Chapter Eleven: Chu Chengjin? Husband?

The man was pinned beneath her, yet he showed no sign of panic; deep within his gaze, however, there lingered a trace of surprise. It seemed he had not expected Gu Xiaoyao to break through so many guards, reach his side, and even subdue him.

“I’m here for your money, not your virtue,” she declared.

Though his face was a bit pale, the man was strikingly handsome, his skin smooth as jade, and the soft light in his half-lidded eyes added to his allure. Gu Xiaoyao had not seen such a handsome man in a long while. In the apocalypse, everyone was struggling desperately just to survive.

“Oh? So you do have designs beyond robbery—how amusing. But even if you seek riches, I fear you’ll find none. I haven’t a penny to my name,” he replied, lips curling into a faint smile, his eyes dark and bottomless as a deep lake. He appeared at ease, but his body remained tense and alert.

Gu Xiaoyao sensed his wariness; truly, she was only here to scavenge for anything left behind. Hearing his claim of poverty, she wasted no time and began searching his chest for any hidden valuables.

“Master…” The guards watched as their young master was so brazenly handled, their anger barely contained, itching to brandish their swords.

Gu Xiaoyao ignored their rage, searching him thoroughly and with determination, only to feel a pang of disappointment—he truly had not a single coin. So, his earlier words had merely been bravado, meant to sway the minds of those around him by pretending he possessed wealth.

“You really are penniless,” Gu Xiaoyao said with a hint of disdain, casting him a glance.

“My apologies. Earlier, I accidentally fell against you. I noticed your injuries are severe; you should take care and rest.” Not wanting to invite further trouble, Gu Xiaoyao quickly rose from him and, with care, helped him up.

Watching her swift change in attitude, the man’s eyes glimmered with amusement; she wished to pretend nothing had happened.

Just as he was about to speak, a man carrying a heavy sword rushed over and called out, “Chengjin, are you alright?”

Gu Xiaoyao heard the name and three words flashed through her mind: Lotus Village’s Chu Chengjin?!

She murmured it under her breath.

“So you know me,” Chu Chengjin replied with a smile, though there was already a hint of murderous intent in his eyes. “But I do not know you, miss. Would you care to tell me where we’ve met?”

Gu Xiaoyao straightened the basket on her back and studied the man before her—so this was her husband.

“I don’t know you, but soon we’ll be acquainted. I’m the wife your mother arranged for you.”

The guards and the sword-bearing man burst out in laughter at her words.

The young master’s wife?!

Chengjin has a wife now!!

Despite the commotion, Chu Chengjin remained unruffled. He looked into Gu Xiaoyao’s clear eyes, recalling the temperament of his mother on the mountain, and found it entirely plausible.

“I have matters to attend to down the mountain. If you return home, remember to untie your mother and brother. And next time, don’t pretend to be wealthy when you’re penniless.”

Gu Xiaoyao’s face was expressionless, but Chu Chengjin could sense her dissatisfaction—she disapproved of him pretending to be rich when he had nothing.

“I’m leaving,” she announced, and swiftly departed. The sword-wielding brother, snapping out of his surprise, asked, “Shouldn’t we follow her?”

Chu Chengjin’s smile faded as he looked at the short sword in his hand—someone had already gone after her.

“Let’s go back and see what good deeds my mother has done for me.”

The guards shivered at his words; whenever their young master smiled, it was truly frightening.