"Who knows?" Liu Qiaoqiao didn’t take it seriously.

"I think someone definitely overheard us," Zhao Ergou insisted.

"If someone overheard, do you think the people in our village wouldn’t be gossiping about our business? Would they play such childish games?" Liu Qiaoqiao scoffed dismissively, "Are you scaring yourself? I never thought a big man like you would have the courage of a mouse."

"If you’re so capable, you do it!" Zhao Ergou was angry.

"If I could, would I need you? The He Family wants to stay as far away from me as possible. I can’t even get close to them." Otherwise, why would she keep holding onto Zhao Ergou?

"I say let’s just forget about it!" Zhao Ergou was always ready to back out.

"No way! If you dare not do it, just wait and see!" Liu Qiaoqiao threatened, "Don’t think I don’t know—you get along well with several women other than me. If you dare not do it, I’ll spill everything about you and them first."

"What good does it do you to expose us? Do you think you can escape involvement?" Zhao Ergou said angrily.

"If I’m daring enough to do this, I definitely have a way."

"Fine, fine, I agree! I’m really afraid of you!" Zhao Ergou gritted his teeth, resigned to his fate.

"When are you going to make a move?" Liu Qiaoqiao urged relentlessly.

"Tomorrow, tomorrow night I’ll make a move, how about that." Zhao Ergou had already seen it from his observations these past few days. Lately, the kids enjoy running around the village.

From the mill to the village entrance, they often play together along this road.

With no other options, he decided to act at night.

"That’s more like it." Hearing that it would happen tomorrow night, Liu Qiaoqiao’s mood instantly improved. She snuggled into Zhao Ergou’s arms and gave him a flirtatious look, saying, "To reward your bravery, I’ve decided to offer myself tonight..."

"No, I’m not in the mood tonight. You should leave, so no one sees us and starts rumors we can’t explain." Zhao Ergou wasn’t in the mood to deal with Liu Qiaoqiao, and with a few words, he sent her on her way.

Though a bit anxious herself, Liu Qiaoqiao brightened at the thought of seeing the He Family in a panic the next day.

The next day, Zhao Ergou sought a way to approach Ning Chenguang.

With too many people around in the morning, he couldn’t get close. In the afternoon, there were fewer people, and he saw Ning Chenguang and the He siblings playing with pebbles under the big tree at the village entrance.

So, he walked over with a big smile.

"What are you all playing here that’s making you so happy?" Zhao Ergou went up to the three kids to make small talk.

"We’re picking up stones," Ning Chenguang said.

"Why are you picking up stones?" Zhao Ergou sat down beside them, taking out a cigarette and lighting it slowly.

"How is it your business? We’re just kids playing—what does it have to do with you, grown-up?" He Yue, knowing Zhao Ergou had ill intentions, replied unkindly.

"Oh, this little girl, your words are really..." Zhao Ergou laughed, "like a little chili pepper!"

"Pah, you’re the chili pepper!" He Yue glared at him fiercely.

Zhao Ergou wasn’t annoyed. He smoked leisurely, thoughts churning in his head.