After a session of massage, Xu Yulan broke out in a cold sweat in her deep sleep. The sudden chill startled her awake, and she was slightly disoriented at first. But when she saw Liu Ergou standing before her, she instantly became fully alert.

Without a moment's hesitation, Xu Yulan threw herself into Liu Ergou's arms and began to sob uncontrollably. "Oh, Er Gou!" she cried. "You scared me to death! I thought I'd never see you again!"

Looking at Xu Yulan crying so sorrowfully in his arms, Liu Ergou gently patted her back and whispered, "It's alright, Sister-in-law. It's okay now. It's all over."

Eventually, comforted by Liu Ergou, Xu Yulan finally calmed down. Looking at her composed state, Liu Ergou was about to ask her what had happened and why she had been kidnapped by Sixth Master and Wu Dahu. However, he discovered that she had fallen asleep in his arms.

With a soft sigh, Liu Ergou cautiously placed her back onto the bed and went outside alone.

Gazing at the scenery, Liu Ergou's mind was in turmoil. I never thought Yuan Wenkang could be so merciless, he thought. To go after my own brother and take his life… and then to kidnap my sister-in-law. If this is how it is, I absolutely cannot let him get away with it.

At the thought, his gaze turned icy cold. The look lasted only for a moment before melting into anguish. Han Jiajia said someone will come in a couple of days to negotiate the compensation for Brother's death. If they do, Sister-in-law will find out… What will happen then? The thought stoked his hatred for Yuan Wenkang to a new height. Damn it! I wish I could just kill him right now!

Just as Liu Ergou was lost in his grief, Hu Jing happened to pass by his front door. Seeing his sorrowful expression, she stopped and walked over to him.

"Er Gou, what's wrong?" Hu Jing asked with concern. "You look so upset. Did something serious happen?"

Liu Ergou shook his head. "No, it's nothing. I'm just feeling a bit troubled."

Hu Jing didn't believe him at all. "Come on, don't try to fool me! You've never been good at hiding things. Seeing you like this, something must have happened. We're friends, aren't we? Why would you hide it from me?"

Despite her words, Liu Ergou just shook his head again. "Really, it's nothing. Why would I lie to you?" He quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, I haven't asked you yet. Where are you off to?"

Hu Jing seemed surprised for a moment before replying, "Where else? I'm going to the city to get a new batch of corn seedlings. What else am I supposed to plant?"

Hearing this, Liu Ergou nodded and waved a hand dismissively. "Alright, I get it. Hu Jing, you go on ahead. I won't keep you."

Seeing Liu Ergou's mood, Hu Jing didn't press him any further. She just nodded and turned to leave. But after only a few steps, she stopped and walked back to him.

"Oh, right, Er Gou, I almost forgot!" she said. "My aunt is looking for you. She said you should go to her place when you have a moment."

Hearing this, Liu Ergou couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. Wu Guifang is looking for me? What could she possibly want? Besides, I've been away from the village and have barely seen her. Why would she suddenly think of me?

He couldn't help but ask, "Huh? Wu Guifang is looking for me? What for? Do you know, Hu Jing?"

Hu Jing shook her head. "I don't know. I asked my aunt, but she wouldn't tell me. She just said to pass the message along if I saw you. By the way, she's home right now, so you could go over."

With that, Hu Jing turned and left, leaving a puzzled Liu Ergou behind.

He sat in the yard, staring blankly at the sky for a good long while. Finally, he stood up and murmured softly, "Brother, rest assured. I won't let Yuan Wenkang get away with this! Just wait, one day I'll send him down to join you."

After saying this, the sorrow on his face vanished, replaced by his usual expression. But if one looked closely, they could still see a cold gleam flash in his eyes from time to time.

Having composed himself, Liu Ergou left his home and headed straight for Liu Jingming's house. Hu Jing's message had made him very curious. Wu Guifang… what could she possibly want to see me about? Could it be… about that?

Mulling this over as he walked, Liu Ergou arrived at Liu Jingming's house in just a few minutes. Before he could even step inside, Wu Guifang suddenly rushed out of a room to greet him.

Before he could say a word, she grabbed his arm and started pulling him into a room. "Oh, Er Gou! We haven't seen each other in so long!" she said excitedly. "Auntie has missed you so much! Come on, be honest, have you missed your Auntie?"

Faced with such enthusiasm, Liu Ergou couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. What's with this complete 180-degree change in her attitude? he wondered. The old Wu Guifang always looked at me with contempt, her attitude so condescending. But now… it's the complete opposite.

By the time this thought crossed his mind, Wu Guifang had already pulled him into the room. Her passionate welcome made him a little uncomfortable.

"Ahem, Auntie," he began, "could you… not be like this? I'm not quite used to it. Hu Jing told me you were looking for me. If there's something you need, just tell me directly. If I can help, I will."

Hearing his direct words, Wu Guifang gave a slightly sheepish smile. "Well, Er Gou... it's actually nothing serious!"

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