Chapter 505: 505. It’s hard to say

Ji Xiaoshu got up early and, while dressing, brought up yesterday’s events, “First, starting today, we can let Sheng Yue try the medicine. Second, we promised Sheng Yue to invite Axin and Ale over. Third, big brother, you also promised him that you would persuade Aunt Yan to like him.”

Zhengzheng nodded, “We also need to practice the swordsmanship we learned last night.”

“The other things are no problem. Big brother, if you really want to persuade Aunt Yan to like Sheng Yue, you might get beaten up.” Ji Xiaoshu chuckled, “Aunt Yan has a bad temper and hates hearing such things the most.”

Zhengzheng sighed lightly, “Once I’ve promised, I must do it, and I’m doing it sincerely.”

Ji Xiaoshu raised an eyebrow, “So now you think it’s possible for Sheng Yue and Aunt Yan to really become a loving couple? You didn’t say that before.”

“I wasn’t seeing their situation properly before.” Zhengzheng nodded, “But since they insist on getting married, I still hope they can be together happily. As for whether my hope can be realized, I don’t know.”

During breakfast, Sheng Yue and Yan Shiba didn’t serve each other food like last night’s dinner. Instead, they ate separately like strangers, without even a glance at each other.

Everyone could see that as long as Yan Shiba provoked Sheng Yue, he would definitely respond. But if Yan Shiba didn’t take the initiative, Sheng Yue wouldn’t bother with her.

In this way, they coexisted peacefully and still harmoniously.

After breakfast, Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu went to Feng Ming and said they wanted to go to the Peng family.

Feng Ming had just gone yesterday but didn’t mind going again today, so he accompanied the two children out.

On the way, Zhengzheng asked Feng Ming, “Uncle Feng, if Aunt Peng found out that Sheng Yue came to the capital city and stayed at our house, would she be unhappy?”

Feng Ming shook his head, “No. We discussed this before.” Peng Wu had known long before what Sheng Yue had gone to do, and that he would come to the capital city after completing it. She told Feng Ming that her enemy was not Sheng Yue. In fact, Sheng Yue had helped her take revenge and had even deliberately sent the man who hurt her alive to the capital city for her to have the opportunity to take revenge.

The only direct conflict and enmity between Peng Wu and Sheng Yue on Xingluo Island was when Sheng Yue needed a hostage and took her two children away, causing her and her children to be separated and suffering.

However, looking at the result, it wasn’t a bad thing. The children were not hurt, and there was not even any fright. Axin and Ale both said that Sheng Yue never mistreated them, didn’t starve or freeze, and didn’t even use harsh words. Sheng Yue’s actions directly led to Peng Wu and her children being left behind when the Zhong Family fled Xingluo Island. The children had no choice, but Peng Wu chose it herself, and she certainly had no regrets.

Even if Sheng Yue hadn’t captured Axin and Ale that time, and the Zhong Family had taken Peng Wu and her children, Gu Ling and Su Liang would still find them after resolving the Xingluo Island issue. However, Peng Wu couldn’t be sure if she would do something during that time to escape, or if that man would kill her to avoid future troubles.

In any case, it was Sheng Yue’s bad behavior that enabled Peng Wu and her children to get away from the Zhong Family earlier, be rescued sooner, and reunite with their loved ones in the capital city earlier.

Moreover, there was one point Peng Wu didn’t doubt: Sheng Yue knew her background and the close relationship between the Peng Family and Gu Ling and Su Liang. That’s why he chose her children, even expecting that she wouldn’t leave her children, and that Gu Ling would definitely save them.

Therefore, Peng Wu said she didn’t hate Sheng Yue, and as long as Gu Ling and Su Liang approved him, she had no objections.

“That’s good,” Zhengzheng said, adding that they were going to the Peng family because Sheng Yue wanted to see Axin and Ale.

Feng Ming was somewhat surprised, but then smiled. “I believe you can handle it well.” These two children had higher EQs than many adults, and Feng Ming and Peng Wu’s fate was mainly due to their matchmaking efforts.

At the Peng Mansion, when Axin and Ale heard they were coming over and invited to play at the Su Mansion, they were very happy. They loved playing at Su Mansion the most and loved playing with Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu.

Feng Ming briefly told Peng Wu about Sheng Yue’s arrival in the capital city yesterday, and Peng Wu laughed, “I know, let them go.” She wasn’t worried about her children’s safety at all now.

Axin and Ale followed Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu as they ran into Sheng Yue’s courtyard.

Sheng Yue was sitting by the window reading a book he had borrowed from Su Liang after breakfast. At that time, Su Liang asked Sheng Yue what kind of book he wanted to read, and Sheng Yue asked her to help him pick one.

Ji Xiaoshu stood on tiptoes and peeked through the window, curiously asking, “The Flower Cherisher? What kind of book is this? Is it about growing flowers?”

Sheng Yue closed the book, stood up, and said, “It’s a storybook about love and romance. Not suitable for you kids to read.”

Ji Xiaoshu burst out laughing, “You’re actually reading this? Are you trying to learn how to get along with Aunt Yan?”

Sheng Yue shook his head slightly, opened the door, and stepped out. “It’s not that I want to learn. I asked our mother for a book, and she gave me this. I thought she would give me a Buddhist Scripture or a Medical Book.”

Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu couldn’t help but laugh at Sheng Yue’s words. They suddenly felt that sometimes Sheng Yue spoke with a sense of Gu Ling’s cold humor, serious but somehow still made them want to laugh.

After seeing Sheng Yue, Axin and Ale both frowned a little. Previously, Peng Wu had not told the children about Sheng Yue’s repentance, because until today, she didn’t know if Sheng Yue would really come to the capital city.

“You’ve grown taller.” Sheng Yue looked at Axin and Ale and said.

Axin tugged at Zhengzheng’s sleeve. He could see that Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu had a good relationship with Sheng Yue but wasn’t sure how to react. After all, the last time they met was in that dark cave.

“Uncle Sheng is not a bad person. Your mother knows you’re coming, and she knows Uncle Sheng is here. Uncle Feng knows even more, and since no one has stopped you, it’s okay.” Zhengzheng said with a smile.

“Oh.” Axin nodded, Ale peeked out from behind Ji Xiaoshu, locked eyes with Sheng Yue, and quickly retracted his head.

“Actually, I wanted to apologize to both of you today.” Sheng Yue said to Axin and Ale, “Regardless of my intentions at that time, I have done something wrong against both of you, and I hope you can forgive me.”

Ale whispered to Ji Xiaoshu, “Brother Xiaoshu, can we forgive him?”

Ji Xiaoshu shook his head, “Of course not! No one forgives that easily, right? An apology has to be sincere!”

Zhengzheng laughed, “Yes, you’re right. Uncle Sheng, you have to show some sincerity.”

Sheng Yue nodded, “Alright. But I don’t have anything right now, and I don’t know how to show my sincerity.”

“That’s easy!” Ji Xiaoshu quickly offered a suggestion, “You can go to Wangxiang Mountain to catch some game and grill it for us to eat! If it’s delicious, Axin and Ale will forgive you!”

Axin couldn’t help but laugh. Ale nodded repeatedly, “Brother Xiaoshu is right! I want to eat grilled chicken!”

Sheng Yue actually wanted to ask Ji Xiaoshu if it was him who wanted to eat, but decided not to say anything. Ji Xiaoshu was helping him, so it was better not to bring up unnecessary issues. He wasn’t at the point where he could joke with the children yet.

So, Sheng Yue left the house alone to go hunting on Wangxiang Mountain.

Yan Shiba found Su Liang and asked if Mo Yan could die, “There’s no need to keep him around at this point, right? It’s a complete waste of food.”

Su Liang nodded, “You’re right, I’d completely forgotten about him. If you want to do it, go ahead and send him on his way.”

“So casual?” Yan Shiba lost interest when he heard this, “Killing him doesn’t seem that fun anymore.”

“It has its benefits: saving on food,” said Su Liang.

Yan Shiba scoffed, “In that case, it’s simpler just to starve him to death!”

“Either way, once Sheng Yue returns, you can discuss with him how Mo Yan should die. He might have some ideas,” said Su Liang.

Yan Shiba rolled his eyes, “Why should I consult with him? Who does he think he is? What right does he have to have any ideas?”

Su Liang smirked, “Wasn’t it you who insisted on marrying him?”

“That’s a completely different matter!” Yan Shiba shook his head, “By the way, where did he go?”

“Xiaoshu said that Sheng Yue went to Wangxiang Mountain to hunt because they wanted to eat game,” Su Liang replied.

Yan Shiba sneered, “He’s really going out of his way to please the children! Be careful, he might just kidnap them someday!”

“That’s something I’m not worried about,” said Su Liang, “If he were to kidnap someone, you’re the only possibility.”

Yan Shiba scoffed, “Do you really think he could fall in love with me? That would be fantastic! When that happens, I’ll make him kneel on the ground and sing ‘Conquer’ until his voice becomes hoarse! Hahaha!”

Su Liang:… To be honest, she felt that the likelihood of Yan Shiba being conquered by Sheng Yue was greater. She didn’t dare say it, or else Yan Shiba would definitely flip out.

When Sheng Yue came back from outside, he had a large basket on his back, filled with game. There were four wild chickens and four wild rabbits, all very fat and already cleaned up.

Just as he took them out by the lake, Yan Shiba’s strange voice came from behind, “Yo! You didn’t buy these from the restaurant, did you?”

Four children gathered around, and Sheng Yue didn’t even bother to look back at Yan Shiba, “Yeah, bought them from the restaurant.”

Yan Shiba was choked up in an instant, and he waved his fist angrily.

The children were all excited, looking forward to eating grilled meat, and even though they agreed to let Sheng Yue cook for them, they were all interested in trying their hand at it.

Soon, Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu asked Zhu Zan to help them bring out the barbecue grill that Gu Ling had made. They set it up in the sunniest spot by the lake.

“Master, we need spices!” Ji Xiaoshu shouted from below.

Weng Ran walked over with a smile, carrying a plate, “Here you go.” Cheng Yun followed her, his eyes falling on Sheng Yue with a faint scrutiny.

It didn’t take long for the lakeside to become lively. Qiao Cong, Old Bai, Old Mu and Weng Ming saw that the children wanted to eat barbecue, and they all took out their fishing gear, lined up, and decided to catch fish to grill. They even made a bet that the first person to catch a fish would be able to take Nuannuan out to play in the afternoon.

Under the children’s command, Sheng Yue lit the fire and skewered whole wild chickens and rabbits on the grill.

Weng Ran helped out, and Cheng Yun joined in as well. By now, he had completely adjusted to such activities and had even learned how to kill chickens and fish.

Weng Ran looked back and saw Yan Shiba frowning and standing not far away. She hurriedly called out to her, “Sister Yan, come and help quickly! Otherwise, there won’t be any chicken legs left for you to eat later!”

It was only then that Yan Shiba slowly walked over. She pushed Sheng Yue away and stood in his place. With a light snort, she said, “If you don’t know how to do it, just stand aside and watch! Let me show you what professional skills look like!”

The next moment, Yan Shiba began to demonstrate her oil-brushing technique, which she had done before and was much more skilled at than Sheng Yue.

However, perhaps because she was too focused on showing off and not cautious enough, Yan Shiba’s oil bottle slipped from her hand and shattered on the ground…

The oil bottle was specially made by Gu Ling for brushing oil on barbecues. It came with a small brush, and there were several of them. Although the oil bottle breaking wasn’t a big deal, since Yan Shiba had made her boastful statement earlier, she now felt embarrassed.

“Broken things bring safety!” Kind-hearted Zhengzheng quickly eased the tension, “I’ll go get another one!”

Sheng Yue followed Zhengzheng away.

Yan Shiba hit her own forehead with a clenched fist, “I just get so angry when I see that bastard!”

Weng Ran teased, “But you still insist on marrying him!”

Cheng Yun seized the opportunity to ask, “Do you want to call off the wedding?”

Yan Shiba shook her head, “Impossible! If anyone is calling off the wedding, it should be him. I’m not afraid of that bastard!”

Ji Xiaoshu: … Being stubborn is definitely Sister Yan’s specialty. The whole thing started as a bet on whether Sheng Yue would dare to marry her, but now it’s turned into a bet on whether he would dare not to. Adult relationships can be so complicated.

Zhengzheng came back with the oil bottle, and Sheng Yue held a broom and dustpan in his hands, ready to clean up the mess Yan Shiba had caused.

Yan Shiba’s face darkened, and she grabbed the broom away, “I can clean it up myself, I don’t need you to play the good guy!”

Sheng Yue looked indifferent. If Yan Shiba wanted, he would give it to her. “I’m just afraid the children would step on the broken pieces and hurt their feet. I’m not helping you.”

“Are you too embarrassed to say you’re helping me?” Yan Shiba retorted.

Sheng Yue nodded, “Yes, I’m helping you.”

Yan Shiba: …I really want to smack the broom into Sheng Yue’s face! I’m so angry!!

Weng Ran and Cheng Yun exchanged glances, both speechless. Yan Shiba had always been thinking about how to treat Sheng Yue, but it was quite obvious that Sheng Yue knew very well how to treat her.

The aroma of grilled meat filled the air, and the children ran around chasing and playing. Suddenly, Qiao Cong stood up, laughing heartily, “I caught a fish!” A big carp swayed up from the water on the fishing rod, shimmering in the sunlight. The children immediately rushed over, cheering.

Weng Ran and Cheng Yun bumped their elbows and shared a smile. Sheng Yue was seriously seasoning the grilled meat while Yan Shiba stood behind him, staring at him intently. She even raised her hand to punch him in the air, but pulled her fist back before it could land on Sheng Yue…

Su Liang and Gu Ling held Gu Xiaonuan as they stood by the second-floor window, watching the scene below. Gu Xiaonuan held a big red Chinese knot in her arms which Gu Ling had just made. It was one of the wedding gifts for Weng Ran and Cheng Yun.

Gu Xiaonuan playfully shook the Chinese knot in her hands, and it disappeared.

“That’s not for you.” Su Liang pinched Gu Xiaonuan’s nose.

Gu Ling smiled lightly, “If Nuannuan wants to play, I can make another one.”

Gu Xiaonuan pointed below, “Find brother!”

Gu Ling, with one arm holding Su Liang and the other holding Gu Xiaonuan, jumped down from the second floor, just in time for the grilled meat.

Meanwhile, Sheng Yue was by the lake, killing the fish Qiao Cong had just caught. Although he had only one hand, he had long been used to it. The other half of his arm was also very flexible and could be used as an auxiliary tool, so it didn’t affect his work.

Yan Shiba quietly walked up behind Sheng Yue and raised her foot as if to kick him into the water.

It was just for fun, and Yan Shiba didn’t really want to kick him into the water. After all, the children were there, and she would be in the wrong if she did so. It would also earn Sheng Yue more sympathy, which was not worth it.

However, before Yan Shiba could withdraw her foot, she suddenly felt someone push her from behind, causing her body to uncontrollably lunge towards Sheng Yue.

Sheng Yue had long been aware that someone was approaching him, and without guessing, he knew it was Yan Shiba. So, with the fish he had just killed in his hand, he swiftly moved out of the way…

With a splash, Yan Shiba fell into the water.

Realizing the trouble, Ji Xiaoshu quickly shouted, ” Uncle Sheng, save Aunt Yan! She can’t swim!”

Sheng Yue:… He had personally witnessed Mo Yan forcing Yan Shiba into the water several times.

The next moment, Yan Shiba’s head emerged from the water. She coughed twice, wiped the water off her face, and without demanding to know who had pushed her, pointed at Sheng Yue on the shore with a hint of excitement in her eyes, “Come on, let’s settle this in the water!”

Su Liang shook her head, “She’s actually inspired by a new idea and thinks she might have found a way to defeat Sheng Yue.” Yan Shiba had practiced in Mo Yan’s forbidden area before…

Zhengzheng urged Yan Shiba to come up quickly, “Aunt Yan, come up and eat some meat!”

Yan Shiba shook her head, “Save me a chicken leg! Come on, you scoundrel! If you don’t dare, just admit your defeat in front of everyone!”

Weng Ran shook her head helplessly as she handed out meat to the children, “Forget it, let her be. She seems to be having a good time. At least she’s not bored now.”

Sheng Yue handed the fish to Cheng Yun and turned to walk towards the lake, “Fine. Is it a breath-holding contest? I’ll play along.”

So, with each child holding a fragrant and crispy grilled chicken leg and the old fishermen putting down their fishing rods to eat, the crowd watched Sheng Yue enter the water, and faced Yan Shiba, three meters apart, preparing for the next round of challenge.

Gu Xiaonuan, not knowing what these strange uncles and aunts were up to but following Gu Ling’s instructions, raised her little hand, then lowered it, giggling, “Start!”

Sheng Yue and Yan Shiba both submerged themselves underwater. The first to surface would lose.

During their previous contests and the impulsive decision to get married, everyone thought Yan Shiba had no chance of winning. But this time, it was hard to say.

Ji Xiaoshu took a bite of his chicken leg, then turned to ask Su Liang, “Master, if Aunt Yan really wants to win and she does this time, will they not get married?”

Su Liang chuckled, “That’s hard to say. They never said the marriage would be canceled if one of them lost.”

“Right.” Ji Xiaoshu nodded, “Well, they should get married. I think they’re a perfect match now, always competing and progressing together. How great!”