Chapter 17: Nature’s Inevitable Return

Seeing Lin Chuyi’s bewildered expression, Mo Yu raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further; after all, this was someone else’s private matter.

“Thank you for saving me, miss.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Chuyi instinctively replied, “If you hadn’t threatened me, I wouldn’t have saved you.”

Mo Yu’s brow twitched slightly, but he didn’t respond. He knew Lin Chuyi was speaking the truth. A faint trace of resentment lingered on her delicate face. Indeed, as a young woman, witnessing such a scene might have led her to classify him as a vile villain.

When Mo Yu fell silent, Lin Chuyi looked at him in puzzlement, only to find him calmly gazing at her. Her heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Heavens, she had just spoken honestly—this was disastrous. What if he grew displeased and killed her and Lin Qiyue? Perhaps it would be better to strike now, while he was still unarmed.

As Lin Chuyi’s mind raced with such wild thoughts, Mo Yu’s hoarse voice broke the silence. “You need not fear, miss. Though I have slain countless men, I understand the importance of gratitude. You are my lifesavers; how could I ever harm you?”

Perhaps it was the effect of the Orchid Grass fruit or the medicine prescribed by Doctor Li, but Mo Yu finished his words in one breath, without the slightest pause.

“Are you truly not going to harm us?” Lin Chuyi stared straight into Mo Yu’s eyes. Bathed in the firelight, she could clearly discern the depth in his gaze.

Unfortunately, his face was smeared with blood, obscuring his features, which left Lin Chuyi feeling a twinge of regret.

“Truly.”

Receiving his firm assurance, Lin Chuyi breathed a sigh of relief. Nearby, Lin Qiyue, busy plucking chicken feathers, also relaxed noticeably.

Although he was occupied, his ears remained keenly attentive to their conversation. Hearing Mo Yu’s promise, the heavy burden in his heart finally lifted, and even his movements became lighter.

Knowing there was no mortal danger, Lin Chuyi felt at ease. She blinked and suddenly took a few steps closer to Mo Yu.

“We saved your life. Will you repay us?”

Mo Yu was momentarily stunned. He looked into Lin Chuyi’s eyes, searching for some hidden meaning, but all he saw was pure expectation.

Could it be that he was overthinking?

He had noticed both Lin Chuyi and Lin Qiyue visibly relaxing earlier, but were there truly such innocent souls in this world? If he were a villain, what use would promises be?

Seeing Mo Yu silent, Lin Chuyi’s face fell. “You don’t want to?”

“Of course I will repay you.”

Lin Chuyi, who had been fretting over the money spent today, jumped up in delight upon hearing his words.

“Really? Then start by paying for today. That fruit you ate was precious, but since you’re so straightforward, we’ll count it as fifteen taels of silver.”

Lin Qiyue’s lips twitched. Previously, the fruit sold for no more than ten taels. He glanced at Mo Yu, who also wore a helpless expression, making Lin Qiyue feel even more embarrassed.

Lin Chuyi continued, talking animatedly, “Also, since your affairs can’t be knownI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.