66: Chapter 66: Want to Silence Someone?
66: Chapter 66: Want to Silence Someone?
Madam Zhou’s face was swollen on one half, and even though she said there was no need for medicine, Wufu still boiled an egg, wrapped it in a handkerchief, and let her roll it on her face to reduce the swelling.
After comforting Madam Zhou, Wufu made breakfast and had both her and Ah Jiu eat, then she was about to take Ah Jiu out with her.
“Mother, we’re going up the mountain,” Wufu said, her bamboo basket on her back, filled with blankets and the like.
“Be careful,” Madam Zhou said from behind the door, watching her with concern.
Wufu nodded and reached out to help Ah Jiu step out.
“Thank you for your hospitality, Auntie,” Ah Jiu said with a smile and nod to Madam Zhou.
Madam Zhou’s face warmed slightly and she shyly retreated into the house.
“Let’s go!” Wufu walked to the door but paused for a moment upon hearing the rapid approach of horse hooves.
As it happened, their house was the most secluded one in Wozi Village, nestled at the foot of the mountain.
Apart from hunters and woodcutters ascending the mountain, there were rarely any visitors, let alone the sound of horse hooves.
Wufu looked at Ah Jiu, who was standing in the yard, raised her index finger to her lips to shush him, and then nodded towards her chin.
Ah Jiu had heard the horse hooves too.
A flicker of shadow passed through his eyes, which quickly disappeared as he obediently retreated to the side of the firewood shed.
The sound of horse hooves drew closer, and Wufu was certain it was headed toward their home.
Indeed, the rhythmic clopping outside stopped with a ‘whoa,’ followed by someone approaching and rapping at the door.
Wufu asked through the door, “Who is it?”
“Excuse me, is this Miss Wufu’s home?” The person outside hesitated for a moment before asking.
Wufu cracked the door open slightly to see the person outside, a tall man in a dusty grey short robe standing there.
The man looked her way and, seeing a timid young girl, tilted his head slightly and pondered, “Wufu?”
Wufu, somewhat startled, remained silent, her eyes sizing up the man while she searched through her memories.
She didn’t recognize him!
“Little girl, don’t be afraid.
Well, it was you who left a message at the Wenshan Bookstore…” The man adjusted his facial muscles, trying to appear friendlier as he spoke cautiously.
Before he could finish, two coughs came from inside, along with a call for Hoo Die.
The man’s eyes brightened instantly.
He pushed open the door Wufu was holding and rushed in, catching sight of Ah Jiu by the door of the firewood shed right away.
What happened next left Wufu’s eyes wide.
She saw the burly man take a flying leap toward Ah Jiu and drop to his knees at his feet, his arms wrapping around Ah Jiu’s legs as he began to cry.
I’ve finally found you…
Had I not found you, I would have slit my throat as an apology.
Your message came just in time, Old Hoo hasn’t even taken a wife yet, and now I won’t have to take that lonely journey.
Oh Master, you’ve saved poor Old Hoo’s life!”
Wufu stared, dumbfounded.
Ah Jiu seemed humiliated, glancing at Wufu before coughing lightly into his fist and murmuring, “Hoo Die…”
Rival, how many times have I told you?
Call me Old Hoo, not Hoo Die!” Hoo Die continued to weep, clinging to his legs.
Wufu wanted to laugh but felt it would be impolite, so she held it back, her face turning beet red in the process.
Ah Jiu’s face burned with embarrassment, and seeing Wufu trying to stifle her laughter, he felt even more mortified.
He lowered his voice to say, “Enough, what’s a man doing crying?
Do you want the lady to laugh at you?”
The sobbing ceased abruptly as Hoo Die looked up and quickly scrambled to his feet, turning to face Wufu.
“Master, is this friend or foe?
Shall I silence her?” Hoo Die’s expression changed rapidly.