CHAPTER 789: CHAPTER 788: DISCOVERING A SECRET

Wufu entered the auntie’s home, a small and impoverished house, yet it was very clean. Two young girls emerged from the kitchen, casting curious glances at the visitors before the auntie chided them back into the kitchen.

Soon, the auntie came out with boiled water and several bowls, her honest smile conveying, "Young masters and mistresses, we are but a poor family and have not much to offer. This cup of hot water is available, please sit for a while. I’ll have my girls boil water and prepare a chicken for you!"

"Auntie, a simple meal will do. We are just resting our feet," Wufu said with a smile.

"Ah, please sit, please sit, I’ll go cook!"

After surveying the house, Yan Er turned to Wufu and asked, "Why the sudden change of plans? Weren’t we going to the City God Temple to eat tofu?"

"When can’t we eat tofu? Enjoying a trip is about following one’s whims, eating wherever we end up. Isn’t there a saying that the most beautiful scenery is found in the most unexpected places? It’s the same with food," Wufu said, arching an eyebrow and giving him a wink.

Yan Er was momentarily stunned and then huffed, "I swear you could talk a flower into blooming."

Before Wufu could reply, a little girl poked her head out from the kitchen, glanced at them, and then came over with a small plate of fried peanuts, which she placed on the small table.

"This, this is for you to eat, brought by the orders of my mother," the little girl said timidly, tugging at the hem of her clothes.

"Thank you. What’s your name?" Wufu gave Jadeite a knowing look.

Jadeite took out a box of pastries from the bundle she had brought with her.

"I, I am called Xiao Hua," the girl who claimed to be Xiao Hua responded absentmindedly, her eyes fixed on the box of pastries.

"Xiao Hua, you’re such a good girl. Here, these pastries are for you as thanks for treating us to peanuts!" Wufu handed over the pastries.

"For me?" Xiao Hua seemed struck by the pleasant surprise, happily accepting the pastries.

"For you. Xiao Hua, is it just you, your sister, and your mother at home?"

Xiao Hua shook her head, smiling, "And my father."

"So..."

"Father!" Xiao Hua suddenly called out to the doorway and ran over.

Turning their heads, Wufu and the others saw a tall man in coarse clothes entering, who gripped the straps of the basket on his shoulder tightly on seeing the visitors, but quickly relaxed, looking at them with a puzzled expression.

"Who are you?"

"The man of the house, you’re back?" The auntie came out, smiling as she took the basket from his shoulders and explained, "These ladies and gentlemen said they were tired from their journey, stopped by our home to rest and have a meal, and they will pay with silver." Then, she said to Wufu and the others, "This is the man of our house, Zhang Daniu."

"Brother Zhang, sorry to disturb you!" Wufu, being a lady, gestured to Zhang Daniu while Yan Er gave a bow of the hands.

Zhang Daniu also returned the gesture, saying, "Our home is humble, please make yourselves comfortable." Then, he began to take out the contents of his basket: a bow and arrow and two skinny wild rabbits, arranging everything neatly.

Watching this, the corners of Wufu’s mouth slightly lifted.

The meal was eaten quickly, and Wufu and her companions left after giving two taels of silver.

Zhang Daniu watched them go and heard them say they were continuing on to the City God Temple, feeling a slight sense of relief.

Once they were out of the village, Yan Er couldn’t wait to ask Wufu, "Was there something amiss with that village? Why all the secrecy? What’s going on?"

Wufu’s eyebrows rose, "You noticed?"

It was certainly about uncovering some secret!