Chapter 985  : Chapter 985   The Choice

Two days later, after both brother and sister successfully defeated a tiger together, the group finally departed from the mountains.

“Daddy, can’t we stay for another two days?” Chenchen turned back to gaze at the sprawling mountain range, a reluctant plea in his voice.

He felt cultivation progressed much faster in the mountains compared to elsewhere. Plus, there were no bothersome cultural studies to contend with.

“There will be many opportunities for training in the future,” Gu Chengrui replied. “But our time is limited right now. Perhaps we can discuss it next time.”

“Indeed, there are plenty of chances to practice,” Zhou Ying echoed. “But listen to your body. It wouldn’t be beneficial to exhaust yourselves.”

“Exactly. Who’s the one who complains about being tired every day?” Guoguo teased playfully.

Seeing the decision was final, Chenchen grumbled but followed everyone towards the village nestled within the mountains.

By the time they arrived, darkness had completely blanketed the sky. The group approached the village chief, requesting an empty house and setting up their tent for the night.

The next morning, everyone packed up the carriage and set off. They picked up the girl’s family along the way before returning to the county town.

Upon reaching the town, they checked into an inn for a well-deserved rest. After freshening up, Zhou Ying prepared some things in their room.

The following afternoon, Zhou Ying went to the next room to find Xiuxiu and her mother. “I have three options to present to you,” she began.

“The first is to sign a contract with us and then find work in a nearby village or shop.”

“The second option is to come directly to the manor and become long-term workers.”

“The third option is for you and your family to strike out on your own. This would allow Xiuxiu to start anew as a widow.”

“Where is this long-term worker position located? In the capital?” Xiuxiu’s mother inquired after a moment of deliberation.

With Xiuxiu now having a child, regardless of gender, the child would be considered their grandchild. Frankly, she didn’t want Xiuxiu to be a helpless servant for the rest of her life.

Therefore, she wasn’t keen on signing a contract if given a choice. However, settling elsewhere would likely result in further bullying due to their small family size. Ideally, they’d have land to work on long-term, where everyone held the same status and wouldn’t be looked down upon.

“It’s in a neighboring county,” Zhou Ying clarified, shaking her head. “The area primarily produces aloe vera.”

Xiuxiu’s mother lit up upon hearing this. She’d heard about this village. The word on the street was that long-term workers there received good food and earned double the wages in other places. Additionally, the proximity was a plus. “I’ll discuss it with the head of my family and get back to you tonight, alright?” she replied.

“Just let me know before we leave tomorrow morning,” Zhou Ying instructed before taking her leave.

Everyone enjoyed a restful night’s sleep.

The next morning, Xiuxiu and her family ultimately decided to accept the long­term worker position at the manor in the neighboring county.

The group rerouted their journey slightly for Xiuxiu’s family, including a brief patrol of the manor to confirm its safety before continuing their journey.

Two months later, Gu Chengrui began experiencing episodes of vomiting blood. He ventured into the interspace for a checkup and discovered that, despite his seemingly robust exterior, his body felt like a flimsy construction, liable to crumble at any moment.

Gu Chengrui presented the results of his examination to Zhou Ying. “Babe,” he spoke, his voice heavy, “let’s return to our hometown and bid farewell to the patriarch.”

“Alright,” Zhou Ying replied with a heavy heart. “We’ll send a letter to Father and Second Uncle in the capital. Let’s spend a happy New Year’s back home.” She knew this day was inevitable, and she’d prepared herself mentally. Yet, at that moment, a wave of sadness washed over her.