Chapter Seven: The Haunting Shadows Remain

Yuan Xiaoying grinned mischievously, like a little witch. “This records a couple, embracing passionately under the morning sun. It’s so sweet and heartwarming—anyone who sees it would believe they’re either newlyweds or madly in love.”

He swallowed his anger, admitting defeat. “Fine, just tell me—what do you want from me?”

“Haven’t I told you already? Marry me!” The beautiful woman replied triumphantly.

Liu Jingye wouldn’t believe another word she said. He sneered, “You must be crazy. If you’re sick, take your medicine!”

At once, he reached out to snatch her phone, but as soon as he got close, the stunning beauty suddenly kicked out fiercely. Her fair, slender leg shot up like a dragon soaring into the sky, whipping up a burst of wind. The sharp heel of her stiletto aimed straight for his chin, swift and ruthless.

He hurried to block with his arm, but the force of her kick was so great it left his arm tingling. Before he could recover, she instantly switched moves—ducking down and sweeping her leg out in a low kick.

Liu Jingye jumped back, forced to retreat by her seamless, flowing movements.

“Damn, she’s trained,” he thought, secretly alarmed.

Yuan Xiaoying warned, “Don’t you come any closer! I’ll scream if you do!”

Now his hands were tied. This was the countryside; every home was close together. If she shouted, the whole village would hear.

Seeing him frozen, Yuan Xiaoying was delighted. Her face beamed as she stuck out her tongue at him in a show of victory. “Just behave yourself and wait to be the groom!”

Her pretty face flushed a deeper red as she turned and hurried back inside. Liu Jingye stood there, dumbfounded, lost in confusion. “Is this what city girls are like nowadays? She’s a devil! Who would fake and scheme like this about marriage?”

“She’s forcing me to become second-hand before I’ve even been unwrapped!”

Yet in that brief moment, he had to admit, his heart wavered. Maybe it really was time to fall in love, to find someone to share life with.

But definitely not this cunning, devious woman!

Fuming, Liu Jingye was just about to chase after her and seize her phone when he heard the clamor of voices outside. The neighbors were up and beginning their busy day.

He had no desire to create a spectacle. Resigned, he lit a cigarette, opened the door, and greeted everyone enthusiastically. “Good morning, Uncle San, Auntie Er, Aunt Fourth!”

As Liu Jingye chatted with the neighbors, Yuan Xiaoying reappeared, now dressed in his clothes—much too large for her, but lending her a lazy kind of beauty, and an air of intimacy.

Liu Jingye frowned, and the neighbors shot her curious glances, which soon turned suggestive.

Noticing the change, Yuan Xiaoying’s eyes flickered with mischievous intent. Liu Jingye’s heart skipped—what trick was she up to now?

Just as he moved to close the door, Yuan Xiaoying, cheeks flushed, cooed sweetly, “Honey, I’m hungry. Please go buy breakfast for me…”

The word “honey” made Liu Jingye’s bones melt, saccharine and embarrassing. The neighbors shivered in secondhand embarrassment.

He stared at her, speechless, as Yuan Xiaoying came closer, her face redder still. She bit her lip, glanced at the neighbors, and deliberately leaned in to whisper in his ear—loud enough for everyone to hear.

“And while you’re at it, can you buy me some ‘anti-invader supplies’?”

“Anti-invader supplies?” Liu Jingye was puzzled. “Are you fighting off enemies again?”

The neighbors looked on with interest. Yuan Xiaoying poked his forehead, feigning bashful annoyance. “I mean sanitary pads! The brand you bought me last time—the really soft ones!”

Liu Jingye nearly choked with mortification. He wanted to ask, “Little miss, you’re so bold—do your family know how outrageous you are?”

The neighbors’ reactions were a mix of shock and amusement, the elderly flustered, the young ones grinning knowingly.

This was exactly the effect Yuan Xiaoying wanted: to have everyone regard them as an intimate couple, leaving Liu Jingye with no way out.

Then, she fanned the flames. “Oh, and by the way, we ran out of ‘blue shields’ last night too. Remember to buy another box.”

“Blue shields? Should I buy you a Gargamel to go with them?” Liu Jingye retorted sarcastically.

“Oh, come on! I mean the kind that blocks your life essence—you used it last night, remember?” Yuan Xiaoying explained, her cheeks burning.

Now even the elderly at the door knew exactly what she meant.

Liu Jingye’s face turned crimson, both mortified and angry. Yuan Xiaoying, equally embarrassed, fled inside. After a few steps, she turned and waved to the neighbors. “Hello, everyone! I’m Liu Jingye’s fiancée. Please take care of us!”

With that, she dashed off, leaving the neighbors abuzz—especially the aunties, who crowded forward, all talking at once.

“小Liu, is that girl your wife? She’s really pretty.”

“Yeah, how come we’ve never seen her before? You kept this well hidden.”

“Look at that figure—she’ll bear children easily! Hurry up and give your parents a grandchild.”

The mention of grandchildren struck a chord in Liu Jingye’s heart. He’d returned home to care for his parents and enjoy the warmth of family life.

He left, deeply exasperated, listening to their endless chatter and feeling all the eyes of envy and curiosity on him. He knew better than to explain—explaining would only make things worse.

He set off to buy breakfast, determined not to buy her any “anti-invader supplies.” As the saying goes: “Touch a sanitary pad once, and you’ll have three years of bad luck.”

Lost in thought, his vision suddenly darkened. Looking up, he saw an old man in gray clothes, his hair peppered with white, body stooped but sturdy, with a sly smile always on his face.

Liu Jingye quickly put on a smile. “Uncle Second.”

They weren’t actually related, but as long-time neighbors, they called each other’s fathers “brother.” Liu Jingye respected these elders deeply.

Uncle Second glanced at the inn, winked, and said, “Well done, boy—landing such a fine girl.”

Liu Jingye scratched his head awkwardly. The old man patted his shoulder, speaking earnestly. “Hurry and buy those blue shields—young folks need to be careful. And don’t overdo it; keep yourself in top shape if you want a son!”

Liu Jingye understood—the old man was feeling nostalgic and envious. He’d had three daughters, named “Zhaodi,” “Daidi,” and “Laidi,” but never a son—a lifelong regret.

Quickly, Liu Jingye changed the subject. “Uncle Second, was there something you needed?”

The old man came to his senses, a bit embarrassed. “Oh, right. You know my three girls are all at home. Since your business is doing so well, could you give them some work? Just a little pocket money.”

This little country inn, a big business? Liu Jingye could only smile wryly. The old man, seeing his hesitation, grinned. “Don’t try to hide it from your uncle. I saw everything last night.”

“Last night?” Liu Jingye frowned.

The old man glanced around conspiratorially. “I saw several luxury cars at the village entrance. The people inside looked wealthy—they said they were here to talk business with you. I knew you wouldn’t just run this shabby inn.”

Liu Jingye’s eyes flickered. He didn’t want the old man to suspect anything, so he asked deliberately, “Oh, was one of them a young man about my age?”

“That’s right!” The old man nodded.

Then, as if remembering something, he lowered his voice. “Jingye, it’s good for young people to make money, but don’t go down the wrong path. Last night, I thought I saw someone in that car with a gun.”

Liu Jingye was alarmed—the situation was more dangerous than he’d realized.

He quickly reassured the old man. “That’s just my friend. He’s got a lighter shaped like a pistol—just likes novelty things. By the way, we could use some flexible help at the inn—doing laundry and such. Do you think your girls could handle it?”

“They certainly can! Girls are best at that kind of work.” The old man’s mood lifted.

Liu Jingye nodded in agreement.

After seeing the old man off, Liu Jingye’s brow furrowed in thought. The young master in the luxury car must be from the “Huangchao” organization. He’d come in person, armed, just for those earrings—it must mean everything to him, enough to kill for.

Lighting a cigarette, Liu Jingye thought darkly, “Are you forcing my hand?”