Li Xianglian had originally thought her father had run into Wen Zhile, and she felt a brief moment of excitement for nothing.
“What your mother said is true—it’s normal to run into people in such a small town. But is it normal to run into an acquaintance coming out of a gambling den?” Father Li said, seeing both mother and daughter stunned. Feeling a bit pleased with himself, he turned to wash his hands before coming back.
“You still haven’t processed it?” Father Li sat down, picked up his chopsticks, and continued, “It just so happened—I had just come out of the bun shop when I saw Liu Shun walking out of a tightly shut, nameless shop, looking dejected. At first, I didn’t think much of it. I even called out to him, but he didn’t hear me. That’s when I started paying attention to the place.”
Mother Li blinked. She knew well that if it really was a gambling den, then once someone stepped into it, there was an eighty to ninety percent chance they wouldn’t be able to turn back.
Li Xianglian hadn’t expected things to progress this quickly. She wondered if her rebirth had disrupted the timeline from her past life, causing Liu Shun and Qinglan’s fate to arrive earlier.
It didn’t seem too much earlier—just about half a month.
“I wanted to know what kind of shop it was, so I went to the pancake stall across the street and bought something, pretending to ask casually. The owner told me—it’s a gambling den. Loan sharks too!”
Mother Li was shocked. “Once you get involved with loan sharks, that’s serious. I’ve heard if you borrow ten coins, you have to repay twelve. The more you borrow, the worse it gets.”
Li Xianglian took a deep breath, her mind heavy.
“Xianglian, don’t get involved in this matter,” Mother Li advised. “Everyone has their own fate. There’s not much we can do to help Qinglan.”
Father Li nodded. “That’s right. Once someone becomes a gambler, it usually leads to ruin.”
“So serious?” Mother Li grew even more worried. “But Qinglan is such a good person…”
“Let’s not think about it too much. We already have enough to deal with at home,” Father Li said, pulling out the meat buns. “Xianglian, these are your favorite—meat buns. I bought them for you.”
“Thank you, Father.” She took them, but had no appetite.
“This one’s yours,” Father Li handed one to his wife.
“Thank you,” Mother Li smiled.
The couple exchanged a warm look, but Li Xianglian sat absent-mindedly. Just as they were about to comfort her, she suddenly put down her chopsticks.
“Father, Mother—I’m going to save Qinglan. I can’t stand by and watch her be sold.”
Mother Li frowned. “Sold? How do you know that?”
Father Li was equally puzzled.
Li Xianglian explained, “I dreamed that Liu Shun lost a huge amount of money gambling. To avoid having his limbs chopped off, he sold Qinglan to an old man in town as a concubine. I can’t just watch her be ruined like that.”
Father Li shook his head. “You said it yourself—it was just a dream. Dreams don’t come true. Xianglian, are you under too much stress? Don’t worry—I’ll help you separate from Chen Lang.”
“But it is real!” Li Xianglian insisted. “Why else would I have warned Qinglan? And why would you have seen Liu Shun coming out of the gambling den? The dream is becoming reality. After that, Qinglan will be sold, abused, imprisoned… I can’t ignore it!”
“But this is still just based on a dream,” Father Li said. “Even if Qinglan believes you, what can she do? Divorce Liu Shun for no reason? Everyone in the village thinks he’s a good man—filial, loving. No one will believe he’s a gambler.”
Mother Li gently held her daughter’s hand. “Your father is right. This is too risky.”
Li Xianglian knew they were right, but she was anxious. From what her father described, Liu Shun had already lost money. Within days, Qinglan would likely be sold.
“Father, when are you going to the post station?”
“Two days from now,” he replied, confused by the sudden change in topic.
“That might be too late,” she murmured.
“What are you planning to do?” Father Li asked, knowing her determination.
Li Xianglian suddenly thought of Wen Zhile. He had once told her that if she ever needed help, she could ask him. Since he lived in town, he likely knew far more than they did.
“Father, two days is too late. Please go tomorrow and invite Doctor Wen here for me.”
Though puzzled, Father Li agreed.
The next day, when Wen Zhile saw Father Li come personally to fetch him, he thought Li Xianglian’s condition had worsened and hurried over. But seeing her improved complexion—and even that she could stand and walk with support—he was relieved.
The weather was hot, and his inner clothes were soaked with sweat. Mother Li brought water for him to wash his face.
After checking her pulse, he said, “You’ve recovered well. You don’t need medicine anymore. I thought something serious had happened.”
Li Xianglian smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry for worrying you. Actually, I asked you here because I have something to ask of you.”
Wen Zhile was surprised. “What is it?”
“It’s a bit embarrassing… but I have no other option. You’re more familiar with the town, so I was hoping you could help.”
“Tell me. If I can help, I will.”
She briefly explained everything. After hearing her, Wen Zhile didn’t respond immediately. Father Li awkwardly added, “This is all based on her dream… I don’t think it’s that serious.”
Mother Li looked worried. “If this backfires, it might damage your friendship with Qinglan.”
Li Xianglian looked at Wen Zhile. “Do you believe me?”
He met her gaze, smiled gently, and said, “I understand. Leave this matter to me.”
Father and Mother Li were stunned—he believed her? And was willing to help?
Li Xianglian felt a surge of relief. “Please wait a moment.”
She slowly supported herself along the wall into her room. Remembering that in her previous life, Liu Shun had sold Qinglan for fifty taels of silver, she opened a box and took out the exact amount.
Clutching the heavy silver in her arms, she slowly made her way back out.