C30 (1/2)

Xiaowan had suffered countless hardships and could not stand to be pitied by others. She squatted down and said gently: ”Aunt, please come and have a seat at the store, I'll get some water for you guys to eat.”

Xiaowan could see the skin below from the young woman's sleeve. With the familiar scene that she was familiar with, she subconsciously grabbed the girl's arm, lifted her sleeve, and saw the lines of whip marks that were extremely shocking.

”This is?” Xiaowan's heart suddenly clenched.

”Miss, we only want some water, please don't let anyone see us, please Miss.” The older woman hid her daughter behind her, tears in her eyes as she begged, ”Miss, please don't let anyone find out where we are. Please.”

Xiaowan's heart was already in pain, there were tears in her eyes as she said repeatedly: ”I got it, auntie, wait a moment, I'll go get the water for you guys now.”

”Well water is enough, we …” Seeing the Xiaowan walk into the shop, the aunt stopped him and said that it should not be too troublesome, but the Xiaowan had already ran away.

In the main hall of the inn, Ling Chaofeng was still chatting with his father in law, while the Master Mu was considered a person who travelled extensively, gaining some insights. They chatted about the major engineering matters of different regions, causing the atmosphere to be quite good.

At this moment, Master Mu shifted the topic back to his daughter, and said with a little guilt: ”I don't know how Xiaowan told you about the past, but I myself understand that I have let down this daughter of mine for seventeen years. However, I want to support my family and will not be home for many years. It's really … Sigh, no matter what you say, it's useless. I only hope that Manager Ling can treat her a few more times.

As his father said these words, Ling Chaofeng saw from the corner of his eyes that the Xiaowan had snuck back. While no one was looking, he went to the kitchen, and then sneaked out to pack a few things in a wooden basin. He was in a hurry, it seemed like there was something wrong with the back door.

However, he still calmly dealt with the Master Mu, ”Please be at ease, your son-in-law will take good care of Xiaowan.”

Inside, there was a pot of tea, two bowls, a few big meat buns and two side dishes. She placed the food down and said: ”Aunt, you guys eat first, I'll bring some more for you guys to eat on the way. How much longer do you guys have to walk for, you guys … …”

She asked, but the two of them didn't have time to answer. They hadn't eaten for several days, so they had already gone mad with hunger.

Xiaowan ran back to her own room, wanting to make more rations. Coincidentally, her father saw, and said angrily: ”My daughter, stop washing your shoes, why don't you come sit down and talk. How can you leave Young Master alone, and have father look at you properly.”

”I-I'll be here soon. I'll be ready soon.” Xiaowan made an excuse and ran away. She wrapped up the leftover white bread in the kitchen and filled up two bags of water. The dried radish sticks under the eaves also grabbed a few pieces and stuffed them into the bag.

However, the woodpile was empty. Besides the wooden bowls and plates, the two ladies and the food were all gone.

Xiaowan carried her backpack and looked to both sides, heading towards the direction of Baisha River Pier, where two figures dove into the bushes by the side of the road.

”What are you looking at?” Ling Chaofeng's voice suddenly came out, causing Xiaowan to panic as the backpack in her hands fell onto the ground.

Ling Chaofeng slowly walked over, picked up the bundle, and untied it to have a look.

The Xiaowan waved his hand and said, ”I am not running away, nor am I taking it for my father. Hubby, I …”

Ling Chaofeng did not pursue the matter and did not question further, but only said: ”Father-in-law is about to leave, we will send him off.”

As they entered, their luggage was casually placed at the side, and the couple walked to the door, instructing Ershan to get a carriage and send Master Mu back.

Master Mu thanked him profusely before looking at his daughter again. After hesitating for a while, he took out a piece of silver from his purse and stuffed it into Xiaowan's hands, saying: ”My daughter, your father has let you down and also has let your mother down. From now on, you must live a good life with the shopkeeper.”

After all, she was still his father. She promised with tears in her eyes, telling him to be careful on the road.

The carriage gradually moved further and further away, and Ling Chaofeng went forward to hug his wife's shoulder. ”The wind outside is heavy, let's go in.”

”Hm.” Xiaowan held back her tears and wiped them away as she said softly, ”Husband, thank you for receiving my father. Thank you for returning so many things to him.”

Ling Chaofeng did not say anything, and brought her back to the shop. Coincidentally, he heard from Aunt Zhang that something was strange: ”What is this bag for, did Master Mu leave it behind for you? Now, will we be able to catch up? ”

Xiaowan hurriedly said: ”Aunt, leave it to me.”

She took the bag and turned to see Ling Chaofeng looking at his indifferently. Xiaowan felt his heart tremble, whether or not she should speak the truth, but that aunt begged her not to let anyone discover their whereabouts.

After half a day passed without incident, the Xiaowan followed the Uncle Biao in the kitchen to help with the pickled vegetables. After Ershan sent the dishes to the Master Mu, he took over another job from Ling Chaofeng to do and did not return for a while. The Aunt Zhang laughed and said: ”I would like to hear about your family after Ershan returns.