章 19: Chapter 019: Playing Cards Unconventionally
"Then, I'll go tell my parents."
Although Ji Xinhe was anxious at this moment, she was also sharp-witted. If her brother really fell into the water and someone came to report it, there must be someone who had already saved him. There wasn't necessarily a need for her to go herself.
But if Xiao Bei did not fall into the water, her hastily going there without thinking might fall right into someone's trap.
So, with a thought, Ji Xinhe decided to run back.
Wang Er Ya's face changed slightly, secretly surprised that Ji Xinhe wasn't following the script. How could she still think of telling her parents in such a critical moment?
Wang Er Ya hurriedly held on to Ji Xinhe, her face stiffened, "There's no time. You should go first, and I'll go find Uncle Ji."
Being an unsophisticated countryside girl without much experience, Wang Er Ya's unnaturally forced smile gave her away, which eased Ji Xinhe's uncertainty.
Coldness flashed in Ji Xinhe's eyes. It seemed that Xiao Bei falling into the water was a lie, and someone was trying to harm her.
With this in mind, Ji Xinhe became somewhat composed. She pulled her hand from Wang Er Ya's grip: "Er Ya, you got it wrong. I'm just a little girl; how can I save my brother? This is something the adults should handle. I'll go find my parents now."
As she spoke, Ji Xinhe turned around and ran straight into the courtyard.
Wang Er Ya panicked; it was too late to stop her and all she could do was to wait anxiously outside.
When Ji Xinhe went into the courtyard, she truly headed towards her parents' room. This matter most likely was a trap set by Lady Ding, and having Lady Ding go with her would be like having a protective amulet.
However, before she could knock on the door, Ji Xiulan came out from the room with a look of disgust on her face. "What's your problem? Coming here at this late hour."
Her words implied as if this was her room.
Ji Xinhe didn't bother arguing and acted worried instead, "Xiao Bei fell into the water. I'm here to find my dad to rescue him."
Ji Xiulan sneered, "My parents are already asleep. Do you really want to let the whole village know such a trivial matter? Just go see for yourself and don't involve others. Do you think you're some precious Miss?"
Ji Xinhe chuckled coldly, "A trivial matter?"
Ji Xiulan arrogantly lifted her head, her expression seemed to say, "Isn't it just a trivial matter whether people like you live or die?"
Looking at the situation, Ji Xinhe was sure that Ji Xiulan was instructed by Lady Ding to block her. She was not going to let Ji Xinhe in under any circumstances. So, Ji Xinhe stopped trying to force her way in and changed her plan.
"In that case, just let them rest. I'll go by myself," Ji Xinhe said.
Ji Xiulan was surprised that Ji Xinhe suddenly became amiable, as she had fully prepared herself for a long struggle. She was momentarily stunned.
Ji Xinhe glared at Ji Xiulan angrily, as if she was resentful, and purposely bumped into her before rushing away, seemingly worried about Xiao Bei's situation.
Ji Xiulan stumbled after getting bumped and gritted her teeth in anger. She wanted to curse but, thinking about Ji Xinhe's fate after today, she suppressed her anger and muttered, "I can't wait to see your good days after marrying Pig Meat Three!"
Ji Xinhe pinched the peony gold hairpin in her palm and silently hid it in her sleeve.
When she bumped into Ji Xiulan just now, Ji Xinhe quickly stole the hairpin from her head as Ji Xiulan almost fell.
This hairpin was new, and it was most likely one of the pieces of jewelry that Lady Ding had bought for her precious daughter with the twenty taels of silver she secretly sold from Ji Xinhe.
This hairpin was quite heavy and probably worth about a tael of silver. They were using her hard-earned money lavishly!
The cold smile on Ji Xinhe's lips disappeared the moment she stepped out of the courtyard, replaced with an anxious expression.
Wang Er Ya was still waiting at the door. Seeing Ji Xinhe come out, she hurriedly approached, "Xin He."
Ji Xinhe raised her hand to wipe the non-existent tear stains on her face, "Er Ya, my parents have gone to bed. Hurry and take me to my brother."
Wang Er Ya seemed relieved, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders, and nodded, "Alright, let's go."
With that, she ran ahead quickly, and Ji Xinhe followed closely.
Yang Luo Bay wasn't too big, so it didn't take long for the two to reach the Bishui River in the eastern part of the village. Most of the villagers lived in the West Village, while the East Village had mainly farmlands, which were more fertile due to the nearby river.
During the day, the villagers would be busy working in the fields, making the place lively. However, it was eerily quiet at this late hour.
Seeing that Ji Xinhe had followed her, Wang Er Ya thought her mission was accomplished and was about to find an excuse to leave when Ji Xinhe suddenly grabbed her arm in fear, "Er Ya, it's so dark here, I'm scared."
Wang Er Ya tried to comfort her quickly, "There's nothing to be afraid of. We're still in the village. Hurry up and go to the riverbank to see if your brother is there."
As she spoke, she tried to pry Ji Xinhe's hand away from her arm.
However, Ji Xinhe didn't let go and instead tightened her grip, "Er Ya, why don't you come with me?"
Wang Er Ya's face flashed with panic, "How can I? I mean, your brother fell into the water, and we don't know his situation yet. You should hurry and go see him right now!"
Wang Er Ya couldn't comprehend why Ji Xinhe, who was usually the most foolish girl, seemed so different today. It was as if she couldn't be easily led by the nose anymore, which left Wang Er Ya puzzled.
Why wasn't Ji Xinhe desperately rushing to the river when she heard that Xiao Bei had fallen into the water? Why did she suddenly become so anxious?
Ji Xinhe had no choice but to say, "Then Er Ya, please wait for me here."
Wang Er Ya agreed happily this time, thinking that she would be long gone, and the silly girl would never know about it. "Alright, go quickly."
Only then did Ji Xinhe head towards the riverbank, and Wang Er Ya didn't waste any time turning around and running away.
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