Chapter 16: The Fierce Woman

“Don’t worry, Shen’s already got it all figured out,” Skinny Monkey blurted out from beside Shen Yi.

Ever since they learned Shen’s intentions, the group had been doing everything possible to help him win the beauty’s heart. Now that they’d met Ji Ling, they were ready to pull out all the stops.

Shen Yi shot Skinny Monkey a glare. “Stop talking nonsense and get back to drawing. If we miss the deadline, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Skinny Monkey and the others smirked, muttering as they turned to Ji Ling, “Look at Shen, Ling Jie.”

Shen Yi instantly lost his temper, swinging his leg up. Skinny Monkey clutched his backside, gritting his teeth as he scurried away, cursing under his breath and repeating the old saying his grandmother used to tell him: “If Shen Yi is willing to take you under his wing, that’s a blessing earned over lifetimes. If he slaps your left cheek, you better turn the right one too. There’s always a reason for what he does.”

Skinny Monkey grinned through his complaints. Shen Yi was the savior of his entire family, after all. Besides, his backside didn’t really hurt; he was just putting on a show. Shen usually held back with them—if he really kicked hard, Skinny Monkey would be broken, if not worse.

“What’s your plan, then?” Ji Ling asked with a sly smile.

“I—I just got someone to help,” Shen Yi said, his eyes flickering nervously. He avoided looking at Ji Ling, fearing she might blame him. But he also believed that Ji Ling, kind-hearted and beautiful, wouldn’t hold it against him—even an old rogue like himself.

Ji Ling looked at Shen Yi, suddenly recalling a memory from long ago—another lifetime. Back then, a relocated expert had come to their village and, despite harsh conditions, managed to develop numerous inventions. That man was none other than Shen Yi’s teacher.

Everything clicked for Ji Ling. Shen Yi wanted to seize this opportunity to assist his teacher. The teacher’s current situation wasn’t good, and having his achievements recognized would be a great relief—if not a huge improvement, at least better than before.

In this era, “better” often meant life-saving.

“That’s great. Let’s go see the person you hired. Since you brought someone, we should bring a gift. We’re simple folk—how about some wild vegetable cakes? Consider it an extra dish. What do you think?”

Shen Yi looked surprised and secretly squeezed Ji Ling’s hand. He was certain she had guessed his intention; after all, she was incredibly clever.

“Hey, I’m sorry. I should’ve talked to you first. It was wrong of me,” Shen Yi admitted, bowing his head.

“Hmph, of course it was your fault. I hope there won’t be a next time. Shen Yi, do you understand?” Ji Ling’s eyes suddenly grew cold as she pulled her hand away. “I want no secrets between us. If there’s a next time, remember this—I won’t be with you anymore.”

Seeing Ji Ling’s stern expression, Shen Yi panicked. “I—I never meant to hide anything from you. I tell you everything. I just… I was afraid.”

“Afraid of what? That I’m some fierce shrew?” Ji Ling’s anger flared as she yanked on Shen Yi’s ear.

Shen Yi grimaced in pain, turning his head. He thought he was in worse shape than Skinny Monkey.

“No, no! To me, you’re perfect. I swear I won’t keep anything from you again. Promise.”

“Hmph.” Ji Ling turned her head and let go, only to see Shen Yi’s ear reddened and slightly bleeding. She hurriedly changed the subject, “Let’s hurry. If we don’t go now, it’ll be dark.”