Chapter 18: A Debt Worthy of Boundless Gratitude
Lin Qiyue’s hand faltered, almost dropping the chicken he was holding. A burning flush spread across his face—he had already inquired about that leopard, and it was only worth a little over two taels of silver.
Though embarrassed, Lin Qiyue would never argue. If it was a gift, that was a blessing—after all, he had a large family to support. If it didn’t work out, it wouldn’t be a big deal; at worst, it would just invite a little teasing.
“There’s also the medicine money—I left in such a hurry that I forgot to pay for it. Oh, and the chicken that Xiao Qi is holding costs money too, plus this bowl…”
Hearing this, Lin Qiyue’s expression finally betrayed his discomfort. He couldn’t help but interrupt Lin Chuyi, “Yi Yi, you can just return the bowl later.”
Lin Chuyi shot him a sharp glance, displeased. “How can that be? We’ve already used this bowl; they probably wouldn’t want it back.”
Caught under Lin Chuyi’s glare, Lin Qiyue wanted to protest but then noticed Mo Yu looking at him. Embarrassed, he lowered his head and fell silent, letting Lin Chuyi carry on.
At that moment, Lin Chuyi squatted beside Mo Yu, her eyes shining brightly. “The fruit cost fifteen taels, the leopard five, and the rest, let’s say one tael for you. That adds up to twenty-one taels in total. Not too much, right?”
Her excitement grew with every word; if she weren’t mindful of propriety, she might have already flung herself at Mo Yu in her enthusiasm.
Mo Yu’s gaze flickered softly. “A life saved commands profound gratitude. I am obliged to repay you generously.”
---
“Mm, no need, no need. Just give the appropriate payment,” Lin Chuyi nodded quickly, like a little chick pecking at rice.
Beside her, Lin Qiyue sighed and rubbed his forehead—her words clearly carried an unspoken meaning.
Unfortunately, Lin Chuyi remained blissfully unaware, her spirits soaring at the prospect of receiving over twenty taels of silver. The more she looked at Mo Yu, the more endearing he seemed.
Suppressing a smile, Mo Yu handed the pouch of money to Lin Chuyi. “Please take what is rightfully yours, Miss.”
He knew well that he was being taken advantage of by this young lady, but precisely because of that, his doubts gradually eased. If they truly took nothing, that would have been a bigger problem for him.
“Very well!” Lin Chuyi accepted the pouch with a beaming smile. But when she opened it, she froze, her bright eyes almost turning into ingots.
She pulled out a silver ingot from the pouch, swallowing hard in disbelief.
Could it be? Was this really an ingot? It couldn’t be fake...
Thinking so, Lin Chuyi instinctively put the silver ingot into her mouth.
“Ahem…”
---
Mo Yu’s gentle cough finally snapped Lin Chuyi back to reality, but this time she felt no embarrassment.
She took two silver ingots and some small change before returning the pouch.
Her eyes gleamed as she looked at Mo Yu. “Come home with us tomorrow. I’ll take care of you.”
“No need…”
Mo Yu felt awkward under Lin Chuyi’s sparkling gaze. It seemed he was being singled out—it was clear that wealth should never be flaunted.
“It’s fine. We won’t find it troublesome,” Lin Chuyi said cheerfully.
“...”
Mo Yu sighed in resignation, rubbing his forehead. He did find it troublesome and wanted to refuse, but seeing Lin Chuyi’s hopeful little face, he couldn’t bring himself to say no.
Well, she was just trying to squeeze a little more silver out of him. With that thought, Mo Yu finally nodded in response to Lin Chuyi’s expectant gaze.