The two brothers didn’t have much to pack, just a few clothes, some bedding, and items like pots and pans.
They didn’t need to move the food stored in the cellar, they could just fetch it every now and then.
By the time Zhong Lin and his companion arrived at No. 6 Huaihua Alley, the house had already been cleaned and was ready for immediate move-in.
As soon as they entered the courtyard, the two children ran to each other, their faces full of joy and excitement.
Little Stone had been confined at home by Zhong Lin for the past month. Even when going out to buy things, he would leave Little Stone at home, almost making him sick with boredom. Now, seeing a peer, and a schoolmate at that, his excitement knew no bounds.
Xu Old Man’s grandson was named Xu Xiu, nicknamed Brother Xiu, who was probably treated the same way, and was equally thrilled at this moment.
Ignoring the chatter of the two kids, Xu Old Man said with a hint of dissatisfaction, "Zhong Lin, if you hadn’t come, I would have moved over myself."
"Aren’t I here now? This must be Brother Xiu, smart and strong-headed, Xu Old Man, you have a worthy successor." Zhong Lin complimented.
Whenever his grandson was mentioned, Xu Old Man’s face would light up with a smile. Since the death of his son and daughter-in-law, his grandson was his treasure. Otherwise, at his age, he wouldn’t bother collaborating with Zhong Lin to sell medicine, all to save a dowry for Brother Xiu.
Xu Old Man said proudly, "Not at all, he’s smart but a bit too mischievous. Your little brother is great too; he looks as strong as a little calf. As he grows, he will certainly be capable of training in martial arts with you."
After some mutual praise, an elderly woman stepped out of the room.
Her hair was grizzled, her stature a bit short, but her face was kind and amiable.
"You must be Young Zhong! Indeed, you look quite talented."
Xu Old Man introduced from the side, "This is my wife."
Zhong Lin quickly bowed and greeted, "Hello, madam."
The old lady came forward, holding Zhong Lin’s hand and examining him closely, increasingly satisfied, full of expectation, "Young Zhong should be unmarried, right? Do you have someone you like? If not, I can find you a match."
The smile on Zhong Lin’s face stiffened. Having just escaped Aunt Jiang’s clutches, he felt like he was in another tricky situation. Do all elderly women love playing matchmaker?
Xu Le Wu noticed Zhong Lin’s embarrassment and interjected, "Old lady, don’t just match them randomly; Zhong Lin has his own plans."
"What do you mean ’match them randomly’? Young Zhong has no parents to rely on, just a man looking after his little brother. How can the house lack a woman? At least a woman can mend and clean, care for them."
The old lady gave her husband a sidelong glance.
Though she hadn’t met Zhong Lin before, from her husband’s words, she’d already developed some understanding of him.
Employed at the government office, his artwork well-known in Black Mountain County, a ranked martial artist...
This was clearly an eligible suitor! It’s just a pity she didn’t have a daughter; otherwise, she would certainly match them hard.
Zhong Lin appeared slightly awkward and said, "Thank you, madam, but I’m still young and would like to wait a few more years."
"Not a pity, not a pity, Stone, stop chatting and quickly move things into the house."
Zhong Lin called to Stone in the distance, quickly changing the subject.
At Xu Old Man’s house.
Little Stone and Brother Xiu played hide and seek in the yard.
Zhong Lin and Xu Old Man sat at the table drinking; there were three dishes on the table, and the old lady was still busy in the kitchen.
"The reserve army from the county was defeated again, almost completely wiped out. The chaotic army is nearly at the county town."
Xu Old Man’s face changed dramatically.
Zhong Lin downed his drink, a grave expression on his face, "I saw the news at the government office this morning. It’s true. The reserve army was soundly defeated. The enemy is formidable and approaching the county town, or I wouldn’t have moved over so hurriedly."
Xu Old Man looked panicked, muttering, "This is catastrophic, two consecutive defeats. There’s hardly any military force left in Black Mountain County. If the city gates are breached..."
Thinking of this, Xu Old Man took a deep breath and pleaded with Zhong Lin, "Zhong Lin, I’m old and can’t run. Can you take Brother Xiu out of the city? I’ll give you all my silver, just to ensure Brother Xiu’s survival."
"Calm down." Zhong Lin’s voice was steady, "Things haven’t reached that point yet. Although Black Mountain County is dangerous, leaving the city is no better. If we encounter the chaotic army, that’s a real danger. Whereas there is still some basic order in the city. With my strength, I can protect you all."
"Yes, within three days, I’ll have reached the Seventh Grade Bone Forging Realm. You know how powerful that realm is. Even if the city falls during the most chaotic times, I won’t be afraid."
At this, Zhong Lin paused and gave Xu Old Man a deep look.
"Of course, if truly faced with an impossible situation, I would first protect myself and Little Stone."
Upon hearing this, Xu Old Man wasn’t angered. He nodded, "That’s only right. A Seventh Grade Bone Forging Realm is enough. As long as we don’t stick our necks out, we can survive this crisis. And the county won’t ignore the chaotic army at Black Mountain County. Once the reinforcements arrive, we’ll be safe."
"These days, I’ll dig a cellar at home and move the food hidden in Sweet Water Alley here. If there’s any sign of trouble, bring the old lady and Brother Xiu to hide here."
Seeing that Zhong Lin had arranged everything, Xu Old Man showed a relieved expression, raising his wine glass.
"Zhong Lin, no need for words; everything is in this glass. In the future, whatever you command, I won’t refuse. As long as Brother Xiu is safe, my old life is yours."
Xu Old Man’s gaze was firm, ready to risk his life for his grandson.
Zhong Lin also raised his glass, smiling and drinking in one gulp.
He was willing to help Xu Old Man’s family as a reciprocal gesture. Though they were only business partners, Zhong Lin did earn considerable benefits through their collaboration. Whether it was the Blood Replenishing Pill or the Bone Strengthening Pill, solely relying on his painting income would take ages to accumulate.
Moreover, after Zhong Lin learned medicine, Xu Old Man even brought out his ancestral "Xu Medical Book," which greatly accelerated Zhong Lin’s growth in medical skill.
Although Zhong Lin understood that Xu Old Man had motives, judging by actions, not intentions, Zhong Lin was willing to reciprocate, helping the family as much as he could.
However, as Zhong Lin mentioned earlier, faced with an unmanageable situation, he would still prioritize protecting himself and Little Stone.
Zhong Lin wasn’t selfless enough to sacrifice himself to save others.