Free Web NovelChapter 925: Chapter 921: Overnight in the Village
However, despite saying this, Xiao Tian knew that Xiang Yiting, who had been in poor health since childhood, wouldn’t easily change her mind just because of a few words from him.
But it didn’t matter much; at most, Xiang Yiting would waste another one or two bottles of medicine money. Eventually, when there were no more emergency situations requiring sudden medication as before, she would naturally change her thinking.
By noon, the group of three finally arrived at the nearest village around them. At a glance, on the narrow road, there were mainly some bungalows on both sides, far from the bustling scenes of the city filled with heavy traffic and skyscrapers.
Fortunately, neither Xiao Tian nor Xiang Yiting cared much about this, while Adison Claire, just freed from her restraints, seemed intrigued by everything around her, looking left and right like a young lady who hadn’t seen much of the world.
Breathing in the fresh air, Xiao Tian suggested, "Shall we rest here for two days before setting out again?"
Xiao Tian’s plan was to take advantage of the sparsely populated area—unlike the city, where there are electronic eyes everywhere—to prepare the antidote here, hence his suggestion.
After hearing Xiao Tian’s proposal, Adison Claire readily agreed since she had already decided to go to Huaxia with Xiao Tian; it was the same wherever they stayed.
As for Xiang Yiting, although she was slightly reluctant to delay here, seeing that two out of three agreed to stay a few more days, she nodded along, saying, "Alright, let’s just treat it as a picnic!"
With the decision made, Xiao Tian led the three of them into the village, intending to find a suitable courtyard to stay for a few days.
However, shortly after reaching the village entrance, the three of them became the center of attention. Some playful children pointed and gestured at them, seemingly unused to seeing outsiders.
As they delved deeper into the village, it became clear why the surrounding people looked at them with such varied emotions.
Although Xiang Yiting and Adison Claire’s attire wasn’t overly ostentatious, they were quite stylish. Even Xiao Tian, the simplest dressed, looked clean and tidy, whereas the villagers’ clothes, though not patched all over, showed signs of mending.
No wonder they drew attention.
There’s no need to say much about Xiang Yiting; her beautiful, girl-next-door appearance naturally drew a second glance wherever she went.
Adison Claire, meanwhile, was even more conspicuous, with her long brown hair, a mask on her face, large sunglasses covering most of her face, and a strikingly curvy figure, it was easy to mistake her for a celebrity.
Soon, groups of three or five people gathered together, standing in front of Xiao Tian and his group, blocking their path.
Xiao Tian frowned slightly, feeling a bit puzzled, while Xiang Yiting quietly explained to him from behind, "They seem to be from the same family. In Japan, it’s common to find villages where everyone shares the same surname."
Before Xiang Yiting had finished speaking, the crowd parted like a wave, rapidly opening a path as an elderly man, supported by a cane, emerged from within.
The old man looked to be no more than fifty or sixty, not very tall but standing straight and his eyes sharp. His clothing was also slightly better than those around him.
Xiao Tian observed the old man’s cane, noting its footsteps and the marks left on the ground, deducing it was merely decorative or a symbol of authority, providing no real aid in walking.
The old man approached and scrutinized the three of them individually before speaking, "Who are you three? Why have you come here?"
Xiao Tian was about to step forward as the representative for the trio, but before he could, Xiang Yiting stepped forward first, responding, "Hello, we are students traveling in the countryside. We got lost in the woods last night and ended up here."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Tian adjusted his round-framed glasses, feeling that although claiming to be a student was a stretch for his current appearance, posing as a Ph.D. student or postdoc was still feasible.
Adison Claire showed little reaction to Xiang Yiting’s words, her hands remaining in her coat pockets, projecting an aura of cool detachment.
With Xiang Yiting’s concise explanation, Xiao Tian accurately detected a small sign of relaxation in the old man’s eyes, and the previously stoic face revealed a constrained smile as he said, "I see. I’m Fujiwara Daisuke, the clan leader of this village. Welcome."
After expressing gratitude, Xiang Yiting stepped back, allowing Xiao Tian to take the lead, clearly indicating the rest was up to him.
From Fujiwara Daisuke’s earlier behavior, Xiao Tian confirmed that although the old man seemed to be on guard, with Xiang Yiting’s groundwork, and no overt hostility from Fujiwara Daisuke, the ensuing conversation should be easier.
"Mr. Fujiwara, on our way to the village, we noticed the fresh air and beautiful scenery here, and we wish to stay for a few days. Might there be any vacant houses available?" Xiao Tian inquired courteously.
Fujiwara Daisuke seemed surprised by Xiao Tian’s suggestion, but adhering to the principle of treating guests well, he nodded reluctantly, then slightly turned his head and said over his shoulder, "Ming Tai, vacate your place temporarily for our three guests."
Fujiwara Daisuke’s tone was neither negotiating nor questioning, but commanded with an undeniable authority, highlighting his esteemed status within the village.
No sooner had he finished speaking than someone who had been hiding among the crowd, eyes persistently on Adison Claire, stepped forward and protested, "Why should I vacate my house?"
The protester wore clothes that appeared even more tattered than those of surrounding villagers, with many places lacking even patches. His hair was a disarrayed mess, and his frail figure resembled that of an addict.
Such a question didn’t require Fujiwara Daisuke’s direct response, as numerous people quickly began criticizing him.
"Why?! Because your house belongs to us all now, and this is just a temporary arrangement for you."
"Don’t forget, you were the one crying and begging us to help pay off your gambling debts, otherwise they’d chop off your limbs and take the house to settle the debt. Since we paid off your debts, the house belongs to us, not you!"
"You have only yourself to blame for your predicament. Also, I lost some money yesterday—was it your doing?"
Similar accusations rolled in like a series of stones, drowning Fujiwara Akita in a short span of time.
He was unable even to lift his head.
