Chapter 242 - 241: Nothing But Money
Chapter 242: Chapter 241: Nothing But Money
Master Liu was a shrewd man and understood Wu Chen’s meaning.
Besides, raising two children was no great issue for a man of his wealth and standing. He had already planned on spending two hundred taels of silver for the soup recipe anyway.
The current situation was like buying two helpers; it was a profitable deal with no downside.
He naturally agreed in a heartbeat.
But the young man on horseback still watched the portly, middle-aged man with an icy gaze.
’Wu Chen knew full well that these businessmen were the most ruthless of all,’ he thought. ’Going back on their word is a common occurrence for them.’
’In this Martial Arts World, the initial accumulation of wealth was carved out, blade by blade, and stained with the blood of countless lives.’
’Even after several generations, that fact couldn’t be hidden. No matter how benevolent Master Liu appeared, he was nothing more than a smiling tiger.’
Of course, Wu Chen had no intention of digging into these matters. He simply spoke, his voice chillingly cold.
"It is a good thing that Master Liu has such a kind heart."
"But I might as well give you a fair warning."
"If these two children suffer so much as a headache or a fever in your estate, if they trip while walking, fall into water while playing, or even get struck by lightning while walking down the street... should any problem befall either of them, I will hold you accountable."
"Master Liu, do you understand what I’m saying?"
Wu Chen spoke mercilessly, not caring in the slightest if his methods were tyrannical.
’These damn moneybags have plenty of cash anyway.’
’If I really wanted to look, I’m sure I could find ironclad proof that this family is full of villains.’
Hearing this, Master Liu felt the pressure around him suddenly intensify. It was as if he had fallen into deep water and was about to drown, unable to draw a breath.
Wiping the cold sweat that beaded endlessly on his forehead, he repeatedly and loudly assured him,
"Rest assured, Sir, that will not happen! The rice and grain in my home are more than enough to feed two children. I would never do something so devoid of humanity!"
Only then did Wu Chen nod, retracting his oppressive aura.
WHOOSH! WHOOSH!—
The formless pressure vanished. Master Liu felt as if he had just escaped from a collapsing mountain. He gasped for breath, not daring to show the slightest hint of resentment toward the two people before him.
"..."
Wu Chen lifted the boy down from the horse but gave him no further instructions.
’Everything that could be said has been said, and everything that could be done has been done,’ he thought. ’Now, it’s up to the siblings’ own conduct and fortune.’
’But children from poor families mature quickly. After suffering so many hardships, this pair is far more mentally resilient than their peers. I can’t say they’ll thrive here in Master Liu’s estate like a fish in water...’
’...but once they grow up, having a place for themselves in this town will surely be no problem at all.’
"You must listen to your brother, okay?"
Sun Yuting pinched the little girl’s cheek and also set her down.
The moment her feet touched the ground, the little girl ran to her brother and clung tightly to his hand. Her watery eyes, however, remained fixed on the two people on horseback.
She knew that this "big brother" and "big sister," whom she had known for less than a day, were incredibly good people. They had given her and her brother medicine and had even arranged a place for them to stay.
She had to remember what these good people looked like.
But under the little girl’s innocent gaze, Sun Yuting felt her cheeks burn.
She quietly turned her face away, looking elsewhere.
"Sir, Miss, please wait a moment!"
Seeing the two about to leave with a flick of their reins, Master Liu hurried forward. As he called out for them to stay, he boldly grabbed the reins in Wu Chen’s hand.
Meeting Wu Chen’s gaze, Master Liu quickly let go of the reins. He cupped his hands and said with a nervous smile,
"I presume you two distinguished guests have just arrived here for some leisure?"
Wu Chen gave a faint nod, not denying it.
Master Liu’s smile was amiable. "You must be weary from your long journey. Why not rest your feet at my humble abode? This lowly one can prepare a banquet to welcome you. After you’ve eaten and drunk your fill, you can go out and enjoy the sights. What do you say?"
Wu Chen was about to shake his head and refuse, but he hesitated.
After all, he was here to investigate the disappearances of people in and around Cold Rain City. There was no need to delay here.
But according to the distress call from Cold Rain City, there was no discernible pattern to the disappearances.
’So if I rest here for a day, I might just catch the culprit.’
"How about we stay for a day?"
Just as Wu Chen was hesitating, Sun Yuting rode her horse over.
Hearing the suggestive tone in her voice, Wu Chen knew she was probably worried about the siblings and wanted to stay to keep things in order.
"Alright."
Wu Chen had been thinking the same. He looked at Master Liu and said, "Then we’ll trouble you, Master Liu."
"No trouble, no trouble at all! This way, distinguished guests!"
When Master Liu saw Wu Chen agree, his face bloomed into a smile so wide that his plump cheeks folded into several creases. He was clearly overjoyed.
Although he didn’t know their identities, he knew it was necessary to foster a good relationship.
...
「The Liu family estate, the reception hall.」
Unsure of the pair’s temperament, Master Liu didn’t dare to be extravagant. There weren’t many meat dishes served, but there was certainly enough to eat.
Seeing that the two of them showed no displeasure, Master Liu quietly sighed in relief. He then stood up, picked up a platter, and personally added vegetables to the bubbling red-oil hot pot in the center of the round table.
Cold Rain City was often cloudy and rainy, with many mountains and forests, so the humidity was very high.
As a result, the wealthier families here were fond of this kind of extremely spicy hot pot.
Common folk, on the other hand, would cook soups and broths to warm their bodies and nourish their stomachs.
As Master Liu added various meats and vegetables to the pot, the fragrant aroma spread with the billowing steam in just over ten breaths’ time.
GRUMBLE!—
Wu Chen raised an eyebrow and turned his head to see Sun Yuting’s cheeks flushing slightly beside him.
’It’s one thing for the two kids to be drooling with hunger, but what’s this performance from your stomach, Captain? Don’t tell me you’ve never eaten something like this before?’
"Everyone, please don’t be shy. Just treat this as your own home. Dig in!"
As the meaty aroma reached its peak, Master Liu took the first move. He picked up a slice of meat from the pot, blew on it a couple of times, and popped it into his mouth.
This was also a gesture to put his guests at ease, lest they suspect him of a foul deed like poisoning the food.
The rest of the group also began to pick up their chopsticks.
The siblings were small, so they could only reach the hot dishes on the plates in front of them.
Seeing the two of them staring longingly at the churning pot, Sun Yuting would occasionally pick out food for them.
The red-oil hot pot was meant to drive out the cold, so the seasoning was extremely heavy and spicy. After just two bites, the siblings were constantly panting and sticking their tongues out.
Sun Yuting wasn’t faring much better.
In just a moment, her snow-white cheeks were flushed pink. Glistening beads of sweat trickled down the smooth curve of her neck, disappearing into the valley below.
Her red lips, glistening with oil, looked utterly delectable.
Even Wu Chen couldn’t help but take a second look.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, the two siblings were led away by a servant, arranged by Master Liu, to a side courtyard to settle their living arrangements.
Meanwhile, Wu Chen and Sun Yuting remained in the room, still eating the food on the table.
When Master Liu finished giving his instructions and returned, Wu Chen put down his chopsticks, looked at Master Liu across the table, and began to ask about the disappearing people of Cold Rain City.
"Master Liu, on my way here, I heard that many people in Cold Rain City have been disappearing without a reason lately. Have you heard anything about this?"
"I have! I have indeed heard of this matter!"
Seeing the distinguished guest ask a question, Master Liu naturally didn’t dare to be neglectful. He squeezed a smile onto his plump face and said,
"But it’s all happening in some remote villages. I imagine it’s the work of some lawless human traffickers. Nothing too surprising, really."
Wu Chen nodded and lowered his gaze. Hearing how lightly Master Liu spoke of the matter, he didn’t press further. He knew this wealthy merchant was probably not privy to more detailed information.
Besides, it seemed that no one had disappeared from this town yet. Otherwise, the man would hardly be so calm, speaking of it so casually.