Chapter 87: Chapter 87

The next day, the men went to open up the road at dawn.

The rescue work in the village had been completed. Currently, the main task was to clear the road, which was expected to take only a day or two.

In the morning, after Tian Xiang and Tian Chuying got up, they helped prepare breakfast for the village, then got ready to head back to the town.

While waiting at the village entrance for the ox cart, Tian Xiang noticed that Tian Chuying kept glancing at her and frowned, "What are you doing?"

Caught in the act, Tian Chuying shifted her gaze guiltily, then seemed somewhat aggrieved, and muttered, "You’re always showing off, causing trouble everywhere."

Tian Xiang was bewildered, "Are you crazy?"

The whole morning they had been doing their own things without interfering with each other, not even speaking. And now, as they were about to leave, this person suddenly started picking a fight.

Tian Chuying pursed her lips and turned her back to Tian Xiang.

Tian Xiang, not one to tolerate this, grabbed her back, and coldly said, "Don’t mess with me, or I’ll beat you up."

Tian Chuying kept struggling, "Let go of me."

Tian Xiang released her arm, and Tian Chuying, unable to balance, fell down on her butt.

Luckily, the ground was covered in snow, so her clothes didn’t get dirty.

Perhaps frightened by the warning, Tian Chuying didn’t retaliate and quietly got up.

Just then, the ox cart arranged by the village arrived.

To their surprise, the driver wasn’t the usual village carter, but Lu Weihua.

What’s he doing going back to town?

Lu Weihua lifted his arm with a cheeky smile, "No choice, I sprained my hand."

He’d only worked a short time and already sprained his hand—he was just being lazy.

Tian Xiang looked at him disdainfully and asked, "Can you even drive this cart?"

Lu Weihua smiled confidently, "Why not, I’ve been to the countryside before."

Alright, as long as he can drive.

Tian Xiang and Tian Chuying got on the cart one after the other.

Lu Weihua, who had done this often in the countryside, drove the cart skillfully.

The road out of the village was rough. The village’s oxen had been overworked the past few days, moving slowly and unsteadily.

After about half an hour, they reached a mountain pass outside the village.

After passing here, they’d reach the main highway, where the road would be smoother.

The landslide blocking the road was not far from the main highway, about a ten-minute walk.

Although it wasn’t far, the view was blocked by the forest, so they couldn’t see or hear anything.

Just as they were about to enter the highway, Tian Chuying suddenly called out to stop.

Tian Xiang looked at her baffled.

Tian Chuying: "I left something in the village."

"What? If it’s not important, just forget it."

What’s wrong with this person?

The farm lady had specially reminded them to pack their things before leaving, yet here she was, being so forgetful.

Tian Chuying didn’t say what it was, only that "It’s quite important."

Tian Xiang sneered, "So what do you mean now?"

Tian Chuying stayed silent.

Ahead, Lu Weihua, driving the cart, turned and said, "In its current state, the ox can only manage to get us to town. If we go back, we’ll have to walk back to town."

Upon hearing this, Tian Chuying got off the cart, "Then you two wait here, I’ll walk back to get it. Or, you can go ahead, and I’ll return with the rescue team."

Tian Chuying said this and left without discussing it with them.

Tian Xiang was stunned for a moment, then stood up, "Tian Chuying, are you out of your mind?"

This person really is freaking nuts.

Ahead, Lu Weihua said, "Forget it, ignore her, let’s go."

Seeing the mischievous look in Lu Weihua’s eyes and the metaphorical "villain" written above his head, Tian Xiang got off the cart too.

"Forget it, we’ll find another time to return to town this afternoon."

No way would she stay alone with a villain!

Of course, Meng Cheng’an was an exception; his character profile was curated by her, she knew him well.

But Lu Weihua was different.

With an attached reputation of a womanizer, he was probably just a plain villain with bad intentions.

When Lu Weihua saw Tian Xiang get off the cart too, his expression changed, and he scolded, "Is it necessary? What do you care what she does?"

Tian Xiang thought to herself, I’m not worried about her, I just don’t want to be alone with you.

But unable to express this, she ignored him and walked away.

Lu Weihua, seeing she was serious, cursed under his breath, jumped off the cart, quickly caught up to Tian Xiang, and grabbed her arm, "Don’t worry about her, let’s just go."

Tian Xiang warily shrugged him off, "You go. I don’t feel at ease leaving her alone in the village."

To get away from him, Tian Xiang even started lying.

Some matters can’t be overthought; once the idea forms, things get increasingly off.

The originally intended carter being replaced by Lu Weihua felt more suspicious the more she thought about it.

Out of nowhere, Tian Chuying insisted on going back — it seemed deliberate for both of them.

Noticing Tian Xiang’s guarded look, Lu Weihua laughed sleazily, "What, scared I’ll do something bad to you? Do you see me as that kind of person?"

Tian Xiang thought, whether you are or not, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Tian Xiang didn’t answer him, only said, "Alright, you hurry on to town," and then turned back.

Watching her retreating figure, Lu Weihua’s gaze grew menacing.

Yes, he was faking his injury today, and he did send Tian Chuying away.

But he didn’t have any sinister motives; he just wanted some alone time with Tian Xiang to let her get to know him better and lay a foundation for them to start dating.

Who could have known Tian Xiang would avoid him like the plague?

Having her treat him this way really annoyed Lu Weihua!

Even the frosty Meng Cheng’an could chat a bit with her, but he was the one treated like a plague?

At this rate, how would he ever win the beauty over, only to hand her over to someone else?

The thought of Tian Xiang marrying and entering the bridal chamber with another man left Lu Weihua deeply unsettled and hot-headed.

This stunning woman was meant to be his, and his alone—Lu Weihua’s.

Grinding his teeth, Lu Weihua discarded his whip and went after Tian Xiang.

Seeing him approaching, Tian Xiang also started to run.

She was now convinced; this man intended harm, plotting against her.

Running, Tian Xiang shouted to Tian Chuying ahead, "Wait. Tian Chuying, you stop right there!"

But Tian Chuying didn’t stop, only running faster.

Last night, Lu Weihua had told her to get lost today, to create an opportunity for him and Tian Xiang, or else her assault incident wouldn’t stay hidden, and he would tell Lu Feng.

Yes, the previous night Tian Chuying went to the village entrance for a rendezvous with Lu Feng, but he never showed, and she didn’t know who had been stalking her.

If not for Lu Weihua’s timely appearance, her life might as well have been ruined.

A young girl, going through such an ordeal, had left her panicked and clueless.

Lu Weihua had promised not to speak of it, urging her to leave the place the next day and act as if nothing had happened.

But she had to help him, to give him a chance to be alone with Tian Xiang.