Chapter 131: Humanity and Emotions.

The fat man indeed was an expert who often peeped at girls bathing. He clearly and accurately described Miss Xiuzhu’s characteristics. As the one who had privately pledged his life to Xiuzhu, Wang Erdao naturally knew about those details and completely confirmed Xiuzhu’s identity.

He was overjoyed. His eyes lit up with a crazy glow, as if he was about to faint, like someone who had won a big prize. He was so excited he didn’t know how to express it. Suddenly, he thought of a good way. He put his hands on his hips and shouted confidently at Lao Hei, who was busy working in the blacksmith shop: “Lao Hei, remember this! You drove me away today, but sooner or later you will regret it. Times change, and I, this young master, will have my day to shine too!”

Wang Erdao looked insane but was full of energy, as if he had been cured after years of weakness. He was extremely excited. Others thought he had gone mad and naturally felt no sympathy for such a gambler. Wang Erdao swept his arrogant gaze over everyone, as if he no longer belonged to their class and was about to rise above them.

He looked around, found the right direction, and ran off quickly toward his new life. Liu Liwa watched his back and sighed softly. It was clear his plan had succeeded, but what would happen in the end, he could not predict.

Miss Zhao had been nearby the whole time. Her sharp ears caught everything Liu Liwa said, and her intelligent mind quickly analyzed the trick behind it. She had to admit that this Liu Xiaoqi indeed had quick wits and methods. In such a short time, he had thought of a way to deal with this desperate gambler while also fulfilling Miss Xiuzhu’s wish. However, there were still a few points Miss Zhao could not understand.

“What, are you going to eat at the restaurant up ahead? I heard it’s very popular and hard to get a table,” Miss Zhao suddenly spoke up.

The fat man, seeing this stunning and noble woman talking to them, immediately became excited. He said in a manly way, “No problem! I know someone at that restaurant. I can go reserve a table first. Oh, it’s getting late! Brother Xiaoqi, I’ll go ahead!”

The fat man, wanting to show off his ability in front of the woman, jogged away quickly. Liu Liwa looked at Miss Zhao and had to admire this woman’s intelligence and charm. With just one sentence, she had made the fat man willingly leave.

Miss Zhao also dismissed her two loyal servants. She got straight to the point and asked, “This plan isn’t perfect. Aren’t you afraid Wang Erdao will take Xiuzhu to see a doctor, check her illness, and expose your lie?”

“Impossible. That kind of gambler is desperate right now. He himself strongly believes Xiuzhu doesn’t have much time left. Why would he look for unnecessary trouble?” Liu Liwa knew she would ask, so he didn’t hide it.

“What if he asks Miss Xiuzhu about the silver taels later?”

“He won’t,” Liu Liwa said firmly. “I made it very clear earlier: if he wants Xiuzhu’s money, he must treat her sincerely, take care of her, and care for her. If Wang Erdao asks about the silver and then treats Xiuzhu exceptionally well, wouldn’t it seem too obvious and purposeful? If you were Xiuzhu, wouldn’t you be suspicious too?”

“If Xiuzhu remains healthy and lives well for three to five years, what will Wang Erdao do then? Would he take a risk and harm Xiuzhu?” Zhao Jiabi raised the sharpest question.

Liu Liwa’s face darkened. He knew this point well—it was why he had sighed earlier. But then he smiled again, full of confidence. “I’m gambling too, because I’m willing to believe in humanity and emotions! Miss Xiuzhu has been waiting wholeheartedly for Wang Erdao to marry her. Only this way can her wish come true. As for the hidden illness, the three thousand silver taels are definitely made up, but there are three or five years. During these years, Wang Erdao, for the sake of the three thousand silver taels, will definitely take good care of Miss Xiuzhu. And after all, Wang Erdao is a person with flesh, blood, and emotions. In three to five years, even raising a dog would build deep feelings, let alone two loving spouses who face each other day and night. If Wang Erdao still has humanity and emotions, then after three to five years, even if he knows it was all for nothing, he will remember the years of marital affection and won’t do anything to harm Xiuzhu. Of course, if he loses his humanity for the silver and can pretend for so many years, then Xiuzhu’s outcome would be terrible. So I say, this is a gamble!”

“Your stakes are too high,” Zhao Jiabi said with a heavy heart. She didn’t even dare to think about the terrible consequences. She looked at Liu Liwa; his face had regained its confident smile. It was a trust in humanity, in conscience, in emotions. Without this trust, it would be too dreadful—no one would even help an old lady who fell on the roadside!

“But this is indeed the best way to fulfill Miss Xiuzhu’s wish. These Pleasure House girls already lead miserable lives. Having three to five years of happy life, even if filled with lies and deceit, is worth it.” Miss Zhao sighed deeply. Suddenly, she exclaimed, “Wait, that’s not right! Wang Erdao might not ask Miss Xiuzhu directly or look for a doctor, but what if he goes to the bank to verify? If the bank says there’s no such thing, wouldn’t the plan be exposed?”

“That’s where we need your help, Miss Zhao,” Liu Liwa said with a smile.

Zhao Jiabi looked at him and suddenly understood. No wonder this guy let her follow him from the start—he had planned to involve her from the beginning. The young lady asked angrily, “How did you know I would definitely help?”

“Of course,” Liu Liwa said confidently. “You, young lady, have immense wealth, enough to rival a country. How could you not be familiar with a few banks? Besides, I saw how concerned you were about Miss Xiuzhu’s situation. You are kind-hearted and merciful—how could you bear not to help those poor girls?”

“Hmph!” Zhao Jiabi snorted coldly. She did want to help Xiuzhu, but she didn’t like being used, even though she had used Liu Liwa many times before. “Zhao Zhong, take my seal to Fuxiang Bank and find the manager. Deposit three thousand silver taels under Xiuzhu’s name, make the documents, and if someone asks, show it to them.”

One of the two identical tall dark men behind her stepped out, accepted the order, and left. Liu Liwa found it amusing and couldn’t help whispering to her, “Miss, if they wear the same clothes and do the same actions, can you tell which one is Zhong and which is Cheng?”

Zhao Jiabi glared at him angrily. This guy—as soon as the problem was solved, he became carefree again. But honestly, she really couldn’t tell those two loyal servants apart…

Just as the two were chatting carelessly, a carriage suddenly rushed out wildly. The horse neighed sharply, clearly frightened. The carriage sped forward like lightning. The horse seemed to like Liu Liwa and wanted to ram into him. Fortunately, Zhao Cheng behind him was quick-eyed and swift-handed. With his strong arm and powerful grip, he lifted Liu Liwa like a little chick, gently pulling him back. They barely avoided the speeding carriage. Liu Liwa, having narrowly escaped death, was still shaken. The only thought in his mind was to curse. He pointed at the speeding carriage and yelled, “Damn it! Do you know how to drive? Do you want to die or not!”