Chapter 18: Checking the Candy for Poison

Wen Yanyan’s shoes were practically smoking as she raced back to the military compound, feeling she’d made much better time than two days prior. Her breathing wasn’t as labored, a clear sign of improved physical fitness.

Several children were playing marbles at the entrance. She recognized one boy she had bullied, having once taken five of his roasted peanuts.

Wen Yanyan pulled two candy balls from her pocket, approached him, and slipped them into his pocket, smiling.

“Auntie’s giving you these, candy balls. Eat them, they’re sweet.”

These were candies she’d bought on the black market, specifically to repay debts. She always carried some in her pocket.

And here was a small creditor.

But the boy looked at her with a terrified expression, likely remembering the past.

Wen Yanyan was about to offer reassurance when—

Suddenly—

“Hey! Are you bullying children again?!”

A woman’s crisp voice rang out from behind.

Wen Yanyan turned to see a girl in a white blouse approaching with a frosty expression.

Hmm?

She frowned slightly. She didn’t recognize this girl.

Wen Yanyan quickly dismissed the thought, confirming the girl wasn’t in the original owner’s memories.

“I’m not bullying children.”

She looked at the girl who was now standing before her, aggressive and ready for a fight.

Of medium height, thin build, fair skin, thick eyebrows, big eyes, a high nose bridge, and two large braids hanging down her chest. Judging by the collagen content on her face, she was probably young.

The girl examined her thoroughly, like a police dog.

Wen Yanyan stood motionless.

“What are you doing here?”

The girl spoke again, and Wen Yanyan saw two small canine teeth glinting in the sunlight.

Although the girl’s gaze made her uncomfortable, she cooperated.

“I gave him some candy.”

“Heh.”

The girl chuckled.

“Do you know? That’s the funniest joke I’ve heard all year. You’re lazy and gluttonous, and you’re giving children candy?”

Huh?

Lazy and gluttonous?

She didn’t know her, but the girl knew her! She knew her dark history.

“Why can’t I give a child candy? Ask him if you don’t believe me,” Wen Yanyan stood her ground, unafraid.

“Ask I will, I’m not afraid of you.”

The girl bent down and took the boy’s hand. “Tell me, did she give you candy?”

The boy pulled two candies from his pocket. “Yes.”

“Can you show Auntie?”

The girl’s voice was gentle.

“Okay.”

The boy obediently held out his hand. The girl took the candies, glanced at them, then unwrapped them one by one, examining them carefully.

“What are you doing?”

Wen Yanyan was getting angry.

“I’m checking the candy for poison.” The girl’s eyes were challenging.

What?

Poison?

Wen Yanyan’s head buzzed. Poison? This woman was truly vicious! She was using the water-poisoning incident against her!

This woman was here to cause trouble!

Wen Yanyan’s fists clenched, then quickly relaxed. She couldn’t lose her temper; she needed to stay calm and avoid ruining her image.

She smiled slightly.

“So, are you a member of the ‘Nitpicking’ group?”

“You tell me.”

The girl was quick-witted.

“And what did you find?” Wen Yanyan patiently parried.

“Nothing.”

The girl was honest.

“Then why did you do that? Don’t you think it’s pointless?”

Wen Yanyan couldn’t understand why this girl had such hostility towards her; they’d never met before.

“Because you’re not worthy of Nan…” But halfway through her sentence, another voice cut in.

“Linglong, what are you doing here?”

The girl saw the newcomer, quickly rewrapped the candy, and returned it to the boy’s hand with lightning speed, whispering,

“Don’t tell anyone about this, or I’ll get you.”

Then she left.

Damn it!

Wen Yanyan was furious. What kind of person was this?

She’d caused trouble and then forbidden Wen Yanyan from mentioning it.

Don’t worry, find out who this woman is first.

So, she squatted down and asked the children cheerfully,

“Little ones, can you tell Auntie what the nitpicking girl’s name is?”

Wen Yanyan improvised.

“Her name is Yu Linglong, and she’s the head of the art troupe’s daughter,” an older boy said.