Chapter 174: Shen Mo Arrives

Chapter 174: Shen Mo Arrives
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
After Old Madam Jiang left, Jiang Xia brought Jiang Gu along to experience the joy of catching fish by the river.
However, it was not hard to imagine that they could not catch anything in such dry weather. The two of them worked hard for half a day and only caught two small river fish. Seeing that it was about time, Jiang Xia took out the fish from the interspace and went to the village chief’s house with Jiang Gu. After that, they went home directly from the village chief’s house.
The two girls halted at the entrance, when they noticed their home’s front door wide open. This was unusual. Their house was always kept locked. Why was it wide open today? Could something have gone wrong at home?
This notion sent waves of panic through Jiang Xia. The village was abuzz with rumors of their family engaging in illegal trade in the city. Was it possible that someone was here to investigate?
“Sister, did something happen at home?” Jiang Gu’s voice quivered, clutching tightly at Jiang Xia’s dress.
Seeing Jiang Gu trembling, Jiang Xia quickly pulled her into her arms and comforted her softly, “Don’t be afraid. We didn’t do anything bad. It must be an important guest.”
The ones who came to cause trouble for their family were either Jiang Gui or Sun Li.
However, the two of them did not have a good reputation in the village for a long time, so they did not dare to act so audaciously.
Could it be that they had found people from the town?
As soon as she thought of this possibility, Jiang Xia immediately thought about how to deal with it.
Everyone in the village knew their family’s first city trip was to scout opportunities through friends. But how to explain the second trip? Saying they found nothing on their first trip was far-fetched. After all, the villagers noticed the marked improvement in their living conditions after their second visit to the county. That excuse wouldn’t hold up.
How could she find a flawless reason?
However, Jiang Xia wasn’t that worried. She had faith in her father, Jiang Chuan.
After all, her father had navigated the business world for years. If he couldn’t handle this, then all his years of experience would count for nothing.
Arriving home, Jiang Xia and Jiang Gu tried to appear somewhat disheveled.
Shen Mo, who had been chatting with Jiang Chuan, looked up when the sisters returned. He greeted Jiang Xia with a warm smile, asking, “Did you go to the river? Catch any fish?”
So it was Shen Mo, not an investigator. She had scared herself for no reason.
As Jiang Xia let out a sigh of relief, Jiang Gu whispered, “It’s that brother. He must be here to see you.”
Jiang Gu remembered Shen Mo and how her sister’s cheeks would flush at the sight of him. Their mother had explained that this meant ‘having a crush.’
Although Jiang Gu spoke softly, Jiang Xia could feel that Shen Mo must have heard her. Otherwise, why would he keep staring at her?
Feeling uncomfortable under Shen Mo’s intense gaze, Jiang Xia diverted her eyes, stuttering, “Why… why are you here all of a sudden?”
“I happened to pass by, so 1 came to take a look.” Shen Mo replied, his smile easy and comforting.
“Is that so? Since you’re already here, if you’re not in a hurry, stay here for a meal. We’re cooking braised fish at home.”
Assuming Shen Mo hadn’t eaten yet, Jiang Xia instinctively invited him to stay.
While grilled fish was her favorite, given their circumstances, braised fish wasn’t a bad choice, especially with Zhou Lan’s culinary skills.
Moreover, Shen Mo had assisted with their relief grain issue before. It was only fair to reciprocate when someone helped you, right?
However, she still had to tell Jiang Chuan and Zhou Lan not to accept any money or grain tickets from Shen Mo. Otherwise, they would never be able to repay their family’s favor.
While Jiang Xia was still thinking about how to tell his parents about this, Shen Mo spoke, “Sounds great. 1 heard that many villagers are bartering wild veggies picked from the mountains for food. They say your family discovered these wild veggies first. Could you show me the area when you have time?”
Jiang Xia knew there was more to Shen Mo’s visit.
He had spoken with Jiang Chuan for quite some time but hadn’t let slip anything about anyone else. He was careful, indeed.