Chapter 10: Do I Look Like That Kind of Beast?

【You have received a hunting gift from Qin Xiaoyun.】

Lu Jiajia’s eyes lit up.

This task was simple—she was confident she could complete it.

She pulled out what she thought was her prettiest dress from the wardrobe and changed into it.

Then she slipped on her precious white shoes.

Smiling at herself in the mirror.

Ever since she exchanged for a beauty pill from the system after completing a mission, she had become more and more attractive.

A man like Qin Xiaoyun—if she so much as crooked her finger, he would definitely come running.

She stepped out of her room, radiating confidence and charm.

“Mom, I’m heading out for a bit. Going to see Brother Wenliang.”

Seeing her dressed up like that, Mrs. Lu (her sister-in-law) couldn’t hide the jealousy and dissatisfaction in her eyes.

“Alright, go ahead.”

The old woman (her mother-in-law) waddled over smugly.

“My Jiajia is still the most useful—she’ll marry a college student in the future!”

Mrs. Lu couldn’t help but roll her eyes at her mother-in-law’s smugness.

A disgrace like her, dressed like that, already “spoiled” before even getting married, and now she’s chasing after him? Absolutely shameless.

—

Meanwhile, as the sky darkened, Qin Xiaoyun was returning, loaded with game.

His back basket held wild chickens and rabbits, a deer slung over one shoulder and a wolf over the other. Thinking about heading to the Su household later put him in an even better mood.

“Brother Xiaoyun!”

He stopped, frowning at the woman suddenly blocking his path.

He instinctively took two steps back and turned to walk in the opposite direction.

“Brother Xiaoyun!” She stepped forward, trying to grab him, but his cold and piercing gaze made her flinch.

That look—was he about to kill someone?

Her heart pounded wildly. Normally, she would never chase after a grim-faced bachelor like him.

She liked fair, neat men like Zhang Wenliang, someone who could offer her a good life.

Qin Xiaoyun? Just a cook in the army—heard he even raised pigs for them.

So what if his house was nice? Her family had a decent place too.

And once she married Zhang Wenliang, he’d go to college in the city. She dreamed of becoming a city wife.

With the system, she believed she could live better than anyone.

Putting on a delicate, pitiful voice, she whined:

“Brother Xiaoyun, I know you’re upset. I didn’t have a choice…”

Qin Xiaoyun found her pretentiousness nauseating.

In the reeds earlier, she sure didn’t look like she was being forced.

Not wanting to waste time with her, he coldly snapped, “Move!”

Lu Jiajia froze. How could he be so mean to her?

Her eyes welled up in grievance.

“If you’re a real man, go pick a fight with Zhang Wenliang! I’m just a woman—what could I do?”

Qin Xiaoyun: ??? Is this woman crazy?

He didn’t bother replying and jogged away without another word.

Lu Jiajia watched him flee like the wind, her lips curling in frustration. Damn Qin Xiaoyun!

Talking to you was a blessing—you don’t know what’s good for you!

But then she remembered the system mission and stomped her foot in frustration.

All she wanted was one of Qin Xiaoyun’s chickens—how could it be this hard?

—

Meanwhile, Qin Xiaoyun snuck home with his game, avoiding people.

He startled his mother upon arrival.

“Son, what’s with all that blood?”

“It’s not mine, Mom. It’s from the wolf and the deer.”

He grabbed a ladle from the courtyard water vat and gulped down water.

Seeing Qin Mother about to deal with the animals, he quickly stopped her.

“Ma, the deer, rabbit, and chicken aren’t ours. I have to deliver them.”

“To Chen Wei? That kid can’t process game. I’ll prep it for you, and you take it over.”

Qin Xiaoyun set down the ladle and washed his face.

“No, it’s not for him.”

Qin Mother’s eyes lit up.

“Xiaoyun, is there a girl you fancy?”

Qin Xiaoyun paused for a moment before shaking his head. “Don’t make stuff up, Ma. It’s for the Su family. I ran into their girl on the mountain. She found the deer.”

Su family? Qin Mother quickly ran through the family in her head. Wasn’t there just one sickly girl in their house?

Her gaze turned strange as it landed on her son. ⊙ω⊙

A little troubled.

“Son, that girl… her age…”

“Not saying you’re old or anything, but…”

Qin Xiaoyun felt like the more she explained, the worse it sounded.

“Ma, do I look like the kind of beast that would do such a thing?”

Qin Mother: …..⊙_⊙

Ignoring her teasing eyes, Qin Xiaoyun calmly hoisted the deer over his back, grabbed the chicken and rabbit, and headed to the Su household.

He deliberately took paths with fewer people, not wanting to cause the Su family any trouble.

Smoke curled up from the Su home’s chimney.

Laughter rang out from inside, making the corners of his mouth lift.

Knock knock knock—

Su Maomao, who had been playing with the rabbit, jumped up.

“I’ll get the door! It must be Uncle Xiaoyun!”

He bolted over like a little cannonball.

“Uncle Xiaoyun!”

Qin Xiaoyun saw the child’s bright and innocent smile and smiled faintly. “I brought the deer over.”

Su Dad came out of the house with his old pipe.

“Kid from the Qin family, what brings you here?”

Su Maomao stuck out his tongue.

“Grandpa, Uncle Xiaoyun came to bring the game Auntie picked up!”

“She picked up game?”

Just as they were confused, Su Nianzhi walked out of the room, dressed in a gray tunic.

Her slightly damp hair hinted that she’d just taken a bath.

A gentle smile bloomed on her face like a flower.

Her bright, glistening eyes sparkled like twin crystals—absolutely dazzling.

Her skin was creamy and flawless, and the delicate curve of her lips added to her allure.

In an instant, Qin Xiaoyun was entranced.

Her soft, gentle voice echoed in his ears like clear spring water.

“You’re here?”

Qin Xiaoyun smiled faintly, watching as the girl walked straight toward him…

…with her eyes fixed on the game in his hands!

His heart twisted slightly.

He said in a low voice, “Yeah, I came to deliver the game.”

Su Zhewen put down the rabbit in his hands, his dark face full of disbelief. “Little sister, this deer is yours?”

“Of course it is! Didn’t you hear Maomao say she picked it up?”

Su Zhewu shot his clueless older brother a glare and reached to take the deer from Qin Xiaoyun.

Qin Xiaoyun noticed Su Zhewu’s sour expression and felt a little awkward. Got caught staring at someone else’s little sister.

“Uncle Su, my mom asked me to bring this over.”

He placed the rabbit and chicken on the ground. “That’s all. I’ll be going.”

Wang Guifang, having just lit the stove firewood, rushed out.

“Qin boy, we can’t accept these. Take the chicken and rabbit back to your mom. We appreciate the kindness, but really—we can’t accept this.”

“Auntie, my mom always tells me to take care of you all. It’s only right.”

As he spoke, he quickly glanced at the girl now crouched with Maomao, studying the deer.

Then he bolted from the Su courtyard like he was fleeing.