "Uncle Xu, it wasn't convenient to ask along the way, but what's the situation with the children?"

Ever since he saw his younger sister-in-law emerge from the shelter, Uncle Xu knew that they were temporarily safe. The anxiety he had been carrying throughout the journey finally eased. Taking the water bag filled with salted sugar water and rice soup from his wife, he fed Shen Yin and Shen Tie with Shen Lie. Only then did he describe the situation in the county.

"On the day we entered the city, Uncle Xu and I purposely kept watch at the city gate to recognize the children's faces. We also had Uncle Xu follow them to see where they were settled. Before that, Little Jin had hunted some things, and we witnessed Shen San exchanging them for food. Uncle Xu had also exchanged quite a bit for them earlier, so we didn't expect there to be a shortage of food. Due to certain reasons, my wife and children were no longer safe in Shezhou, so they came to seek refuge. Most of our food supplies were transferred to the shelter outside the city, and we didn't have much left inside. We never expected the city gates to be suddenly sealed. To facilitate our escape, we mostly exchanged our stored food for a small courtyard close to the city wall. Later, when the city started conscripting soldiers, Uncle Xu was drafted because he was listed as the head of the household when he bought the courtyard. Our family dug a tunnel in the house to hide. Yesterday, we reached the foundation of the city wall, and this morning, I thought of checking on the children you entrusted me to take care of."

Here, Master Xu couldn't help but shake his head vigorously, catching sight of Shen Lie watching him. With a heavy sigh, he said, "It was devastating. Little Tian Ya, the youngest—neither I nor Uncle Xu saw her when we arrived. As for Mr. and Mrs. Shen San..."

Glimpsing Shen Yin, who was already stirring awake to sip rice soup, and Shen Tie, who instinctively swallowed saltwater, he held back his words. He exchanged meaningful glances with his wife and Uncle Xu, signaling them to come over and take over the care of the two children while he led Shen Lie away. Only then did he continue, "I'm not entirely sure, but given the urgency of today's events, I didn't have the chance or the heart to delve into the details. But it seems your Third Uncle consumed... that substance and secretly sent Sweet Girl away. Perhaps Li Shi caught on, and in the dead of night, when he was sound asleep, she struck. She used an ax, but perhaps due to excessive starvation, her strength was insufficient, preventing her from accomplishing her aim in one blow. In the end, she was also pierced by scissors, leaving both spouses covered in bloody wounds."

Those two words were too painful for Shopkeeper Xu to utter, but Shen Lie understood all too well. His breathing grew heavy with anger, and he clenched his teeth to prevent himself from cursing the man as a beast.

It is simply impossible to fathom how these children have endured these past days, let alone what specific tribulations Sweet Ya has undergone.

"Upon our arrival, the hut was in a state of utter devastation," Xu Shopkeeper continued. "At that time, only Little Jin was still standing. The two younger ones were on the verge of collapse from starvation, lying helplessly on the ground. A group of malevolent onlookers had gathered around them. My uncle and I rushed the children and Little Jin to the clinic, but we were tailed along the way."

That man had truly set his sights on these children as his next meal.

Shen Lie clenched his fists with a cracking sound and turned to look at Shen Yin and Shen Tie. "What did the doctor say?"

"He can be saved. He's been eating mud cakes for days, but fortunately, Li was still lucid enough to starve them rather than let them eat too much. Every day, she only gave them just enough to keep them alive. We managed to get some saltwater and rice soup to feed them first. If we can take good care of them for a while, they should recover."

Shen Lie bowed deeply to Manager Xu. "Thank you very much. Despite the danger, you rescued Little Jin and his siblings in this situation."

He sincerely expressed his gratitude, but Manager Xu didn't dare accept it. Terrified, he hurriedly supported Shen Lie. "Nonsense! Not only were my mother and child under your protection, but I also owe you a favor. Just speaking for our family of five, we only managed to escape safely because of you and Big Mountain. How could I accept your thanks? It's our family that should be thanking you and Big Mountain."

"Besides, good deeds reap good rewards. Today, I truly believe in this saying. Honestly, if we hadn't saved those children and attracted that ill-intentioned person, Uncle Xu might have lost his life on the city walls today."

He recounted how Uncle Xu, moved by compassion, had promised Shen Jin that he would bury Li if possible. Later, when they discovered someone was watching them, he asked Uncle Xu to find an opportunity to take care of things. One was to bury Li, and the other was to take two days off from the city walls to hide at home.

"If that hadn't happened, who knows what Uncle Xu might have encountered near the city walls when the city fell? It's uncertain if he could have returned safely to that small courtyard, let alone escaped. If our family had waited for Uncle Xu and he didn't come back, we would have been delayed, and who knows what outcome that would have led to?"

Hearing about this incident, Shen Lie asked, "Did Shen San receive a proper burial too?"

Manager Xu shook his head. "Of course not. A person like him doesn't deserve it." He then relayed Shen Jin's reaction to Shen Lie.

Shen Lie nodded and thanked Master Xu once more before turning back to check on the situation with Shen Yin and Shen Tie.

Master Xu finally had the chance to ask, "How did you and Big Mountain happen to be right by our exit?"

Chen Dashan smiled and replied, "It was just your lucky chance."

He then recounted the story of how Chu Liu received the letter with a date from some time ago, prompting them to go out and investigate since they were worried. They discovered that Ten Mile Village was deserted, and Little Jin and his brothers were nowhere to be found in the shelter or the cave. They had then decided to head to the county town to see if they could assist Master Xu.

"Rampant bandits were everywhere, so we had to take a long detour just to reach the county town. It took us two days, and we arrived on the eighth day. We waited until today. When the city was breached, we heard unusual sounds, so we discussed it and decided to come out and investigate. As Shen Lie was walking near the spot where you dug the exit, he felt a slight vibration beneath his feet. He's cautious, so he stopped immediately. After that, he even managed to hear faint voices by leaning closer."

"Given that we assisted you in constructing the shelter, we waited outside, constantly speculating that you might dig your way out. Hence, we suspected it could be you. To avoid any mistakes, we retreated and hid in the nearby bushes."

There was no need for Chen Dashan to elaborate on what happened next. Xu Wenchao was the first to emerge, followed by Xu Wenrong. They didn't recognize either of them, which initially led to confusion. Then, they saw Shen Yin, Shen Tie, and Shen Jin, the three brothers, being passed through.

The moment Shopkeeper Xu appeared with his vial of poison, it was clear to them that pursuers were closing in. Therefore, they promptly fetched their bows, preparing for battle.

Wei Lingzhen couldn't help but react, clasping her hands together in front of her chest and looking up to heaven in gratitude. Shopkeeper Xu exclaimed even more openly, "What a tremendous stroke of luck!"

For safety reasons, the shelter was situated quite a distance from the city walls. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to excavate such a large refuge without interruption.

The timing of Shen Lie's emergence coincided with their completion of the final upward tunnel. It was as if they had received divine favor. The man bowed to Shen Lie and Chen Dashan with his two sons, "We are grateful for both heaven's grace and your assistance. This life-saving kindness will forever be etched in our hearts."

Shen Lie and Chen Dashan hastily stepped aside. Chen Dashan smiled and said, "Enough with the thanks. Let's not dwell on it."

He turned to Shen Lie, "Shouldn't we hurry up? If we wait until tomorrow, it might not be safe."

Shen Lie nodded. Seeing that the younger ones had eaten enough, and Shen Yin even had the strength to call him 'brother' through teary eyes, while Shen Tie had finally managed to open his eyes, he asked Shen Jin, "Can Little Jin still hold on? If you can, I'll hunt something tonight to fill your stomach. For now, let's set off. We need to reach the cave where we hid the letter before nightfall."

This last part was addressed to the others.

Upon hearing this, Shen Jin froze, overwhelmed by joy, fear, and disbelief. His lips trembled, "Brother, are you taking us with you?"

Chen Dashan chuckled. This child bore no resemblance to Shen San or Li Shi. In fact, he resembled Shen Lie and his siblings more.

Indeed, before Shen Lie went to war, he had been responsible for raising and guiding the older children in the family.

Shen Lie also raised an eyebrow. He looked at the makeshift shelter, "If you're not coming with me, do you plan to stay here with Little Yin and Little Tie? Can you handle encountering refugees?"

Once upon a time, he dared to keep people because Shen San and Li Shi were still around. Now that both of them were gone, what use was it to trap mountain birds and rabbits, or have a sanctuary? They couldn't hide in it for their entire lives.

With refugees and bandits rampant, at that time, these three children would be lambs to the slaughter in others' eyes. No special skills were needed; any grown adult could easily subdue them.

Shen Jin finally realized the situation and shook his head repeatedly. He knelt down and pleaded, "We can't handle it. I beg Elder Brother and Sister-in-law to take care of us for a few years, save Little Silver and Little Iron. After they recover, we don't need your grain. I'll hunt, dig wild vegetables, and gather grass seeds. I can support them. All we need is a safe place to settle down."

With both hands on the ground, he bowed his body and knocked his head down again and again.

Watching this reaction, Shen Lie was deeply pained in his heart.

This reaction of Shen Jin actually revealed that the children hadn't dared to hope he would agree to take them along.

Indeed, I've abandoned them once before.

Sweet Yam had passed away. Since Shen Lie had only seen Shen Jin and his two brothers leave the village, he had already anticipated this. Their silent journey was not without the reason of his own inability to face the truth.

Until now, he dares not ask himself if he has any regrets.

Yet, Shen Lie was well aware that even if time were to flow backward repeatedly to several months prior, allowing him to make countless choices, as long as he lacked the memory and couldn't foresee the soldiers rounding up the villagers into the city, couldn't anticipate today's tragedy, his decision would remain the same.

Or perhaps, deep down where even he himself couldn't reach, he had never truly refrained from holding the triplets accountable for Shen San and Li's actions.

True forgiveness, treating them as his siblings, was like how he treated An and Ning. If he could, he wouldn't dare expose them to any danger.

But his leniency towards Shen Jin and the others stemmed solely from their past connection, from the fact that he had raised them, taught them skills, plotted for them, and done his utmost to help. He couldn't bring himself to repay evil with kindness by taking on the responsibility of raising Shen San and Li's children.

He said Shen Jin wouldn't want to leave his parents, but how could he willingly allow Shen San and Li to bind him with affection, only to be exploited by them again?

Yes, it was all due to his unwillingness.

It was only now that he realized his true feelings – he was unwilling.

So, he planned for Shen Jin and his siblings, entrusted them to Manager Xu's care, and kept an eye on them whenever possible. All these arrangements stemmed from a hidden corner of his heart, a place he himself hadn't acknowledged, revealing that he knew deep down that Shen Jin and his siblings were not truly safe.

In this instant, Shen Lie finally saw the truth, the true depths of his heart.

He had been about to help Shen Jin up, but in that moment, he was utterly humiliated. His hand, halfway raised, folded back to cover his face, hiding the furrowed brows and dampened hands, a result of the sudden realization that hit him.

Shen Jin continued thudding his head against the ground. Shen Lie didn't have time to recompose himself. He hastily wiped his face and reached out to pull Shen Jin up.

Avoiding Shen Jin's gaze, he turned his back and hastily picked up the basket and weapons lying on the ground. "It's getting late, let's all gather our things and leave."

He proceeded forward, brushing past Chen Dashan. Noticing something in Chen Dashan's expression, he patted Shen Lie on the shoulder. Turning his head, he saw Shen Jin standing rooted to the spot, staring blankly at Shen Lie's departing figure. He walked over, picked up his own weapon, ruffled Shen Jin's hair, and said, "Foolish? Come on, your big brother never had any intention of leaving you behind."

Indeed, the sole purpose was to save Shopkeeper Xu. How could anyone have stayed for so many days in that refuge and still be unwilling to leave?

If Shen San and Li were still alive, Shen Lie might not have intervened so much, perhaps merely sending them back to Shili Village or sequestering them in some remote cave in the mountains. But with Shen San and Li gone, given Shen Lie's nature, how could he abandon his cousins without concern?

Shen Jin's reaction at that moment, or rather, the combination of Sweet Ya's death and Shen Jin's subsequent reaction, is likely to weigh heavily on Shen Lie's heart.

Chen Dashan patted Shen Jin and then went to greet the Xu family.

With tears still rolling down his cheeks, Shen Jin finally allowed himself to cry aloud.

"Thank you, Big Brother."

Shen Lie had left so swiftly that Shen Jin didn't get the chance to express his gratitude. He could only repeat the phrase in his heart, sobbing all the while.

Chapter 120: Acting

Boros did not have to wait long for the demon he summoned. He casually sized up the canid demon, who belonged to a vastly different breed, and his indifferent gaze revealed the other's concealed fear.

Boros frowned. Could he really learn anything from this? If it weren't for the fact that final exam results were crucial, even he would prefer to avoid a bad start and not have to come here to study.

"Sit," Boros gestured with his chin towards the chair across from him, indicating for the demon to take a seat. He then continued staring at him.

The summoned demon was on the verge of tears. Under the gaze of those blood-red eyes, all attempts at flattery and persuasion evaporated, leaving only stammered words, which was already a blessing considering how tongue-tied he had become.

Boros grew even more dissatisfied. He was about to call over the shop manager when a familiar voice suddenly sounded from behind him, laced with accusation, causing Boros' hair to stand on end.

"Boros, so you like this type of demon, huh?"

Boros almost shot up from his seat. He whirled around to see the one demon he least wanted to see standing right behind him.

In the dimly lit store, the silver mirror demon's face was shrouded in shadows, and the emotions hidden deep in his eyes were indecipherable. Boros felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles, his heart pounding like a drum.

"How did you get here?" Boros asked first, his gaze sharp.

Without hesitation, Wen Ying replied, "Muershi asked me to come and see a different kind of scenery."

This was something they had agreed upon earlier.

Muershi, hiding behind Wen Ying with Beros's glare that seemed to devour him, chuckled and said, "This shop belongs to Essence. Isn't it normal to play in a friend's shop?"

Beros appeared calm on the surface but was actually quite anxious inside. He had initially thought that Wen Ying came here for the same reason as he did, so he wouldn't need to explain anything. However, if Wen Ying wasn't here to learn how to coax someone, then using this excuse might only make things worse.

The malevolent bird was still present, and this chaotic species would surely make the situation worse. Beros's face darkened as he stared at Muershi, who was hiding behind Wen Ying, wishing he could send him to the hospital right there and then.

Beros experienced a sense of unease and guilt that he had never felt before. He hadn't done anything wrong, but looking at Wen Ying's expression made his eyelids twitch, and he subconsciously felt inferior to him.

Wen Ying lifted his chin slightly, looking down on Beros. "So this is what you mean by not liking weak devils? And saying I should wait until you're an adult before we can take our relationship further?"

Beros, who had never been in such a situation and lacked experience, wished he could vanish on the spot. He tried to maintain his usual confident tone and said, "I came here…."

His words trailed off halfway. To come here and learn how to coax someone? The words that he thought he could say with pride now seemed impossible to articulate. If it got out that the mighty three-headed hellhound was learning how to coax someone from a weak devil in such a shop, Beros felt that his reputation would be ruined. Lan Jiaying and the others would definitely not let this opportunity to mock him pass.

Wen Ying could sense the turmoil in Berros's mind. He raised an eyebrow, deliberately leaning closer, and drawled, "Why did you come here—?"

Muershi sighed. "Berros, that's not right of you."

Veins popped on Berros's forehead. Clenching his fists, a terrifying aura swirled around him, making ordinary demons and staff members cower in fear. The pressure was like a mountain crushing down, but Muershi, with his demonic heritage, remained unfazed. He pulled at his clothes, feeling a bit chilly.

He was being too accommodating to his friend, Muershi mused, and he probably wouldn't escape a scolding later.

Berros scowled, reaching out to grab Wen Ying's hand, dragging the standing Wen Ying down onto him.

Wen Ying had already been leaning forward, so when Berros pulled, he lost his balance and fell onto Berros's lap. Ignoring the suggestive position, Berros forcefully pinned Wen Ying down and whispered into his ear, "I came because of the final exams. I don't want any bad luck at the start, got it? You're not allowed to tell anyone."

Only after finishing his words did Berros release his grip.

Wen Ying sat up, brushing his messy hair back and smoothing it out. Looking at Berros's solemn expression, he chuckled.

Berros trembled whenever he saw Wen Ying smile, instinctively knowing trouble was brewing.

Sure enough, Wen Ying wrapped one arm around Berros's neck, draping it over his other shoulder, and whispered in his ear, "Just now, I took a photo."

Boros looked puzzled.

Wen Ying sat on Boros' lap, one hand around his shoulder, and gave Muershi a look. Muershi passed the phone to Wen Ying's left hand, which was free.

Wen Ying showed it to Boros. The latter's face turned even greener, initially illuminated by the green light nearby, now appearing even more so.

On the phone screen was a picture of him sitting face-to-face with the Canine Demon. It seemed to have been taken from a distance, capturing the entire store in the background, and from this angle, it resembled a paparazzi shot.

If such a photo were to circulate, even if the truth was eventually clarified, his reputation would still suffer!

Wen Ying sighed and said with drooping eyelids, "When I saw you happily chatting with this demon just now, I was very angry."

Boros: "... Which eye of yours saw me having a great time with him?"

The Canine Demon trembled in his seat.

Wen Ying pretended not to hear and continued, "You were shouting at me to kill, yet you were so friendly with him."

Muershi chimed in, "Exactly."

Boros: "..." He now wanted to kill these two deaf and blind idiots.

"Wen Ying is entitled to compensation," the young man said with an air of righteousness, "I want to create a new magic card, themed around hot springs, featuring you. Will you agree to it?"

A secret sigh of relief escaped Boros. Since Wen Ying had already created so many cards featuring him and they'd sold well, Boros didn't mind using this as a solution. He inwardly agreed but hesitated before reluctantly saying, "Alright, consider it hush money." It wasn't unexpected for Boros that Wen Ying's motives had been revealed to be this.

Wen Ying revealed his true intentions: "And you have to pretend to be my boyfriend beforehand."

"Okay..." Halfway through his response, Boros abruptly stopped himself, "No way!"

Chapter 79: A Difficult Secret

At the Shen residence.

The entire third floor finally fell silent.

Madam Shen was sprawled on the shelf, quietly shedding tears.

Shen Xingran was still vomiting, bile splattering all over the floor.

Even in this state, he didn't forget to clutch at Lu Ran's ponytail, pointing at him and saying,

"You... You promised that you would leave once Big Brother took one bite!"

Lu Ran laughed heartily with his hands on his hips, "Are you stupid? When have I ever kept my word?"

Shen Xingran was left dumbfounded, even forgetting his nausea.

It was only Shen Xingyu who was the quickest to react, having claimed the bathroom on the third floor for himself and was currently leaning over the toilet bowl, also vomiting.

Lu Ran leisurely surveyed the situation on the third floor, then checked the time before casually leaving, leaving behind a chaotic mess of squirming insects.

He returned to his room humming a tune, slipping the remaining "homework" into his backpack.

With Big Yellow in tow, he headed out of the villa in high spirits.

As he left, he glanced back.

Just in time to see Shen Xingyu emerging from a room on the third floor.

The man wore an incredibly complicated expression, his head and face still damp from the water, hastily rushing back to change clothes.

Lu Ran waved the leash in his hand with a smile, catching Shen Xingyu's attention.

Upon seeing him, Shen Xingyu froze in place.

Hesitant, unsure whether to retreat or rush into his own room.

Lu Ran then lifted his bag of "pastries" in a playful gesture.

He beamed brightly, "Young Master Shen, we look forward to your continued support in upholding justice for me next time."

Shen Xingyu: "..."

Unable to hold back his laughter any longer, he covered his mouth and quickly darted into the room.

Ji Min also received news about the Shen family.

Just as he was about to head to work, Butler Chen rushed over from outside, bowing respectfully as he said, "There's been a situation with the Shen family."

"What happened? Is it related to Lu Ran?" Ji Min furrowed his brow slightly.

His tone was somewhat solemn, hinting at underlying concern.

However, after hearing his question, Butler Chen fell silent for a moment.

With an indescribable expression, he replied, "There is some connection."

Ji Min's frown deepened. He asked, "Did Shen Xingyu cause trouble for him again?"

Butler Chen fell silent for another moment. "Well... you could put it that way."

Ji Min sighed and prepared to leave.

He inquired, "What on earth happened?"

Butler Chen: "..."

After careful consideration, he described the situation as objectively as possible. "Young Master Shen consumed Lu Ran's nutrition assignment."

Even knowing about Lu Ran's various antics, Ji Min was momentarily stunned this time.

His expression was even more bewildered than when he heard that Shen Xingyu had been dragged into the toilet.

"I see... I thought Lu Ran's course was Pet Nutrition?"

Butler Chen nodded silently.

Ji Min's expression became indescribable.

During Lu Ran's recent absences, he had also shared updates about his experiments with Ji Min.

Thus, Ji Min had a vague understanding of the ingredients and process involved in Lu Ran's "assignment."

If that substance were to end up being consumed by someone...

Well... the current state of the Shen family would certainly be quite a spectacle.

Ji Min exchanged a glance with Butler Chen.

Then, the two of them shifted their gazes away silently, tacitly skipping over the topic.

Ji Min: "…I have a busy schedule today."

Butler Chen: "Mm-hmm."

It wasn't until Ji Min got into the car and was almost at the company that they both silently absorbed the intangible impact between them.

Butler Chen couldn't help but smile again, "Before, you were worried that Lu Ran might be at a disadvantage in the Shen family and wanted to bring him over here…"

As he spoke, he turned to look at Ji Min, only to find him lost in thought, staring out of the car window without responding.

After a long while, when the car finally stopped at the parking lot of Ji Corporation's building.

Butler Chen heard the man in the wheelchair muttering to himself, "He has been working on this assignment for a long time. Now that someone else has taken credit for it, it will certainly affect his studies."

Butler Chen: "…"

Very well, you indeed know how to focus on the crucial points.

Ji Min's concern never came to pass.

Because Lu Ran had done several versions of the assignment.

He submitted his assignment.

The nutrition teacher, who found delight in challenging students, glanced at his recipe and fell silent.

Then, without a word, the teacher gave him a perfect score.

However, this incident greatly affected Shen Xingyu.

Initially, he just wanted to quickly settle the matter and freshen up before rushing to work at the company.

But due to Lu Ran's intervention, he wasn't able to go to work that day.

First, he had to battle bugs on the third floor.

Then, he had to soothe his frightened wife, Madam Shen.

Upon returning, he spent an hour showering, brushing his teeth countless times.

Yet, no matter how many times he brushed, the peculiar... cockroach-like taste lingered in his mouth.

Finally, Shen Xingyu had changed into his clothes and grabbed his documents.

He got into the car and instructed the driver to head for the company.

Despite himself, Shen Xingyu couldn't resist requesting a detour halfway through the journey. "First... go to the hospital."

Since he started working, the steadfast and diligent General Manager Shen had never taken a day off, not even when he was ill. This was his first time calling in sick.

When Shen Xingyu entered the examination room and sat down in front of the doctor, he still felt a bit dazed.

The doctor asked, "What seems to be the problem?"

Shen Xingyu fell silent.

The doctor stared at him across the desk with wide eyes.

Seeing that the patient wasn't speaking, the doctor found it odd but remained unperturbed. He had seen it all before.

After all, he had encountered many patients who remained silent after entering the examination room.

The doctor gazed at the well-dressed man before him and sighed.

He thought to himself, Despite his refined appearance, he seems to have a secret he's hesitant to share.

But adhering to his professional duty, he gently suggested, "With your condition, you should visit the urology department. This is the gastroenterology department."

Shen Xingyu: "..."

His lips finally moved. "It's not... I am..."

Seeing his hesitation, the doctor sighed again.

Indeed, there were very few who would willingly admit to such situations.

Shaking his head, the doctor asked, "I'll refer you to another department. Take your ID and head downstairs; that's where the urology department is located."

He also tried to reassure Shen Xingyu, "Don't feel embarrassed. Specialized treatment is crucial for addressing specific issues. Urologists are much more knowledgeable in dealing with such matters than I am."

Shen Xingyu: "..."

He raised his hand to massage his forehead, finally forcing out an explanation between his teeth, "No, I came here because I... consumed... something unpleasant."

"Aah?" The doctor was taken aback and asked, "What did you eat?"

Shen Xingyu fell silent again.

The doctor grew anxious; there were other patients waiting in line!

Under the doctor's persistent questioning, Shen Xingyu finally gave in, "A cockroach..."

"Aah?" The doctor was stunned once more.

With that first admission, everything else flowed more easily.

Shen Xingyu struggled to describe it, "It was a pastry, with the outside covered in... freeze-dried powder of microorganism corpses. Inside, there were cockroaches and a red insect, I think they're called mealworms."

Then he told the doctor, "I took a bite and swallowed half a cockroach."

In truth, Shen Xingyu was so bewildered at the time that he couldn't recall if he had actually swallowed that bite.

Certainly, he must have consumed something.

At this thought, Shen Xingyu felt a wave of nausea wash over him.

"I'd like to ask... is there anything wrong with this? Should I get some tests done?" Shen Xingyu inquired.

The doctor stared back at him in silence.

Eventually, he waved his hand dismissively. "Keep an eye on it. Come back if you experience any symptoms."

"Shouldn't I take any medicine?" Shen Xingyu remained concerned.

"Medicine isn't something you take for fun," the doctor replied brusquely, already attending to the next patient.

After hesitating for a long while, Shen Xingyu left, still plagued by doubts.

Watching his departing figure, the doctor let out a heavy sigh.

These days, young men would go to such absurd lengths just to conceal their inability to perform!

Shen Xingyu couldn't recall how he had managed to leave the hospital.

He had wandered around in a daze for several days before the persistent nausea finally subsided slightly.

But the psychological shadow of biting into a cockroach lingered on.

It was likely the same for Mrs. Shen and Shen Xingran.

As a result, the Shen family had been unusually quiet recently.

Within a five-meter radius of wherever Lu Ran was, not a single soul could be seen.

On the weekend, Lu Ran couldn't help but boast about his accomplishment to Ji Min.

He sighed again. "I spent so much time making them. I gave them three, and I still feel a little reluctant."

Listening from the side, Ji Min and Butler Chen both thought, "..."

Ji Min pondered for a moment and gradually began to understand. "It is a bit wasteful."

"To think about it!" Lu Ran commented.

Ji Min nodded in agreement.

Noticing the boy's gaze, Ji Min pondered for a moment before skillfully initiating a conversation:

"They always cause trouble like this. How do you manage your studies? You can't be on guard against them every time you try to do your homework, right? Isn't that exhausting?"

He was awaiting the youth's nod, so that he might smoothly inquire whether he would be willing to take up residence under his own roof.

Yet, as he finished speaking, he found Lu Ran looking at him with shining eyes.

He exclaimed with enthusiasm, "Not at all, I'm absolutely thrilled!"

Ji Min: "..."

Very well, it seems he has misunderstood.

But Chairman Ji was never one to concede in a "negotiation."

So he continued, "But this will interfere with your part-time job. How many times have you taken leave this month?"

"Uh…" Lu Ran responded this time, looking guiltily at his boss.

Just a couple of days ago, he had boasted about spreading the "truth" of Ji Min's prowess across the entire city.

Yet, amidst the busyness of the past few days, he had pushed it to the back of his mind.

"It does seem like a bit of a delay," Lu Ran thought, feeling a sting at the salary he had lost.

Upon hearing this, Ji Min secretly exhaled in relief.

Just as he was about to speak further,

he saw the young man in front of him calculating on his fingers before saying,

"But living at the Shen residence comes rent-free. In the grand scheme of things, I haven't really lost much."

"And there's entertainment to look forward to, plus a spacious room prepared for Big Yellow."

Ji Min was taken aback. "A big room for Big Yellow?"

"That's right. I claimed Shen Xingyu's room for Big Yellow," Lu Ran replied.

President Ji: "......."

This negotiation ended in a disastrous defeat for Ji Min.

Upon returning home, the first thing he told Manager Chen was, "Ask the housekeeping staff to tidy up another room."

Manager Chen: "......."

Before Manager Chen could respond, Ji Min thought for a moment and then turned his wheelchair around, saying,

"Actually, clean up those two interconnected suites on the second floor by the corner. That way, it'll be more convenient for Big Yellow to find him at night."

Manager Chen listened silently but couldn't help but remind, "Student Lu Ran hasn't agreed to move in yet."

To be precise, you didn't even dare to make the request before the room was already being prepared.

This time, it was Ji Min who fell silent.

He glanced at the room on the second floor and whispered softly,

"How can we allow him to stay in the Shen residence?"

"The Shen family's adopted son is peculiar, and Shen Hongyuan has some unknown scheme brewing. Now, with Shen Xingyu in such a state, his health seems to be..."

Ji Min sighed slightly. "How can I possibly feel at ease leaving him in the care of the Shen family?"

After he finished speaking, he waited for a while but didn't hear any response from Butler Chen.

Ji Min looked up and met Butler Chen's half-smiling, half-teasing gaze.

The old man's eyes were kind, carrying a wisdom that seemed to see through everything.

Ji Min felt a lump in his throat.

Soon, he seemed to be explaining his overly concerned state to himself, as if trying to convince himself, he said:

"Shen Xingyu even consumed his homework, which severely impedes his academic progress."

It seemed as if all foolish desires could be justified under the pretense of "encouraging one to study diligently."

Housekeeper Chen: "..."

He mused to himself, could something as explosive as "consuming homework" actually be used in such a manner?

Butler Chen reminded, "Young Master Lu Ran doesn't seem to share that sentiment."

The man in the wheelchair subtly pressed his lips together.

Then, he adopted a paternal tone,

"He's young. If he regrets it when he's older, it'll be too late."

Butler Chen: "..."

Once again, he questioned the Ji family's upbringing.

It was merely a desire to protect his mate and keep them safe within his care, yet there seemed to be an unnecessary web of justifications for such actions.

Chapter 82: Station 23: Seductive

Rain began to fall softly during the night, unnoticed.

A man wearing red shoes stepped into the room with his cloak drenched by the fine rain, moving soundlessly.

His gait was peculiar, swaying and coquettish, with a hint of femininity.

A jingling sound accompanied his steps, perhaps from keys or trinkets at his waist, drawing attention to him.

Yan Qiling averted his gaze, dusted off the accounts book, and calmly opened it to review its contents, no longer paying attention to the man in red shoes.

Shi Wen Guang, however, cautiously approached the man and asked,

"...Who are you? Why are you here?"

The man in red shoes suddenly turned his head sharply, expelling a chill from his mouth!

With his mouth as the dividing line, the man's head split down the center, revealing razor-sharp teeth resembling those of a shark, as he lunged towards Shi Wen Guang!

Shiweng Guang was utterly stunned, unable to react at all!

Yan Qiling's eyebrows twitched, and he casually picked up the bowl of dried fish on the table, throwing it at the man's head!

Just as he was about to move behind the man to subdue him, the man in red shoes surprisingly abandoned his pursuit of Shiweng Guang and turned around to crouch down, eating the fish that had fallen to the ground!

After finishing one fish, he transformed into a brilliant red bubble and vanished before their eyes, leaving only a trail of clothing scattered on the floor.

Shiweng Guang slumped to the ground with a thud, swallowing his dry throat. It took him a long while to recover from the shock.

For some reason, tears began to roll down his cheeks.

Perhaps he was frightened by the bizarre phenomenon, or maybe he was despairing over the unpredictable fate that awaited him.

Yan Qiling, with no time to tend to the other's emotions, walked over and lifted the clothes that the man in red shoes had left behind.

The clothes were limp and damp, carrying a misty moisture, and the red shoes were nowhere to be seen.

Beneath the layers of fabric, there were traditional Chinese characters written in blood: Tell the woman to bear a son soon.

Yan Qiling's gaze was fixated on the words, his expression inscrutable.

Moments later, he retrieved a handkerchief to pick up the dried fish from the ground. After examining it, an idea seemed to strike him as he wrapped the fish in the handkerchief, preparing to leave with it.

Shiweng Guang felt utterly insecure at this moment. Seeing that the only person left in the room was about to depart, he hastily called out, "Where are you going?!"

Yan Qiling paused for a moment, turning back with a smile. Casually, he tossed the ledger into Shiweng Guang's hands, "I've found a clue and intend to give it a try."

Without waiting for a response, Yan Qiling walked straight out.

Shiweng Guang stared at the pitch-black outside, aware that Yan Qiling's pace was swift; he vanished in the blink of an eye. He dared not follow recklessly.

Fumbling to secure the ledger in his embrace, Shiweng Guang followed the creases to find the page that Yan Qiling had pressed down on the most. Scanning through its contents quickly, a look of confusion gradually appeared on his face.

The ledger was filled with entries, detailing:

April 18th, five taels of silver, two boxes of Viyue Pavilion's rouge.

April 18th, one silver coin, and three tiger-head hats.

On the eighteenth day of the fourth month, two taels of silver were owed for a customer breaking a Jingdezhen porcelain vase.

April 18th, seventh day of the fourth lunar month, two catties. Two books delivered.

Unlike the other entries, these few lines were highlighted in red ink, reading: "Accounting unclear, requires verification."

Shiwenguang examined these lines repeatedly but failed to detect any irregularities.

With him being the only one in the room, the atmosphere felt eerily oppressive. He dared not venture out and was also concerned about Yan Qiling's safety. Thus, he carried the candle over to the window, hoping to use its light to discern what was happening outside.

This proved somewhat effective; although the outdoor light was not completely dim, there was still a faint glow that allowed differentiation between the night sky and human silhouettes.

Shiwenguang deliberately brought the lens, perched on the bridge of his nose, closer to his eye with one hand, attempting to get a clearer view of the exterior scene.

In the corner, Yan Qiling's dark silhouette bent down, seemingly placing something there.

Seconds later, a shrill cry of a cat in heat echoed from the rooftop before it leaped onto the wall.

Shiweng Guang could see a shape on top of the wall, but it was too dark to discern what it actually was.

The creature let out a long and sticky wail, laced with a hint of impatience and irritation.

After a while, it seemed to jump down, followed by... Yan Qiling's shadow being torn apart by some unseen force, shattering into fragments across the ground!

Shiweng Guang, stunned, took off his glasses to wipe them, then put them back on again.

But this time, when he looked carefully, Yan Qiling's shadow remained unscathed in the corner. The scene that had just unfolded seemed to be an illusion caused by his overactive imagination due to nervousness.

The black smoke from the oil lamp was straining his eyes, and in the blink of an eye, both the shadow in the corner and Yan Qiling's figure vanished from sight.

Still perplexed, Shiweng Guang heard a man's voice, tinged with precious gems, come from the door:

"What are you looking at?"

The dim light was still some distance from the entrance.

Upon the pale but exquisite face, the dusky glow cast an alluring illusion. The man who entered had eyes as tranquil as a lake.

They were a blue that seemed to spill out like pigments at any moment.

Shi Wen Guang was slightly startled.

"Your... eyes?"

"Oh, you mean this one?"

The man casually tapped his left eye, which had changed color, and chuckled.

"This eye of mine changes color with the alteration of light... By the way, I've just discovered a new lead."

With his slender fingers, he gently unfolded a red note reeking of fish.

Seemingly, the note still held traces of dried fish oil, which, under any slight light, would produce a delicate sheen.

Simwen Guang was astonished.

"How did you get this?"

Yan Qiling smiled slightly, with a hint of casual playfulness.

"Did you look at the ledger? It's an acrostic poem. The first character of each line spells out 'Feed the cat to live.'"

A look of confusion spread across Simwen Guang's face.

"Huh? Although the pun works that way, how did you figure it out?"

The man unfolded the greasy red paper without any disdain. He tapped the paper with his index finger, a suggestive expression on his face.

"At first, I didn't think much of it either. But the man in the red shoes walked like a cat. And in a place like the accounting office, they had dried fish for some reason. He also ate the fish before leaving... So I gave it a try, and it turned out to be right."

This explanation cleared up Simwen Guang's confusion.

He pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses and hurriedly picked up the oil lamp, moving closer to examine the content on the red paper.

The red note was inscribed with three rules, written in cinnabar:

1. No bride is to be married into the Wen family.

2. Keep away from men who wear red shoes.

3. When one leaves, extinguish the light. Do not forget.

Looking at the last rule, Shi Wen Guang lifted his gaze, somewhat dazed, and stared at the flawless face before him:

"Does this last one mean that the light must be put out whenever someone leaves the house? What about our situation, where one of us is inside and the other outside?"

The man simply smiled in response:

"It should imply that the light must be extinguished whenever anyone exits, regardless if there's still someone in the room or not."

Pushing up his glasses, Shi Wen Guang nodded, holding the candle flame aloft.

In that moment, he recalled Yan Qiling's fragmented shadow from earlier.

Was that an illusion?

Or...

The mere thought of a certain possibility made every hair on his body stand on end, leaving him stiff and almost immobile.

"What's wrong?"

Yan Qiling's gentle voice usually had a soothing effect, but at this moment, it seemed like a prelude to doom.

Swallowing his nerves, Shi Wenming adjusted his glasses again, desperately trying to control his trembling arms as he nervously attempted to make a joke to ease the tension:

"I just thought that when you left just now, the lights in the room didn't seem to have been turned off..."

The man in front of him, clad in a pure black silk shirt, still wore that casual smile.

His deep blue eyes were like luminous flints immersed in ink, glowing even in the absence of light.

"Yes," he replied.

His lips parted gently, his tone as soft as an innocent, tranquil spring:

"However, I'm alright. Perhaps it's because we didn't know the rules back then."

Shi Wenguang nodded frantically, his entire body tingling as he watched the chaotic shadows spread beneath the man's feet.

-

Diao Qingchang entered the hall to witness a particularly gruesome sight.

A maiden in a phoenix coronet and brocade wedding dress lay on the ground, her hands outstretched.

Blood resembling cinnabar gathered between her slender, pale fingers, pooling into a crimson pool on the floor.

In front of Old Madam Bai, the screen depicting beautiful women was raised once more. A sluggish, mud-like voice echoed through the screen's mesmerizingly stunning ladies:

"Do you admit your mistake?"

Si Shuhao lay on the ground, panting, without responding.

She felt as if all the tears she could shed in her life were about to be exhausted that day. She wished she could perish alongside this world right away!

This was a humiliation she had never imagined. Before obtaining the ticket, she had never thought that one day she would be pressed down in such an environment and forced to say words she had always despised.

But Old Madam Bai showed no intention of letting her off:

"Speak! Acknowledge your mistakes!"

Si Shuhao knew full well that this seemingly lenient question was actually a prelude to a storm, a preparatory ritual for humiliation that could happen at any moment.

She didn't want to speak at all.

If the old madam wanted to be straightforward, she could have simply pointed out her mistakes. Instead, the lady insisted on forcing the person under duress to identify their own flaws, thus taming them and making them truly believe in their own worthlessness.

Old Madam Bai aimed to break the girl's pride, making her submit entirely through this reprimand.

Si Shuhao felt the grit in her mouth, tasting blood as it ground between her teeth. She clamped down and pretended to be mute.

Diao Qingchang's eyelid twitched at the sight before him.

He couldn't bear to see a woman punished, especially since... this target seemed to be Ming Yiyang's employer?

The young man's handsome features twisted into a conciliatory smile as he bowed to Old Lady Bai.

"I wonder what misdeed Second Miss has committed to warrant such a severe reaction from you? In just a few days, she is to be married into the Wen family. If any harm were to come to her, I would have difficulty accounting for it."

Behind the screen, the indistinct figure seemed to caress the enameled armor, producing a faint scraping sound of nails against the porcelain edges.

"Mr. Diao, there's no need to trouble yourself with such trivial matters. A daughter of the Bai family should be raised with the Bai family's principles. Otherwise, sending her like this would also not do the Wen family justice. Please take your seat, Mr. Diao. After I've taught my granddaughter a lesson, we can discuss further."

Diao Qingchang hesitated before speaking, fully aware that he couldn't do anything at the moment. The power of this puppet master was visibly formidable. As long as... as long as Si Shuhao remained alive, everything should be fine, right?

He took his seat in silence, his hand reaching into his pocket where the talismans lay.

The servants rolled up the sleeves of the young lady again, and Diao Qingchang observed the red marks rising on her arms. The hand that had been hanging loose by her side clenched tightly onto the armrest of the chair.

"Miss seems to still be unaware of her mistake. Proceed," said Old Lady Bai.

Before her words could fade, a crisp voice pierced the solemn atmosphere of the hall, forcefully intruding.

"Old Lady Bai, this is Yan Qiling. I have an urgent matter to discuss."

Originally, the servants and matrons who were guarding the hall all turned their heads.

Bathed in the brilliant glow of the lanterns outside the courtyard, a man, entwined with the night breeze, stepped over the threshold.

The black silk fabric exudes an exquisite texture, and as the man walks, the flickering silver-gray bamboo leaves adorning the edges of his robe resemble gentle waves in a miniature forest, evoking a poetic and mesmerizing scene.

Under the flickering lamplight, a face of unparalleled brilliance and charm was revealed.

In the man's heterochromatic eyes, which were a rare blend of crimson and sapphire hues, shimmered a gently flowing flame, akin to ethereal drifting clouds or the infinitely mutable hues of a sunset sky.

The twelvefold screen adorned with graceful beauties was suddenly outshone by the breathtaking moment he walked in!

Everyone's attention was fixated upon him, even Jiaolu, who was in the midst of attempting to interrogate, couldn't help but soften her demeanor before such allure, standing there in a daze.

The man flashed a perfect smile and presented a ledger:

"Madam, these are the accounts regarding Young Master Bai from recent years. Perhaps it would be best to dismiss any unnecessary onlookers for a more detailed discussion?"

Old Madam Bai's contorted face twitched in response.

Chapter 119: Deviousness

The clerk, whom Phileus had randomly chosen, was overwhelmed by the palpable pressure from the demon. Before he could figure out why Phileus would visit their shop, the demon spoke, and the clerk instinctively replied, "We're all skilled in coaxing."

Phileus frowned. "I want the best."

"Psst—" A small giggle suddenly echoed in the relatively quiet environment. Phileus immediately turned to the source of the sound, his sharp and unfriendly gaze nearly cracking when he saw the demons sitting against the wall.

Why were those guys here? Phileus felt a chill run down his spine as his tail instinctively tensed up. They must have heard and seen everything just now...

He abruptly made his way over.

Wen Ying watched Phileus approach swiftly with his robust fish tail moving agilely. In front of the demon's seemingly tense but actually embarrassed face, Wen Ying smiled and said, "What a coincidence?"

Essence teased, "I didn't expect you to come and learn too. I thought that with your pride, you wouldn't bother learning how to deceive humans."

With the flexibility of a fish tail capable of carving out a three-bedroom apartment, Phileus was acutely sensitive to Essence's words under these circumstances. He said in a low voice, "You?" Were there other demons of the same rank here besides him? It wouldn't be as awkward or humiliating for multiple demons to be present compared to just one.

Muershi leaned against the wall bonelessly and said with a meaningful tone, "For now, it's just one. But 'they' will come soon."

Phelios pursed his lips. The gazes of these fellows made him uneasy; he wanted to punch a demon, and his fingers twitched slightly, wishing he could vanish on the spot.

Seeing that he was about to leave, Wen Ying grabbed his wrist. Phelios's wrist was as cold as the look in his eyes.

Wen Ying said, "Don't rush off just yet. Don't you want to see who else will come? If you leave now, you'll miss the good part."

If the roles were reversed...indeed, it would please the demons. Phelios pondered for a moment and quickly decided to stay. He couldn't be the only one suffering.

There was an empty seat nearby, and Essence invited him to sit there.

After waiting a while longer, just when Phelios thought he would be the only one embarrassed to come and observe how to coax a demon away, another social outcast appeared.

When Phelios recognized who it was, his eyes widened in disbelief. Why would that person condescend to learn this! He glanced at Wen Ying and the others at the neighboring table. The few demons' atmosphere seemed to revel in chaos, silently laughing until they were doubled over.

Muershi whispered something in Wen Ying's ear, and Wen Ying nodded. Essence walked over to him and sat down beside him, whispering, "Don't make a sound."

"What do you guys want?" Phelios furrowed his brow slightly. He admired Beros's power and inwardly wished to beat up these guys who treated Beros like a servant.

"Nothing much," Essence's eyes flashed with a glimmer of light. He knew what Phelios was thinking, so after speaking, he remained seated beside him instead of returning to the neighboring table.

Such an entertaining event must not be spoiled by Phileas.

When Beros descended, the scene once again replicated the silence that occurred when Phileas had arrived. Apart from the music, everyone's voices were hushed.

Beros found nothing odd about this; ordinary demons usually reacted this way upon seeing him. He scanned the room and sat down at the booth he had his eye on, beckoning a waiter. "Send a demon who knows how to charm over here."

Why does it have to be another demon who can charm? The waiter, trembling with nervousness, approached and listened to Beros's request. Suddenly, his phone vibrated. He picked it up to see a text message from the manager. After a quick glance, he was momentarily taken aback but quickly composed himself, wearing a smile as he said, "Very well, we'll arrange for that right away."

The waiter summoned a demon of the Canine variety. After whispering some instructions to him, the young-looking Canine demon, undaunted by the hostility emanating from Beros, approached and sat beside him.

Wen Ying and Muershi waited for a moment, taking the opportunity to snap some photos. Seeing their secretive actions, Phileas couldn't guess what they were planning. Those two cunning fellows were grinning deviously.

Chapter 78: Pastries

Since the move was already done, Lu Ran didn't make a fuss and spent the night on the second floor.

After finishing his tasks, he slept soundly, completely relaxed.

However, Shen Hongyuan and Madam Shen, upon learning that he had moved upstairs, were anxious the whole night.

They were afraid that if they closed their eyes, they would hear, "My love, across the boundless horizon..."

The next morning, Lu Ran packed his schoolbag to go to school.

After checking his items, he was about to zip it up when he frowned.

He took out the lunchbox he used to store his nutrition homework from his schoolbag.

Upon opening it, he found it empty.

Lu Ran's expression immediately darkened.

Despite the quirks of the Shen family members, only one person would be capable of such an act as "stealing homework."

Lu Ran stuffed the box into his backpack and headed straight for the third floor, walking down the stairs.

Upon reaching the third-floor corridor, he kicked open Shen Xingran's door and bluntly asked,

"Where's my homework?"

Inside the room, Mrs. Shen was assisting Shen Xingran with his outfit selection.

Upon seeing Lu Ran barge in, she instinctively took a step back. Upon hearing his question, she found it absurd:

"Why are you coming to Ranzhan for your homework when you can't find it yourself? You're already in college; who would still steal your homework?"

Lu Ran paid no attention to her words. He pushed her aside and began rifling through Shen Xingran's room like a bandit.

Shen Xingran had been prepared for this.

Yet now, seeing Lu Ran discard some of his valuable possessions as if they were trash, his face couldn't help but turn a shade greener.

"Brother, what are you doing?" Shen Xingran asked.

Madam Shen also chided, "Has he gone too far this time?"

But it was just words; she didn't dare approach him.

After rummaging for a while, Lu Ran spotted a box of pastries beside Shen Xingran's schoolbag.

He opened the box to reveal rows of pale yellow cakes.

Scanning them carefully, he precisely picked out one with a puppy pattern on it.

"There it is, my homework," he said.

Shen Xingran wore an expression of both amusement and exasperation. He then turned to Madam Shen, "Mom, aren't these my pastries?"

As he spoke, he picked one up, took a bite, and showed it to Lu Ran.

Mrs. Shen was equally baffled. "What's gotten into you? These are the green bean cakes I bought for Ranran yesterday. How can they be your homework?"

She then pouted. "If you want to eat them, just say so. I'll ask the maid to get more for you. Why go through all this trouble?"

"Stop talking nonsense! I told you these are my homework," Lu Ran said.

Seeing him about to leave with the cake, Shen Xingran grew anxious.

He looked at Mrs. Shen pitifully. "Mom... that was something you queued up to buy for me."

Mrs. Shen immediately softened.

She stood up like a protective hen, pointing at Lu Ran. "Stop right there! Give back what belongs to Ranran!"

"Bullshit! This is clearly the nutrition assignment I did in the lab!" Lu Ran argued.

Mrs. Shen instantly felt intimidated.

There was no other reason than the lingering trauma Lu Ran had inflicted on her in the past.

But considering they were currently on the third floor in a room, everything was neat and tidy.

Moreover, Lu Ran hadn't brought his dog along.

With no weapons in sight, what was there for her to fear?

At that moment, sounds came from the corridor.

The group turned to look.

It was Shen Xingyu.

He had come up from the second floor staircase.

His hair was slightly disheveled, and fatigue still lingered beneath his eyes.

His typically meticulously pressed white shirt was now unbuttoned at the collar.

"What's going on?" he asked in a deep voice.

Shen Xingyu had been exhausted lately. Last night, he had been busy moving things around until the wee hours of the morning.

Just when he finally found some leisure time this morning, he was awoken by the commotion upstairs.

The moment she saw Shen Xingyu coming up, Mrs. Shen immediately lost the last trace of panic in her.

She pointed at Lu Ran and said, "He's gone mad early in the morning, snatching away Ranran's pastry and claiming it's his homework!"

Shen Xingyu's brows knitted deeply.

"It's my nutrition assignment due today," Lu Ran explained with his head down.

Shen Xingyu glanced at what Lu Ran was holding, then at Shen Xingran.

His gaze was tranquil, not resembling Madam Shen's, who had shown an odd expression when she noticed Lu Ran holding a pastry.

Under Shen Xingyu's gaze, Shen Xingran couldn't help but swallow his saliva.

At this moment, Shen Xingran wasn't sure which side Shen Xingyu would take.

But when his gaze shifted to Madam Shen, Shen Xingyu sighed softly.

The contemplation and pondering in his eyes faded away.

Looking down at Lu Ran, he said, "Put it back. It's just a pastry, no need to fight over it."

Madam Shen immediately wore a triumphant expression.

Shen Xingran also lowered his eyes, suppressing the smile on his lips.

Lu Ran probably didn't know that their eldest brother had never cared about the truth.

While Madam Shen and Shen Xingran expected Lu Ran to be furious,

There, Lu Ran held the pastry with a puppy print in the palm of his hand, gazing at Shen Xingyu with a composed expression, and asked,

"You said this is a pastry?"

"Stop messing around, I'll...,"

Shen Xingyu's words were cut short as the pastry suddenly appeared before his lips, leaving him momentarily stunned.

"Go ahead, take a bite," Lu Ran encouraged.

Shen Xingyu paused.

He lifted his gaze to look at Lu Ran.

Expecting to see a myriad of emotions like grievance or anger on the young man's face, instead, he encountered a pair of dark, composed eyes that seemed to see through everything.

Staring at the university freshman before him, Shen Xingyu spoke with the clarity of a youth, his voice cool and collected as he said:

"You don't care whether it's Shen Xingran's pastry or my homework; you have no intention of delving into it."

"All that occupies your mind is how to swiftly resolve the situation so as not to disrupt your work and rest."

"You believe that dealing with Mrs. Shen would be troublesome and might interfere with your job, whereas I'm easier to appease, and afterwards, you can compensate me in your own way."

"That's why you chose to side with Mrs. Shen and Shen Xingran, asking me to return the item."

"Even though you're aware that what I have is most likely my own assignment."

"Just like at that banquet, you also know that I didn't push Young Master Fang."

The young man spoke at length.

Thoughts are lucid, and reasoning is coherent.

Shen Xingyu was initially taken aback by the young man's address to Madam Shen.

Then, for the first time, his gaze upon Lu Ran turned genuinely serious.

At last, there was no more of that exasperating feeling of looking at a child.

Shen Xingyu's lips trembled slightly as he uttered with great difficulty, "Y...you..."

Yet the moment his lips parted, the "pastry" held delicately in the youth's hand inched even closer.

Shen Xingyu lowered his gaze.

Seeing the once tiny figure, not even as tall as his thigh, now smiling cheekily at him and saying:

"Yet, Vice President Xiao Shen, every action comes with a cost. You can't expect me to comply obediently without doing anything in return, can you?"

"Very well," Lu Ran sighed. "I won't submit this assignment either. Since you insist it's a pastry, take a bite and eat it. I promise I'll leave without a second word."

This time, Shen Xingyu finally lowered his gaze to glance at the pastry held in the youth's hand.

Elegantly crafted, adorned with intricate patterns.

It appeared no different from the peach mountain skin mooncakes sold in pastry shops.

Madam Shen and Shen Xingran also wore puzzled expressions.

Though… due to Lu Ran's past actions, they were somewhat suspicious.

But no matter how they looked at it, that item seemed entirely ordinary.

Shen Xingran shared the same thought.

Last night, when he had seized the opportunity amidst the chaos to take this "homework" from Lu Ran's bag, he had even given it a sniff.

Its exterior seemed to exude the fragrance of a regular baked pastry.

Shen Xingyu paused for a moment before reaching out to take the pastry.

He had hesitated for a brief moment too.

But recalling that Lu Ran had just mentioned it was a nutrition assignment,

it probably wasn't some random bizarre item.

Thus, Young Master Shen slightly furrowed his brow and gently bit down.

The moment Shen Xingyu bit down.

Lu Ran sighed and began to grumble, "That elective course teacher of mine is really inhumane."

"The assignments he gives are absurdly nutritious, like mine which requires an incredibly high protein content."

"Not only that, the lab funding is very limited... I've been busy for almost two weeks, constantly trying out suitable ingredients."

Listening to Lu Ran's words, Shen Xingran found it somewhat amusing.

Why was he saying this now?

Was he really driven mad by Shen Xingyu?

But Lu Ran's tone suddenly turned joyful, "But I finally found it! I can use mealworms and Dubia roaches!"

What kind of insects were those?

What's a Dubia roach?

All three people in the room were momentarily taken aback.

Even Shen Xingyu, who was "eating" the pastry, froze.

But he had already bitten down. Out of habit, his teeth came together.

In that instant of biting down.

He felt a slight resistance from his teeth, followed by a crisp "crack."

Then, a burst of sweet and bloody fluid exploded in his mouth.

Lu Ran was still brooding over the situation:

"But when I looked it up, Dubia roaches are really expensive! But that didn't stop me because their close relative, the American cockroach, is very cheap and abundant everywhere."

"So I caught a whole net full."

Cockroach from the Americas?

Frankly, at that moment, Shen Xingyu was utterly bewildered.

He pondered slowly, wondering what "Cockroach from the Americas" referred to as a specialized term.

Slowly... he lowered his head very gradually.

Taking a glance at the "pastry" that had been bitten in his hand.

The delicate and pale yellow exterior, seemingly cute and exquisite, proved deceptive as it concealed not the filling of green bean paste within.

From the bitten gap, half of a cockroach's carcass was spurting its contents grotesquely.

Next to this semi-devoured remains, another cockroach, barely clinging to life, emerged from its hiding place, its antennae wavering as if it had finally found an exit.

Surrounding these two cockroaches were countless red mealworms, wriggling frenziedly with their bodies.

With a profound gaze, Shen Xingyu stared at the dead cockroach in his hand and the intact one before him.

It was not until the intact cockroach slowly broke free from the pastry shell and crawled onto his finger that Shen Xingyu, nearly petrified, abruptly threw the object away as if awakening from a nightmare!

Lu Ran, who had been prepared, caught it swiftly.

He spoke with excitement about his experiment, "Due to severe protein loss at high temperatures, I used a low-temperature light roasting technique. Look, Uncle Cockroach is still alive inside!"

Realizing the taste in his mouth, Shen Xingyu's face turned pale green.

He bent down to spit out the "pastry" in his mouth.

But Lu Ran raised his hand, pressing the pastry against Shen Xingyu's lips, and sternly said, "Spit what? Who told you to spit! Do you know how much effort I put into researching this recipe for two weeks?"

"Become a pastry with just one of your words?"

"Pastry, my ancestor? Eat it now, damn it!"

Shen Xingyu was smothered by this "pastry."

As the outer layer crumbled,

Grain weevils and two cockroaches spilled onto the floor.

One landed on the ground,

Vibrantly crawling about wildly.

The other straight into Shen Xingyu's shirt collar.

Madam Shen let out a scream on the spot.

Shen Xingran's expression also turned grim.

He actually put this inside his pastry box?

He even took one out and ate it just now?

The two of them immediately attempted to escape upon realizing the situation.

But Lu Ran wiped his hand on Shen Xingyu's white shirt and slammed the door shut with a kick.

"No way you're running! Not a chance!"

As he spoke, Mrs. Shen and Shen Xingran witnessed Lu Ran pull out two identical pastries as if by magic from his pocket.

He sneered at them coldly and said, "How could we enjoy a treat without you two? Here's your share!"

Without any mercy, Lu Ran crushed the pastry's outer shell with his hand and stuffed it into Mrs. Shen's mouth.

Then, he swiftly turned around and grabbed Shen Xingran's hair.

"Want the pastry your mom bought for you? It's been waiting for you!"

"Knowing that I'm trying to earn credits, it wouldn't be you, Shen Xingran, if you didn't cause some trouble!"

Shen Xingran was taken aback. "Y-You actually knew...?"

"Fool! Do you really think I spent all that time in the lab just to make one and wait for you to steal it?"

Lu Ran's eyes crinkled into a smile. "By the way, let me tell you, the protein content of the pastry's outer layer can't be too low either. But I've run out of budget, so I had to figure out a way to extract bacteria from animal feces, dry them into powder, and use that as the coating."

Before he could finish his sentence, a retching sound was heard.

Next to him, Shen Xingyu vomited.

Now, in this room that belonged solely to Shen Xingran, mealworms crawled all over the floor.

Cockroaches flew around wildly.

Some even laid large egg cases mid-flight.

At the door.

After finally returning home and hearing some commotion on the third floor, Shen Xingzhuo came to investigate only to find himself speechless.

Upon opening the door, he was greeted with a scene of utter chaos within the room.

His outstanding older brother, not only disheveled in appearance, was even shaking two cockroaches out of his shirt.

Shen Xingzhuo quietly closed the door again.

Rushing down the stairs at a speed unparalleled in his entire life, he flew out of the Shen family residence.

Chapter 166 - The City Falls

Uncle Xu did not have to wait too long; after an hour and a half, he returned with the small cloth bundle. He expressed his gratitude and exhorted caution before making his way back to the small courtyard in the western part of the city through a labyrinth of alleys.

When Shen Jin received the bundle from Uncle Xu's hands, tears streamed down her face as she realized its contents. She knelt on the ground and sincerely bowed her head three times, leaving red marks on her forehead from the impact.

In the meantime, Shen Tie had been fed salted sugar water again and was still deeply asleep. Shen Yin, who had drunk two bowls of the solution, could now open his eyes upon hearing the noise. Although somewhat delirious when the shopkeeper and Uncle Xu carried him away, he had still managed to hear their conversation and see his brother weeping and bowing to Uncle Xu. A tear trickled down his cheek as he inferred the grim reality.

Wen Lingzhen felt a pang of sympathy. With a stinging nose, she turned around, found a small jar of appropriate size, and handed it to Shen Jin. After shedding some tears while holding the jar, Shen Jin packed the contents, wrapped it with another piece of cloth that she asked Wen Lingzhen for, and finally placed it in her bundle.

...

And thus, Li's life came to an end. Compared to most people in this chaotic era, she had the fortune of being laid to rest and having her young children saved – a rare blessing.

Since Uncle Xu did not need to go to the city walls, he joined the shopkeeper and his son in digging the tunnel. Upon observing Shen Yin and Shen Tie's conditions and estimating that it was almost noon, Wen Lingzhen began to pack up.

There was not much to gather, as all their valuables were already in the few small bundles they brought from Shezhou. There were also a few possessions belonging to the shopkeeper and Uncle Xu, along with the remaining salt.

As for rice, there was none left. After vigorously shaking the rice sack, Wen Lingzhen could only scrape together a tiny amount that barely covered the palm of her hand – it was smaller than two copper coins when spread out flat.

She fetched a small clay pot, filled it halfway with water, and cooked all the rice. Once done, she scooped out every grain of rice and added a bowl of the remaining rice broth to share among her three brothers. The leftover broth was left to cool in the pot before being transferred into a water bag.

The family had three water bags: one for cool drinking water, one for rice broth, and one for a small amount of salted sugar solution.

The cool water was reserved for their own consumption. As for the rice broth and the salted sugar solution, since they didn't know if they would have the chance to cook during their journey, Shen Yin and Shen Tie's meals had to be prepared beforehand.

Jin fed the rice broth to his two younger brothers alongside Wei Lingzhen. When there was only a little left, Wei Lingzhen offered it to him. He noticed that the Xu family hadn't joined them for food and asked why. It was then he learned that this was the last bit of rice from the Xu family, half of which had been saved in water bags for Xiao Yin and Xiao Tie.

No one knew the true horrors Jin had endured, with his father driven to starvation, contemplating eating his own children. Yet, it was the almost unfamiliar Xu family who rescued the three brothers, prioritizing them even in their last moments of sustenance.

A tear fell into the bowl, creating ripples in the remaining rice broth.

Seeing his distress, Wei Lingzhen reassured him, "Don't dwell on it too much. We've hidden some extra food outside, and we should be able to escape tonight. Then, we'll have more to eat. That's why we're giving you priority now. If we ever reach a point where we have nothing ourselves, we won't have the means to help. By then, you'll need to stand on your own feet."

Jin wiped away his tears and looked up at Wei Lingzhen. "Aunt Xu, thank you for saving us and my brothers. We will forever remember your kindness and repay you when we have the means!"

Feeling that promising the future was too vague, he hastily added, "My eldest brother taught me how to trap wild chickens and hunt rabbits. I also recognize many edible wild vegetables. Once we're out, I'll find a way to provide food for all of us - for you, Uncle Xu, Grandpa Xu, and my two elder brothers, so you can enjoy meat and vegetables too."

Wei Lingzhen laughed, "Alright then, grow up strong and healthy. Only by surviving do we have a future."

Shen Jin sparingly sipped his rice soup, eventually feeding the last two spoonfuls to the critically ill Shen Tie before finally taking the remaining bits for himself. Naturally, he didn't fill his stomach. He added some cool water to rinse the remnants and drank until he was satisfied.

Wei Lingzhen saw this and didn't intervene. It was indeed risky if the younger one didn't eat enough.

...

The Xu family had run out of food. In the underground hideout, Chen Dashan and Shen Lie waited anxiously, gradually losing hope with each passing day.

Chen Dashan said, "The grain we left for Wei Qinghe should be running out by now, right?"

Did Xu Pan and the others really dig a tunnel?

Chen Dashan and Shen Lie were no longer certain.

Shen Lie paced around the dark cavern and spoke, "Let's wait until tonight. Even if their tunnel is completed now, they likely won't dare to come out in broad daylight. If they haven't emerged by dawn, then..."

He gritted his teeth and declared, "We'll head back."

They had been out for too long. The people in the valley must be worried. After waiting so long, they should have dug their way out by now. If they still hadn't, there could only be one explanation: Xu Pan hadn't dug a tunnel. In that case, waiting any longer would be futile.

Mid-sentence, he abruptly lifted his head to look toward the ground. Chen Dashan also sensed something amiss. The sounds of war drums and shouting were distinctly different from the occasional minor disturbances they had experienced in the past few days; they seemed overly intense.

Both men's expressions changed as they climbed a few steps up the excavated staircase, lifting the shelter's lid slightly to listen more closely.

With the lid open, the noise became clearer, causing a fine sheen of sweat to break out on Shen Lie's palms.

Had the city fallen?

The voices sounded far too enthusiastic and spirited, reminiscent of the exhilaration that accompanied a successful siege.

...

At the same time, within the city, at the ruined Xu residence, Xu Wenhong emerged from the secret tunnel with excitement brimming in his eyes, despite his attempt to suppress his voice. "Mother, we've reached the tree roots! It's a robust root system!"

Wei Lingzhen, upon hearing this, sprang to her feet, equally thrilled.

Discovering the tree roots meant they had found a cover for digging their way out.

She instructed Shen Jin to stay outside while she followed her son into the tunnel to assess the situation.

Shopkeeper Xu was also delighted. Together with Uncle Xu and Xu Wenqing, they had already excavated an area around the tree trunk where one could stand. Now, they were digging upward, having already dug nearly two feet deep.

In a low voice, Shopkeeper Xu whispered to Wei Lingzhen, "Back then, we dug down about five feet. Now, if we dig up three feet, leaving a thickness of about a foot, we'll be able to escape once we break through at night."

The tunnel was too narrow for Wei Lingzhen to assist in the digging. All she could do was help clear the soil into the baskets.

In the main room, Shen Jin was also deeply excited.

They would be able to leave at night.

He squeezed Shen Yin and Shen Tie's hands and said, "Little Yin, Little Tie, did you hear that? Tonight, we'll be able to get out. Once we're out of this town, I'll catch some pheasants for you, and we'll dig up wild vegetables to eat."

Shen Tie's eyelids fluttered, attempting to open, but failed.

On the other hand, Shen Yin faintly opened her eyes and curved her lips slightly in response to Shen Jin.

Shen Jin stroked Shen Tie's hand, which was no longer as cold as it had been that morning. Although it was only a slight movement of his eyelids, he was still overjoyed. Just as he was about to say more encouraging words to Shen Tie, he seemed to hear a faint, off-putting sound. He tilted his ear to listen, then put down Shen Tie's hand, got up, and left the main room, heading for the courtyard by opening the door.

Upon entering the courtyard, the indistinct sound became slightly clearer.

Screams of battle?

Many voices crying out in the midst of combat.

Shen Jin froze for a moment, then his face paled as he dashed towards the main house and into the tunnel. He recalled Xu Wenhong's warning: not to speak loudly here, but to run swiftly. Reaching the end of the tunnel, he grabbed hold of Xu Wenhong, who was standing at the outermost edge, and said, "Brother Wenhong, Uncle Xu, something's wrong. There are many people shouting outside. Have the bandits broken in?"

The faces of Shopkeeper Xu and the others instantly changed.

Stuffing the hoe into the hands of his youngest son, he instructed, "Keep digging, hurry up!"

He then called out to Uncle Xu and Wei Lingzhen, "Quickly, block the entrance to the courtyard and gather our belongings. Take the children down into the tunnel."

In an instant, the three adults rushed out. Xu Wenhong and Xu Wenqing began excavating the exit with incredible speed. Shen Jin was worried about Shen Yin and Shen Tie still above ground, but upon hearing that Shopkeeper Xu hadn't forgotten his younger brothers, he set aside his concerns. Picking up the hoe that Uncle Xu had left behind, he started digging too, piling the loose soil into steps. Stepping on them, he joined in the effort to dig upward.

With bandits in the city, every second counted for survival.

...

The moment Shopkeeper Xu emerged from the tunnel, he heard the commotion. Although the sounds of attacks were common in the city every day, they usually remained distant. Today, however, the noise was much closer and growing louder by the minute. It was clear that chaos had erupted within the city.

Without hesitation, he joined Uncle Xu in searching for something to prop up the courtyard gate. There wasn't much left, as the previous occupants had taken everything they could, including firewood. Most of the furniture that couldn't be moved, Shopkeeper Xu had dismantled for fuel. Now, they could only manage with some wooden planks.

After securing the gate, they waited for Wei Lingzhen to gather their belongings. Uncle Xu grabbed an ax lying in the yard, and the trio retreated into the main house, pushing the only remaining Eight Immortals table against the door for added protection.

Wei Lingzhen first carried Shen Yin into the tunnel, then returned to carry Shen Tie. She also took Shen Jin's bundle and kitchen knife before reentering the tunnel and promptly taking over Shen Jin's tasks.

Shen Jin didn't say much; he lacked strength and was small. At his height, even with a hoe and standing on mud, he couldn't reach higher spots. He knew he couldn't dig as effectively as Aunt Xu. Relinquishing his spot, he retrieved his small bow, filled his pockets with stones, and held onto the kitchen knife, guarding Shen Yin and Shen Tie who lay close by.

In the main house, after bolting the door, Shopkeeper Xu turned to the bedding area, extracting a dagger from beneath the mattress and a small medicine bottle from his chest pocket – the ones Shen Lie had given him for self-defense. Alongside Uncle Xu, they stood guard at the Eight Immortals table, attentively listening to the noises outside.

The cries, screams, and battle cries were now deafeningly clear.

"It's ours now!"

In the tunnel, Wei Lingzhen and her sons dug frantically, disregarding any technique. Dirt covered their heads, faces, and bodies as they focused solely on excavating the exit as quickly as possible.

The courtyard gate thundered with a loud crash, causing Shopkeeper Xu's breathing to quicken. Veins bulged in his hand as he tightly gripped the dagger.

Jin Shen dashed to the tunnel entrance to assess the situation. Hearing the commotion outside, he rushed back, "Hurry, someone's ramming the courtyard gate!"

Xu Wenqing's eyes reddened with determination as he dug furiously.

In the dimly lit tunnel illuminated by a single oil lamp, with each scoop of his shovel, large clumps of soil tumbled down, revealing a small patch of daylight!

It was connected!

Even Jin Shen sensed the light and turned to look.

"I'll go call Grandpa Xu and Uncle Xu."

He sprinted outside without hesitation.

The courtyard gate had already been forced open, and Jin Shen also reached the tunnel entrance, "Quick, quick, it's connected!"

Hearing this, Shopkeeper Xu and Uncle Xu didn't bother about the situation outside anymore. They followed Jin Shen into the tunnel. Xu Wenqing continued digging, swiftly expanding the hole to accommodate one person.

Uncertain of the situation outside, Xu Wenqing cautiously poked his head out. It was a forest; perhaps the bandits had surged into the city. Looking around, he noticed no one in sight. Xu Wenqing promptly used both hands to hoist himself up.

Next came Xu Wenhong, Shen Yin, Shen Tie, and Shen Jin, all handed up by Madam Wei and Shopkeeper Xu while Xu Wenchao received them from above.

With the children safely up, Madam Wei was urged upward by Shopkeeper Xu. Once she was on the surface, he passed up two shovels and a spade, urging Uncle Xu to hurry.

But Uncle Xu refused to go first.

"Quick, Husband, go up."

Another noise echoed from outside the tunnel – a table being moved aside. Without further ado, Shopkeeper Xu climbed up in a few swift movements, assisted by Xu Wenchao and Madam Wei.

The robbers' excited cries could be heard echoing in the tunnel, "There's a tunnel! Chase after them!"

He didn't waste time, urging Xu Wenchao to pull Uncle Xu up quickly while Madam Wei and Xu Wenhong fetched Shen Yin and Shen Tie. Concealing his dagger, he dipped the tip of the small medicine bottle into the shovel's edge, swiftly coating both shovel blades with the medicine.

By then, Uncle Xu had managed to climb out. Barely three steps away from the tunnel entrance, a burly man emerged from below.

Shopkeeper Xu was ready, swinging his shovel at the man.

Not an inherently skilled fighter, his swing missed the vital spots on the man's neck or head, instead hitting his arm.

Blood has been drawn, blood has been drawn!

Xu, the shopkeeper, was so excited that his eyes sparkled with joy.

Unaware of the impending danger, the man let out a pained cry. Fueled by anger, he seized the hoe with all his might, yanking it free and climbing upward.

Shopkeeper Xu didn't have the strength to match him; after the man pulled out the hoe, he couldn't budge it despite his efforts. Xu Wenqing and Uncle Xu, who were standing by, hastily grabbed their own hoes and shovels to lend a hand. However, before they could even swing their tools, the burly man, who was only halfway up, suddenly seemed to freeze in place.

Shopkeeper Xu hastily pulled back his hoe, and this time it came free with ease.

"Go! Hurry up and leave!"

Let Wei Lingzhen and the others depart; he remained steadfast at the entrance of the cave. If there were any reliable means to eliminate the bandits in pursuit, exploiting the cave's constricted aperture that could only accommodate one person crawling through, a venom-laden hoe wielded with force would prove most efficacious.

Three bandits pursued them inside. The first one who scrambled up let out a shrill cry, indicating that he had been assaulted. Despite his obvious determination to keep climbing, his movements suddenly slowed, and he shouted anxiously, "Second Brother, what's wrong with you?"

The second one, dragged down by his companions, had already turned ashen around the lips.

These three were siblings from the same family; how could they tolerate their brother's murder? Especially after seeing those luxurious quilts and bedding just now.

Living in a dilapidated shack, they were covered in fine blankets and had secret tunnels. It was evident that the wealthy family had intentionally chosen this rundown house near the city wall to dig an escape route.

Pirates have their own code of conduct. They don't target the rich; they prey on the less fortunate. If a wealthy catch is stumbled upon, would they let it slip away?

Yet, these two brothers weren't fools. They knew their second brother had died from poison, and they weren't foolish enough to rush into a suicidal situation.

The eldest brother shouted upwards, "If you have the guts, stay by that tunnel entrance!"

Then, he turned to his youngest sibling, "Third Brother, go call for backup!"

The youngest brother agreed but didn't actually leave. He was merely putting pressure on those above, intending to keep the spoils for themselves.

Indeed, Shopkeeper Xu didn't dare to guard the entrance and knew it was futile. There were too many bandits over there. If more people arrived, ten of him wouldn't be enough to fend them off.

He gestured for Uncle Xu to leave, but Uncle Xu was stubborn. Gripping his hoe, he declared, "I'll stay and guard. You all leave!"

Every moment counted.

Shopkeeper Xu couldn't bear to let him stay. It would only lead to death, and even sacrificing a life wouldn't buy much extra time.

Xu Shanggui wouldn't risk his life for such a short period of time. He pulled his uncle back and said, "Let's go together!"

Xu Wenqing was eager to help and was about to step forward when Jin, who was standing beside him, suddenly let out a suppressed exclamation of excitement. "Big Brother!"

Following Jin's gaze, they saw a tall young man, who appeared to be in his twenties, standing behind the bushes.

It was Shen Lie who intentionally revealed himself to be seen by Jin. The moment the young boy called out 'Big Brother', Shen Lie pressed a finger to his lips.

Jin promptly covered his mouth.

Yet, this single cry was enough for Manager Xu to hear it. Following Shen Jin's line of sight, he looked towards the bush and was so overwhelmed with excitement upon recognizing the person standing behind it that he felt like thanking the heavens.

It was Shen Lie!

And next to him was Chen Dashan!

The heavens were indeed determined to save their entire family!

Manager Xu's throat convulsed. He felt that he must have accumulated tremendous virtue in his previous life.

Shen Lie and Chen Dashan had already drawn their bows, gesturing to Shopkeeper Xu and Uncle Xu to run. They then pulled out arrows from their quivers and notched them.

Shopkeeper Xu immediately understood. He held up two fingers to signal the number of bandits to Shen Lie and Chen Dashan. Upon receiving their nods, he dropped his hands and urged Uncle Xu, "Go! Whoever stays here will die. We can't hold them off for long. We can't outrun them, so hurry!"

Uncle Xu had also seen Shen Lie and Chen Dashan. He knew that Shopkeeper Xu's words were meant for the bandits below. With Shen Jin addressing him as 'Big Brother,' they knew Shen Lie was present. The bandits would assume the child was calling for someone who was part of the family and wouldn't suspect anything.

He played along, sighing and stomping his foot before following Shopkeeper Xu in a dash.

The two raced towards Wei Lingzhen and the others. The family fled desperately, continually shouting for everyone to run, inadvertently revealing their position with each cry.

The two bandits below felt reassured. Taking turns, they climbed upward. The first one's eyes were solely fixed on the fleeing Shopkeeper Xu's family, completely oblivious to the figures lurking behind the bushes to the side.

As the first bandit reached the top, Shen Lie remained still.

When the second one ascended and took two steps, Shen Lie and Chen Dashan, who had been working together for years, didn't need to exchange a word. In perfect synchronization, they released their arrows.

The two bandits, brandishing their blades in pursuit of their prey, heard only the whistling of arrows slicing through the air. Their hairs stood on end, and before they could identify the source of danger, a sharp pain pierced their hearts. Their bodies froze, and they stood there in disbelief, staring down at the quivering arrow shafts protruding from their chests.