Chapter 111 Wuxia: Not a Substitute (7)
A shower of autumn rain followed by sunshine.
Changqing lay listlessly on a deck chair in the courtyard, with only the chirping of insects and birds in his ears, and no noise from next door.
It wasn't because Lin Yue'e and Zhao Meng's life skills had greatly improved, but because Wang Lei pawned a jade pendant for some silver, and then hired a woman to help take care of things at home.
Lin Yue'e naturally felt much more relaxed.
Zhao Meng felt somewhat guilty, after all, he had brought his brother home to seek refuge, but in the end, his brother had to sell his belongings to hire people.
"Brother Wang, I'm sorry to have troubled you. I didn't expect that woman to have nothing and know nothing."
He rubbed his hands together and apologized to the guests, showing no respect for Lin Yue'e who was present, his tone full of dissatisfaction.
Lin Yue'e opened her mouth, wanting to refute, but fortunately Wang Lei spoke up in time.
"Brother Zhao, you're too kind. You and your wife are both chivalrous people from the martial arts world, so it's normal that you don't know how to do those delicate things. We can't be too demanding."
“My family suffered a disaster, and I am deeply grateful for your shelter, which has allowed my son and me to survive. This is an immense kindness, and I am eternally grateful.”
As he spoke, he was about to kneel down, but Zhao Meng and Lin Yue'e quickly went up to help him up.
Zhao Meng patted his chest: "What are you saying? We hit it off immediately. Brother, I'm known throughout the martial world for my loyalty. You and your nephew can stay here without worry. We'll make plans after you've recovered from your injuries."
Lin Yue'e, no longer needing to work, was naturally happy to participate in this kind of江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry) event, and quickly said:
“Brother Wang, there’s no need to be so polite. You are Meng Ge’s friend, which means you are also my friend, Lin Yue’e. Moreover, your son looks about the same age as my son whom I’ve never met. How could I bear to neglect him?”
Wang Lei nodded, looking moved. He then asked his son to thank his uncle and aunt for saving his life.
Wang Qianzhi was now awake, though his injuries hadn't healed and his face was still pale. However, he was sensible and, upon hearing his father's words, immediately struggled to sit up.
"Qianzhi is grateful for saving his life and will surely repay the debt one day!"
The boy's pale face gained an unhealthy flush from talking, and his features were unusually delicate, but his actions and words were full of chivalry, which warmed the hearts of Zhao Meng and Lin Yue'e.
Lin Yue'e couldn't help but think how wonderful it would be if this were her child.
The neighbors hired someone, so they haven't bothered Changqing these past two days, and he's happy to have some peace and quiet.
However, he did not let his guard down, after all, according to the plot, his pursuers should be arriving soon.
“Master, now that I’m a neighbor, Zhao Meng probably wouldn’t think of having me replace my old friend’s son to leave an heir for that prince, would he?”
Secretly, he complained to the system.
"This..." The system couldn't say for sure either.
"Logically speaking, it shouldn't be that bad. After all, sacrificing one's own son is because sons can be born again, and it also demonstrates one's noble character... But now, the host is just a neighbor, so this really doesn't make sense..."
Tongzi pondered and analyzed.
Changqing nodded as well.
Although he didn't understand Zhao Meng and Lin Yue'e's "greatness," in his view, this behavior was no different from the loyalty between petty thugs in later generations.
Moreover, they are very hypocritical.
Sacrificing one's own son or the woman beside one's brother makes it seem like one is very loyal.
Money can be earned again, women are like clothes that can be replaced, and sons can be born later. Well, there is one prerequisite: that is, you can't get sick.
What if it really means sacrificing oneself?
Can Zhao Meng still remain so calm?
Would they still think about protecting a descendant of their brother who is in distress?
That's hard to say.
Changqing was curious to see how they would react if the sparks landed on their own feet.
That evening, after learning that Wang Ziqian had fainted due to a fever, he made a special trip to visit him and brought him some medicine.
The atmosphere next door was noticeably tense, with everyone looking anxious.
"Young man, thank you so much."
Zhao Meng stood up and thanked him.
Changqing guessed that Zhao Meng had gone out in the morning and might have already learned about the pursuers, which was why the atmosphere was so tense.
He smiled and sat down.
"Brother Wang, are you already planning to leave?"
Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed. Wang Lei suddenly stood up and stared at Chang Qing warily.
"Who exactly are you?"
Zhao Meng asked in a cold voice, his eyes fixed on Chang Qing.
There are also dwarf masters in the martial arts world who look like children but are actually adults. Zhao Meng, being knowledgeable and experienced, immediately thought of several of them.
Changqing smiled slightly.
"My two brothers need not be nervous. My master is the Thousand-Faced Child."
Zhao Meng and Wang Lei exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes. The Thousand-Faced Child was a well-known figure in the martial arts world. Although he was a dwarf, his martial arts skills were extraordinary, especially his disguise skills, which were said to allow him to present a different face to a thousand people.
In this remote place, there are actually its descendants?
Changqing seemed to sense their confusion, so he smiled and explained again.
"My master just happened to be passing by and saw that I had a lot of talent. He gave me some pointers for a while, but I didn't formally become his disciple."
That makes sense, Zhao Meng nodded.
"So you are a disciple of a master. I've heard so much about you."
Wang Lei also cupped his hands in greeting and said a few polite words.
Lin Yue'e, on the other hand, was somewhat bewildered.
What happened? What Thousand-Faced Child?
But she was also a little excited. Could this boy who had grown up by her side all along have another identity? This story was too bizarre.
Changqing was prepared for their reaction. He stared at Wang Lei and suddenly said something surprising.
"Brother Wang, are you from the Shenwei Escort Agency, which was wiped out in Liuzhou half a month ago?"
Crack!
Sparks were exploding in the fire ahead.
Both Wang Lei and Zhao Meng's expressions changed drastically.
With a clang, Wang Lei drew his long sword from his waist. The flickering lamplight made his face appear somewhat frightening.
Zhao Meng subtly took a few steps back, blocking the doorway.
The atmosphere immediately became tense.
"Could it be that you have been invited by the Shark Gang to take my head as well?"
Wang Lei smiled bitterly, but his eyes held a hint of confusion. The Hundred Children Sect, founded by the Thousand-Faced Child, had mostly disciples who were dwarfs and looked like children. But the Wang family had never offended the Hundred Children Sect, so how could this be...?
Zhao Meng looked nervous, and his eyes were filled with deep apprehension as he looked at Chang Qing.
Once the words "Thousand-Faced Child" are uttered, it becomes difficult for them to regard the child in front of them as an ordinary person.
Only Lin Yue'e still didn't react.
"No, you guys..."
She stood up, looked at Zhao Meng, then at Wang Lei, and finally her gaze fell on Chang Qing, her expression strange.
"Chang, Changqing, are you really the disciple of the Thousand-Faced Child?!"
"He's just a nominal disciple; I've only met him a few times."
Changqing made it up off the cuff. Of course, he didn't know any Thousand-Faced Child. However, the system told him that he could use this identity, so he did.
Unexpectedly, Wang Lei and Zhao Meng were so wary of this identity.
Upon hearing that he was merely a nominal disciple, both of them visibly breathed a sigh of relief.
His words reminded Lin Yue'e of what had happened before. It seemed that one day, the child started practicing martial arts on his own. She originally thought that he was just practicing for fun because he had been influenced by her and admired the affairs of the martial arts world. She never expected that he was serious about it.
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