Chapter 1487 - 1488: The Purpose of Kidnapping Rong Yan
Chapter 1487: Chapter 1488: The Purpose of Kidnapping Rong Yan
He stood in place, trembling slightly, pulled out a water-pipe and leaned against the wall as he smoked. When the bright-red ember at his fingertips had finished burning, he tossed the stub to the ground and crushed it underfoot.
He walked over to the well in the courtyard, drew water, and washed his face. Then he stood there for a moment, thought about it, grabbed a toothbrush and toothpaste from nearby, and rinsed his mouth thoroughly. He cupped his palm to his lips, exhaled into it, and sniffed. Satisfied that there was no smell of smoke anymore, he trudged toward the village, his steps uneven...
The autumn harvest was in full swing, and the green fields were scattered with people smoking while working. Most wore just thin, sleeveless vests, with straw hats on their heads to shield them from the sun. The autumn breeze swept through, carrying bursts of the sweet aroma of grass, wood, and fruit.
Compared to the bustling scenery of Capital City, 120 kilometers away, this place was pure and rustic, with crisp autumn air—a completely different world!
On his way, villagers greeted the tall man in passing. Young and old alike, their smiles were simple and bright; it was clear he had great relations within the community.
"Naughty child, you’re back!"
"Mm."
"How’s the work situation this year?"
"Not bad."
"That’s good! You’ve been making money, huh? It’s good for young folks to go out and make a living. Earn some money and come back to build a house and settle down with a wife."
"Mm."
He carried a heavy heart, unlike his usual talkative self, taking long strides as he walked.
Crossing the field paths, he quickly reached a small courtyard.
Compared to the surrounding yards, which boasted neat, pretty two-story homes, this courtyard stood out for its modesty—it was just a few shabby brick houses.
As soon as he stepped inside, a woman feeding the chickens put down her basket in surprise and walked over after wiping her hands. "Naughty child, you’re back? Are you tired? Do you want some water? Let me make you a cup of sugar water."
In the yard was also a young girl, about twenty years old, wearing a blue-checkered shirt. Her youthful face was delicate and pretty, with large, round eyes that shone brightly, capturing a simple and refreshing beauty. Her only flaw, perhaps, was her sallow complexion, and she was emaciated—not the slenderness deliberately maintained by some girls, but the kind of gaunt thinness that looked almost skeletal and unhealthy. On her lap rested a sewing kit, her thin wrists protruding sharply, and even from a distance, the raised veins in her arms were visible.
"Brother." When the young girl saw the tall man, her face lit up with joy, and she set aside the sewing kit in her hands, standing up excitedly.
The tall man walked up to her, bent down, and gently touched her forehead, asking softly, "How have you been these past few days? Have you been taking your medicine like you’re supposed to? Does anything still hurt?"
The girl shook her head, calmly replying, "Brother, stop spending money to buy me medicine. I know my condition; dragging it out is just wasting money. You’ve worked so hard out there for years to save up that little bit of money. You should keep it for fixing the house and bringing home a pretty sister-in-law someday~"
The large hand resting on her forehead froze in place.
She spoke again, softly, "I’m not afraid of dying. Really. Brother, I’m not scared. Everyone dies eventually. Maybe Lord Yama already wrote in the Book of Life and Death that I’d have to leave early. My only worry is about Mom and Grandma. When I’m gone, it’ll be just the two of them. Who’s going to take care of them in their old age? Especially Mom—Grandma has Mom to send her off. But if I’m gone, when Mom gets old, there won’t be anyone to send her off. So, Brother, can you help me with this?"
Her eyes were bright as she gazed at the tall man. "When I’m gone, please take care of Mom and Grandma for me. When Mom’s time comes, can you help send her off properly?"