“What bet?” Luo Yanran asked.
Setting aside what had happened five years ago, Jiang Chen had helped Luo Yanran twice today.
Both times, he had practically pulled her back from the brink of despair and put her back on track.
Naturally, Luo Yanran’s earlier coldness toward him had thawed a little.
Jiang Chen smiled.
“If Liu Jinshan comes here on his own accord and delivers that five hundred thousand within three days, you have to promise me one thing.
On the other hand, if he doesn’t give me the money within three days, you can make a demand of me!”
“Any demand?” Luo Yanran paused for a moment before adding, “Even if it’s asking you to leave Xianhuang Village?”
Jiang Chen said helplessly, “Do you really want me to leave that badly?”
“Yes, it annoys me just to look at you!” Although Luo Yanran said this, seeing Jiang Chen’s helpless expression brought a hint of joy to her heart.
However, wanting Jiang Chen to leave was indeed what Luo Yanran truly wanted.
She still couldn’t let go of what had happened five years ago.
Back then, Jiang Chen was the man she loved the most.
Even after so many years, she refused to accept any other man.
There was no doubt that Jiang Chen had always remained in her heart.
It was just that her love had twisted into resentment and hatred.
If they didn’t have all that baggage between them, staying together in this small village and doing things they loved wouldn’t be so bad.
Luo Yanran wasn’t afraid of being poor.
She was even less afraid of hardship.
But her stay in Xianhuang Village was only temporary.
She still had many things left to do.
Being kicked out of her family was the result of being framed.
She had to work hard and fight back.
Just as Jiang Chen had said earlier, Xianhuang Village was merely a temporary stop for her.
She needed to bide her time here and build up her strength.
She was waiting for the day when she could return to Baiyun City and take back everything that rightfully belonged to her.
Even if she had to suffer grievances here, even if the entire village wanted to push her away, she could endure it.
The path ahead would inevitably be fraught with difficulties and countless dangers.
She didn’t want, nor was she willing, to let Jiang Chen bear these burdens with her.
Therefore, whether for public or private reasons, she didn’t want him to stay.
Jiang Chen smiled.
“If you win this bet, I’ll leave!”
“Alright, it’s a deal!” Luo Yanran smiled.
She was confident she could win.
Even though Jiang Chen had taught Liu Jinshan a lesson earlier, she still had some understanding of what kind of person Liu Jinshan was.
He already had the five hundred thousand in his hands—how could he possibly deliver it back to Jiang Chen?
Jiang Chen chuckled and then stretched.
“Let’s go inside.
I’m a little hungry after being busy all afternoon.
Let’s see what delicious food my future mother-in-law has cooked for us!”
“Hey, what did Zhang Rou say to you just now?” Luo Yanran couldn’t hold back her curiosity.
Jiang Chen turned his head and gave a mysterious smile.
“I’m not telling you!”
With that, he pushed open the door and walked straight into the clinic.
At this moment, Fang Mei was on the phone.
“Don’t worry, Young Master Zhang, that Jiang Chen won’t live much long—”
Just as she said this, Jiang Chen and Luo Yanran happened to walk in.
Fang Mei hastily mumbled something in a panic and quickly hung up the phone.
She looked at Jiang Chen, her eyes darting away evasively.
“You finished dealing with everything so quickly?”
Jiang Chen had heard her last sentence clearly.
However, he didn’t take it seriously.
In fact, he could easily guess that with a personality like Fang Mei’s, it was impossible for her to compromise with him.
Nor would she ever let go of a wealthy, ideal son-in-law like Zhang Bing.
Smiling, he sat on the sofa.
“All done.
Is dinner ready?”
“It’ll be ready in a minute.
Have a seat first!” Fang Mei said, hurriedly rushing toward the kitchen.
“What’s wrong with my mom?”
In Luo Yanran’s eyes, Fang Mei had always been an overbearing woman.
If it had been before, she definitely wouldn’t have shown Jiang Chen a pleasant face.
But her behavior today completely subverted Luo Yanran’s understanding of her mother.
Not only was she pleasant, but she was also incredibly accommodating to Jiang Chen.
“Maybe after not seeing me for five years, my mother-in-law thinks I’ve gotten even more handsome!” Jiang Chen laughed.
Luo Yanran rolled her eyes at him and sat down behind her desk.
She took out her phone and made a call.
“Sister Rou, please gather everyone tomorrow.
I want to talk to them about the land.”
“Are you planning to rent the land out to everyone?” Zhang Rou asked from the other end.
“You’ll find out tomorrow.”
Luo Yanran hung up the phone and looked at Jiang Chen.
“Tell me, should I rent the land to the villagers at the original price, or should I give them a discount?”
She was no saint; she couldn’t just give the land away for free.
Moreover, she was here to build up her capital. Get faster updates on g.com.
If she wanted to return to Baiyun City in the future, she needed money.
Relying solely on this clinic was clearly going to be difficult.
Besides, Jiang Chen was the one who had fought for this land, so no matter what, she had to give a portion to him.
Jiang Chen smiled.
“Don’t you already have an answer in your heart?”
“I…” Luo Yanran furrowed her brows.
“I’m trying to discuss it with you!”
“Just do whatever you think is right!” Jiang Chen said, smoothly changing the subject.
“Is there a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy in town?”
“Why do you ask?” Luo Yanran wondered.
“Having two doctors treating one village is inevitably a bit of a waste of talent.
I was thinking of planting a few acres of medicinal herbs to help subsidize our household expenses.”
Hearing Jiang Chen’s explanation, Luo Yanran suddenly realized why he had set aside a few acres of land for himself.
She thought for a moment before replying, “There is one in town.
But as you know, traditional Chinese medicine is in decline right now, and the variety of herbs isn’t as comprehensive as it was a few years ago.”
“That’s fine.
We’ll buy some and gather the rest from the mountains.
It’ll be enough!” Jiang Chen said with a smile.
While the two were chatting, Fang Mei walked out and called, “Time to eat.” Subsequently, the family of three sat down at the dining table.
“Yanran, isn’t Zhang Rou going into town tomorrow?” Fang Mei suddenly asked as they ate.
Luo Yanran thought about it.
“I think so.
As usual, she’s going to town tomorrow to buy crop seeds.”
“Then tell her that I have a package in town.
Ask her to bring it back for me.”
“What kind of package?”
“Ah…” Fang Mei paused before smiling.
“Just a couple of outfits I bought online, that’s all.”
“Then I’ll let her know tomorrow.”
While speaking, Fang Mei cast a glance at Jiang Chen.
Seeing that his expression remained unchanged, a peculiar look flashed across her eyes.
After dinner, the three chatted aimlessly for a bit and watched some television before heading to their respective rooms to rest.
The next day arrived in the blink of an eye.
After breakfast, just as Luo Yanran opened the door, Zhang Rou walked in from outside.
“You’re here early,” Luo Yanran said with a smile.
“Well, since everyone was notified about the land, they’re all really excited and got up early.
Besides, after handling things here, I need to hurry to town to buy seeds.
Since the land issue is settled, we have to get everyone to start planting as soon as possible so we don’t miss the season.”
Hearing Zhang Rou’s words, Luo Yanran nodded.
“Alright, let’s head over.”
“Where is Jiang Chen?” Zhang Rou looked inside and asked.
“I don’t know.
He went out early this morning and didn’t even eat breakfast…”