The Foolish Husband of the Landlord's Family (GL)

Chapter 43: A Healing Bath

By the time Jiang Yuan and Shiqi realized Lin Kong was missing, she had already disappeared. Alone in the chaotic outskirts, they feared for her safety. After searching for a long time and nearly giving up to seek help, they found Lin Kong on a small hill with only a few trees.

The past days had been snowless, but the weather grew colder as the year-end approached, and the refugee crisis remained unresolved. No word had come from Song Keyan, leaving Jiang Yuan, already overwhelmed, even more anxious due to Lin Kong's disappearance.

Her heart, frantic with worry, finally settled upon seeing Lin Kong. Taking a deep breath, she approached Lin Kong, her face expressionless.

"Wife!" Lin Kong, seeing Jiang Yuan’s slightly flushed face, ran over excitedly, grabbing her wrist, "Kong'er will soon be smart."

Her eyes sparkled with joy, eager to share her happiness with Jiang Yuan.

Jiang Yuan's expression changed instantly, her heart once more burdened. She frowned slightly, turning to the old man sitting on a rock, greeting him respectfully, "Sir."

The old man smiled kindly, the bitter wind rustling his robes, yet he remained unmoved, showing no sign of discomfort.

Standing on the exposed hill, Jiang Yuan found the cold biting, despite her fur coat. Without preamble, she asked, "Sir, is what Kong'er said true?"

Realizing her use of "Kong'er" was inappropriate, but the words were already spoken.

The old man scrutinized Jiang Yuan with a probing gaze, his eyes inscrutable, before tugging at his grizzled beard, his weathered face breaking into a smile, "Naturally true, I am fated with this young master."

Lin Kong nodded vigorously in agreement, thrilled at the prospect of becoming smarter, though unclear on its benefits.

Furrowing her brows, she suddenly recalled their interrupted attempt at sharing a room, wondering if becoming smarter would reveal the reason behind it.

Unaware that Lin Kong's desire to be smart was fueled by the wish to share a room with her, Jiang Yuan pondered the implications of bringing up Lin Kong's past.

It seemed inappropriate to discuss such matters outside; she invited the old man to the city.

On the way, Jiang Yuan, weary, rubbed her temples, pulling Lin Kong aside to warn softly, "Kong'er, don’t run off like that again. Tell me before you go anywhere, or else I’ll..."

Catching herself before admitting her worry, Jiang Yuan glanced at Lin Kong awkwardly.

"Or else what, Wife?" Lin Kong asked eagerly, resting her chin on her hands, waiting for her to continue.

"Nothing," Jiang Yuan said, her expression neutral, "Why did you disappear earlier?"

Accustomed to Jiang Yuan's abrupt topic changes, Lin Kong cheerfully explained, "When you were busy, I saw that old man and worried he'd vanish, so I chased him. Wife, Kong'er didn’t mean to worry you."

Shaking Jiang Yuan's arm, she smiled ingratiatingly.

Jiang Yuan helplessly took her hand, not pressing further. There were too many coincidences; the old man must have discerned Lin Kong's mental state, deliberately luring her.