"Jie, you're really diligent! It's been ages since I've had a proper meal like this!"
Chen Erzhu usually managed on his own, making do with whatever he could, and hadn't tasted anything this good in a long time.
Immediately, he washed up quickly and sat down to eat.
"Wow, Jie, your dumplings are amazing!" Chen Erzhu exclaimed in surprise.
Unexpectedly, Bai Yujie's face flushed, and she retorted, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Chen Erzhu was taken aback, then realized and grinned mischievously, "Jie, your mind is in the gutter. I didn't mean anything else!"
He couldn't help but admire her silently, thinking to himself that she truly knew a lot, befitting a mature woman.
He sneaked a few glances at Bai Yujie and was startled by her beauty.
But Bai Yujie noticed, her face turning red as she glared at him fiercely. Chen Erzhu quickly averted his gaze, pretending nothing happened.
He devoured the dumplings like a whirlwind, finishing two plates and still not feeling full.
Bai Yujie said helplessly, "Erzhu, slow down. There's another pot in the kitchen. You look like you haven't eaten in days!"
"Jie, to be honest, I haven't. I've been surviving on noodles for ages. It's been so long since I've had dumplings this delicious!"
Bai Yujie smiled and said, "Erzhu, you can't go on like this. You need to find a wife to take care of you!"
"Well, Jie, how about you be my wife? I think you're great—beautiful, with a good figure, capable, and kind. The only issue is, you're a widow!" Chen Erzhu teased with a sly grin.
Bai Yujie's face turned red at his words, but she was displeased by the last part. She put her hands on her hips and scolded, "You're picky, aren't you? As if you're perfect!"
Her words had a deeper meaning, which Chen Erzhu understood, but he didn't mind. He replied confidently, "Ah, Jie, you're right. I, Chen Erzhu, am indeed perfect. You should seize the opportunity, or you might not have another chance later!"
Bai Yujie spat lightly, scolding him with mock annoyance, "I've never seen someone so shameless. Erzhu, you've really changed. You weren't this slick before!"
Chen Erzhu continued eating, saying, "Well, people change. Thirty years east, thirty years west."
Seeing Bai Yujie still busy, he called out, "Jie, come eat too. Aren't you going to town with me today? How can you go on an empty stomach?"
Bai Yujie replied, "The dumplings are almost ready. No rush!"
Soon, another pot of fresh dumplings was ready. Chen Erzhu polished off another plate, then patted his stomach and looked at Bai Yujie, who was eating gracefully. "I must say, Jie, your dumplings are soft and white, truly exceptional!"
His words carried a double meaning, making Bai Yujie's face flush as she glanced at him, choosing to ignore his comment.
After finishing the meal, they tidied up and prepared to leave.
Chen Erzhu naturally brought along his two wild ginsengs, while Bai Yujie packed a few clothes in a bag.
But just as they stepped out, a wailing voice echoed from behind.
"Bai Yujie, if you dare leave me here alone, I'll hang myself right at Chen Erzhu's doorstep!"
They turned to see Granny Wang storming out, furious, blocking their way with a rope in hand.
Her voice was loud, carrying far, quickly drawing the attention of the neighbors, who came out to watch the commotion.
Bai Yujie's face turned grim as she said sternly, "When did I ever say I'd leave you? I'm just going to town to find a job and earn some money. Otherwise, we won't even have food to eat!"
But Granny Wang, stubborn and red-faced, retorted, "No way, you little hussy. Don't try to fool me. You're clearly planning to elope with Chen Erzhu. I won't let you leave today!"
As she spoke, she glared viciously at Chen Erzhu, gritting her teeth. "You scoundrel, Chen Erzhu! Of all people, you had to seduce my daughter-in-law. You have no conscience! Fine, if you won't let me live, I'll hang myself at your doorstep today. Let's see what the villagers have to say!"
The onlookers rushed to stop her, but the old woman grew even more agitated, shouting, "Don't stop me! Let me die! Anyway, this pair of adulterers won't let me live!"
Chen Erzhu's face darkened, looking displeased.
Beside him, Bai Yujie's tears had already started to fall. She glanced at Chen Erzhu and whispered, "Erzhu, I'm sorry. It's all because of me that you're caught up in this. I won't go to town. You go ahead, or she'll cause a scene and disturb everyone."
But Chen Erzhu snorted coldly, saying calmly, "Leave this to me. I refuse to believe this old man can keep getting away with this nonsense!"
He strode forward, shouting, "Let her go! Let her hang herself. I want to see if she's really willing to die or just trying to scare us!"
His words stunned the neighbors.
At that moment, they were somehow intimidated by the aura Chen Erzhu exuded, and they all released Granny Wang, stepping back.
Because at that moment, Chen Erzhu carried an undeniable presence that left them secretly alarmed.
What happened? When did Erzhu become so imposing?
Granny Wang looked at Chen Erzhu with some fear, but still shouted, "You heartless Chen Erzhu, you really want me dead? Fine, today I'll grant your wish!"
With that, she resolutely slipped her neck into the loop of the rope.
Chen Erzhu snorted lightly, walked into the yard, and brought out a stool, placing it under the doorframe with a cold smile.
The surrounding crowd was stunned, staring at Chen Erzhu in disbelief.
Granny Wang's face turned pale as she screamed, "Murder! Chen Erzhu is going to kill me! Help...!"
Chen Erzhu sneered dismissively, saying calmly, "Old man, aren't you going to die? Here's a stool for you. Remember to step on it. No worries, I don't have any taboos. Pick any spot in my house you think has good feng shui to hang yourself. I have things to do, but when I return, I'll make sure to take care of your body and dig a hole to bury you!"