CHAPTER 92: IMPULSE IS THE DEVIL

Tian Sangsang looked him up and down and waved her hand dismissively, "Fine, seeing as you’re so earnest, even with a broken foot still struggling to get to town, I’ll believe you for now. You can pay the deposit once your family arrives. By the way, Yanyan and I won’t be back until around two this afternoon. There’s food at the house—there’s some braised food in the jar—and we’ve left you some rice. Just heat it up, and it’ll make a decent lunch."

"No way, you *have* to pay!" Zhao Chun shook his head firmly. They had to go to town to make money through small trades, and if he didn’t pay the deposit, it’d be utterly unreasonable. Besides, he knew she had spent quite a bit last time to treat his injured leg; she probably didn’t have much money left. Not to mention, this woman was so stubbornly proud—he already had a deep understanding of her nature. He chuckled internally.

"Alright, *if* you insist."

"There’s no *if* about it—I’ve always insisted."

"Fine, *since* you insist." Tian Sangsang shrugged.

"..." Zhao Chun leaned on his crutch, limping awkwardly ahead. His pace was even slower than Meng Shuyan’s, his tall and straight figure carrying a sort of fragile exhaustion that made Tian Sangsang feel a pang of pity. "How about I carry you for a stretch?" she asked.

Zhao Chun blinked dumbfoundedly, his face abruptly flushing crimson. "I’m not a woman!" The memory of being cradled in her arms last time and his completely shattered male dignity made him feel shamefully tempted to bash his head against his crutch.

"Or I could just tuck you under my arm," she teased lightly. Using her hands, she’d just scoop him under there like luggage—after all, she prided herself on being a strong woman, always inclined to help when encountering someone vulnerable.

Tian Sangsang sighed helplessly at her own musings—it was only because he was hobbling along like *that.* Fine, if he doesn’t want help, then so be it. What’s pride, anyway? It’s not like you can eat it.

Given how painfully slow Zhao Chun moved, Tian Sangsang ended up walking on ahead while Meng Shuyan stayed behind to accompany him.

"Isn’t that the guy with the broken leg?"

"I heard Dr. Li even came over to check his leg."

"Tian Sangsang has some nerve, doesn’t she?"

"Yeah, just picked up a man and brought him home."

"Isn’t she afraid that Brother Biao will come looking?"

"Where are they heading?"

"I heard that guy’s from the city. They’re probably taking him back. Honestly, Tian Sangsang is bound to make a fortune this time. Rich folks always give big money."

"Not necessarily. I think Tian Sangsang just wants, you know... Back in the day, Meng Shuyan’s dad ended up tied to her bed by Tian Sangsang, and look, then she had Meng Shuyan. Now she’s tied up another guy..."

"Poor fellow."

"It’s like watching a flower being stuck in a pile of manure."

"Oh, come off it. Tian Sangsang has changed a lot—why talk about her like that?"

"Well... I know she’s changed, but her looks are still—"

"Stop gossiping. If Tian Sangsang hears this, she’ll clobber you. She’s bold enough to take on her third aunt!"

"Chen Guilan deserved it—her whole family’s rotten to the core. Even Tian Tian isn’t anything good; she hoodwinked everyone for years."

"Tian Tian has probably turned over a new leaf though. She’s been lying low at home these past few days."

"..."

Listening to the villagers’ chatter, Zhao Chun inexplicably felt a chill down his spine. Right, why *did* Tian Sangsang rescue him? They said she had done unspeakable things to Meng Shuyan’s dad back then. Although he had never met Meng Shuyan’s father, he couldn’t help but feel sympathy—genuine sympathy.

Was Tian Sangsang planning to pull the same stunt again?

Being pinned under a woman twice his weight on a bed—ugh, his leg hurt just thinking about it...

And he was still a virgin!

However, when he caught sight of Meng Shuyan with his tiny head drooping and his shadow looking indescribably lonely, Zhao Chun immediately shook off his dirty thoughts. Debauchery in mind breeds debauchery in sight, after all. These folks spoke so freely—what if the little kid overheard and got upset?

He reached out to touch Meng Shuyan’s fluffy curls, and Meng Shuyan glanced back at him with his clear, innocent eyes.

"Sangsang!" Li Zhengxiong called out, leaning against the ox-cart from up ahead. He used to call her "Sangsister" all the time, but Tian Sangsang found it odd, so she had him switch to calling her "Sangsang."

"Brother Li, have you been waiting long?"

"Not at all, I just got here."

Tian Sangsang quickened her pace to step in front of him, steadying her breath before saying, "There’s one more person today—I’ll adjust your payment accordingly."

Li Zhengxiong wasn’t the type to fuss over money. What caught him by surprise was the sight of Zhao Chun. His gaze grew slightly complicated as he said, "Hop on."

Zhao Chun struggled due to his injury, one foot placed on the cart while his hand held the crutch on the ground, his body swaying precariously. Just as Tian Sangsang couldn’t bear to watch and prepared to help him, Li Zhengxiong beat her to it. Holding Zhao Chun by the waist, he effortlessly helped him onto the cart.

"Your last name’s Li? I’ll call you Brother Li then. I’m Zhao Chun—thanks." Zhao Chun smiled carefreely, remembering how this man had helped him several times in recent days.

Li Zhengxiong seemed slightly embarrassed, "It’s nothing." He figured city folks like Zhao Chun and Tian Sangsang were always saying thank you, which only made him feel more awkward. Deep down, he wished he could do more, but his old mother’s constant opposition had forced him to turn a blind eye sometimes.

"Come, Xiao Yan, grab Uncle’s hand so I can pull you up."

"Okay." Meng Shuyan looked at the large hand in front of him and gave his tiny hand to Zhao Chun. In the next instant, he was scooped up onto the cart.

"I’ve never actually ridden an ox-cart," Zhao Chun said contemplatively. "It’s not much different from a jeep in comfort. If I had a son as adorable as Xiao Yan, I’d definitely stay in this mountain village forever. The cart is steady, the food is amazing, and the people are kind..." His voice trailed off as his gaze landed briefly on Tian Sangsang before quickly averting it. Of course, it’d be even better if *she* were prettier.

"Don’t." Tian Sangsang countered sharply. "Just don’t. Impulsiveness is the devil."

Zhao Chun lowered his eyes sheepishly.

"You think the cart is steady—that’s because it’s Brother Li’s cart; you think the food is tasty—that’s because it’s cooked by me; you wish Yanyan were your son—sorry, there’s no such thing as ’if’ in this world." Tian Sangsang chuckled dryly twice. Impulsiveness is the devil, and reality is far too harsh.

"True." Zhao Chun didn’t dare argue back.

Once they arrived in town, the group dispersed.

Tian Sangsang wasn’t in a hurry to set up her stall immediately. She turned to Zhao Chun and asked, "Where are you heading? I can go with you and point the way."

"N-no need." Zhao Chun stuttered. No way—that wouldn’t work. He needed to go make a phone call, and if they got into that conversation about bringing someone to pick him up, he’d be doomed. He wasn’t ready to go home yet; his grandfather would kill him. "I can manage by myself."

Tian Sangsang watched him fidget nervously and refrained from pressing further. "I’ll be here setting up my stall. If everything’s sorted out, come meet us here."

"Alright," Zhao Chun replied awkwardly. "Could I borrow some money? I..."