Chapter 485 - 479_1
Lin Yue, having been delayed in the carriage for a moment, followed into the room. Hearing what Manager Liu was saying, she knew he meant well. However, her face showed a touch of embarrassment. After all, it was a quarrel between her and husband that had become public knowledge. She blamed Zhao Erhu, the meddlesome old man, and resolved to settle accounts with him later.
Glancing at Zhao Erhu secretly, Lin Yue then pretended as if she hadn’t heard anything and walked in gracefully, "Manager Liu, Doctor Zheng, don’t mind the nonsense from Zhao Erhu. I simply went to the perfumery to buy some things and forgot to tell anyone before leaving. Who knew he would get the wrong idea, causing both Manager Liu and Doctor Zheng unneeded worry? It’s our fault."
Manager Liu and Doctor Zheng finally relaxed upon seeing Lin Yue. Doctor Zheng had known Lin Yue for a long time and felt some affection for her, which is why he worried. Although Manager Liu wasn’t as close to Lin Yue as Doctor Zheng, the Family Head had explicitly instructed him to take good care of her. If something had happened to Lin Yue, the Family Head would surely have blamed him. His hoped-for prospects, let alone the Family Head’s esteem for Madam Lin, would be at great risk. Therefore, seeing Lin Yue safe and sound was a relief for both men.
"It’s good that nothing happened to Madam Lin. These days, the city has been unsettled. From now on, you must be more careful when going out, and take more people with you. A woman should never go out alone again; otherwise, if something bad happens, we won’t even have someone to send for help," Manager Liu said, voicing his concerns about the possibility of real trouble and the Family Head’s potential blame, especially since he did not wish any harm to come to someone as generous and understanding as Madam Lin.
In the past, Lin Yue had gone out alone without incident. In fact, during the days when Zhao Erhu was unconscious, she alone had held the family together, frequently traveling alone between Xin’an City and Zhao Family Village. Neither Manager Liu nor Doctor Zheng had worried so much then. Lin Yue thought their concerns were exaggerated, as it was broad daylight and nothing could happen. But now that Manager Liu again emphasized caution, she sensed that something must be amiss in the city.
"Manager Liu, Doctor Zheng, it seems you’re so worried for a reason. Has something happened in the city? We live in Zhao Family Village; we closed our city businesses a few months ago and have been somewhat out of touch," Lin Yue inquired.
Earlier, Zhao Erhu had been so concerned about Lin Yue that he hadn’t given much thought to the unusual atmosphere he sensed in the streets. Hearing Lin Yue’s questions now, he shared her curiosity, "Yes, what has happened? When searching for people in the streets earlier, I felt that the city’s atmosphere was somewhat off, as if there were fewer people out than usual."
"Ah, you’ve noticed too. The Magistrate has been neglecting his duties, and the city is in chaos. With such incidents occurring, it’s better to stay indoors if possible, or an unexpected disaster might strike you," Doctor Zheng said with a shake of his head and a sigh. Knowing that Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue were confused, Manager Liu explained the situation again.