Chapter 4: Shen Li’s Distress

Big Mouth started crying as soon as he saw Gou Sheng sit down in front of him. “It was really a stroke of luck you didn’t come last night.”

Gou Sheng quickly asked with concern, “What happened? How did you and Tong Chui suddenly fall ill?”

Sigh! Big Mouth replied, “It’s a long story. Last night, Tong Chui and I went to Xiao Li’s place, and then we saw a ghost—clear as day. It scared the strength right out of our legs.”

Big Mouth recounted everything that happened. After listening, Gou Sheng muttered to himself, “Good grief, thank goodness I didn’t go last night. That’s terrifying.”

Big Mouth cried out, “What are you mumbling about?”

“Uh… nothing. From now on, let’s not go to Xiao Li’s place at night anymore. Zhang Tian was tough when he was alive, and he’s just as fierce in death,” Gou Sheng said seriously.

Big Mouth wiped his tears, swallowed hard, and widened his eyes. “Yes, yes! You’re absolutely right, Gou Sheng! We’re not going back there. If Zhang Tian latches onto us, we’re done for.”

“Are you feeling any better now? If not, you should go to the village clinic. You’re just spooked. Calm your heart. We’ll go pay respects at Zhang Tian’s grave when we get the chance, and it’ll be fine,” Gou Sheng comforted.

“Okay, I’ll do whatever you say. I already feel better hearing that. It’s probably best to stay indoors at night anyway,” Big Mouth said with his head lowered.

“Alright then. Get some rest. I’ll go check on Tong Chui,” said Gou Sheng as he got up and walked out.

Big Mouth called out loudly, “Thanks, brother!”

Gou Sheng left Big Mouth’s place and headed toward Tong Chui’s home.

Meanwhile, Shen Li was at home sewing. Over an hour had passed, and Xiao Hui still hadn’t come back. She quickly put down her needle and thread and went out to look for her.

After locking the door, she searched the village, calling out and asking several people along the way, but everyone said they hadn’t seen her.

Just then, a little boy walked over and said, “Auntie, are you looking for Xiao Hui? She’s playing at the little shop!”

Shen Li smiled warmly, “Dou Dou, you’re such a good boy. Thank you!”

“No need to thank me, Auntie. Our teacher says helping others brings happiness and progress. Bye!” Dou Dou said before running off to play.

Shen Li chuckled and murmured, “What a thoughtful child.”

She walked toward the little shop, and as she reached the entrance, she heard bursts of laughter from a group of women inside.

As soon as the women saw Shen Li at the door, they laughed and said, “Well, look who it is—Xiao Li’s actually out today. What made you decide to come out and play?”

Shen Li smiled and replied, “I’m just here to find Xiao Hui. What are you all chatting about that’s so funny?”

One woman said, “Xiao Li, you haven’t heard? Last night Big Mouth and Tong Chui saw a ghost!”

Shen Li thought for a moment—how did they find out? Did those two idiots tell everyone?

With a smile, she asked, “Oh, come on. There’s no such thing as ghosts. Who told you that? Did they say where they saw it?”

“They didn’t say where exactly, but both of them were so scared they got sick. They’re lying in bed right now!” one of the women replied.

Shen Li secretly felt relieved. Serves them right! Since they hadn’t told anyone where it happened, she could relax. Hopefully, they didn’t get too scared—what a hassle that would be.

She smiled and said, “Well, maybe it’s good they got scared. Keeps them from wandering around all the time.”

At that moment, Xiao Hui ran over and called out, “Mommy, what are you doing here?”

Shen Li gently said, “I came to find you. Look at you, all covered in dirt! Let’s go home and get you changed—Mommy will wash your clothes.”

Xiao Hui sweetly replied, “Okay!”

Shen Li took Xiao Hui’s hand and smiled at the women. “Ladies, I’ll be heading home with my child now.”

The women smiled and nodded in response.

After she left, they began whispering to each other:

“Look at Shen Li—so beautiful. That figure and face, what a shame…”

“Right? Zhang Tian didn’t even get to enjoy a few good years before he died.”

“She’s such a stunning widow—no wonder all the bachelors in the village are smitten.”

The women laughed and gossiped on.

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On his way to Tong Chui’s house, Gou Sheng hummed a little tune. As he approached, he heard Tong Chui’s mother scolding him.

Just as Gou Sheng was about to step inside, he heard her yelling, “You little brat! If you sneak out at night again, I’ll break your legs!”

She continued, “Hanging out with Big Mouth and Gou Sheng all the time—what good will that do you, you useless thing?”

Hearing that, Gou Sheng felt too embarrassed to go in. He sighed and turned back toward Big Mouth’s place.

Back at Shen Li’s home, she scolded Xiao Hui: “You’re such a handful. Just a short time outside and you’re already covered in mud.”

“Mommy, don’t be mad. I’ll be careful next time, okay? Please don’t be angry—I know I was wrong,” Xiao Hui pleaded.

Looking at her obedient daughter, with those big eyes staring up at her, Shen Li suddenly smiled.

“Xiao Hui has to behave if she wants Mommy to like her, understand?” she said gently.

Xiao Hui saw her mom smile and hugged her happily.

Shen Li whispered, “Okay, let go now. Let’s go inside and change your clothes. After I wash them, I still need to cook. Be good!”

Xiao Hui let go and followed her mom into the house to get changed.

While Xiao Hui played in her room, Shen Li took the dirty clothes out to the courtyard to wash. She filled a basin with water, brought over a small stool, and placed a box of detergent nearby. Then she sat down and began scrubbing.

Gou Sheng returned to Big Mouth’s house looking defeated. When he entered Big Mouth’s room, he found him fast asleep.

He stood by the bed and sneered, muttering, “Heh… this guy really has no worries. I was only gone a little while, and he’s already out cold.”

He figured there was no point in staying. Who knew when this carefree guy would wake up?

So he left Big Mouth’s house and wandered aimlessly around the village, eventually finding himself in front of Shen Li’s house.

Gou Sheng looked up and murmured, “Isn’t this Xiao Li’s place? How did I end up here?”

He remembered how Big Mouth and Tong Chui got sick from being scared right here. Creepy stuff. He was about to turn and leave when he saw Shen Li washing clothes.

She was wearing a beautiful, elegant dress, and her stunning appearance immediately captivated Gou Sheng.

He smirked creepily and walked up to her gate, calling out, “Xiao Li! You’re doing laundry? Want some help?”

Shen Li was startled by the sudden shout and trembled, shouting back, “Oh my! Who is it?!”

She looked up and saw Gou Sheng. “You scared me to death! What are you, a ghost? Standing there without a sound!”

Gou Sheng burst into hearty laughter…