8 – Saving the Village Demon
When she heard that the children were so hungry they might resort to cannibalism, her heart ached. As a reasonable woman, she knew that to save the village, she had to sacrifice her own daughter.
Qin Yue woke up to find her home decorated with large red double-happiness characters. Many villagers had gathered, their malnourished faces beaming with smiles.
“Stupid Coal Ball, why does our home look like it’s preparing for a wedding?” Qin Yue suddenly felt an ominous premonition.
“Host, be reasonable please. My code is 008, not Stupid Coal Ball.” The coal ball rolled its eyes dramatically.
“Sweetie, ‘coal ball’ means ‘beauty’ in our world. Look on the bright side.” Zhao Ge unceremoniously rolled her eyes back.
“Oh… I see.” The coal ball pretended to ponder for a moment, then realized that in the host’s eyes, it was considered beautiful. It seemed it hadn’t been narcissistic after all, haha!
Wringing its little chubby paws, the coal ball hesitantly said: “Dear, I’m sorry to tell you that you’re getting married.”
“To that idiot?!” Qin Yue’s eyes widened in shock.
“Ahem, that ‘idiot’ is actually your mission target in this world…”
Before the coal ball could finish, Qin Yue grabbed its little arm and threw it out through the window. As it went flying, the coal ball cried out in a trembling voice: “Host, I’m just a child—”
“Daughter, did you sleep well last night? Does your wound still hurt?” Ma Xiaoni hurried over when she saw Qin Yue was awake.
Qin Yue pretended to know nothing: “Mother, I slept very well, and my wound is much better. Why are there so many people in our house?”
Wiping her tears, Ma Xiaoni sobbed: “Daughter, I’m so sorry. I’ve agreed to marry you to the son of Sangyu Village’s chief. The betrothal gifts have already arrived—ten cows plus several cartloads of food. Now the villagers won’t have to starve anymore, but my poor daughter has to suffer.”
“Mother, don’t be sad. I don’t feel wronged at all. If it means the villagers can survive, what does my marriage matter? Besides, Sangyu Village is extremely wealthy. I’ll live in luxury there, better off than staying in our home. It’s actually a blessing for me to marry there.” Instead of being upset, Qin Yue comforted the woman before her.
In truth, her mind was racing with furious thoughts—Stupid Coal Ball, just wait until I pluck every single hair from your body!
Ma Xiaoni had expected Qin Yue to resist upon hearing this news, but her reaction was completely unexpected: “Daughter, do you really mean that?”
“Yes, mother. Daughters have to marry eventually. By marrying into Sangyu Village, I can both save the villagers and live comfortably myself. Isn’t that the best of both worlds?”
“My daughter has grown up. I really can’t bear to let you go…” Ma Xiaoni’s tears flowed like a stream, impossible to wipe dry. “Quick, get up and prepare yourself. The wedding party from Sangyu Village will be here soon to fetch you.”
Looking at her mother’s red, tear-filled eyes, Qin Yue sat up from the bed.
It had to be said that Sangyu Village was indeed extravagant. The wedding dress they sent was made of premium silk, crafted with exquisite care. The fabric was as soft as clouds and slippery to the touch, making her feel almost naked when wearing it.
Besides the dress, there was also a pair of pure gold bracelets. The aunts and elder women who had lived half their lives had never seen such fine clothing and jewelry before, their eyes nearly popping out with envy.That was a solid gold bracelet—why couldn’t such good fortune ever land on their heads?