Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Bashful Joy
Hua Yusen was frank with Zhao Nuanyue.
"Last night, when I was delivering food to the elders, I saw two figures lurking about, so I followed them," Hua Yusen answered. "I never thought you were their target."
"Oh, so that’s what happened. We were lucky this time, and it’s all thanks to you. By the way, was the one who got away Wang Dadan?" ’I already know it was,’ Zhao Nuanyue thought, ’but the Little Red Carp told me, and I have no proof.’
"I’m not certain. The person never said a word, and I didn’t get a good look at their face. Their build was just a little similar," Hua Yusen replied. "With things like this, unless you catch them red-handed, the security office won’t make an arrest even if I report it. So..."
Zhao Nuanyue nodded, understanding what Hua Yusen meant.
"You’re right. You have to catch them red-handed; that’s the only thing that counts," Zhao Nuanyue said with a sigh. "I just heard Miao Dahai chewing out Big Pillar for letting him get away."
"Sigh, that’s just the way it is," Hua Yusen lamented. "But even though Wang Dadan got away and there’s no proof it was him, it’s still going to take a lot of effort on his part to keep the others from confessing and implicating him."
Hua Yusen’s words left Zhao Nuanyue feeling sad and helpless, and she fell silent.
Hua Yusen stoked the fire while Zhao Nuanyue made a duck egg and dough drop soup. She poured it into a clay pot and sealed the lid.
He waited for it to get dark, then delivered it under the cover of night.
When Hua Yusen returned, he was surprised to find Zhao Nuanyue still awake. She was sitting in the main hall of the Dragon King Temple with a somewhat dazed expression.
"What’s wrong?" Hua Yusen couldn’t help but ask when he saw her dejected expression.
But as soon as the words were out, he felt they were too familiar. He remembered how he’d often found himself thinking about her before. Now that he saw her nearly every day, he couldn’t stop himself from stealing a few extra glances.
When she was busy, his eyes would follow her movements without him even realizing it.
"It’s nothing!" Zhao Nuanyue shook her head. "I was waiting to open the door for you. I didn’t expect you to just climb the wall. Anyway, how are the elders?"
Hua Yusen smiled. "With all the commotion from what happened, no one in the village has the mind to pay attention to those few. Especially since Wang Dadan and Accountant Li both went to the county town, one after the other. Now, even fewer people are paying any mind to the shacks over there."
"I wonder what kind of trouble those people can still stir up," Zhao Nuanyue mused. "The New Year is getting close. I have a feeling that even if this blows up, it will probably be covered up to keep the higher-ups from finding out. Besides, for Wang Dadan and Li Siming to go to the county town now, they must be looking for help."
Hua Yusen was much older than Zhao Nuanyue and had carried out many missions, so he naturally understood this. "The others will be punished this time," he said, "but that’s not necessarily true for Wang Dadan."
"That’s right. He has a brother-in-law who’s thriving in the county town," Zhao Nuanyue replied. "I’m worried about what’s to come, and how I can keep bringing food to the elders without getting caught."
She was right. It would be difficult.
"Heh," Hua Yusen chuckled. "Don’t worry so much. I’ll take care of things over there."
Hearing this, Zhao Nuanyue’s heart soared. ’That’s exactly what I was waiting for him to say!’
"There are some things I’m powerless to help with. The only thing I can do is stay hidden in Nianqiao Village and find food," Zhao Nuanyue replied. "I can guarantee food for you and the elders. In return, please protect me and my brother. I just want to raise him here in peace and safety, and wait for a chance to return to the city one day."
This was precisely what Hua Yusen lacked.
With the same ingredients, the dishes he made never tasted right. But what Zhao Nuanyue made today was excellent. The elders drank the duck egg and dough drop soup she’d seasoned with chili powder. It had none of the usual gaminess and tasted exceptionally good.
It was both nutritious and warming.
Mr. Qian, Elder Gu, and the others had specifically requested to have the duck egg and dough drop soup again tomorrow.
"Alright, I’ll do my best," Hua Yusen nodded. "As long as I’m here, I won’t let you and your brother suffer."
"Thank you, then." Zhao Nuanyue beamed, her smile looking all the more radiant and captivating in the dim lamplight.
"N-No... you’re welcome!" Hua Yusen stammered, quickly ducking his head to hide his flustered expression.
Zhao Nuanyue smiled and turned to go inside.
When Hua Yusen returned to his room to rest that night, he actually had a dream.
....
Thinking of this, Hua Yusen couldn’t help but feel a wave of joy.
’This is a good thing. At least I’m getting better.’
But to dream of doing... *that*... with Zhao Nuanyue... He could only feel a pang of guilt and resolve to do more for her in his waking life to make up for it.
’After all, I have a fiancée. My parents arranged it, and I can’t break the engagement.’
’As for Zhao Nuanyue...’ Sigh. Hua Yusen scratched his head. He knew he shouldn’t get close to her, but he couldn’t stop himself from thinking about her, wanting to be near her.
’This is wrong. It goes against my principles.’
