Chapter 159
Chapter 159
Chapter 159 - He Killed Someone
Chen Zhaomin's meeting with the Zhang family proceeded unexpectedly smoothly, with no objections to Zhang Daniu and his spouse's perspectives. Consequently, Zhang Daniu wasted no time in making arrangements.
With the wedding date set just before the New Year, time became crucial. Fortunately, financial concerns were nonexistent, allowing Zhang Daniu to spare no expense in his preparations.
A fusion of rural customs and urban flair, complete with a wedding gown and veil, succeeded in escorting the radiant bride home.
Zhang Xiaolong had risen to prominence in Clear River Village, a departure from his previous identity as the College Entrance Examination Top Scorer. While the former accolade was intangible, Zhang Xiaolong's achievements in agriculture were palpable and esteemed by all. The villagers unanimously extended their respect and congratulations.
Wedding celebrations in the village typically overflowed with merriment, but for Zhang Xiaolong's ceremony, everyone exercised restraint, mindful of the bride's urban background. To prevent any discomfort and preserve Zhang Xiaolong's dignity, they tempered their festivity.
Nonetheless, the young attendees didn't hold back on toasting, resulting in Chen Yaru feeling tipsy well before she reached the midway point.
Fortunately, the bridesmaid intervened. Though not the bride herself, her beauty rivaled that of the bride, making her the new center of attention for the guests' toasts.
By the conclusion of the event, Yang Jingjing had lost track of her alcohol consumption; she imbibed every glass offered to her, impervious even to Zhang Xiaolong's attempts to intervene.
Once the guests departed, Yang Jingjing hurried to the restroom, experiencing severe nausea.
“Why overindulge if you can't handle it?” Zhang Xiaolong inquired, rubbing her back and discreetly employing a trace of divine power to alleviate her intoxication.
Feeling considerably better, Yang Jingjing rose to her feet and remarked, “I'm fine. Today is your wedding day, and Yaru is the bride. It wouldn't be appropriate for her to become excessively intoxicated.”
With those words, she made her way to the exit, pausing briefly to add, “I'll be returning to the company tomorrow. You two enjoy yourselves and don't worry about work. I'll keep you informed if anything arises.”
With that, she retreated to her quarters.
Zhang Xiaolong released a heavy sigh and headed back to his room, only to find Chen Yaru regarding him with a curious expression.
“Do you think Jingjing is genuinely upset?” Chen Yaru inquired cautiously.
“She'll recover,” Zhang Xiaolong assured her, enveloping her in an embrace as they entered. “She just needs some time.”
Chen Yaru pouted, “I think she needs more than time. She needs a companion!”
“That's enough,” Zhang Xiaolong interjected firmly, locking gazes with Chen Yaru. “We agreed to avoid causing trouble.”
“I'm not causing trouble,” Chen Yaru countered gently, “I just believe we should find Jingjing a suitable companion soon, so she won't be lonely.”
Zhang Xiaolong paused, then deftly redirected the conversation, “It's not merely about finding someone. It ultimately depends on fate. Let's concentrate on what's most pressing for now.”
“Our top priority?” Chen Yaru pretended ignorance.
“Yes, and now you're acting coy? I'll remind you what awaits!” Zhang Xiaolong pounced on her playfully, like a tiger.
Chen Yaru emitted a soft squeal as they tumbled together.
Soon, the room resonated with rhythmic sounds that lingered well into the night.
…
Amidst their conversation, the New Year arrived. Zhang Xiaolong and Chen Yaru reveled in days of pure joy thereafter.
Zhang Xiaolong was pleased to observe that Chen Yaru seemed to have set aside thoughts of Yang Jingjing, fully immersing herself in their New Year festivities.
Securing several hundred acres of barren land posed no challenge. Apart from Zhang Xiaolong, anyone else attempting development would face significant obstacles.
Consequently, the contract was smoothly renegotiated, this time sans the five-year free incentive. It was universally acknowledged that Zhang Xiaolong had profited from the land, making a repeat offer unjustifiable.
Luckily, financial worries didn't faze Zhang Xiaolong. Even if he had to pay thirty years' rent upfront, it wouldn't strain his resources given his current circumstances.
During his leisure moments, Zhang Xiaolong strolled the property, removing any stones he encountered, opting to elevate the existing stone steps instead of constructing a low wall with them.
From the exterior, the interior remained visible, but the heightened wall instantly captivated with its allure, surpassing even that of the glasshouse.
Remaining tasks included hiring laborers, procuring saplings, and supervising their planting—responsibilities Zhang Xiaolong needn't personally undertake.
Throughout this process, he only intervened with the newly acquired fruit tree saplings, applying the Hundred-grass Spring Coming Arts to enhance their quality.
As Zhang Xiaolong practiced the Hundred-grass Spring Coming Arts, his mastery of this divine power deepened, revealing why items treated with it exhibited such remarkable quality improvements.
Essentially, the Hundred-grass Spring Coming Arts fundamentally enhanced the genetic makeup of the plants or saplings. With optimal genes, even without continuous application of the technique, with proper care, the trees would produce irresistible, delicious fruits.
As for the long-term management of these saplings, Zhang Xiaolong didn't need to worry; Lee Xiulian efficiently handled everything.
Despite marrying into the village over a decade ago, she understood the villagers' personalities much better than Zhang Xiaolong, who had a more academic background.
Moreover, the wages offered were competitive, and the local work attracted many who typically worked away from home to consider long-term employment here.
While Zhang Xiaolong was busy in the orchard, he suddenly received a call from an unfamiliar number.
Answering, a woman's voice queried, “Is this Zhang Xiaolong?”
“Yes, speaking. Who's this?” Zhang Xiaolong replied, puzzled, as few people had his number, and he couldn't recall any woman matching her description.
The woman's voice trembled with urgency, “Can you come to Yishui immediately?”
“Yishui?” Zhang Xiaolong was surprised. He couldn't recall ever visiting Yishui. A suspicion crossed his mind, but he continued, “Who are you exactly? And why do you need me to come to Yishui?”
“I'm Liu Juan, Wang Zongming's wife,” she introduced herself hastily, realizing she had forgotten to do so earlier. “Zongming's in trouble, and I'm at a loss. None of the Wang family members are stepping up to help, and I don't have the means to hire a lawyer.”
“What happened exactly?” Zhang Xiaolong understood the seriousness of the situation immediately. For the Wang family to face such difficulties in Yishui, it had to be more than a minor issue.
Liu Juan's voice wavered but remained composed, “He's been accused of murder. I'm certain he's innocent, but we can't find any evidence to prove it.”
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