Chapter 16: Chapter 16 True Colors?

Words : 1370 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Of course, the chicks needed care, and Xia Liu hired five women, paying them a salary of two thousand yuan per month to help look after the chicks. When those women heard they could earn two thousand yuan a month, they were almost excited enough to kneel down. A month of labor in the county only paid a thousand yuan, and all they had to do was to isolate sick chicks for the vet to examine. Earning two thousand in a month was more relaxed than working in the city. Xia Liu wasn't worried about money; there was still a huge amount of Atractylodes in the mountains. If all were harvested, there would definitely be a couple of millions. His goal was to lead the villagers down the path to wealth. The lack of roads in the village was a problem. He planned to sell some more Atractylodes and then hire excavators to build a road, at least to Shanyan Village. As for Shanyan Village, after the incident with the police station, Li Hao seemed to have calmed down. Since that was the case, for the time being, the road construction would pass through Shanyan Village first. Looking at the towering mountain in the distance from the village, Xia Liu hadn't forgotten his resolution–to split open that mountain! After waiting for Zhang Xiaoxue to finish her bath, Xia Liu took the thousand yuan given to him by Zhang Kuang during the day and went to Zhang Qing's house. He accepted the despicable man's money not for himself but to give it to Zhang Qing. After all, this beauty had suffered a lot over the years. When he arrived at Zhang Qing's house, she had just finished her bath and opened the door wearing a thin silk nightgown. At the first glimpse of her, Xia Liu subconsciously turned his gaze aside, feeling a bitter sweetness inside. Because his vision was very good, even under the dim light, he could still see Zhang Qing's body clearly. Zhang Qing, sensing Xia Liu's late-night visit, looked around and quickly pulled him inside the house. "Xia Liu, you're coming over so late, is it because..." Zhang Qing said, perching with crossed legs, lightly touching her rosy lips with her delicate fingers, her eyes roving freely over Xia Liu. Seeing Zhang Qing like that, Xia Liu smiled wryly within, daring not to look directly at her for fear he might lose control. Hearing the implication in her words, Xia Liu hurriedly took out the thousand yuan: "Sister-in-law, this money is for you." Looking at the money in Xia Liu's hands, Zhang Qing was filled with confusion. She let out a coy laugh thinking of something: "Oh Xia Liu, you've saved my life and even helped me make some money. How could I accept money from you for such a thing? If you didn't visit from time to time, I would..." "Sister-in-law, stop right there, this money belongs to you..." Xia Liu interrupted Zhang Qing's words and kept pushing away, trying to avoid her fair, delicate hands reaching out to him. On his way here, he had been considering whether to tell Zhang Qing about the incident with Zhang Kuang, and now he knew he had to tell her. Zhang Qing was not shy; she was almost thirty and soon there would be no need to beat around the bush. Just as she was about to open up, Xia Liu's words made her fall silent. Indeed, Xia Liu told Zhang Qing everything that happened with Zhang Kuang in the county city today. She had the right to make a decision on this matter. Xia Liu wanted to help her. Since Zhang Kuang had already done this, the marriage would surely no longer be happy, so why bother to continue? However, what puzzled Xia Liu was that after hearing his explanation, Zhang Qing showed hardly any reaction, much calmer than he had anticipated. She turned around to her seat, picked up a pack of cigarettes from beneath the table, offered one to Xia Liu, and lit one for herself. Exhaling a puff of light smoke, Zhang Qing slowly said, "Actually, I've understood for a long time; what right do I have to interfere, being an infertile woman like me?" "This cannot become an excuse for your indulgence in Zhang Kuang. Besides, infertility can be cured, as long as you persist," Xia Liu said. "Xia Liu, you don't understand. A woman without the ability to bear children has no status or position in the village." Faced with Xia Liu's words, Zhang Qing became somewhat emotional, tossing away her cigarette butt and speaking in a hoarse voice with her head lowered. She had endured too much over the years, and finally, she broke down crying. No one could understand her pain; being unable to bear children meant her life was over. Xia Liu sat beside Zhang Qing and extended his arm around her shoulder: "Sister-in-law, don't be too sad. I will definitely help you with this." Comforted by Xia Liu, Zhang Qing cried even louder, clinging tightly to Xia Liu. The two embraced each other on the sofa. Zhang Qing began to initiate more contact, continuously exploring Xia Liu's back, seeking a sense of security. Xia Liu knew that if this continued, something unfortunate might happen. "Xia Liu, help me, I already..." "Sister-in-law, let's not do this now. I have a way to restore your fertility," Xia Liu said, seizing the opportunity to push Zhang Qing away and speaking confidently. Upon hearing that, Zhang Qing was taken aback and looked at Xia Liu with trembling eyes. "Sister-in-law, you know I'm skilled in medicine, so please trust me." "Xia Liu, I don't know what to say," Zhang Qing protested, her mouth turned down as she was on the verge of crying excitedly. Xia Liu didn't know what to say either. After a moment of silence, he began to ask Zhang Qing about her infertility issues. Ten minutes later, Xia Liu was puzzled. Zhang Qing said she had been intimate with Zhang Kuang for three months without any sign of pregnancy, which confirmed her infertility, and then she left home to work. Moreover, Xia Liu learned that Zhang Qing had never gone for a medical check-up, meaning nothing was certain yet. "Sister-in-law, don't be disheartened. I suggest you get checked at the hospital first. If it turns out you really do have infertility issues, I'll treat you then. If not, it indicates that Zhang Kuang is the problem," Xia Liu summarized and offered his suggestion. "Uh, I'll find time for that. Anyway, I have to thank you," Zhang Qing sincerely began to thank him, clutching Xia Liu's hand tightly, "I don't have anything to give you in return. While I'm still young, maybe I could..." As she spoke, Zhang Qing grabbed Xia Liu's hand and lifted her clothes. Xia Liu's gaze turned intense, but then he bit his tongue hard: "Sister-in-law, I should go back now. Wait until you get the check-up results, then I'll treat you!" Indeed, Xia Liu ran away again. Although Zhang Qing was very proactive, he had his principles and knew when to stop. Xia Liu ran all the way to the coast, a kilometer away from the village, and without even taking off his clothes, he plunged into the sea. The cool sea water gradually soothed his burning heat. "Damn it, Xia Liu, where is your true nature? Why did you refuse just now? Don't you desire it?" Reflecting on everything that had just happened, Xia Liu couldn't help but mutter to himself. He actually wanted it, too, since he hadn't touched a woman in months. But he couldn't let go, since he wanted to settle down in the village. If something happened with Zhang Qing, it would be awkward to face each other afterward. After his arousal had subsided, Xia Liu leisurely returned home, and what he didn't expect was that an even more thrilling scene awaited him there...

Chapter 16: Chapter 16 True Colors?

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