The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife(91-95)

Chapter 91: The Most Profound Memory


"Humph!"


Bai Lu was both angry and relieved. She was glad she wasn't as unlucky as her original self, who got soaked in alcohol the moment she lay down on the bed.


She changed everything from head to toe—every piece of clothing on the bed, including Xiao Cheng's clothes.


Xiao Cheng's memories from last night also began to resurface in fragments.


He vomited... and Bai Lu changed his clothes for him.


He took a shower... and Bai Lu handed him clothes.


He pressed Bai Lu onto the bed... and kissed her deeply...


He went drinking with Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dazhuang, and Wang Hao, but the chestnuts in the car were not unloaded.


He saw... Bai Lu and Lin Jinfan chatting happily at the doorstep, Bai Lu smiling brightly.


The most profound memory was in the endless darkness, where Bai Lu opened the door and lit up the house for him.


At the doorstep, under the lamplight, her warm smiling face pierced into his heart, forcefully breaking through all the darkness and haze, melting the frozen blood, flesh, and bones, warming his whole body.


In that instant, there was the sound of an iceberg shattering.


The long-lost heartbeat was revived, echoing in Xiao Cheng's heart, around his ears, and in front of his eyes.


Bai Lu, stared at by Xiao Cheng's intense gaze, felt her heart palpitate. He enveloped her from all sides, as if wanting to devour her.


Don't blame her for not confessing last night; she did try.


It was Xiao Cheng who kept interrupting her words.


After thinking about it, Bai Lu felt that it was better to confess at a more appropriate time.


Now the most important thing was to make money. She needed money for university, transportation, and daily expenses.


Everything required money. Once she earned enough, she could forcefully sell the candied chestnut recipe to Xiao Cheng.


Yes, force it as a debt settlement.


By then, with money in hand, she would have the confidence not to worry about being kicked out even if Xiao Cheng decided to do so.


The long bed sheet, in the silent space between them, the dripping water sound never stopped.


Bai Lu's hands were cold from wringing the sheet. Subconsciously lowering her head, she realized that she was the only one wringing the sheet from start to finish.


"Don't wring along with the folds... Wring in the opposite direction to get the water out..." She was truly amazed by the big shot.


Xiao Cheng, obviously unaware, continued wringing in the same direction she did, still not noticing the sheet in his hands.


After wringing in the opposite direction, he lowered his gaze and looked at the mosquito net and clothes in the basin. His eyes moved up, seeing Bai Lu's hands turning red from the well water. He furrowed his brows.


"Go back and fry the chestnuts."


Bai Lu thought he might be worried about the candied chestnuts not selling well, so she calmly explained: "Don't worry; washing clothes and the mosquito net won't take long. Once I finish washing, I'll go fry them."


"One batch with the electric stirrer, and one batch hand-stirred. Fifty kilograms of candied chestnuts in one pot, so two pots make one hundred kilograms. Before nine o'clock, I can have the chestnuts ready for Wang Cuihua, Auntie Wu, and Uncle Fu."


"Uncle Fu has to go to the town to sell. If he goes, he needs to take enough stock in one go. Wang Cuihua is the same, but Auntie Wu is nearby, in our town. She can sell in the morning and the afternoon."


While Bai Lu explained, Xiao Cheng didn't say a word.


After finishing wringing the sheet, she turned to him: "I'll heat up breakfast for you first. You can eat after finishing washing. Don't forget to eat."


Xiao Cheng: "..."


He accidentally exerted force.


The washboard endured more force than it should have.


When Wu Xiuyun and Yu Fugui came to pick up the goods, they happened to meet Wang Cuihua at the door, so they came in together.


"Auntie Wu, does my new dress look good?"


Wang Cuihua was wearing a colorful cotton-padded jacket and wide-leg pants, spinning around. It was really eye-catching.


Wu Xiuyun, being practical and business-minded, knew when to say the right words. She smiled and said, "Looks good."


Just at this moment, Xiao Cheng came out of the kitchen with a basket of candied chestnuts, pouring them into a big bamboo basket.


"Xiao Cheng, big brother."


Wang Cuihua fluttered over like a butterfly, walking in a zigzag manner, twisting her body several times. She then turned her head to ask Yu Fugui, "Uncle Fu, does it look good?"


Yu Fugui, after all, was a man who had gone through the vicissitudes of life. He was sensible and knew when to lie. With a smile, he said, "Very beautiful, Cuihua."


Wang Cuihua was satisfied. She turned her gaze towards Xiao Cheng, fluttering her eyelashes and smiling coyly, "Big brother, do you think it looks good?"


Xiao Cheng, who just glanced at her once, thought it was okay. However, he didn't say anything and turned around to go back to the kitchen.


Wang Cuihua was disappointed. She stomped her feet coquettishly and continued to show off her new dress to Wu Xiuyun.


Bai Lu, who had been watching quietly, couldn't help but sigh in her heart. The tactics were indeed different between men and women.


After a while, Bai Lu called Wu Xiuyun aside and asked her to wait for a moment. She then went into the kitchen to make some hot water for her to wash her face.


While waiting for the water to heat up, Bai Lu chatted with Wu Xiuyun in the main house. There was a long bench in the front yard, but the main house was more considerate for receiving guests.


Wu Xiuyun sat down, and Bai Lu poured her a cup of tea, using the tea leaves brought back from the Xiao family village.


Tea from a hundred-year-old tree, very fragrant.


Wu Xiuyun and Yu Fugui had been selling fruit for many years. Not to mention the larger markets, they had met various small vendors in the towns. They were also discerning.


Without tasting the tea, just the aroma alone indicated that it was a good quality tea. Wu Xiuyun smiled, "Why be so polite with me? If you have something to say, just say it. Auntie Wu won't stand on ceremony with you."













Chapter 92: The Protection of the Big Shot


Bailu knew that Wu Xiuyun was not an outsider, so she served tea. Even in a close relationship, it's essential to show courtesy.


Reciprocity and mutual benefit are necessary for long-term cooperation.


"Aunt Wu, any big clients recently?"


Wu Xiuyun pondered for a moment and understood her question. "The client from Gaofeng Town did buy candied chestnuts to attract new customers. Wang Cuihua sell the thirty pounds of candied chestnuts she didn't sell on the first day."


"Her name is Wu Fangli. She married someone from our husband's village, and we get along well. She has been selling fruits for many years. The first time she took those thirty pounds of candied chestnuts back, she sold them all on the same day. The fruit business also saw a significant increase in sales."


Bailu heard about a new sales channel. "Does she have any intention to add candied chestnuts to her fruit stand?"


Wu Xiuyun nodded, "Certainly. Wu Fangli sold out the thirty pounds of candied chestnuts she took back that day. The fruit business has also seen a significant boost."


"Everyone wants to make money in business. Wu Fangli naturally wants to sell candied chestnuts. However, the situation in Gaofeng Town is different from our new town. While Wu Fangli can add candied chestnuts to her offerings for some extra income, starting a dedicated sales route is not something she can decide. There are people on the street who may disagree..."


In this era, it's not the 21st century, and there are official authorities controlling market order.


Bailu thought of the incident with Wang Cuihua's stall being disrupted and felt a bit uneasy. "Who are those people?"


If it's just some small troublemakers, the big shot could handle it.


The big shot has a considerable reputation in that circle, and anyone, including street ruffians, would show great respect.


Wu Xiuyun naturally understood what Bailu was thinking. After all, she had considered this aspect as well. Anyone doing a small business in the town or city has paid stall fees and understands the influence of the local powers.


Similar incidents occurred in the new town before, but after Xiao Cheng gained a reputation as a tough guy, troublemakers were scared away.


People outside knew about Xiao Cheng in the new town, and no one dared to cause trouble in his territory, let alone challenge him.


However, Gaofeng Town was not as fortunate. Wu Xiuyun shook her head and sighed, "Li Chengbin's people."


The conflict between Li Chengbin and Xiao Cheng had become widely known in town since the arrival of those police officers not long ago.


Although the situation was later controlled by Bailu, Xiao Cheng and others were not taken away. Still, judging by Li Chengbin's resentful departure, the enmity between them and Xiao Cheng was deepening.


Li Chengbin's people were causing trouble in Gaofeng Town, and he was probably looking for an opportunity to deal with Xiao Cheng. If Xiao Cheng intervened, it would undoubtedly stir up more trouble.


Wu Xiuyun naturally wouldn't tell Bailu about this matter, adding unnecessary worries. She decided to let go of the idea of expanding the sales channel for candied chestnuts.


Xiao Cheng was still consolidating his position, and Bailu didn't want him to confront Li Chengbin at this time.


Regarding the sales channel in Gaofeng Town, they would explore other options if possible, and if not, they would let it go.


After seeing off Wu Xiuyun, Bailu walked back, lost in thought. Suddenly, she bumped into a strong and sturdy chest.


Although she wasn't walking fast and her mind was elsewhere, she almost fell backward. Fortunately, her waist was held, stabilizing her.


Bailu touched her slightly sore nose and looked up dizzily, realizing it was the big shot.


"Are you going out?"


Xiao Cheng steadied Bailu and saw her red nose. He comfortingly rubbed her head.


Answering softly, "Drive the car back to the brick factory."


"Oh..." Bailu was about to walk back when she heard a knocking sound from behind. The courtyard gate wasn't closed.


She turned instinctively.


Two men, with faces resembling each other to some extent, stood at the door. They called out to Xiao Cheng, "Brother Cheng."


Then they called out to her, "Sister-in-law."


Bailu had a guess in her mind, and as she smiled at them, she turned to Xiao Cheng and asked, "Are you coming back for lunch?"


Don't disappear like last night; otherwise, the dishes will be too much to finish.


Xiao Cheng understood her displeasure from the furrow on her forehead. In a lowered tone, he said, "I'll come back for lunch."


"Tell me in advance next time."


With outsiders around, Bailu didn't want to say much. She obediently responded, "Okay," and saw him off.


Being observed by the sister-in-law, Zhang San and Li Si felt uncomfortable. Even though the sister-in-law's attention wasn't on them but on Xiao Cheng ahead, they couldn't avoid feeling the gaze.


Moreover, after witnessing the scene just now, they were disgusted by the "asking for food" situation between Xiao Cheng and Bailu.


Zhang San and Li Si felt an uncomfortable chill and envy. They couldn't believe what they had just seen.


They had never seen this side of Xiao Cheng. If they came a few more times, they wouldn't need to eat to be full.


Finally, they understood why Luo Shiliu no longer waited for Brother Cheng and the others at Brother Cheng's house.


Xiao Cheng didn't go far, stopping under a big tree not far from the brick truck, tapping on the tree trunk.


"How did you know I was up there?" A figure jumped down from a large branch, a smirk hanging on his lips.


Xiao Cheng glanced at him, "You never hide anywhere else."


No need for question marks; the fact was right in front of them. Luo Shiliu didn't even have a word to refute.


Xiao Cheng didn't bother, "What's the matter?"


Zhang San and Li Si, who were watching from behind, were bewildered.


Wasn't it about collecting protection fees for Wang Cuihua just now? Why did it suddenly turn to Gaofeng Town, which is miles away?













Chapter 93: Whispering to the Big Shot


Big Brother's pace was as fast as lightning, profound and unpredictable, clearly not something ordinary people could keep up with.


Zhang San and Li Si kept quiet, not daring to speak, as they were unfamiliar with Gaofeng Town and feared saying something wrong.


Luo Shiliu rubbed his chin and said, "I heard that Gaofeng Town also has people from Li Chengbin. I just don't know if they are Li Chengbin's subordinates or just some disposable henchmen."


"Dealing with subordinates who work for money is easier. If you can't beat them, they will run away. But dealing with those impulsive henchmen without any martial arts skills, it's hard to make them behave unless you have a couple of small knives or guns."


"However," Luo Shiliu changed the topic, "with a couple of small knives or guns, we can make them obedient..."


Making them obedient didn't mean Li Chengbin would be obedient; Li Chengbin was the key focus.


Xiao Cheng pondered for a moment and whispered something in a small, private conversation within the limited circle of people.


Luo Shiliu was slightly surprised but quickly returned to normal. "That's what we should do. Working as laborers every day, my hands are almost getting rusty."


Zhang San and Li Si stared in amazement, their mouths open for a while before making any sound. "Doing this... If the big boss finds out, it will completely break our relationship."


Luo Shiliu sneered, "Has he given you face? Where does the face come from? Do you think that doing a few things for the big boss will make him treat you like brothers? No, you're just cannon fodder, one less dead means one less expense."


Luo Shiliu had been with Xiao Cheng for the longest time, experiencing numerous big and small events. They had analyzed and resolved countless situations together, and their thinking and direction were generally aligned.


In their line of work, it was essential to always recognize their own position. Being emotionally involved would only lead to a faster demise.


The shotgun incident last time was a lesson. If it weren't for Bai Lu, they would be behind bars by now.


The big boss didn't see them as people. Why rush to throw themselves into danger? Even if they died, they wouldn't even get a tattered mat to cover their bodies. A Biao was a bloody example.


Zhang San and Li Si simultaneously thought of Xiao Zhongbiao's tragic fate, and their minds instantly sobered up.


"It's all about interests. Man dies for wealth, bird dies for food," Xiao Cheng casually dropped a sentence.


Turning around, he left.


Zhang San and Li Si looked at the tall and straight back, feeling that he had returned to his ruthless and cunning self.


But not entirely...


It seemed not so straightforward; he might act directly or use cunning tricks behind the scenes.


Working together for so long, the brothers had never seen this side of the big brother. Could it be taught by his wife?


Bai Lu went to the market to buy vegetables and sensed someone following her. She picked up a brick and put it in her basket.


Walking back home, the footsteps behind didn't stop, maintaining a constant distance.


It seemed like they wanted to accompany her home.


Bai Lu squinted, stopped not too far from home, across from Aunt Zhang's house. She didn't move forward.


A small grocery store had opened recently near Aunt Zhang's house, and it was not crowded. Three or four people were coming in and out.


On the right side of the small grocery store was a corner. Bai Lu leaned against the wall, holding a brick, waiting for someone.


She had looked back just now; it wasn't a robust man but a young, slim guy with a familiar look.


After waiting for a while, no one came.


Bai Lu was puzzled. Suddenly, she saw an outstanding figure, a stern-faced big shot holding the back collar of a person, tossing him in front of her.


Five meters away.


Dust filled the air but couldn't reach her face.


Bai Lu quickly hid the brick behind her and lightly landed it on the ground, a smile on her face as she hurriedly went to greet the big shot.


"You're back. Who is he?" Bai Lu grabbed Xiao Cheng's sleeve, her cold eyes turning warm. She kicked the person on the ground.


"Playing dead?" 


"No, no, I dare not!" The person on the ground immediately raised his head, hands supporting his aching body.


Bai Lu then saw the face that was grimacing in pain, still trying to smile. "Chen Dafu?"


"Yes, it's me."


Chen Dafu looked like he had been hit by a heavy hammer all over his body. Afraid of being thrown by Xiao Cheng again, he quickly explained, "I wasn't following you home. I just... just wanted to talk to you about candied chestnuts."


Bai Lu didn't think there was anything to discuss. Whoever liked Chen Chunli's fiery sales could go to her.


She didn't want to.


Xiao Cheng took the basket of vegetables from Bai Lu, turned his arm, and walked towards the house with her.


Apparently, he didn't want to listen to Chen Dafu's nonsense again.


Chen Dafu's mind was slow to react. It took a while for him to realize that he hadn't mentioned the main point. He quickly caught up.


"I'm not here to plead for my sister or talk about cooperation on her behalf. I want to sell candied chestnuts with you. It has nothing to do with my sister. I'm not cooperating with her."


"I won't sell them in Qingshui Town either. I'll sell them in other towns, and my sister won't find out."


Chen Dafu was also afraid of being discovered by Chen Chunli. If she found out, she would scold him or even snatch his money. He had already identified a market in other towns.


Seeing Chen Chunli receive so much money that day, he felt the urge to make money.


He had never dared to come to Bai Lu, afraid of the consequences of being discovered. But in the end, the temptation of making money overcame his fear.


As long as he sold candied chestnuts a bit far from Qingshui Town, Chen Chunli wouldn't find out, and she wouldn't be able to take his money.


He could have his own money, save it quietly, and do whatever he wanted in the future.


Bai Lu, still holding onto Xiao Cheng's sleeve, leaned over and asked him softly, "Is this person reliable?"


Xiao Cheng nodded slightly. "He's afraid of being oppressed by Chen Chunli and has some ideas of his own."


"Occasionally, he thinks straight."


Bai Lu couldn't help but laugh. The way the big shot evaluated people was unique and distinctive.


"Isn't he afraid of being discovered by Wang Hao?"


"He doesn't care about him."


"If he goes to sell in another town and encounters a situation like Wang Cuihua's, what should he do? Will he abandon the stall and run away, or will he come back to us for help?"


"He'll find his own way to handle it."


Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu continued


 their whispered conversation as they walked ahead. Chen Dafu, not getting a definite answer, wouldn't give up. Since Xiao Cheng didn't drive him away, he followed them home.


The whispered conversation continued until they reached the doorstep.


As the two were about to enter the house, Chen Dafu became anxious, hesitating about whether to follow them in.


Would he be thrown out by Xiao Cheng if he did?


"Come and pick up the goods at eight tomorrow morning."


Chen Dafu had just made up his mind to enter when a big pie fell from the sky.


Looking at the surprise, Bai Lu had already entered the house, and Xiao Cheng was closing the door, cutting off all lines of sight.


Chen Dafu, full of energy as if he hadn't been hurt just now, ran home like a motor.


He was going to make money!


He was about to turn the tide!
















Chapter 94: The Big Shot Doesn't Understand Menstruation

Unexpected events always happen faster than planned.

The demand for candied chestnuts increased again, and the thought of frying hundreds of kilograms the next morning led Bai Lu to sleep early to maintain sufficient energy and mental strength.

However, she was awakened in the middle of the night by stomach pain.

Xiao Cheng noticed the trembling in her arms, instantly opened his eyes, and turned on the light.

Bai Lu, under the light, looked pale, biting her lower lip, hands covering her stomach, and the pain furrowing her brows.

Her body curled up, with lazy, drowsy eyes fogged with mist, seemingly forced to open due to the pain.

Xiao Cheng quickly lifted her, pressing his forehead against hers, checking her temperature. "Don't be afraid; we're going to the hospital right away."

Bai Lu gripped his shirt, biting her lip, shaking her head. "No need, I'm fine..."

The pain in her abdomen intensified, and there was a slight dampness below. She probably knew... what was happening.

Xiao Cheng knew nothing, only aware that the girl in his arms was in great pain. He lifted her and prepared to get out of bed.

As the large bed emptied, the glaring red caught his eye. His pupils contracted, breath halted.

His arm stiffened, the action of holding her paused for a moment, then he quickly got out of bed, putting on slippers haphazardly, not even noticing they were on the wrong feet.

"Ah Cheng..."

"I'm really... fine... no need to go..."

Xiao Cheng's mind was a bloody haze; his eyes were red, ears deaf to any sound.

"Lulu, don't be afraid. We're going to the hospital. It'll be okay soon, don't be afraid."

He freed a hand to open the door, walking straight out. Moonlight highlighted the tense contours of his face, the nervousness too evident.

Bai Lu raised her hand, holding onto his neck, enduring the pain, and said softly, "Really, I'm fine; it's just... my period."

Perhaps it was the cold well water in the morning and the spicy food at night that caused the menstrual cramps.

In the future, Bai Lu wouldn't experience menstrual cramps, but due to her original body's poor condition, her menstrual cycle was often irregular. This time it was delayed by over a month.

Probably due to the recent recovery, unstable menstrual cycles, exposure to cold water, and the spicy food, causing intense pain, making her too weak to even stop Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Cheng acted as if he hadn't heard, without a pause, walking to the front yard gate before stopping abruptly.

A gust of night wind blew, lifting Bai Lu's hair on her face, revealing her pale complexion.

Biting her tightly, lips made a sound, "So cold..."

"Ah Cheng, let's go back... skip the hospital... I have something... to tell you..."

Xiao Cheng only heard Bai Lu mentioning the cold. Subconsciously tightening his arm around her, his steps quickened.

It was the middle of the night, and everyone was asleep. The town was quiet, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind.

No streetlights, just dim lights in front of neighbors' gates and doors, like stars lighting the way.

Leading the way in the dark night.

The town's hospital, also called the health center, was not far, and they arrived quickly.

The on-duty doctor, seeing Xiao Cheng carrying Bai Lu, one anxious and the other pale and weak, thought it was some serious emergency, quickly arranging for examinations.

Seeing such a commotion, other patients hurriedly made way.

With limited medical equipment in the town, lacking high-tech instruments, simple body-checking devices were still reliable.

The results of the urgent examination left both the doctor and nurse silent.

"She's having her period," the female doctor explained to Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Cheng's mother abandoned him when he was three, and his stepmother wasn't kind. He had never interacted with girls, not knowing what menstruation was.

Bai Lu lay on the bed, glancing at the slightly puzzled expression of the big shot who seemed clueless about everything. Initially in pain, she couldn't help but laugh more as she looked at him.

Silent laughter eased the pain a bit.

The female doctor, noticing Xiao Cheng staring at the examination sheet, silent and expressionless, seemed to want to ask but didn't know how to start.

Remembering his anxious look when he arrived, she thought he must be a good husband caring for his wife.

The female doctor cleared her throat, starting to educate Xiao Cheng on menstrual knowledge, covering every detail—when it comes, what can be done during, what should be avoided.

How long a gap is abnormal, what to eat, what not to eat, precautions against cold...

Every piece of knowledge about girls' periods was patiently explained by the female doctor to Xiao Cheng, who listened attentively. It seemed like she had spoken more in this session than throughout the entire day.

After a thorough lecture, the female doctor even reminded, "Your little wife's health isn't good. She suffered from malnutrition since childhood. Accumulated small health issues without seeking medical attention. To restore normal health, she needs gradual adjustment. Pay attention to rest, don't let her overwork."

"I see she's quite young; still studying, right? If that's the case, she should take care of her health. Once she enters the workforce, there won't be much time to care for her health. When busy, there's no time even for meals..."

A person who listens earnestly tends to leave a good impression. The female doctor gave Xiao Cheng many more pieces of advice.

After countless words of advice, she even took out two sanitary pads from her white coat pocket and handed them to Xiao Cheng.

Seeing the big shot walk over with two sanitary pads, Bai Lu, who was smiling moments ago, couldn't help but stop.

What needed to happen, happened.

"I... Want to go home?"

Xiao Cheng calmly sat by the bedside. His words covered everything Bai Lu wanted to say.

The room, smelling strongly of alcohol disinfectant, portrayed him with a usual face, neither cold nor warm. His deep eyes, once tainted with blood, now looked normal, fixed on her.

Bai Lu nodded slightly. She had just drunk the hot water the nurse gave her, took the medicine, and her stomach didn't hurt as much.

Let's talk about it when they get home. Bai Lu took the sanitary pads Xiao Cheng handed over and went to the bathroom.

Xiao Cheng helped her off the bed, escorting her to the bathroom door in silence.

Bai Lu quickly tidied up and came out.

In fact, her pants were stained, but they were dark black, making it hard to notice. Also, on the way, Xiao Cheng's arm, which was holding her, happened to block the stained area.

Xiao Cheng wore a dark black shirt, which turned red but wasn't noticeable at a glance.

When Bai Lu came out, Xiao Cheng was waiting at the door with the medicine and other things already prepared.

The road to the hospital was short, but the way back home was long.

The road was quiet, with no wind, and the branches were silent. Nobody spoke.

Only the footsteps, neither

fast nor slow.














Chapter 95: The Truth Revealed...


Back home, Xiao Cheng boiled some hot water, as usual, and poured it into the bucket, carrying it to the bathing area.


After mixing some cold water to the temperature commonly used by Bai Lu, he called her to take a bath.


Once Bai Lu finished bathing, Xiao Cheng took his turn.


After a visit to the hospital, the situation with the child was quite clear. When Bai Lu saw Xiao Cheng doing the laundry again, she felt a bit uncomfortable. He didn't need to do this for the sake of the child anymore.


"I'll do the laundry." Bai Lu walked to the well, in front of the washbasin, wanting to take over the task of washing clothes.


However, Xiao Cheng didn't even lift his head, continuing to scrub the clothes. He calmly said, "Go back and sleep."


His tone was flat, devoid of any emotion.


In the broken jar where ginger, onions, and garlic were planted, the cheerful chirping of crickets echoed. Fireflies fluttered their wings in the yard, as if trying to break the calmness of the night with joy.


The disappeared moon, at some point, reappeared, casting a silver glow on the tall and lonely figure of the man sitting on a small stool. He skillfully scrubbed the clothes, his voice cold and rhythmic, almost machine-like.


Bai Lu crouched down, reaching for the washbasin to wash her clothes, but was brushed away by the man.


In a cold tone, he said, "I told you to go back and sleep."


Xiao Cheng, accustomed to giving orders when collecting debts with his men, disliked anyone defying him, especially repeatedly.


What Bai Lu knew, she didn't insist on. Silently retracting her hand, she stood up and walked back to the main house through the courtyard.


In the room, she opened the rightmost drawer of the wooden table, taking out all the money she had earned during this time.


Counting carefully, she placed it on the table.


The original body was not favored in the original family, wearing only old clothes, and didn't bring much with her.


After Bai Lu came, she was too busy making money to bother buying new clothes, so she only had a cloth bag.


Adding the books and papers given by Lin Jinfan, the cloth bag swelled slightly, with nothing leaking out.


The bag was neither too big nor too small, with a long and thick cloth strap sewn at both ends, suitable for single-shoulder carrying.


The record book for the purchase and sale of sugar-coated chestnuts, Bai Lu also organized, placing it on the table on top of the money.


After packing everything, Bai Lu took the cloth bag to the bedside wooden chair and sat down, placing the bag at her feet.


Things needed to be clarified. There was no need for words like leaving without saying goodbye, not fitting into Bai Lu's ingrained family rules and principles.


The journey back was silent, and the incident in the courtyard just now... Bai Lu could sense that Xiao Cheng was angry. Angry that she and Li Xuelan used a false pregnancy to cheat him out of thirty thousand yuan. Angry that she knew the truth but never confessed.


She had prepared herself for the best and worst outcomes, for how Xiao Cheng would retaliate or let it go.


Bai Lu sat on the wooden chair, naturally returning to her accustomed upright posture. Her upper body was straight, shoulders squared, knees together, lower legs perpendicular to the ground, arms naturally bent, hands crossed and resting in the middle of her thighs.


Silently waiting.


Tonight, Xiao Cheng took a much longer time than usual to do the laundry before finally returning.


Upon his return, he saw Bai Lu sitting on the bedside chair with a faint smile, a posture he had never seen whether he went to the city or the wealthy households in the town to collect debts. The rough linen clothes couldn't conceal the unique charm that distinguished her from others, a quality he had never seen in anyone else.


Her smile was standard, not sweet.


Her sitting posture was dignified and elegant, something the previous Bai Lu had never possessed, not even once.


She stood up and walked towards the wooden table, her steps graceful and refined. The actions of holding the notebook and money were measured and composed.


Coming in front of him, she looked him in the eyes. Her clear and clean eyes showed no trace of fear or weakness.


Even her voice, when she spoke, lacked the usual lively intonation, it was calm and steady. "The money from selling sugar-coated chestnuts during this period is all here, a total of 6080 yuan. The hundred yuan you put on the table when I first sold chestnuts, it's also in there, on the top."


"Wang Cuihua, Yu Fugui, and Wen Xiuyun now settle the accounts for selling chestnuts every three days. The last settlement was the day before yesterday, and the accounts for yesterday and today are already recorded in the book. Everything about who took how many kilograms of chestnuts and sold for how much money is clear."


"The chestnuts you bought in Xiaojiacun yesterday, a total of 9,350 kilograms, cost 1870 yuan. The unrealized value of the chestnuts plus the net profit of 6080 yuan from the sold sugar-coated chestnuts amounts to a total value of 7950 yuan."


The notebook and money were presented in front of him by delicate and fair hands, but Xiao Cheng didn't take them, not even sparing a glance.


His deep and dark eyes fixed on Bai Lu.


Bai Lu remained calm and composed, continuing, "After the examination at the hospital just now, I'm sure you can connect the dots regarding what the female doctor told you. Pregnancy doesn't come with menstruation, and indeed, I am not pregnant."


Xiao Cheng's expression didn't change at all, still calm and indifferent. His deep gaze stared directly at Bai Lu, as if waiting for her to continue.


The memories of the drunken night were well preserved in the original body's mind. Bai Lu had gone through every moment, watched everything, and knew the truth clearly.


Calmly, she continued, "That night, I was drunk, my mind hazy. I originally wanted to go to the bathroom but entered the wrong room, your room. After coming out from the bathroom, I saw a bed in the room and decided to sleep on it."


Her tone was natural, open, as if she were talking about her own affairs, her own experiences.


Xiao Cheng's deep eyes slightly narrowed.


Fragmented scenes flashed through his mind.


That night, he and Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dashuang, Wang Hao went to a nightclub in the city to collect debts.


The nightclub's funds were not sufficient, and the owner, Hong Wanfu, requested an extension for a week, which he agreed to.


Hong Wanfu invited them to dine, sing, drink, and even provided them with a private room to sleep.


White wine, red wine, foreign liquor, whiskey... all the slightly upscale liquors in the nightclub were brought out by Hong Wanfu. After one round, another round followed... and he got drunk.


Supported by Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dashuang, he was taken to his room, shoes removed, and he lay on the bed, covered with a quilt.


Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dashuang went to their respective rooms.


Not long after, there was the sound of a door opening in the room. The lights were off, and there were stumbling footsteps coming in.


Thinking it was Luo Shiliu or Xiao Dashuang returning for something forgotten, he didn't pay much attention.


In the drunken haze, his mind was filled with a jumble of alcohol, and his heavy limbs on the bed couldn't be moved. Vaguely, the slightly dragging and disorderly footsteps approached the bedside.


Soon after, a dark shadow fell onto the bed.


He struggled to maintain the last bit of consciousness, calling out to Luo Shiliu. The shadow moved but didn't respond. He called out to Xiao Dashuang, and the shadow stirred but still remained silent.


He wanted to open his eyes, but no matter how hard he tried, his heavy eyelids wouldn't lift. There was a strong smell of alcohol in the air, whether from his side or the other side of the bed, it was the same.


No familiar scent could be detected.

The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife(96-100)