A Divine Farmer

Chapter 207 - A Strange Thought

Zhang Xiaolong had been gone for a month, and even Lee Xiulian, who had always had unwavering faith in him, began to worry that something might have happened to him in the mountains.

Chen Yaru, Yang Jingjing, and others returned every few days to check on him, but each time they came back, there was no sign of him.

Wolves on Nest Mountain weren't a concern, but venturing deeper into the wilderness, nobody could predict what might be encountered. Even the most capable person couldn't be sure of safety in the vast mountain ranges stretching for hundreds of miles.

?Despite their worry, they were at a loss for what to do. If Zhang Xiaolong could run into trouble out there, sending a search party would be tantamount to a death sentence.

“Yaru, try not to worry. We all know Xiaolong's skills. He wouldn't take unnecessary risks. If he's not back yet, he's probably been held up by something, or maybe he hasn't found what he's looking for…” Yang Jingjing was anxious too, yet she offered words of comfort.

“I understand, but it's been a month. If he doesn't return soon, I'll go find him myself, even if it costs me my life,” Chen Yaru declared resolutely.

Yang Jingjing knew persuasion was futile, but she was determined not to let her take such a risk.

Chen Yaru might not have been aware of the mountain's dangers, but Yang Jingjing had firsthand experience from following Zhang Xiaolong there. They hadn't encountered any ferocious wolves, but the mountain's treacherous terrain was challenging enough. Finding their way out could become a life-threatening ordeal.

“Here's what we'll do: you two aren't familiar with the mountain trails, and you wouldn't get far. I'll round up some young men from the village to form a search party and take our chances,” Wang Tiehzhu decided at last.

“That's not an option for me,” Chen Yaru insisted adamantly. “Xiaolong is my partner. If I can't find him, I might as well stay in the mountains forever.”

“Sister, this is no time for rash statements. If you run into trouble out there, Xiaolong would have to go back in to rescue you, wouldn't he?” Lee Xiulian chimed in urgently, “Let your brother handle it. He knows the way. And take little wolf with you; that creature knows the area even better. In a pinch, the Wolf King could lend a hand.”

She was well aware of the situation. The local market was undisturbed largely because everyone knew a wolf pack was guarding it. Anyone with designs on that place would need to watch their neck.

Chen Yaru gave it some thought and ultimately agreed. Still, they decided to accompany her, intending to escort them to the mountain pass.

Zheng Hong, who hadn't left her home in quite some time, embarked on a journey to Nest Mountain with a sizable group.

But shortly after they set out, Wang Fugui appeared out of nowhere and knelt before Zheng Hong. “Red, I realize my mistake. Please, come back home with me. I promise to treat you right. Whatever you've done recently, I won't hold it against you.”

Clearly, he had caught wind of recent events. Though the details of how many men were involved eluded him, the gist was clear.

Yet, it was his own actions that had sparked this chain of events. Had he not disfigured her face, she wouldn't have sought such revenge.

After several days of reflection, Wang Fugui had an epiphany. He wanted to apologize to Zheng Hong, but she was always sequestered in the village chief's home.

He had thought about entering, but the formidable wolfdog at the door was not to be trifled with.

When he finally saw Zheng Hong emerge, he hurried after her, determined to take her back home and treat her with the tenderness she deserved.

Originally, he had used a mix of coaxing and deceit to bring her back home. And truly, she hadn't done anything untoward since her return. Despite his irritation that day over her mentions of Zhang Xiaolong, he knew in his heart that there was nothing between her and Xiaolong.

His harsh words that day were driven by a desire to see her earn more, but his pride got in the way, and in a moment of folly, he had marred her face with a knife. Now, he recognized the depth of his foolishness.

“Wang Fugui, what gives you the right to speak of disliking Zheng Hong?” Lee Xiulian couldn't contain her displeasure. “Zheng Hong is now Zhang Xiaolong's sister, far more esteemed than you. If anyone should be disdained, it's you she should be disdaining. Understand?”

“I…” Wang Fugui still harbored resentment towards Zhang Xiaolong, believing him to be conceited because of his wealth. If Xiaolong hadn't shown up at the wedding, perhaps things would have been different.

At this pivotal moment, he couldn't bring himself to voice his inner thoughts. All he could do was gaze at Zheng Hong, silently pleading for her to return with him.

“Go back, Wang Fugui. I've let go of my hatred for you,” Zheng Hong said evenly. “If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have gained a brother like Zhang Xiaolong. But you're not the man I'm looking for. Let's just be strangers.”

“What are you saying?” Wang Fugui's anger flared. “I'm not the man you're looking for? You're still holding out for Zhang Xiaolong? To hell with that! Do you really think Zhang Xiaolong would want you now? You were once considered second-hand, and nobody wanted you. Now, you're damaged goods. Do you think he'd have you?”

“Shut your filthy mouth. Who said you could talk?” Wang Tiehzhu advanced, ready to deliver a couple of smacks, but Lee Xiulian held him back.

Zheng Hong remained composed amidst the chaos. “He burned everything in the cave that day and told me the old Zheng Hong was dead. I agree with him. The old Zheng Hong was blind, thinking you were a good man. She gave you everything, naively followed you here, suffered your cuts, and degraded herself. But that Zheng Hong is dead. From now on, you and I have nothing to do with each other.”

With those final words, everyone turned and walked away, leaving Wang Fugui in a daze, ignored by all.

“Damn Zhang Xiaolong, you've taken my wife in the end. You had to steal even a ‘piece of trash' from me!”

Wang Fugui was aware that even if Zhang Xiaolong hadn't touched Zheng Hong physically, he had certainly captured her heart.

He had come here thinking his generosity would be enough to forgive the infidelity and that she would surely return with him. But the reality was far from what he expected.

Being impulsive by nature, and now with his emotions running high, he resolved not to let Zhang Xiaolong's woman get away with it so easily.

Wang Fugui pulled out a dagger he was carrying and charged toward Chen Yaru.

At the sound of the disturbance, several heads turned, momentarily frozen in shock.

Yang Jingjing had the fastest reflexes. Seeing Wang Fugui brandishing the knife at Yaru, she cried out a warning, “Be careful!”

In a swift motion, she spun around, positioning herself as a human shield to protect Yaru…

Wang Fugui hadn't intended to kill anyone. He was just infuriated that his own woman had disfigured her face, symbolically adorning him with a slew of “green hats”—a metaphor for being cheated on. He wanted to inflict the same humiliation on Zhang Xiaolong by disfiguring his woman's face, thereby bestowing upon him an equivalent collection of green hats.

The blade was meant for Chen Yaru, but as it descended, Yang Jingjing courageously intercepted it.

Chi…