Chapter 447 - 441_1
"I sent word once, when I had just left, not even two months ago, saying that they had settled down in the south and sold most of the goods; they’d be back in another month or so. But since then, there’s been no word."
"So they went to the south. Old Master, don’t worry too much. How about this, in a few days, I’m also planning a trip to the south. Tell me the specific details about your son and daughter-in-law, and any means of contact you may have. Once I get there, I’ll help you look for them." Zhao Erhu pondered for a moment before speaking. He wasn’t the overly charitable type, but after understanding the situation in the village and hearing about the plight of Old Master Qian’s son and daughter-in-law, he figured there might be some use for him. Since he was going to the south anyway, looking for Old Master Qian’s family would just be a small detour.
Lin Yue was surprised to hear Zhao Erhu say this, he had never mentioned going south to her before, and she had no idea what Zhao Erhu would do there. In the days spent in the Capital City, Zhao Erhu had been extremely busy, at first she thought he was preoccupied with the workshop, but even after all matters there were nearly settled, he was still out early in the morning. Could it be that he had other plans, or was it related to his trip south?
"Zhao Brother, with a heart as kind as Buddha’s, I thank you. Whether you find my son and daughter-in-law or not, I’m deeply grateful." Old Master Qian became increasingly agitated as he spoke, about to kneel to Zhao Erhu in gratitude. Zhao Erhu stopped him. At this moment, Lin Yue, who had been preoccupied with her thoughts and had no interest in intervening, simply watched coldly from the side. Her gaze softened slightly only when she saw Little Douzi standing by the door.
In the presence of Old Master Qian, Lin Yue couldn’t question Zhao Erhu directly, but many doubts and some anger were brewing silently within her. Before, Zhao Erhu would share everything with her, but this time he had kept his activities outside a complete secret, not even letting a hint slip by her. Had it not been for today’s conversation mentioning the trip to the south, she would have continued to be kept in the dark. It’s said that men change once they have money; even if Zhao Erhu had done nothing to wrong her, the trust and openness between them as husband and wife were gone.
"Wife, what’s wrong, are you angry?" Zhao Erhu could tell from his wife’s unpleasant expression that she was upset about his planned trip to the south. He had kept it from her because he didn’t know how to bring it up and didn’t want to worry her, so he hadn’t mentioned it yet, but he knew it was something she had to be told eventually.
"What’s there for me to be angry about? Your trip to the south is your own business, it has nothing to do with me; there’s no need to inform me," Lin Yue said coldly, looking at Zhao Erhu with an indifference as if he were a stranger, harboring real anger. Even though she trusted that Zhao Erhu would never betray her, his secretive behavior still infuriated her. One thing could lead to another, and if it became a habit, nothing good would come of it. She couldn’t let it slide without making a point that such important news about going to the south should have been shared with her, not learned because of someone else’s casual mention.