Cheng Susu replied, "Yun Yao and Zhou Ni are very kind people. We are getting along wonderfully. Everything about this situation will take time, I've learned a lot about them, but it seems there are very few records about them besides that aspect."

"Which aspect is that aspect?" I asked, slightly confused.

Cheng Susu looked at me with embarrassment,

"What other aspect could there be? Don't you know what you have on your phone? Stop playing games with me. Ha, culinary taste is just part of being a man. The things on my end are certainly incredibly **lewd and base, but none of them objected back then, and those kinds of things are quite popular in their circles, much like anonymously sharing illicit videos among cell phone users in society.

Seeing me just smile without speaking, Cheng Susu blushed and shot me a look. That charming blend of petulance and nascent anger made my heart flutter in the afternoon light. I finally decided to test the waters with Cheng Susu to gauge her reaction. My hand slowly reached across the table separating us. Cheng Susu clearly saw the hand, yet she made no move to stop it, allowing my **hand to close around her delicate, soft one.

I stroked it lightly twice. It was so soft, so warm, and so smooth, carrying with it a slight tremor of excitement. It had been a long time since Cheng Susu showed such a reaction. Then again, they had already been so open as to film the most A-rated scenes; would they really get excited just by holding hands now?

But everything seemed to be starting over. Even with the videos as proof, rationally, Cheng Susu still considered herself 'new' because, in her existing memory, she hadn't yet been 'handled' by a man. This handshake was perhaps her first touch since her rebirth.

I boldly tried to slide my hand further up her arm, but Cheng Susu suddenly pulled away.

"Don't. They'll be out soon."

I retracted my hand, sat up straight, coughed twice, and composed myself.

"Uh... Susu, tomorrow we're heading to Gourd Village. With the bandits running rampant lately, you need to be careful staying here in Feiyu County. If it's convenient, I suggest you go to Gourd Village with Zhou Ni. I'll be heading to the capital in seven days, and I truly won't feel at ease leaving you alone at the Feiyu County Yamen. You haven't seen the power of those bandits; their charge is overwhelming; the local yamen runners and garrison simply cannot hold them off."

Cheng Susu replied, "I thought you didn't want me to come along. I've already considered it, of course. I've also talked it over with my adoptive father and mother. Wherever you go from now on, I'll follow..."

"And what about when we get to bed?"

"Be serious," Cheng Susu glared at me.

"Actually, I have to thank the Emperor for that Edict he issued you. My adoptive mother was originally going to marry me off to her nephew..."

"Zhang Wenbing? If that brat dares to have designs on you, I won't spare him!"

"Don't get agitated. Did you think I would agree? Magistrate An's wife has been quite courteous to me. Seeing I wasn't willing, the matter was left hanging. But Zhang Wenbing kept looking for opportunities to approach me. Finally, I told Madam An that I was already married before my amnesia. Coincidentally, the Imperial Court's Edict appointing you as the Captain of the Escape Pod arrived right then. They knew my relationship with you was unusual, and with you about to achieve even greater success, they dared not coerce me further. When I proposed following you, they didn't object this time."

I chuckled, "Magistrate An certainly understands the art of governance. Since there's nothing else, why don't I accompany you back to pack your things? You can stay here tonight so we can leave smoothly first thing tomorrow morning."

"Mmm," Cheng Susu agreed. We explained the situation to Yun Yao and the others, then headed toward the Yamen together.

********Fatty Niu has gotten fatter again recently because he’s depressed. When he’s depressed, he only thinks about eating. After just finishing a large meal at a restaurant and tossing down an iron coin to leave, he was suddenly snagged by the conversation of two other patrons.

"Hey, did you hear? Two great beauties arrived in Feiyu County yesterday. They are so vibrant, truly as clear as the dew drops on leaves early in the morning. I really want to write a poem to praise them—I'll work on it tonight and write it tomorrow."

The other one retorted, "Stop playing pretentious; you can't even recognize ten characters, yet you want to write poetry. Yesterday, your eyeballs almost popped out looking at them. If you write anything, it'll be a dirty poem. Last time we admired the County Magistrate's adopted daughter, you weren't this over-the-top, showing off your **literary talent; she didn't even give you the time of day."

"Brother, you don't understand. There's a saying: different strokes for different folks. I like that gorgeous, alluring woman, but I prefer those two girls who are as pure as water. I like that tender, cherishing feeling they exude. Unlike you, whose eyes are stuck on the mature woman's chest. Are you so desperate that you'd even take a sow if offered?"

Fatty Niu couldn't stand it either. The reason he was depressed was precisely because of the County Magistrate's adopted daughter, Miss Feixian! Ever since their last parting, he had neither appetite nor peace. That peerless, breathtaking face, those breasts that seemed to tremble with every breath, that faint orchid fragrance that reached him even ten steps away—he could not forget her.

Although Fatty Niu was a successful man, to pursue Miss Feixian, he first had to get past Zhang Wenbing. That Zhang Wenbing, relying on being the County Magistrate's nephew, had the advantage in this battle for love, and he constantly opposed Fatty Niu, causing Fatty Niu to largely give up hope regarding Miss Feixian. But the thought that such an alluring beauty would not be his, that he couldn't hold her in his arms and explore her body, brought a sense of loss and desolation that was agonizing. This is why Fatty Niu had been gloomy and binge-eating recently.

Now, these two fellows were defiling the celestial being in his heart. Even if he couldn't have her, how could he let them speak such nonsense? He could think whatever depraved thoughts he wanted about her, but others couldn't say them out loud. This was a common ailment among the sons of powerful families.

On the turf of Feiyu County, Fatty Niu was a somebody. His family owned well-known rice shops, grain stores, and pig/sheep markets. It could be said that if he stamped his foot, the ground would shake. Even though Miss Feixian had never given him a second glance, he considered himself refined and could not tolerate others insulting the fairy in his mind. Thus, fueled by wine, he jumped in front of the two ceaselessly chattering men.

"Pah! You two vile scoundrels! How dare you casually slander Miss Feixian's reputation? Shut your dog mouths!"

What Fatty Niu didn't expect was that these two patrons were no saints either. Although they weren't famous in Feiyu County, they often extorted, bullied, and harassed honest women. They didn't recognize the young master from the County Magistrate's immensely wealthy family. Seeing him charging forward and insulting them, they became enraged.

"Where did you crawl out from, you fat pig? What business is it of yours when two brothers are discussing women!"

Fatty Niu roared, "Damn you, you can talk trash about Miss Feixian however you want, but I won't stand by and watch!"

The two patrons were swift; they instantly grabbed stools and smashed them toward Fatty Niu. "You don't like it? We'll beat you until you do!"

Although Fatty Niu was fat, he was genuinely unskilled, and facing two attackers, he didn't even have a chance to fight back. Two stool strikes sent him sprawling onto the ground; after two more, he couldn't even cry out.

The two ruffians swaggered off after their beating. The tavern owner chased after them demanding payment for the food. They roared back angrily, "Demand your money? That fat pig interrupted our meal! If you don't behave, we'll smash your shop too, and we'll demand payment from you!"

The owner, seeing these two were trouble, adopted a conciliatory attitude and let it go. The two scoundrels stepped onto the street. One of them looked back worriedly, "That kid just now was wearing fine clothes; maybe he's someone troublesome?"

The other scoffed, "Look at his pathetic appearance. Even if he is someone important, he's clearly a soft one. Don't fear him. If we fear people like that, how will we make a living in the future? Come on, I heard a new singer just arrived at the small opera house; let's check it out."

Fatty Niu lay on the ground shivering. All the food he had eaten moments ago now came back up in a stream of sour mush. He tried to curse, but only foul-smelling liquid emerged. Suddenly, the light before his eyes dimmed, and a pair of large feet appeared in front of him.

"Sir, were you bullied? We, the Feiyu Gang, specialize in standing up for people and collecting protection and lookout fees. As long as your price is reasonable, we can even be hired to mourn and act as professional mourners for you."

Fatty Niu struggled to open his swollen eyes to see the person before him—a short, scrawny fellow. He immediately retorted in anger, "Ptooey! With your stature, you expect to stand up for me? You'd be lucky not to be beaten senseless yourself!"

The short scrawny fellow stepped aside. "Sir, judging a person by their looks is your mistake. I only handle external business contact. If force is needed, we have other brothers. Look behind me—two tall, imposing, and powerfully built men. You've clearly been bullied. If you want someone to teach them a lesson, it'll only cost five iron coins, and we guarantee your satisfaction."

"What!" Fatty Niu knew the value of five iron coins—enough to buy five concubines! They were asking for five iron coins just to fight for someone? That price would only be worth it if they beat the target to death.

Fatty Niu doubted the short fellow's capability, but seeing the two large, sturdy men standing behind him, he felt tempted.

The short fellow, reading his expression, said, "Of course, this price is for our highest-tier service. You can choose a one-iron-coin option for getting even, but that won't be as satisfying as the five-coin package."

Fatty Niu painfully managed to pull himself up from the ground, wiping snot and blood from his nose. "Fine, five iron coins. I'll do it, but I'll pay only after I'm completely satisfied with the revenge."

The short fellow beamed, "No problem, brothers, help the boss up; we have business to attend to."

Fatty Niu tracked the two men who had beaten him until he caught up with them in front of the small opera house. Fatty Niu said through clenched teeth, "It's just those two. I won't go over. You guys go fight them. I'll watch from here. If I'm satisfied, these five iron coins are yours."

The three members of the Feiyu Gang saw the five iron coins in Fatty Niu's hand, and their eyes turned red. They repeatedly assured him, "Don't worry, boss, we guarantee you'll be satisfied. Watch closely."

The two ruffians were just about to grab some free snacks before entering the opera house when two hulking men suddenly appeared from the side. These two great men seemed to appear out of nowhere, each grabbing one of the ruffians and slamming them to the ground for a brutal beating. By the time the two ruffians realized what was happening and tried to resist, the two hired thugs were already clearly stronger, and after a few solid blows, they couldn't muster any defense.

"Ouch! Stop hitting us! Please stop, master! We didn't provoke you! You can't just beat people without a reason!"

The short scrawny fellow jumped out. "Beating people is reason enough! Beat them harder! If you do a good job, we'll have food for the whole month!"

Fatty Niu watched the two patrons who had beaten him crying out in agony on the ground; their misery was clearly not faked. He had felt a bit of heartache over the five iron coins earlier, but now he felt relief. Damn it, it's good to have money; money makes the world go round. How dare they disrespect this young master just now? Beat them to death!

Fatty Niu turned around, and the scene before him instantly brightened, like a hundred flowers blooming in spring. A woman in white, radiating allure and carrying a familiar fragrance, walked past him. That breathtakingly alluring figure with its trembling peaks and deep valleys, that soul-capturing, exquisitely beautiful face—who else could it be but the Miss Feixian he dreamed of?

"Fei..." Fatty Niu stopped speaking, his entire being radiating the mature, sensual charm of Miss Feixian. Who was the man behind her?

It was him. Fatty Niu finally recognized him—the fellow who had stolen his and Zhang Wenbing's spotlight in front of Miss Feixian that night. That person had spouted a torrent of nonsensical reasoning, and how Magistrate An and Miss Feixian could have been blind enough to believe his nonsense, Fatty Niu couldn't fathom. Unexpectedly, Miss Feixian had been avoiding him lately, only to be seen strolling around with this man.

The tender, watery look in Miss Feixian's eyes shattered Fatty Niu's heart. Her graceful steps and sinuous waist stole his soul. Suddenly, a coarse voice dragged Fatty Niu back from his reverie.

"Boss, how was that? If it's not enough, we can hit them some more," the short fellow inquired.

Fatty Niu glared fiercely at the man beside Miss Feixian and told the short fellow, "Enough, enough! Hurry up and call them over here."

The short fellow eyed the iron coins in Fatty Niu's hand. "Then pay up first, boss, or they won't dare stop."

Fatty Niu tossed the five iron coins into the short fellow's hand, then said, "Quickly call those two over here! I have a big job for you to do."

The short fellow carefully pocketed the money. "Right you are, boss, you're the one in charge... Hey brothers, the heat is on, let's scatter!"

The two thugs from the Feiyu Gang threw their victims down and ran off. The four gathered in a corner to discuss in low voices. Fatty Niu said, "There is a lady over there..."

The short fellow jumped, "Boss, we, the Feiyu Gang, do all sorts of evil deeds and robbery, but kidnapping wives and daughters is absolutely something we won't do! Our leader and strategist forbid it—it's an act that invites lightning strikes and brings doom for eight generations."

Fatty Niu snapped, "Who said anything about kidnapping wives and daughters? I'm talking about the man behind that lady! He vexed this lord! I’ll give you another five iron coins to teach him a proper lesson. If I'm pleased with how this is handled, especially if I can display my masculine power in front of that lady—hehe—this lord has a bonus too."

Saying this, Fatty Niu pulled ten iron coins from his robe and flashed them before the short fellow's eyes. The short fellow’s eyes widened bigger than ox eyes.

"Boss, once you say that, there's no taking it back! Brothers, we have another job! Let's go!"

Fatty Niu was so thrilled he almost danced. Miss Feixian didn't see him, and she didn't pay him any attention at all, so he would create an opportunity to approach her himself. Just looking at Miss Feixian’s appearance, he could imagine how wonderful her intimate skills would be. That seductive, amorous demeanor was certainly beyond that of ordinary young daughters. If he could get a little private time with her, she would surely be an expert in bedroom pleasures. He would wait until that punk made a fool of himself, then suddenly appear, heroically rescuing Miss Feixian, and humiliating that self-righteous fellow.

"...On the way, Cheng Susu asked me, 'Should we buy more grain to take to Gourd Village? Linglong mentioned it might be even more backward than Feiyu County.'"

"Of course we should buy. Otherwise, how could I be at ease searching for the other five people if you all go hungry? We have six horses now; we can carry a lot of things into the mountains. After I drop you off, Da Li Wan and I will go buy supplies. I won't feel secure until I spend all these iron coins. Since the Jin Kingdom seems ready to break completely with the Twin City Kingdom, they probably won't hesitate to manipulate the value of iron coins. By then, if the coins plummet in value, it will be too late to regret it."

Cheng Susu laughed, "Hehe, is that why you encouraged Raiski to build the brick factory, turning currency into physical assets?"

"Hehe, that was unintentional, but it is certainly a sound way to preserve value."

Cheng Susu suddenly took my hand. "Let's go this way."

I was startled. This was the first time the mature Madam Cheng had ever taken my hand in public. But I immediately grasped her intention, because on the street, two large, sturdy men stood with their arms crossed, clearly posturing toward us. Last time, I killed three men for her sake, and I was nearly beaten to death myself. Now that someone was causing trouble again, she wanted to avoid conflict for safety's sake, naturally not wanting to stir up more trouble.

I reached for the hilt of my military knife, thinking that if the other party made a move, I would strike first. Cheng Susu saw my intention, desperately grasping my hand to stop my rashness, and turned down an alleyway along the stone path.

Unfortunately, we hurried too much and nearly collided with two people emerging from the alley. Startled, Cheng Susu cried out and instinctively lunged into my arms. My heart soared, and I took the opportunity to open my arms wide and hold her tightly.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here."

Smelling that familiar fragrance and feeling the softness of her chest, my heart was more intoxicated than if I had drunk ten pots of Drunken Immortal Wine. I thanked heaven, thanked earth, thanked fate for bringing us together, and thanked the two thugs just now, as well as these two inconsiderate fellows... Wait, these two look very familiar—aren't they Sun Dasheng and Lao Liu?

"Damn it! Can't you look where you're walking? You almost scared me to death!" Sun Dasheng, the burly, hairy-faced man, patted his chest effeminately while cursing.

"Brother Sun, Brother Liu, it's you! Hehe, I never thought our reunion would be like this." I stepped forward with a hearty laugh to acknowledge them.

"Isn't this Brother Zhao? Ah, I missed you so much, Brother! We heard you got a position of importance under that dog official An in the County Yamen, and then Official Wu invited you to the Flying Eagle Mansion to treat his wife. We were just figuring out how to find you, and now we run into you here by chance." Sun Dasheng exclaimed happily, grabbing my hand and refusing to let go.