Chapter 249 - Chapter 249: Chapter 242 Unpredictable Human Heart 1 (2/2)
The Shennong Sect dared to wage war against the Black Tiger Gang because the high-ups were confident of victory.
It was possible that the Nine Insect Gang had given them some assurances.
Qin Niu’s overall impression was that everyone in the Shennong Sect, from the top echelons to the commoners, was very optimistic about the war.
They also believed the war could be ended in a very short time.
Two words, confidence.
After leaving the tavern, he headed straight for the docks not far away.
Before he reached the docks, a figure flashed out of the darkness, reaching out to grab him.
But Qin Niu, who possessed the Innate Realm cultivation, gave the person a cold look and was about to teach him a lesson for the sudden attack.
“Brother Qin, hurry and follow me!”
It was the voice of He Zhizhou.
He lowered his voice and pulled Qin Niu away.
“Uncle He, what’s happened?”
Qin Niu was full of suspicion.
His first thought was that something had happened to He Zhizhou’s sister, and He Zhizhou needed his help.
However, he quickly dismissed that idea.
“The boatman you hired to take you across the river has secretly reported to the authorities, and soldiers are lying in wait inside the boat, ready to capture you the moment you board.”
“That’s too despicable!”
Qin Niu never expected the boatman to be so malicious.
They had agreed on a ferry fee of one tael of silver, and if he wasn’t happy with the money, he could have asked for more.
“When traveling abroad, you must always be extra cautious! My brother-in- law happened to hear about this from a friend and brought it up during dinner at home. I guessed that they were probably after you, so I rushed to guard the essential path to the docks and, sure enough, found you.”
As He Zhizhou led him briskly forward, he explained softly.
“Uncle, knowing that I could belong to the Black Tiger Gang, why would you still help me?”
Qin Niu did feel quite moved.
Despite the fact that those soldiers lying in ambush were unlikely to pose a threat to him, avoiding a conflict was best.
“I’m just an ordinary citizen; I can’t concern myself with the affairs of the martial sects. All I know is that you are a kind and friendly young man. No matter which sect you belong to, to me you are like any other ordinary citizen.”
After leaving the town with Qin Niu, He Zhizhou checked behind to make sure no one was following, then led Qin Niu into a house.
The low house was as dilapidated as Qin Niu’s old home.
Tattered and worn.
A young woman clutched a one-year-old baby, accompanied by a lean young man.
The young man dressed sloppily, his hat askew, his shirt open, showing his belly—an absolute ruffian in appearance.
The young woman was not particularly pretty, just average looking, but her eyes were filled with spirit and resilience, clearly a woman who had been tempered by society.
It was hard to understand what she saw in such a rascal.
“Little sister, brother-in-law, this is Brother Qin Niu who I met on the road. Everyone comes across difficulties when they’re away from home. If we can offer help, we should do our best.”
Having closed the door, He Zhizhou introduced Qin Niu to the couple.
“Thankyou for the trouble!”
Qin Niu saluted them.
“Since Minmin’s big brother has already spoken, let’s not talk about trouble. I might be an idler who has accomplished nothing to make a name for myself, but when it comes to friends, loyalty comes first. Haven’t had dinner yet? Eat first. Later tonight, I’ll ferry you across the river in my boat.”
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
He Zhizhou’s brother-in-law might look like a rascal, but he was surprisingly righteous.
“I’ve already had something to eat at the tavern, thanks to Brother Lu’s kind intentions.”
Qin Niu glanced at the leftovers on the table.
Two plates of leftover greens, a salted fish, and several big steamed bread buns.
This family was indeed poor.
They probably only managed to prepare a salted fish because of the uncle’s visit, while on ordinary days, they likely ate just vegetables.
No wonder the couple were both thin.
“Madam, we still have eggs at home—boil a couple to serve Brother Qin Niu. I’ll go get the boat ready; I’ll come back to call Brother Qin Niu when it’s good to go.”
Lu Zhong spoke to his wife.
He was used to fooling around outside, so his observation skills shouldn’t be bad.
He noticed that Qin Niu might be disapproving of their homely meal, thus hesitating to eat at their place.
“Sister-in-law, no need, I really did eat, and I’m full. It’s not easy for you looking after the child; please sit and rest.”
Qin Niu hastily protested.
But she didn’t listen to him and went to boil the eggs.
For this poor family, boiling a couple of eggs was probably considered high hospitality.
The woman was insistent on going to the kitchen, and he couldn’t exactly drag her back.
Lu Zhong then opened the door and left.
Qin Niu was still on guard against this ruffian. After all, he had just been tricked and almost fell for it.
“Brother Qin, sit and rest for a while. I’ll accompany my brother-in-law to check on things.”
He Zhizhou noticed Qin Niu’s concern.
He was not very familiar with his brother-in-law either and was equally worried that he might secretly inform the authorities, which would put Qin Niu in trouble.
He followed, exiting the door, accompanying his brother-in-law to get the boat ready.
Both men seemed to trust Qin Niu, leaving him alone with the hostess and child at home.