Having received guidance from Master Yuan, Liu Jin was deeply shaken, his entire being lost in thought, watching the behavior of Ah Jiu’s subordinates.
He observed that although everyone appeared relaxed and unrestrained, they all followed Ninth Master as their lead, prioritizing his words above all else. Whatever Ninth Master said, they only had to obey, even if it seemed to defy the heavens, they believed it correct.
Witnessing Liu Jin’s abnormal behavior, Wufu noticed it and pulled him aside while the others were packing up, asking, "What’s wrong? Did Master Yuan bully you?"
Just moments ago, the two seemed to have had a minor dispute.
Seeing Wufu’s concerned gaze, Liu Jin felt a warmth in his heart. He shook his head with a smile and said, "How could Master Yuan bully a servant like me? Miss, you’re overthinking it."
"Really? Nothing happened?" Wufu looked at him somewhat incredulously and said, "If there is something, just say it. Although they are many, you are my man; if they want to bully you, they have to see if I agree."
"Truly, nothing happened." Liu Jin replied with a grin, "Master Yuan was just teaching me how to handle tasks."
Wufu raised an eyebrow.
"Miss, rest assured, I will definitely learn well, acquire more skills, and although I may not be able to help you, I will certainly not drag you down," Liu Jin said earnestly, his little face tense with loyalty.
"Good!" Wufu smiled, "Then you must watch, think and ponder more. Whatever you want to learn, just tell me. What I can teach, I will teach you; what I can’t, I will find you a master."
"Thank you, Miss," Liu Jin’s eyes shimmered with joy.
Ah Jiu came over, indicating to everyone that they had dealt with the tiger, they had eaten some of the meat, but there was still plenty left. Wufu decided to take some down the mountain.
Liu Jin also busied himself by slinging his own bamboo basket on his back, following the group down the mountain.
When they had come up the mountain, Wufu had made markers, so there was not the slightest deviation in direction on their way down.
"So, these red cords were tied by you." Ah Jiu noticed the red ribbons and said to Wufu, "You’re well prepared."
With Su Luo leading the way and Hoo Die bringing up the rear, Wufu walked in the middle. Hearing Ah Jiu’s comment, she replied, "In the depths of the forest, it’s easy to lose one’s way without markers."
Of course, even without the markers, she would be able to navigate by the stars and sun, but why not keep things simple if possible?
"No wonder you, a young lady, dared to bring a child into the mountains to hunt," Xiao Li said with a chuckle, "What other skills do you have? Tell us."
Wufu glanced at him and said, "Don’t take on tasks beyond your ability. Want to learn skills? Pay up."
Xiao Li snorted lightly.
Wufu shrugged nonchalantly. Skills are not something to display in front of everyone; those who show all their cards are the foolish ones.
Besides, they weren’t close.
"Do you also carve jade?" Ah Jiu asked.
Wufu stopped in her tracks upon hearing this, giving him a deep look.
Did this mean he had investigated her?
Ah Jiu was startled by her keen reaction, but it pleased him even more. The smarter she was, the more he appreciated her.
"I saw the Jade Ornament at the Hundred Treasures Silver Building," Ah Jiu said indifferently.
Wufu responded with an "Oh," her expression neutral.
Ah Jiu wanted to say something more, but she seemed a bit dissatisfied, which made him frown.
The silence lasted until they descended the mountain. Wufu saw her family home drawing near; the corner of her mouth lifted. This trip to the mountains had brought massive gains.
Someone rushed out of the house at great speed, running down the mountain as if they were being chased by a demon.
She pushed off with her foot and ran swiftly towards home. If she hadn’t seen wrong, that person who had dashed out of the house was Zhou Dajun of the Old Zhou family.
Seeing this, Ah Jiu also paused in surprise. What had happened?