Gu Jiaojiao knew Leng Yuan couldn’t tell her about the black market, so she just asked one thing.

"Is it safe?"

"It’s safe."

Leng Yuan swallowed, his voice hoarse.

He had thought Gu Jiaojiao would make at least a small fuss, but to his surprise, she didn’t say a word.

Once she had her answer, Gu Jiaojiao changed the subject.

When the two of them reached the donkey cart, Leng ManCang saw them return empty-handed and was a little puzzled.

He didn’t dare ask any questions, though, afraid he would annoy Leng Yuan.

"Ready to head back?"

Leng Yuan looked at Gu Jiaojiao.

Gu Jiaojiao nodded.

The two of them climbed onto the donkey cart.

A thick quilt was spread out on the cart. Though it was old, it was still warm.

Leng Yuan draped a military greatcoat over Gu Jiaojiao, shielding her from the cold air.

The greatcoat was Leng Yuan’s and carried his faint, clean scent of soap. It was a pleasant smell.

Leng ManCang gave a shout, and the donkey cart lurched into motion. The road was rough, causing the cart to sway back and forth like a cradle. Gu Jiaojiao grew drowsy and couldn’t help but lean against Leng Yuan, closing her eyes.

There was hardly anyone on the main road.

On a day with such heavy snow, no one would venture out unless they had shopping to do.

Leng Yuan wrapped an arm around Gu Jiaojiao’s shoulders. He gazed down at her peaceful sleeping face, his own expression softening.

He even pulled the greatcoat tighter around her, not letting a single wisp of cold wind find its way in.

Leng ManCang watched how Leng Yuan doted on Gu Jiaojiao, feeling utterly amazed.

His cousin had been cold since childhood, treating everyone with the same detached attitude, as if he were incapable of emotion.

He had thought Leng Yuan would go his whole life without ever experiencing human feelings.

Who would have thought that after marrying Gu Jiaojiao, Leng Yuan would become more and more human.

Leng ManCang’s gaze rested on Gu Jiaojiao for a moment, and a chill suddenly shot up his spine. He couldn’t help but shiver.

He lifted his head and met Leng Yuan’s dark, brooding eyes, which held a ruthless glint in their depths.

Leng ManCang was startled.

He let out a nervous laugh.

"I didn’t mean anything by it. I was just curious seeing you two together."

This cousin of his was a ruthless man; the memory of being beaten half to death by him was still fresh in his mind.

Leng Yuan coolly looked away.

The warning had been given. Leng ManCang now knew where to keep his eyes.

And Leng ManCang certainly did. He focused on driving the donkey cart, even deliberately slowing his pace.

His eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, not daring to glance back again.

Sweet Girl and Xiao Yang also wisely kept quiet. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

The journey, which should have taken just over an hour, ended up lasting more than two.

Following the System’s directions, Xu Wenwan arrived at the East Market.

She went inside only to find that there was no one there.

She stared at the deserted East Market, completely bewildered.

’There’s not a single person here. Why did you make me come?’

The System had originally wanted Xu Wenwan to see a scene of Gu Jiaojiao together with Lu Yuanbin.

Then, it would have told her that Gu Jiaojiao, by getting close to Leng Yuan, had already stolen her fated opportunity.

Given Xu Wenwan’s jealousy of Gu Jiaojiao, she would have surely found an opportunity to absorb the good fortune from Leng Yuan.

But it was clearly a step too late.

Besides, it decided that wasn’t a good plan.

It would be better to force Xu Wenwan into a desperate situation. Once she was backed into a corner, she would naturally stop hesitating.

With this in mind, the System had her cross through the East Market to the street on the other side.

Xu Wenwan was getting impatient.

However, she figured the System must be doing this for her own good, so she suppressed her irritation and followed the street out of the East Market.

Just as she stepped out, she caught sight of Leng Yuan on the cart, draping the military greatcoat over Gu Jiaojiao.

The man’s handsome face, usually so cold and cruel, was now exceptionally gentle.

’In the novel, Leng Yuan clearly didn’t like Gu Jiaojiao, and he certainly hadn’t married her.’

’But now, not only were they married, they seemed to be getting along very well.’

’One look at Gu Jiaojiao’s fair, supple face, and it was obvious she hadn’t suffered any hardships.’

’At first, she’d assumed it was a butterfly effect caused by her transmigrating into the book.’

’But now, it was all starting to feel increasingly strange.’

’After Gu Jiaojiao married, her life just kept getting better. Meanwhile, ever since she herself had arrived, she had only become more and more unlucky.’

’Her own family was only nice to her when they were absorbing someone else’s good fortune; otherwise, they treated her with utter disdain.’

At this thought, Xu Wenwan’s heart constricted with resentment.

’There’s something very wrong with this Gu Jiaojiao.’