Chapter 108: The Old Trade Is Quite Lucrative

Mrs. Li watched the couple as they walked down the mountain hand in hand, a smile spreading across her face as she nodded. Though their relationship had been somewhat tumultuous, there was no denying the affection between them. From the way they looked at each other, their feelings seemed genuine. Her daughter truly cared for this son-in-law.

Since everyone in the village was busy clearing new farmland that day, few people were coming down the mountain. In the quiet mountain path, only Gu Xiaoyao accompanied Chu Chengjin as they descended. The cold wind whipped around them, chilling their hearts.

“The path is rugged; let me hold your hand as we walk,” Gu Xiaoyao said, noticing his slow pace and reaching out her small hand.

Chu Chengjin looked at her extended hand, a faint gleam in his eyes, then gently covered it with his larger one.

Their hands clasped, warmth spreading between them like two small creatures tangled together for comfort against the cold wind.

“When we get to town, shall I bring you some medicine? Your wounds seem almost healed.”

Every night before sleep, Gu Xiaoyao tended to him with unwavering care. His recovery was remarkable, likely aided by the potent ointment he applied daily.

“No need. The medicine we have at home is enough for me. My dear wife, you needn’t worry about that,” Chu Chengjin replied.

“I do have something honest to tell you…” Chu Chengjin looked at Gu Xiaoyao, meeting her gaze with a calm expression.

“What is it?” she asked curiously.

“Lately, my pockets have been empty. As for making money, you’ll have to figure that out yourself. My body’s weak, I can’t do heavy work, so I can only earn a coin or two at most.”

He spoke so plainly, without any hint of shame or dependency, that one could only admire his straightforwardness.

Gu Xiaoyao had long known he was poor. She had secretly checked every hiding place in their home where money might be kept and confirmed that he was indeed a man of modest means. A poor man, yet with followers beneath him — and those followers did not appear wealthy either.

She had heard many rumors in the village these days. Not far from here, in the border town, many fighters gathered. They said everyone there was destitute — not only the people in the border town but here, too.

“You have no money? I’ve known that for some time. Supporting you is no trouble; after all, you are a handsome man,” Gu Xiaoyao said, her eyes sparkling.

Chu Chengjin smiled with narrowed eyes, an expression so tender it was almost disarming. He raised her hand gently.

“Thank you for your generosity, my dear wife. Is there anything you need me to do?”

Seeing his insincere smile, Gu Xiaoyao felt a mischievous impulse.

“Of course there is something you can do. Just keep me happy every day. How about giving me a kiss?”

Startled for a moment by her request, Chu Chengjin continued his movement without hesitation, slowly leaning closer.

Gu Xiaoyao watched his face inch nearer, pressing her soft lips together, as if ready.

The atmosphere thickened with subtle tension; at such close proximity, they could feel each other’s mingling breaths.

Suddenly, a sharp snap of a broken branch shattered the moment, and they quickly pulled apart, turning toward the sound.

Behind a tree, Dahua stood with raised hands, frightened and protesting. She was innocent—she hadn’t been spying, only glancing around from her hiding spot.