Chapter 215 - 146: Ambush in the Alley (Part 3)

Shi Yi pouted, shrugged his shoulders, and left. Only Hua Tianyou’s gentle gaze remained on Zhao Ling’er.

Hua Tianyou’s feelings were already written on his face, but Zhao Ling’er seemed unaware, still treating him like the neighborhood brother who often played at her house.

Ever since Zhao Ling’er had come to help at the chicken and duck farm, Hua Tianyou frequently seized the opportunity during the new soldiers’ training breaks to run over to the farm.

Sometimes, he would come two or three times a day.

Each time he came, he would always bring some trinkets, perhaps a bunch of wildflowers, a bag of snacks, or even just a few wild fruits picked on the way.

When Zhao Ling’er asked him, he’d always smile and say, "Just passing by, so thought I’d come to see you."

Hua Tianyou’s gaze was always following Zhao Ling’er’s figure, watching her busy with accounts or helping Ms. Li in registering new staff members.

He himself didn’t know how gentle and focused his gaze was, as if every action of Zhao Ling’er fascinated him.

Sometimes, he would actively help Zhao Ling’er record the times the laborers moved stones or assist her in organizing the account books.

Though these tasks were quite simple and Zhao Ling’er could completely handle them herself, he always enjoyed doing them.

He liked to hear Zhao Ling’er talk, liked watching her smile, and even liked when she occasionally scolded him.

Each day, as long as he could see Zhao Ling’er, he felt a sense of reassurance.

Whenever he left, he was always reluctant, his strides slow, as if hoping time could stretch further.

Hua Tianyou was only three years younger than Zhao Zun, already at the age for marriage, with two concubines at home, yet his nature was as elusive as the wind, rarely staying home.

As a renowned figure in the playboy circle of Capital City, Hua Tianyou’s days there were filled with calling friends for cabaret performances or lingering in brothels.

He was never short of women around him, but he also knew these women came for his status, position, and Silver.

Thus, his heart never stayed for any woman.

However, the army is the best place to change a person. In the months spent in the camp, Hua Tianyou’s disposition was honed, and his understanding of relationships grew deeper.

Arriving in Fufeng County to see Zhao Ling’er again after many years, she had blossomed into a graceful young woman.

He found Zhao Ling’er entirely different from the girls he had previously met; her innocent, lively, and pure demeanor brought him joy.

Somewhere in his heart, ripples began to emerge, a kind of enchantment drawing him closer to Zhao Ling’er.

Moreover, seeing Zhao Zun and Han Lei flirting and teasing each other on the cement factory site from time to time, he thought of such scenes as very blissful.

For some reason, he began having thoughts of wanting to settle down.

So, if his family were to arrange a marriage for him, he hoped the person would be Zhao Ling’er.

Night fell, and everyone concluded another day of work.

Perhaps Shi Yi noticed something, providing Hua Tianyou an opportunity under the guise of having many arrangements to make, letting him escort Zhao Ling’er and Ms. Li, the two women, back to their residence in the county city.

Hua Tianyou couldn’t have wished for more, eagerly driving the carriage to take them back.

The night sky hung low, the last traces of sunset quietly fading, and the moonlight spilled over the winding path.

The carriage slowly advanced on the way back to the county city, its wheels crunching over the stones, emitting soft creaking sounds.

Hua Tianyou held the reins, a smile playing at his lips, occasionally glancing back into the carriage.

"Ling’er sister, do you know what happened during today’s new soldiers’ training? A boy actually shot an arrow onto his own hat!"

Hua Tianyou’s voice was loud with a hint of pride, "That boy was so frightened his face turned pale, but guess what? He actually bravely claimed it was deliberate, saying it was to practice ’precise dodging’!"

Inside the carriage, Zhao Ling’er’s laughter, as crisp as silver bells, rang out.

"Tianyou, your training methods are truly unique; no wonder they all say you’re amusing."

Ms. Li, sitting beside her, couldn’t help but laugh and shake her head, "Mr. Hua, you really have a way of turning the dead into the living."

"Oh! Don’t doubt it; what I said is entirely true."

Hearing this, Hua Tianyou laughed even more heartily, lightly tapping the horse with the whip, causing it to quicken its pace.

Hua Tianyou chatted away with Zhao Ling’er as the carriage soon entered the county city. Under the night, faint lights were visible everywhere.

"Ling’er. Once we pass that alley ahead, we’ll be home soon." Hua Tianyou looked up, his smile deepening, "Hold tight; let’s speed up a little!"

"Okay! Tianyou. The alley ahead is narrow, steer carefully." In the carriage, Zhao Ling’er spoke, sounding somewhat weary.

Hua Tianyou responded, steering the carriage into the alley.

The wheels clattered over the bluestone path, emitting a muffled sound.

The night was deep as ink, and only a few dim lanterns swayed in the wind in the county’s alleys, casting mottled shadows.

Ms. Li and Zhao Ling’er sat inside the carriage, the curtain gently swaying with the bumps of the ride.

Zhao Ling’er leaned against Ms. Li’s shoulder, her expression a bit fatigued, while Ms. Li gently patted her back, also softly closing her eyes.

Suddenly, a sharp whistling sound broke the night’s silence.

An arrow shot swiftly from the darkness, aiming straight at the carriage curtain.

Hua Tianyou’s whip was raised, its tip tracing an arc in the air.

With a "snap," the arrow was struck by the whip, diverted, and nailed into a door plank of a nearby house.

"Watch out!"

Hua Tianyou was shocked. He shouted in a low voice, his eyes like lightning, swiftly scanning the surroundings.