"Of course, Xiaozhu. You should rest for a while. I'll wake you when we get home."
Sensing Chen Xiaozhu's cautious gaze, Er Zhu nodded generously.
A mere name was of no consequence to him, especially since it was a fake one!
Xiao Die, standing nearby, saw Chen Xiaozhu's politeness towards Er Zhu and pouted with displeasure, her eyes filled with disdain.
She truly couldn't understand why Miss would admire this mere village doctor, who was only lucky enough to be in his position.
To the point of being almost subservient!
Though Xiao Die didn't understand, she didn't ask. She watched the scenery blurring past the window alone.
After what felt like a long time, just as Xiao Die was about to fall asleep, the car finally stopped. Xiao Die rubbed her eyes and helped Chen Xiaozhu out of the car with difficulty. But the moment they stepped out, she was stunned by what she saw!
Two-story villas, each grand and imposing, stretched before her eyes. While they might not compare to mansions of the elite, they were far superior to the brick and tile houses seen on the road!
No, there was simply no comparison, a difference as vast as heaven and earth!
"Your village is quite prosperous. The village head is indeed capable."
Xiao Die, supporting the already fast-asleep Chen Xiaozhu, looked at the two-story villas, a hint of surprise in her eyes.
Er Zhu said nothing, not even glancing at Xiao Die. However, the villagers coming and going nearby had various expressions on their faces.
If this young lady knew that the capable village head she hadn't even bothered to look at was Er Zhu, she wondered what her expression would be...
"Miss Xiao Die, what should I do about this?"
Seeing Xiao Die and Chen Xiaozhu about to enter the house, the driver, who had stopped at the entrance, poked his head out and asked somewhat bewilderedly.
Miss had only told him to drop her off, not to stay. Moreover, that country bumpkin had no intention of keeping him. The driver felt caught in a dilemma, unsure whether to leave or stay.
"You can go back, but don't say anything foolish, or don't blame me for being impolite!"
Seeing the driver's aggrieved expression, Xiao Die waved her hand impatiently, sending him away.
In truth, she didn't fully understand her Miss's thoughts, but since Miss was worried about prying eyes, she would try to minimize the number of people present. Besides, who knew if this village doctor's home even had enough room to accommodate anyone.
"Ow!"
Just as Xiao Die was lost in thought, she tripped over a stone without paying attention, falling to the ground. Chen Xiaozhu also tumbled onto her.
"Who's there?"
Li Mei, who was cooking, heard the commotion outside. Dropping her cleaver, she rushed out, only to see two women sprawled on the ground.
One girl was lively and charming, the other like a snow lotus on an ice mountain, pure and cold!
"Sister Mei, Xiaozhu is deeply poisoned, so I had to bring her home to treat her. This is Xiaozhu's servant, Xiao Die."
Seeing Li Mei's questioning gaze, Er Zhu helped the now-awakened Chen Xiaozhu up and introduced Xiao Die, who was still sitting on the ground.
"Oh, then please come in."
Hearing Er Zhu's introduction, Li Mei was taken aback but then seemed to understand something. She enthusiastically guided them inside, only then noticing that she was still holding the cleaver!
Li Mei's face instantly turned red. She bashfully hid her hand behind her back, smiling shyly.
"What's there to be embarrassed about? You need a cleaver to cook, don't you?"
Seeing Li Mei's awkwardness, Er Zhu smiled slightly and walked over to her, taking the cleaver from her hand. Although Li Mei was inwardly pleased, she still felt a little embarrassed.
"Er Zhu, is this big sister your girlfriend?"
Seeing Er Zhu so protective of Li Mei, a hint of bitterness welled up in Chen Xiaozhu's heart. She had thought Er Zhu was single, only to discover he was already taken!
Moreover, this woman looked like a perfect wife and mother!
"No, she's my Sister Mei."
Er Zhu instinctively wanted to nod, but thinking of the enemy far away in the capital, he could only shake his head and deny it. Hearing Er Zhu say this, the blush on Li Mei's face instantly disappeared, and a trace of dejection flickered in her eyes.
Yes, she wasn't Er Zhu's girlfriend, yet she had been so hopeful just moments ago!
"That's right, I'm not his girlfriend. Er Zhu was brought back by my husband. We used to take care of him together. Later, my husband passed away from illness, so it's just the two of us left at home."
Li Mei sighed and walked towards the kitchen. Er Zhu could sense Li Mei's anger, but at this moment, he could say nothing.
"Oh, so she's a widow."
Before Chen Xiaozhu could speak, Xiao Die beside her let out a snicker, saying with disdain.
"Xiao Die, no rudeness!"
Hearing this, Chen Xiaozhu suddenly turned her head. Her already cold eyes became even more chilling. Xiao Die felt as if the blood within her was freezing.
"I'm sorry, Miss. I misspoke."
Sensing Chen Xiaozhu's radiating anger, Xiao Die quickly bowed and apologized. Chen Xiaozhu wanted to say more, but fearing exposure of her identity, she let it go.
As Chen Xiaozhu was about to step forward, her legs suddenly gave way, and she nearly fell. Fortunately, Er Zhu's reflexes were quick, and he swept her up into his arms.
His large hands held her slender waist, and Chen Xiaozhu gazed at Er Zhu's resolute profile, somewhat lost in thought!
She suddenly realized she was developing a liking for Er Zhu!
This was the first time she had ever felt this way about a man!
"Your body is still very weak. I'll carry you upstairs."
Er Zhu felt her intense gaze but didn't even look at Chen Xiaozhu. After saying this, he walked into the house.
It wasn't that he didn't want to look, but that he couldn't. He feared he might be unable to resist being moved!
Sister Mei was already upset. If she saw this, what would happen between them in the future?
Thinking of Li Mei, Er Zhu regained his composure. In a short while, he carried Chen Xiaozhu to the guest room. "Sister Mei cleans this room every day, and the bedding is new. You can rest here with peace of mind."
Just as Chen Xiaozhu was about to thank him, Er Zhu left after saying these words. Watching his retreating back, a hint of loneliness flickered in Chen Xiaozhu's eyes.
He seemed utterly uninterested in her!
After going downstairs, Er Zhu had intended to appease Li Mei, but he found Xiao Die in the kitchen. He had no choice but to retreat. As Er Zhu was about to go out for a walk, he saw a crowd of villagers gathered at the entrance, and at the forefront was Zhao Qian!
What was she doing here again?
Er Zhu thought as he walked towards the main gate, but before he could take a few steps, Zhao Qian kicked the door open and entered.
"Wang Er Zhu, according to reports from the masses, you are suspected of a crime. Please cooperate with my work and come with me!"
Before Er Zhu could speak, Zhao Qian roared furiously.