Chapter 26: Mutual Trust

Li Xiangyang laid everything out, detailing everything from Wang Ming’s background and his father’s history to the hidden gold bars, leaving nothing out.

After listening, Wang Jingyun stood frozen for a long moment before finally regaining his composure. "Are you saying that there are gold bars hidden in Wang Ming’s house?"

"Yes," Li Xiangyang nodded. "I am certain of it."

"You trust me that much?" Wang Jingyun narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Li Xiangyang. "This is no small matter."

Li Xiangyang smiled candidly. "Mr. Wang, do I look like the kind of person who would joke about something like this?"

"No," Wang Jingyun shook his head. "But why choose to tell me?"

"Because you are a man of letters," Li Xiangyang said earnestly. "From your manners and speech, the bookshelves in your courtyard, and your conduct in life, I knew you were a noble person."

Wang Jingyun fell silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "If this is true, the implications are enormous."

"Indeed," Li Xiangyang sighed. "That is why I came to seek your advice. After all, as a farmer, I know nothing about these procedures."

"If this is verified, it would be a major achievement," Wang Jingyun’s eyes brightened.

Li Xiangyang waved his hand. "The credit won’t go to me. Given my status, I’d be lucky to get a commendation. But you are different. If you could use this to be reinstated..."

He left the sentence unfinished, but the meaning was clear.

Wang Jingyun’s eyes turned slightly red. "You child..."

"Mr. Wang," Li Xiangyang said solemnly, "I will write the report, and you can just sign it. If it turns out to be false, then the responsibility is mine."

Moved by Li Xiangyang’s words, Wang Jingyun stood up and paced the study. "This needs to be handled in the city. There are too many prying eyes in the county."

"What about Xiaoying?" Li Xiangyang asked.

"Yes," Wang Jingyun sighed. "In her current condition, I truly cannot set my mind at ease."

"If you trust me..." Li Xiangyang hesitated.

Wang Jingyun started, then immediately grasped his meaning. "You mean..."

"I will look after Xiaoying," Li Xiangyang said firmly.

Wang Jingyun looked at Li Xiangyang deeply. "Xiaoying, come here for a moment."

Soon, a pale little girl walked in.

"Dad?"

"Xiaoying, this is Uncle Li," Wang Jingyun said gently. "Dad has to go to the city for some business, so Uncle Li will take care of you for these few days."

Hearing the word "Uncle," Li Xiangyang quickly waved his hands. "Mr. Wang, that form of address isn't quite right. I’m only a few years older than Xiaoying; calling me 'Uncle' is too formal."

"No, you should be called Uncle," Wang Jingyun said seriously. "It is a sign of respect for an elder, and a show of trust in the one providing care."

Li Xiangyang paused, reading a deeper meaning in Wang Jingyun’s eyes.

In this era, a title was more than just a name; it was a definition of status and the establishment of a relationship.

Wang Ying glanced at Li Xiangyang timidly.

She was not tall, looking to be about twelve or thirteen, roughly the same age as Li Xiaohua. Her pale face had a sickly flush, but her eyes were remarkably clear.

"Xiaoying," Wang Jingyun crouched down to look his daughter in the eye, his tone soft but firm, "Dad might be gone for ten days or half a month. You must listen to Uncle Li. He is a skilled hunter and will bring you good food to nourish your health."

"Mm," Wang Ying nodded obediently, her voice soft. "Don't worry, Dad, I will take good care of myself."

The words were mature, but they made Wang Jingyun’s eyes grow red. He stroked his daughter’s hair, only speaking after a long silence. "Dad is going away this time to make sure our future is better."

"I know," Wang Ying gave a sensible smile. "Go take care of your business, Dad. Uncle Li and I will get along just fine."

Before she finished speaking, the little girl’s eyes grew red, clearly struggling to hold back tears.

Seeing the stubborn little girl, Li Xiangyang felt his heart soften. "Xiaoying, don't worry. I have a younger sister at home about your age named Xiaohua. You are close in age and will surely become good friends."

Wang Ying looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. "Really?"

"Of course," Li Xiangyang laughed. "And my mother is a wonderful cook."

"Then... then I must focus on recovering so I have a good appetite," Wang Ying laughed through her tears. "When I’m better, I can play with Big Sister Xiaohua."

Seeing the innocent, age-appropriate smile finally appear on his daughter’s face, Wang Jingyun’s expression softened further. He stroked her hair, wanting to say something but stopping himself.

Noticing the atmosphere had eased, Li Xiangyang asked, "Mr. Wang, do you have money for the trip to the city?"

The question was natural, showing concern without being intrusive.

"I do," Wang Jingyun smiled. "I’ve only spent about six of the ten yuan you lent me."

Li Xiangyang breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed the trip to the city would not be an issue.

"Then it’s settled," Wang Jingyun concluded. "I will set off first thing tomorrow morning."

Watching Wang Jingyun pack, Li Xiangyang thought to himself that this move would surely checkmate Wang Ming.

He deserved it! After all, in this world, there is no such thing as a free lunch.

"By the way, Mr. Wang, I haven't prepared the game I brought with me. May I use your kitchen?" Li Xiangyang asked with a smile.

"This..." Wang Jingyun looked a bit embarrassed. "I usually just make do, and the kitchen hasn't been used in a while, but the seasonings are there."

"That’s perfect for me to show off my skills," Li Xiangyang said without ceremony. "I hunt in the mountains and often cook for myself; my skills are decent enough."

Wang Jingyun led Li Xiangyang to the kitchen, which was, as described, coated in dust with pots and pans scattered about. Li Xiangyang didn't say a word, rolled up his sleeves, and began to tidy up. He cleaned the kitchen, cleared the stove, and then began to prepare the mountain turtledove.

Before long, the scent of the dish wafted from the pot. Li Xiangyang expertly managed the heat, checking the pot occasionally and adding seasonings at just the right time.

"It smells so good," Wang Ying couldn't help but swallow.

"Just a little longer," Li Xiangyang laughed. "If it smells good, it means you have an appetite, which is a good thing."

By the time dusk fell, the pot of stewed mountain turtledove was finally ready. Li Xiangyang filled three bowls, the aroma filling the room.

"Xiaoying, eat it while it’s hot," Li Xiangyang said, placing the most tender piece of meat in her bowl. "Getting your strength back is what matters most."

Wang Ying took a sip of the soup, and her eyes lit up. "It’s so delicious!"

Seeing his daughter’s rare, healthy appetite, a flicker of relief crossed Wang Jingyun’s eyes.

By the time the meal was finished, it was completely dark.

"It’s getting late," Li Xiangyang rose. "Xiaoying, how about you come home with me?"

Wang Ying looked at her father instinctively, her eyes filled with reluctance and apprehension.

"Go ahead," Wang Jingyun said softly. "I’ll be leaving early tomorrow. You must listen to Uncle Li."

"Mm," Wang Ying nodded, her voice so light it sounded like she was talking to herself. "Dad, please come back soon."

Wang Jingyun crouched down and straightened his daughter’s collar. "The business I’m attending to is very important; it might take ten days or so. Take care of yourself, take your medicine on time, and get well."

"I know," Wang Ying held back her tears and managed a forced smile.

Li Xiangyang said quietly from the side, "Don't worry, Mr. Wang. I will take good care of Xiaoying."

Wang Jingyun nodded and handed the packed bundle to Li Xiangyang. The bundle was small, containing Wang Ying’s spare clothes, a few personal items, and several bottles of medicine.

"We’re off, then," Li Xiangyang said, taking the bundle. "Xiaoying, say goodbye to your father."

"Goodbye, Dad," Wang Ying said with great reluctance before following Li Xiangyang out.

As they left, Wang Ying looked back at the home she had lived in for over a decade, her eyes reddening once more.