"Brother Qi," Sheng An greeted Qi Lei warmly, and her usually aloof expression blossomed into a radiant smile. She had grown familiar with Qi Lei from selling bean sprouts at the market every day and thought highly of him, so she always greeted him enthusiastically.
Qin Yue lurked in the shadows, gnashing his teeth as he watched.
"Ready to head back?" Qi Lei approached Sheng An with a warm smile. "With the New Year approaching, why are you still here?"
"Today’s the last day." The bean sprout business had been slow the past several days, and Sheng An planned to sell the last of them today before helping her mother prepare for her sister’s wedding at home.
"I just got back from the county town and brought you some snacks." Qi Lei placed a bag in Sheng An’s basket. "There are peach pastries and candies inside." He spoke with slight embarrassment, even avoiding looking into Sheng An’s eyes.
"Brother Qi, I can’t accept this." She dared not take such fine things; if her mother found out, she’d be scolded to death.
"It’s nothing, just take it; it’s not worth much. I’m off!" Fearful of Sheng An’s refusal, Qi Lei quickly left after speaking.
Sheng An stood there, puzzled. "Strange, Brother Qi seemed quite out of character today!"
"Of course he’s out of character!" A cold voice came from behind, startling Sheng An. She instinctively threw a punch backward but missed and instead found her fist caught by a warm, strong hand.
Bad thoughts immediately surfaced in Sheng An’s mind. It couldn’t be that hooligan from last time, could it?
"How long have I been gone? And you dare to make me wear the green hat?" Qin Yue’s handsome face carried a mischievous smile.
"Let go!" Sheng An’s face turned pale with anger. This was the marketplace—if people saw her pulling and tugging with a man from out of town, she’d be drowned in their spit.
Qin Yue knew this girl valued her reputation and wouldn’t really tease his little wife in front of others. He let go promptly and started helping Sheng An pack her things.
Sheng An stood there, dazed, looking at Qin Yue’s clothes—serious and crisp, with an aura of intimidating authority. He looked completely different from the Little Hooligan she met the first time.
The last time she saw Qin Yue, his clothes were all disheveled, and he looked like a complete mess. He appeared to be a lazy loafer, and his outfit, probably purchased from the market, certainly didn’t hint at his identity.
"Staring in awe? Do you think I’m so tall and mighty that you can’t wait to throw yourself at me?" Qin Yue arrogantly curled his lips.
Sheng Ning rolled her eyes. She had just wanted to compliment him on looking respectable, but his old habits were surfacing again! Calling him a Little Hooligan was already generous; even a hooligan didn’t have skin as thick as his.
"Get lost!" Her dismissal was blunt and rough, as she took her things and hurried to catch the village’s free ride. The last time she encountered the Little Hooligan was because she had missed the village ride, and she couldn’t afford to do that again.
"Wait..." Qin Yue grabbed her hand. "I’ll take you."
"No need!" As time passed, Sheng An grew increasingly impatient with Qin Yue’s attitude.
Someone’s eyes narrowed dangerously, emitting an aura of terror that sent shivers down one’s spine.
Sheng An, frightened, tried to shrink back, but she couldn’t move an inch. "What... what do you want to do?" Her heart pounded erratically as she looked at him in fear.