Chapter 89: Quite the Convincing Act

Indeed, isn't this matter being handled far too lightly? They should hold Da Gu Village properly accountable.

Several people in the village who were given laxatives nearly lost half their lives; this is no joke.

"That's right, Chengjin's wife, why did you interrupt the conversation back then?"

Some people didn't understand why she didn't follow Tang Zhong's words and press further at the time.

"We have no evidence. It's impossible to make them confess, and Tang Zhong only brought up this issue to argue with us."

"I'm guessing that even if we argue with them until night falls, we still won't be able to clarify the matter, and they'll just twist things around to cause trouble for us."

After all, the laxative incident was only their own suspicion. No one in the village witnessed or caught anyone from Da Gu Village.

So, if they really argued with Tang Zhong about this, they'd end up being accused by him of making baseless accusations.

"Sigh, Xiao Yao thought it through. We have no evidence for this, and even if we argued until our throats were hoarse, there's no way Da Gu Village would admit it."

"On the bright side, we won today's competition. Tomorrow we can start cultivating the wasteland properly, and no one will come to cause trouble."

Elder Chu, the village chief, was not worried that any other foolish village would come and claim this piece of wasteland again.

"Yes, yes, we must get up early tomorrow to start working the land. When spring comes, we'll plant our crops."

As everyone thought about tomorrow's work reclaiming the land, they felt full of energy.

Gu Xiaoyao saw that they had entered the forest, and her ability to sense plants began to take effect. She 'saw' many things in the woods.

"Wait, Village Chief, you all go ahead. I have something to do." She had 'seen' Chu Chengjin.

Elder Chu paused at her words, then hurriedly asked, "Where are you going? We should return together. It's not safe to cross the forest after dark."

"I agreed with Chengjin to meet him in this forest. You all go back to the village first; I need to wait for him here."

After Gu Xiaoyao explained, the villagers nodded in understanding when they heard she would wait for Chu Chengjin. Newlyweds, after all—such closeness was normal, and they had experienced it themselves.

She and Gu Xiaoshu stayed behind. When Lotus Village's people had gone, Gu Xiaoyao led her younger brother through the forest.

"Sis, where are we going? Weren't we supposed to wait for brother-in-law?"

"His health is weak; he can't walk that fast. We're going to meet him halfway."

Gu Xiaoyao explained, taking his hand as they hurried along a shortcut.

Chu Chengjin, resting on a stone, suddenly perked up at the sound of movement, stood, and watched the direction from which it came.

When he saw two figures emerging from the woods, his tense expression relaxed a little—he was somewhat surprised.

"Why are you here?"

"This is the way back to the village. Xiaoshu and I are just heading home! If you're done with your errands, let's go back together."

Gu Xiaoyao noticed his complexion was even paler than at home and approached him with concern.

She reached out to touch his forehead; it was burning—he had a fever.

"You're still running a fever? Let me help you get back quickly."

Gu Xiaoshu hurriedly took the basket from his sister, his worried gaze fixed on his brother-in-law.

Chu Chengjin, hearing her words, obediently put his hand on her shoulder. Watching Gu Xiaoshu walking ahead, he spoke in a low voice that reached Gu Xiaoyao's ears.

"You treat me so well—what are you after?"