Chapter Fifty-Three: Too Dangerous to Provoke

"Well..." Zhang Can was at a loss, feeling awkward—how could he say such things outright? Besides, the fact that Liu Xiaoqin had deceived him had indeed left him hurt. If he felt nothing for her, it would be easy; but as fate would have it, he found himself drawn to her. Perhaps it was because of her elder sister, too. Either way, with someone else, he would not have been so affected.

Seeing his hesitation, Liu Xiaoqin’s tears began to spill, one by one, from the corners of her eyes. She choked back sobs and said, "I know I lied to you, but I didn't mean to. I just wanted so desperately to save my father. This time, coming to Jincheng, I made up my mind: no matter how you treat me, good or bad, I will follow you from now on..."

Zhang Can stood stunned for a moment, suddenly feeling restless and agitated. "You should go back and take care of your father... I feel uneasy with you here," he muttered gloomily.

Liu Xiaoqin’s face went even paler, her body trembling as she pleaded in a quavering voice, "Don’t send me away. You can’t send me away. I’ll do anything you ask, anything at all—just don’t make me leave..."

Zhang Can grew even more irritated, his face darkening further. After a long silence, he said, "If you want to repay my kindness, I’ve told you before, I don’t like this. If you want to pay back the money, fine, but stop using your body as if it’s the only way to settle the debt. If I wanted that, I could easily find it elsewhere—there are plenty of women on the street, any type I want!"

Liu Xiaoqin was at a loss, her tears clinging to a stray lock of hair, making her look all the more pitiable. She hesitated, sobbing, "I... I can never repay your debt. Please, don’t make me leave!"

"Leave now. I’ll buy your ticket!" The moment Liu Xiaoqin admitted she couldn't repay him, Zhang Can lost all restraint, pointing toward the door, shouting, "Is money all you ever think of? Do you think everything can be bought? If you can pay back the money, then do so. If you can’t, then forget it. I gave you that money to help your father, not to buy you. Do I need to spend so much just to get a woman? And do you really think you’re worth that much?"

His fury made the words especially harsh. The moment they left his mouth, Zhang Can realized he had gone too far.

Sure enough, Liu Xiaoqin froze, her face turning deathly pale. Without a word, she suddenly rushed to the window, wrenching it open and hoisting a leg outside.

In an instant, Zhang Can was terrified out of his wits. He sprinted over in a few strides, grabbing Liu Xiaoqin around the waist and dragging her back into the room by force. He was so shaken that his whole body went limp, gasping, "Are you out of your mind?"

Liu Xiaoqin turned and glared at him, her eyes brimming with tears, her chest heaving, but she said nothing.

This girl was fierce. Her beauty and gentleness were only her outward appearance; inside, she was as unyielding as steel. A few harsh words, and she was really ready to jump from the seventeenth or eighteenth floor!

Zhang Can instantly softened, but still dared not let go of her. Breathing heavily, he said, "I was wrong, I was wrong, it’s all my fault, okay? Just please, don’t jump. Do you hear me?"

Biting her lip, Liu Xiaoqin wiped her tears and replied, "I’m not leaving!"

"Alright, alright, you’re not leaving. You can stay as long as you want—just don’t ever do anything like that again!" Zhang Can gave in at once, still shaken by what had just happened. Liu Xiaoqin was truly the epitome of a gentle appearance with a steely heart.

After a moment, Liu Xiaoqin lowered her head and said softly, "Zhang Can, I will fall in love with you, and I will love you well for the rest of my life."

Her voice was soft, but her tone was resolute, leaving Zhang Can momentarily stunned.

To be honest, Zhang Can liked Liu Xiaoqin a great deal. In his younger days, he had secretly admired her elder sister, Liu Xiaoli, but now he found Liu Xiaoli’s character repellent—vain, snobbish, foolish, and unfilial. He couldn’t understand how he had once been so infatuated with such a person; perhaps he was too young then, only caring about looks and not character.

The two sisters were polar opposites. Their looks might be similar, but their personalities were worlds apart.

Hearing Liu Xiaoqin’s words, it was impossible for Zhang Can not to feel a thrill. What man wouldn’t be pleased that such a beautiful girl was so devoted to him?

Liu Xiaoqin spoke softly again: "I know you’re a good man, expecting nothing in return. I also know that I could never repay what I owe you, not in this lifetime. I don’t want to sell my soul or body to pay this debt. So I choose to stay by your side and love you with all my heart. When I can love you truly and completely, I will marry you. Zhang Can, will you promise me that?"

Looking into her clear, pure, and innocent eyes, Zhang Can’s heart softened. How could he not like such a girl? Deep down, he believed that Liu Xiaoqin was the one he liked, and the one suitable for him. They belonged to the same world; Liu Xiaoqin was kind and beautiful. As for Zhou Nan—though even more beautiful—she was not someone he should pursue. Her grandmother, Secretary Gao, and everything else made it clear: he must never allow himself to fall for Zhou Nan, or it would only bring him pain.

"Second Brother, Sister Xiaoqin, what are you doing? I thought I heard Sister Xiaoqin talking about repaying money. Who does she owe?" Just as the two were lost in their thoughts, Zhang Hua bounced out. Seeing the tear stains on Liu Xiaoqin’s face, she asked in surprise.

Liu Xiaoqin hurriedly turned her back to wipe her tears, while Zhang Can waved his hand, saying, "It’s nothing, just chatting. Your Sister Xiaoqin is homesick... Have you picked out a room?"

At the mention of rooms, Zhang Hua’s spirits lifted. She sighed, "Second Brother, any of these rooms would be fine—they’re like palaces I could never have dreamed of. Can I really live here?"

"Silly girl, this is your brother’s place—why can’t you stay?" Zhang Can affectionately patted his sister’s head. Back home, both his parents and his sister had suffered plenty; even he himself could never have imagined living somewhere like this, if not for the special ability he’d gained. After a pause, he added, "Sanmei, settle in and make yourself at home. Today, whatever you want, I’ll buy it for you—clothes, food, anything you like. Your brother can afford it. In a while, when you’re used to it, I’ll buy a villa even better than this one. Then, I’ll bring our parents and everyone here so the whole family can enjoy it together!"

Zhang Hua sat on the sofa, chin in hand, lost in thought. "Really? Second Brother, do you think we’ll ever have a day like that?"

"Sanmei, don’t you trust your brother?" Zhang Can asked with a gentle smile.

Zhang Hua blinked and quickly shook her head, "No, no, Second Brother, I do trust you. It’s just... it all feels so much like a dream—I can hardly believe it. But it’s all real. Second Brother, I’m just afraid it will all suddenly disappear."

Zhang Can pointed to his eyes and smiled, "Sanmei, let me tell you—your brother has these eyes and can spot treasures that no one else can. With that alone, even if we don’t become enormously rich, our family will never have to worry about food or clothing again."

By now, Liu Xiaoqin had dried her tears and turned around, gazing at Zhang Can with gentle affection.

Zhang Hua’s worries vanished; she nodded, "Second Brother, I believe you. So many people pass through our village, locals and visitors alike, but no one ever thought those four pillars at the ferry were valuable. You recognized them as golden-threaded nanmu and made millions. Dad and big brother both say your skill is uncanny—something money can’t buy. I just wonder who taught you all this. No ordinary friend would teach you such things!"

"That’s true. Most people wouldn’t teach it. My master is already gone. Because I cared for him, out of gratitude he taught me this skill," Zhang Can replied, following her line of thought and closing off further questions.

Liu Xiaoqin chimed in tenderly, "That’s right, Sanmei. It’s all thanks to your brother’s good heart. Kindness is always rewarded; there’s a higher will guiding things."

Zhang Can fetched keys from the room and handed two each to Zhang Hua and Liu Xiaoqin, saying, "These are for the main door and your rooms. Keep them safe. I’ll give you some money in a bit—if you’re bored, go visit the supermarket and buy whatever you like. I have to work during the day. There’s a market just across the street—you can buy groceries. The kitchen and fridge are fully equipped; nothing is lacking."

Knocking his head lightly, Zhang Can continued, "Tidy up your rooms. If there’s anything missing, there’s a supermarket downstairs. I’m tired and need to rest for a while."

Zhang Hua immediately stood and said, "Second Brother, go rest. I’ll help Sister Xiaoqin with the rooms, then we’ll go buy groceries..."

Zhang Can frowned, "Sanmei, stop calling her ‘Sister-in-law Xiaoqin.’ She’s a young lady, and that sounds awkward. Call her ‘sister’ instead."

"No!" Liu Xiaoqin grabbed Zhang Hua’s hand, smiling, "Sanmei, I like hearing you call me that. Come on!"

Watching the two girls walk off hand in hand, Zhang Can was struck by how quickly girls could become close friends. They’d only just met, yet they already got along like real sisters.

Still, he was happy. No matter what, Liu Xiaoqin’s unwavering devotion pleased him. Having such a beautiful girl treat him this way—how could he not rejoice?

Besides, he had just been dealt a blow by Zhou Nan’s family. At least he could still keep his head and know his place. Lying down, exhausted, he found himself unable to sleep; no matter how he tried, Zhou Nan’s image kept appearing in his mind.

He remembered the woods, when he was too ill to move; Zhou Nan had carried him down the mountain with all her strength, her delicate hands and face bloodied from cuts, stumbling and falling on the slope, crying in despair but never giving up on him. The memory stabbed at his heart.

Could he forget someone who had treated him like that?

The answer was clear: impossible.

But even so, Zhang Can knew he could only bury these feelings deep inside, locking them away forever. Zhou Nan was a fairy in the heavens, and he was no mortal Dong Yong.

With a sigh, Liu Xiaoqin’s lovely figure floated into his thoughts again—pretty, gentle, kind, and yet so fierce when pushed. At that moment, she had been more resolute than any man he’d ever known.

He was sure now: if he hadn’t held her with all his strength, she would have jumped.

But he had only himself to blame for speaking too harshly.

Alas! Zhang Can sighed deeply, then thought of his first love, Liu Xiaoli, Liu Xiaoqin’s elder sister, who still lived in his old village. Should he tell Liu Xiaoqin about her?