Atypical Blood Clan Contract - Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Rural Village

In the kitchen, Qin Xiaoyou skillfully used a fire poker to retrieve the largest roasted sweet potato from the earthen stove. The sweet potato was scalding hot, so he deftly used chopsticks to transfer it to a plate. He then grabbed a long-handled stainless steel spoon and carried the plate into the living room.

“Mr. Li, your roasted sweet potato is ready,” he announced, placing the plate in front of Mr. Li. “It’s best eaten while it’s hot.”

Mr. Li stared down at the charred-looking object on the plate, a moment of doubt flickering across his face.

Is this even edible?

Sensing his hesitation, Qin Xiaoyou climbed onto a stool and offered to help.

“Peel off the skin to reveal the red flesh inside. Then scoop it out with the spoon like this—” He demonstrated by digging out a spoonful of sweet potato and holding it up to Mr. Li’s mouth.

Meeting the boy’s expectant gaze, Mr. Li involuntarily opened his mouth and gently took the spoonful.

Instantly, a sweet, soft, and fragrant flavor spread across his palate.

Seeing the surprised expression on Mr. Li’s face, Qin Xiaoyou’s eyes narrowed into happy slits.

“Is it good?” he asked.

Mr. Li licked his lips, took the spoon from the boy’s hand, and nodded in praise. “It’s delicious. Absolutely wonderful.”

He spoke in Xiluo Language, and Qin Xiaoyou instinctively replied in the same language, “If you like it, eat more! There’s plenty more at home.”

At the villa, Mr. Li and Qin Xiaoyou often conversed in Xiluo Language. Now that Mr. Li had switched languages, Qin Xiaoyou naturally followed suit.

Wang Chunlan, who had been ignored nearby, was astonished to hear her son and Mr. Li speaking in a foreign tongue.

Is this really my mischievous, lazy, and troublemaking youngest son? she wondered.

Speaking Xiluo Language so fluently, even conversing with a foreigner? Unbelievable!

This new Support Teacher Huo must be extraordinary! After just over half a month of teaching, the results are astonishing.

Or… is my son a once-in-a-century linguistic prodigy?

Unaware of the truth, Wang Chunlan stared intently at Qin Xiaoyou, her mind racing. She pondered whether to focus on nurturing her son’s linguistic talent, envisioning him as a future diplomat.

Her thoughts spiraled, growing more excited with each idea. She plopped down on the long bench, her eyes gleaming as she watched her son interact with Mr. Li.

Qin Xiaoyou suddenly stopped talking and looked up, puzzled. “Mom, what are you doing?”

Her strange gaze made his skin crawl.

Wang Chunlan waved her hand dismissively. “Nothing, nothing. You two keep talking. When Teacher Huo returns, I’ll bring him some eggs.”

Qin Xiaoyou was utterly bewildered.

What does Teacher Huo have to do with this? Why would she randomly give him eggs? What if people misunderstand it as a bribe?

Unable to comprehend his mother’s train of thought, Qin Xiaoyou shrugged and refocused his attention on Mr. Li.

Mr. Li finished his roasted sweet potato quickly, then elegantly wiped his mouth with a pristine white handkerchief. He picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

The tea was too strong and bitter, likely due to too many tea leaves. Mr. Li swallowed it without a change in expression.

“Want another one?” Qin Xiaoyou asked.

“One is enough,” Mr. Li replied with a smile, setting down his cup.

Qin Xiaoyou’s eyes lit up, and he hopped off the stool. “I’ll wrap one up for you to take back for Butler Luo to try.”

Whenever they visited the villa, Butler Luo always offered them delicious cookies, cakes, and milk tea. Qin Xiaoyou wanted to return the favor by letting Butler Luo taste their family’s roasted sweet potatoes.

Even though his mother had roasted them, it was the thought that counted!

Qin Xiaoyou grabbed an old newspaper and cheerfully headed into the kitchen, leaving Wang Chunlan and Mr. Li sitting face-to-face.

Wang Chunlan looked awkward, wanting to strike up a conversation but unsure what to say. After a moment of hesitation, she blurted out, “Um… Xiaoyou doesn’t know better. He’s always bothering you. Please don’t mind him.”

Mr. Li replied gently, “Xiaoyou is a good boy. He hasn’t bothered me at all.”

“Oh… I see… Ha ha…” Hearing a stranger praise her son made Wang Chunlan’s heart swell with pride. Just as she was about to say more, a commotion erupted outside the courtyard.

“Is anyone home? I’m the Village Chief, here to conduct a survey.”

Hearing the Village Chief’s voice, Wang Chunlan immediately rose and hurried outside. “Yes, yes, I’m here!”

Moments later, Wang Chunlan led the Village Chief into the house, asking in confusion, “Village Chief, what kind of survey are you conducting?”

The Village Chief didn’t answer her question, instead turning his gaze to the foreigner sitting at the eight-person square table, sipping tea.

He had heard rumors from villagers that foreigners from across the river had entered the village, but he had dismissed them as jokes.

Ever since this mysterious foreigner had settled across the river, he rarely ventured into the village, and the villagers dared not disturb him. They maintained a peaceful coexistence, each staying out of the other’s affairs.

Unlike the villagers’ avoidance, the Village Chief held a favorable impression of this foreigner who bore a Chongxia Nation surname.

Although Mr. Li was from the Xiluo Nation, he possessed a permanent residency permit for the Chongxia Nation. His mixed-race butler was exceptionally capable and efficient, and any assistance they provided always resolved issues swiftly.

For example, the country road connecting Wanhong Village and Wanli Town, stretching over a hundred kilometers, had been half-funded by Mr. Li’s donation.

Seeing Mr. Li at Wang Chunlan’s house, the Village Chief immediately stepped forward to greet him. “Hello, Mr. Li.”

Mr. Li rose, shook hands with the Village Chief, and replied politely, “Hello, Village Chief Zhang. It’s a pleasure to see you.”

Village Chief Zhang asked with a beaming smile, “Are you and Wang Chunlan friends, Mr. Li?”

Otherwise, why would he be a guest at her home?

The village chief quickly glanced at the wine bottle on the table and the teacup brimming with Maojian tea, further solidifying his suspicions.

The wine bottle, elegantly shaped and labeled in Xiluo script, clearly indicated its high value. As for the Maojian tea, Wang Chunlan treasured it dearly, rarely using it. Yet now, she had brewed a generous handful.

The village chief was puzzled.

How did they meet? Why haven’t I heard anything about this?

Wang Chunlan grew flustered under the village chief’s scrutinizing gaze, waving her hands frantically. “No, no, it’s only the second time I’ve met Mr. Li. Friends? I wouldn’t dare presume such a thing. Oh, Village Chief, please don’t embarrass me like this!”

Seeing Wang Chunlan so vehemently distancing herself, Village Chief Zhang raised an eyebrow but decided not to press the issue.

He had come here for an important matter; everything else could wait.

“Recently, two murders have occurred in our village, drawing serious attention from the authorities. To cooperate with the police investigation, we need to compile a registry of all outsiders.” The village chief’s expression turned grave as he shifted to official business.

Wanhong Village was a small, close-knit community known for its simple customs and harmonious neighborly relations. Until recently, such a horrific crime as murder had never occurred there.

Over two weeks ago, Ah Lan’s body was discovered in the river. Despite thorough investigations by the police and forensic doctors, no evidence of foul play could be found, leading to the conclusion that she had committed suicide.

However, the discovery of Li Bao’s father’s lifeless body in the fields this morning was undeniably suspicious.

The man’s pesticide sprayer hung from his shoulder, suggesting he had been working in the fields shortly before his death. His face was contorted in terror, his eyes bulging, as if he had witnessed something unspeakably horrifying.

Unlike the single Ah Lan, Li Bao’s father was the sole breadwinner for his family, shouldering the heavy responsibility of providing for his loved ones. He rose before dawn and toiled until dusk, earning a reputation as the village’s most skilled farmer.

The most unsettling detail was that, like Ah Lan, half of his blood was missing.

If the police were to rule this as another suicide, they might as well resign. This new case also invalidated the original verdict in Ah Lan’s death.

Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, the police now classified both deaths as homicides, vowing to find the murderer and bring justice to the two victims.

As the Village Chief spoke, Qin Xiaoyou emerged from the kitchen with a wrapped roasted sweet potato. He quietly walked over to the eight-person square table and sat beside Mr. Li.

Mr. Li glanced down at the quiet little boy beside him and gently patted his back.

Wang Chunlan, upon learning that the Village Chief and Cadres were investigating the murder, vehemently supported the investigation. “Investigate! We must investigate thoroughly! Find that wretched murderer and make them pay with their life for Ah Lan and Li Bao’s father!”

Village Chief Zhang opened the registration book and asked in a businesslike tone, “Have you had any relatives or friends visit recently?”

Wang Chunlan shook her head firmly. “No.”

Suddenly, she remembered something and looked at Mr. Li.

Apart from Mr. Li, no one had visited their home in a long time.

Village Chief Zhang marked an ‘X’ in the registration book’s form, eliminating the Qin Family as suspects. He then turned to Mr. Li, addressing him politely, “Since Mr. Li is here, I’ll ask directly.”

Mr. Li’s villa, located across the river, also fell under Wanhong Village’s jurisdiction.

“Please,” Mr. Li nodded.

Village Chief Zhang cleared his throat. “Have you had any visitors recently?”

Mr. Li smiled. “I’ve lived here for ten years. Apart from Xiaoyou, I haven’t had any other guests.”

“Xiaoyou?” Village Chief Zhang lowered his head, surprised, and looked at the little boy beside Mr. Li.

Qin Xiaoyou puffed out his small chest, causing the tuft of hair on his head to bob.

He was Mr. Li’s only guest!

Wang Chunlan glared fiercely at him. While other children wouldn’t dare cross the river, he not only went but also seemed proud of it. His smug little face practically begged for a smack.

Village Chief Zhang was surprised by Xiaoyou’s closeness to Mr. Li. Despite their significant age difference, they seemed to share a common language.

Though surprised, the Village Chief didn’t pry. After finishing the registration, he turned to Wang Chunlan with a stern expression. “Remain vigilant during this period. Report any strangers to the Village Committee immediately.”

Wang Chunlan nodded vigorously. “Absolutely, absolutely! We won’t let a single bad guy slip through!”

The Village Chief tucked the registration book under his arm and prepared to leave. Suddenly, Qin Xiaoyou, who had been silent until now, spoke up. “Village Chief, does Teacher Huo count as an outsider?”

“Hmm?”

The child’s clear voice made the Village Chief pause and look at Qin Xiaoyou. “Teacher Huo is the new Support Teacher at Wanhong Primary School, right?”

“Exactly!” Qin Xiaoyou raised a finger and counted. “In the past month, the people who’ve come to our village are Teacher Huo, Sister Ah Lan’s boyfriend, and his parents.”

Wang Chunlan circled around Qin Xiaoyou and slapped him lightly on the back of the head, scolding, “Don’t talk nonsense! Teacher Huo is from the city and came to our village specifically to be a support teacher. He’s a man of impeccable character! Besides, he’s on leave and not even in the village. How could he possibly be a suspect?”

Ah Lan’s boyfriend and his family were even less likely suspects, having left the village after only half a day.

“Ow, Mom! Easy there! You’ll knock me silly!” Qin Xiaoyou ducked behind Mr. Li, seeking protection.

Mr. Li glanced up at Wang Chunlan. Though he said nothing, Wang Chunlan instinctively lowered her hand.

Under the gaze of those deep, azure eyes, she felt inexplicably guilty and forced an awkward smile. “…Children will say anything.”

Qin Xiaoyou muttered resentfully, “I was just telling the truth.”

Village Chief Zhang looked thoughtful. “When did Teacher Huo take leave? Did he say where he was going?”

Wang Chunlan frowned. “That… I didn’t ask. I really don’t know. Maybe the Village Chief should check with Wanhong Primary School?”

“Alright, I’ll go ask right away.” Village Chief Zhang hurried off to the next house.

As soon as the others left, Mr. Li rose to take his leave as well.

Wang Chunlan rubbed her hands together and asked politely, “Mr. Li, why don’t you stay for dinner?”

Mr. Li declined with a smile. “Butler Luo is waiting for the soy sauce.”

As he spoke, his slender, pale fingers picked up the wine bottle containing the soy sauce from the table.

Qin Xiaoyou quickly handed Mr. Li the roasted sweet potato. “Don’t forget this!”

“Thank you,” Mr. Li said, accepting the sweet potato. It was wrapped in thick newspaper and still slightly warm, but not hot enough to burn his hand.

Qin Xiaoyou escorted Mr. Li to the gate, seeing him all the way out of the courtyard.

Holding the soy sauce-filled wine bottle in one hand and the newspaper-wrapped sweet potato in the other, Mr. Li invited Qin Xiaoyou, “Thank you for your hospitality. Come visit the Villa sometime.”

Qin Xiaoyou clenched his fist, tilted his head back, and said, “Tomorrow… tomorrow I’m going hiking with my classmates. But Sunday is free, so I promise I’ll come see you at the Villa.”

“I’ll have Butler Luo prepare some cupcakes and milk tea in advance,” Mr. Li winked, then left with the young boy’s gift.

Qin Xiaoyou stood at his courtyard gate, watching Mr. Li’s figure recede with lingering reluctance.

The sun had long since set, leaving only a sliver of twilight that cast the man’s retreating silhouette into a graceful silhouette against the fading sky.