Chapter 33: Death Trap

But this piece of land was indeed a death trap. What could Lin Qinghuan possibly do with it?

She had her space, and she never planned to farm anyway, too time-consuming.

Although the land couldn’t grow vegetables, it was spacious. If she made good use of it later, it could be a nice place.

Jia Dafu and Old Madam Lin wanted to make things hard for her with this land. They were probably in for a disappointment.

“Wife of the Xiao family, if you ever have any difficulties, come to me. We’re from the same village. If I can help, I definitely won’t refuse.”

Jia Dafu’s words carried an insinuation. He was hinting that Lin Qinghuan should get with the program, at least give him some benefits before asking for favors.

How could Lin Qinghuan miss the subtext? But if he wanted her to beg on her own initiative, Jia Dafu wasn’t qualified.

“Thank you, village head. Approving such a large plot for me is already a favor. What more could I ask for?”

The land he had deliberately set aside as worthless, yet she called it a favor, clearly she was mocking him.

Jia Dafu was so angry his beard bristled. Hmph, if she insisted on being so stubborn, she’d regret it later.

The two walked back to the Xiao home together. Jia Dafu had no choice but to pass by their door on his way out.

Who would have thought that in the time it took to approve the land, the Xiao kitchen was already emitting waves of meaty fragrance.

Their stomachs were usually starved for grease, and now lured by such delicious scents, the craving immediately stirred.

Jia Dafu stopped calmly at the Xiao doorstep, stroking his beard.

“Wife of the Xiao family, what delicious food are you cooking? Your sister-in-law has been saying she wants to go to the county to buy some meat.”

An ordinary person would understand his meaning and volunteer to offer some, no matter how little, to curry favor with the village head.

But Lin Qinghuan acted as if she didn’t catch the implication and walked straight into the house.

“If she wants to go to the county, it’s too late today. She’ll have to go early tomorrow.”

Another failed hint. Jia Dafu really wanted to crack open Lin Qinghuan’s head to see if she was truly stupid or just pretending.

But as the village head, he could only hint for people to flatter him; he couldn’t say it outright, for that would damage his image.

“Scholar Xiao has trouble moving, with two burdens to carry, and you have your own younger brother. Suit yourself!” Jia Dafu threw these words over his shoulder and stormed off, clearly furious.

Lin Qinghuan shrugged, not bothered at all.

With someone like that, not retorting was already politeness. He wanted to take advantage of her? Dream on.

The fragrance wafting out was from the braising spices. It must have boiled; now she just needed to let it simmer for flavor.

Knock knock knock.

No sooner had Jia Dafu left than someone knocked again.

Lin Qinghuan opened the door to find a man carrying two baskets of vegetables. His honest, simple face showed a flash of surprise when he saw her.

“I’m here to deliver vegetables for Scholar Xiao.”

Lin Qinghuan immediately realized this was Brother Liu, the one Xiao Hanting had mentioned, who delivered vegetables periodically.

“Are you Brother Liu? I’m Lin Qinghuan, Xiao Hanting’s wife. From now on, I’ll handle all the household meals, so you don’t have to trouble yourself bringing vegetables.”

She accepted the vegetables he had brought this time, since he had traveled so far.

“Oh, so you’re Scholar Xiao’s wife! That’s a relief. Alright, I won’t bring vegetables anymore.” Brother Liu agreed readily, indicating he and Xiao Hanting got along well.

“Thank you, Brother Liu. Please wait a moment.”

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