Chapter 52: A Beating Is Imminent

At that moment, the man spoke, “I’m sorry, my monkey is quite mischievous. I hope it didn’t bother you?”

His voice was gentle and magnetic, carrying an inexplicable charm that sent tingles through the listener.

“Uh, it’s fine,” Lin Xiaodou replied, somewhat sheepishly, rubbing her nose.

Though the little golden monkey had spat at her and eaten her bananas and peaches, she had beaten it up, forced it to dance, and made it work for half a day. In comparison, it seemed she’d come out ahead.

Hearing the voice belonged to a young woman, the man was surprised. The people who had visited a few days ago were all local men. After being frightened away, it was unlikely anyone from the village would dare stay here again, unless they were unaware.

“This cabin has been empty for a long time. My little monkey likes to come here and play when it has nothing else to do. Did you just move in today?”

Lin Xiaodou raised her brows at his words, scrutinizing his expression carefully.

Was he probing her, or was he genuinely unaware?

“I’m a new educated youth. My name is Lin Xiaodou. Comrade, are you from the village?” She chose to return the question.

He clearly wasn’t a local, and she was curious how he would respond.

“Hello, Comrade Lin. No, I’m not from the village,” the man replied with a smile. “I’m Zhou Qinglang, a clerk from the city, temporarily staying in the mountains for some business. Here’s my work permit.”

A city clerk?

Lin Xiaodou took the permit from him. It had his name and a photo, nothing seemed amiss. The position sounded impressive, even intimidating. Most people wouldn’t ask further.

But she was different.

How could a blind man be sent out on official business? Wasn’t that strange?

She had to get to the bottom of this. After all, she’d be living here from now on and needed to ensure her safety.

Lin Xiaodou handed back the permit, her expression calm. “I see. Does the brigade leader know you’re living nearby?”

Zhou Qinglang paused, then shook his head. “What I’m doing is confidential. No one else knows for now.”

Early this morning, he’d sensed movement above while he was in the cellar. So he sent the little golden monkey up to check things out. But after waiting a long time, the creature didn’t return. Worried it might be in trouble, he exited the cellar through another way and circled around to knock on the door.

If not for the need to rescue his little companion, he would never have revealed himself.

However…

Judging from the young woman’s tone, she didn’t seem to welcome him. That was a bit unexpected.

It wasn’t vanity—he simply had a handsome face, and people tended to treat him kindly. Though he never judged others by their looks.

(Lin Xiaodou: Because I’m better-looking than you, ha ha~)

“Sorry to have disturbed you. I’ll be leaving now,” Zhou Qinglang said, knowing better than to linger.

Most people couldn’t catch the golden monkey, but this young woman had managed it easily—she must have some skill. He was injured, his head trauma had left him temporarily blind. He couldn’t do much at the moment; better to take his little companion home as soon as possible.

Zhou Qinglang hugged the golden monkey, picked up the wooden stick outside the door, and turned to leave, feeling his way.

Seeing him depart so decisively, Lin Xiaodou scratched her head. Had she really misunderstood him?

This brief encounter didn’t affect Lin Xiaodou. Once he left, she got right back to work.

She’d already cleaned most of the house, but some stubborn dust remained. Lin Xiaodou summoned a high-pressure water gun with its own battery from her space, along with two large buckets of water, and began washing the cabin.

In less than twenty minutes, the whole cabin was fresh and gleaming. Though the rooms were wet, the summer sun and wind would dry them quickly with the windows and doors open.

The cabin was still empty and needed some decoration. Her luggage and food were still at the educated youth courtyard; she had to fetch them.

Locking the cabin door, Lin Xiaodou set off for the courtyard, walking briskly and arriving in less than thirty minutes.

Just as she was about to enter, a delighted voice rang out nearby.

“Comrade Lin, you’re finally back!”

It was the scoundrel Chen Guang from the original novel.

Perhaps exhausted from walking yesterday, he’d gotten up late today. When he did, all the old educated youths had already gone to work, leaving only the newcomers.

He noticed Lin Xiaodou and Chu Ling were absent, and after asking around, learned they’d both left early. Chen Guang was unwilling to accept this.

In his mind, both women belonged to him and couldn’t leave his sight. So he searched the whole village, but found no trace of them.

He’d even asked Old Li, the ox cart driver, but no one had gone to town that day.

It was baffling—where had these two women gone?

Frustrated, Chen Guang returned, only to see Lin Xiaodou at the entry to the courtyard. He hurried over, complaining, “Comrade Lin, where did you go so early? I’ve been searching everywhere!”

Lin Xiaodou: ……

Seriously, what does her whereabouts have to do with this guy? Was there something wrong with him?

She’d treated him coldly for days on the train—hadn’t he noticed?

Lin Xiaodou had underestimated Chen Guang’s shamelessness.

Seeing her silent, he stepped forward and tried to take her hand. “Don’t wander off again, you really worried me. Come with me, I have something to tell you.”

Lin Xiaodou quickly dodged his greasy hand, her face cold as she strode toward the small grove beside the courtyard.

On the train, there were too many people to make a move. But now…

She wouldn’t feel satisfied until she beat him so badly his parents wouldn’t recognize him.

He needed to learn what happens when he messes with her.

Chen Guang had no idea a beating awaited him.

Seeing Lin Xiaodou heading to the grove, he thought she wanted to do something intimate with him. Clearly, she’d fallen for his sweet words.

Chen Guang grinned, his handsome face turning lewd.

When they reached the grove, Chen Guang lunged impatiently at Lin Xiaodou…

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Ming Yue: Another chapter tonight, stay tuned~