CHAPTER 444: CHAPTER 441: A MAJOR EMBARRASSMENT (PART 1)

"Brother Beichen, when do you plan to leave? Let Shuangshuang and me know, and we’ll see you off to the town."

Lu Yuanfeng knew that Xing Beichen likely didn’t have a single coin on him. When they examined his body back then, they had him stripped down and only found that strange mark—nothing else.

Xing Beichen was taken aback but understood Lu Yuanfeng’s intentions, and he felt a deep sense of gratitude.

This brother of his was a worthy friend.

"Fengzi, thank you!" Xing Beichen sincerely expressed his gratitude.

"Fengzi, aren’t you going to join me again in the military to achieve greatness?"

Last night, Xing Beichen and Lu Yuanfeng had a heartfelt conversation where Lu Yuanfeng learned the purpose of Xing Beichen’s visit.

And Xing Beichen also knew that Lu Yuanfeng had spent five years in the military.

Being the son of the War God, Xing Beichen had a particular fondness for men like Lu Yuanfeng, who were courageous and valorous.

Unfortunately, starting with his generation, the military power in his family had fallen entirely into outsiders’ hands. Apart from him, the Xing Family had no one else capable of leading troops into battle, and he was the only heir of the Xing Family.

Even the higher-ups did not permit him to lead troops into battle.

Therefore, Xing Beichen came over to build dikes to fend off the annual floods.

"No, Brother Beichen, when I left, I had already made up my mind not to return."

What Shuangshuang wanted, Lu Yuanfeng intended to obtain through another means.

"Alright then, Fengzi, whenever you decide to go, just have someone write me a letter, and I’ll make sure to handle everything for you."

After discussing matters, they finally sat down to have a meal. The table was covered with a variety of dishes, including fish and meat; it was the most lavish meal Xing Beichen had since his arrival.

Each dish was exceptionally unique, so tasty that it was hard to stop eating.

"Miss Shuangshuang is beautiful and a great cook. You’re such a perfect couple, you and Feng Zizheng. I hope you have a wonderful future together, and if you get married, I’ll definitely be there!"

Xing Beichen’s words made Lu Yuanfeng a bit embarrassed.

The two men raised their cups and took a few casual sips.

Xing Beichen was injured and couldn’t drink much.

Lu Yuanfeng was indifferent to alcohol, and since Mu Shuangshuang mostly abstained from drinking, he followed her lead even more.

Just as everyone was enjoying the meal, the kitchen door suddenly burst open, and Fu Xiaonan rushed in.

"Hahaha, got you!"

Fu Xiaonan, unaware of the situation, thought that only Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng were in the kitchen. But now seeing so many people there, all looking at her like she was a fool, her face instantly turned crimson.

"You guys... why are you all here?"

She quickly covered her face, looking as if she could die from embarrassment.

Fu Xiaonan had an energetic personality and got along well with Mu Shuangshuang. She usually liked visiting Shuangshuang’s house to ask about various recipes since she couldn’t cook; she’d memorize them and have her mother make them.

She tended to be unruly at times; otherwise, she wouldn’t have fought with Old Mrs. Mu back then. But Fu Xiaonan was well protected by Fu Wu, all bark and no bite; when it came to real confrontations, she’d end up getting torn apart.

Mu Shuangshuang stood up and went to greet Fu Xiaonan.

"Xiao Nan, now that you’re here, don’t worry about being shy. Come, let me introduce you. This is Big Brother Beichen; he’s a distant relative of Fengzi."

Even with Fu Xiaonan, Mu Shuangshuang didn’t reveal Xing Beichen’s identity.

The fewer people who knew about his affairs, the better.

Fu Xiaonan blushed even more at having made such a fool of herself in front of strangers.

Xing Beichen didn’t mind. Having already met the uniquely different Mu Shuangshuang, he wasn’t too surprised by the lively Fu Xiaonan.

"Hello, Miss Fu!" Xing Beichen greeted softly.

Receiving a greeting, Fu Xiaonan’s cheeks reddened further.

She had to reassure herself countless times before regaining her composure.

"Shuangshuang, I want to invite you to the Wang Family for a play tonight. I’m scared since that scoundrel Wang Fugui is home!"

"Sure, but we can’t stay out too late; you know, after midnight, there’s that..."

Mu Shuangshuang raised an eyebrow, originally trying to scare Fu Xiaonan, but unexpectedly, she clenched her fists.

"I’m not afraid! My dad asked for an Amulet from the City God Temple, and Brother Qingshan also got me one from the county!"

With that, Fu Xiaonan took out two amulets from her pockets.

One in each hand, and the one in her right hand was clearly close to her chest.

Fu Xiaonan had a childhood sweetheart in the county who was waiting to propose once she turned fifteen.

The young girl smiled radiantly, her fair face brimming with happiness.

Her gaze was as pure as water, and her actions when holding the amulet were a bit silly yet genuine and unpretentious.

Watching the heartfelt Fu Xiaonan, Xing Beichen found himself momentarily dazed.

His heart skipped irregularly.

The soft call of Brother Qingshan made him feel like he had lost something.

What if it wasn’t Brother Qingshan being called?

Realizing he was thinking too far ahead, Xing Beichen took a deep breath and told himself to stay calm.

But once the waters of the heart ripple, how can they settle?

Under Mu Shuangshuang’s strong insistence, Fu Xiaonan swallowed down another half bowl of rice and two pieces of pork knuckle.

She had intended to eat her fill, but was too full since she had already had dinner before coming.

After the meal

the group swaggered off towards the Wang Family.

Xing Beichen walked in the center. Because he was unfamiliar, many villagers had already asked who he was, and Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng consistently said he was a distant relative.

Distant relatives were always intriguing since ancient times were full of collateral and branch families, making half the county practically related in some way.

Back then, distant relatives could marry, which is why nobody probed too deep.

Xing Beichen felt this place had an honest folk culture, truly a suitable place for recuperation and life.

"If I get old and am unable to move, I’ll definitely settle here and enjoy my final years!"

Xing Beichen expressed with a look of longing.

"What’s so good about this place? No chicken lays eggs, no birds poop, the fields aren’t fertile, and the land isn’t productive," Fu Xiaonan quickly replied.

Xing Beichen laughed. "Then, Miss Xiao Nan, where do you think is a good place to retire?"

"Of course, it’s the county! Leave the house with a carriage, enter with servants attending, everything to eat, use, or wear can be bought just a few steps away!"

Fu Xiaonan spoke while laughing.

"You like that kind of high-society life?" Xing Beichen’s eyes suddenly twinkled as if expecting something, yet also not.

"No, I only like a simple life. But since Brother Qingshan is in the county, I’m his future wife, so I’ll eventually have to move to the county.

Besides, as long as I’m with the person I love, it doesn’t matter where we are. If you don’t believe me, ask Shuangshuang and Fengzi!"

Passing the topic to Lu Yuanfeng and Mu Shuangshuang, Fu Xiaonan quickened her pace to join the fun.

Xing Beichen focused his gaze on Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng, with a perplexed look in his eyes!