The Scumbag Ex-Wife of the Heroine in the Old Abusive Article - Chapter 26

Upon further reflection, Wen Jin’an’s skin truly was as delicate as if water could be squeezed from it—far more tender than her own. Even a gentle pinch left a red mark. It seemed the reason she had previously worn such rough clothing was partly due to poverty and partly because she had been forced to wear the Original Host’s hand-me-downs in the Qin Family.

Without hesitation, Qin Yang said, “Then I’ll take one of these, suitable for a Kunze. No, make that two.”

Now that she knew Kunze skin was more delicate, Wen Jin’an’s current clothes were clearly unsuitable.

Qin Yang decided to borrow the money from Qin Zhao for now, planning to explain the situation upon their return or find another way to repay him.

“Certainly, madam. Just a moment,” the shopkeeper said with a smile, retrieving a garment from the back room with a floral pattern similar to the one on the shelf, but noticeably softer.

“These two sets also come with inner robes,” the shopkeeper added, beaming. “Please take a look.”

Qin Yang, impatient with the small talk, also requested a quilt before paying. Though it exceeded her budget, the thought of Wen Jin’an’s comfort made it worthwhile. Grinning, Qin Yang accepted the clothes, finally having everything they needed. “Let’s head back now.”

Qin Yang completely missed the smile that didn’t reach Wen Jin’an’s eyes.

“Have you bought everything for your Wife-Husband?” Wen Jin’an asked.

“For now, it seems like we have everything. If we’re missing anything, we can always go to town to buy it. The town is close to the village, and we’re not staying here permanently anyway, so moving things back and forth would be too much trouble,” Qin Yang explained, glancing at the items in her arms before looking back at Wen Jin’an.

Wait a minute, Qin Yang suddenly paused, struck by a realization.

Could it be that the Female Lead is still missing something?

“Check if you need anything else,” Qin Yang urged. “We can buy it together.”

Wen Jin’an choked, glanced at her, took Xiao Bai from her arms, and turned to leave the clothing store.

Was that what she meant?

Just how much money does this bastard have? Judging by her words, she definitely has more.

No wonder she suddenly became so generous with money. It seems she’s struck it rich recently, and that two taels of silver probably means nothing to her now.

Wen Jin’an’s mind raced with these thoughts.

Qin Yang followed behind her, utterly bewildered by her sudden burst of speed.

“You still haven’t told me what you need. Slow down a bit—it’s hard to keep up carrying all this.” Qin Yang held a pot in one hand and a bundle of bedding and clothes in the other.

She had originally planned to put everything in the pot and carry it all together, but Wen Jin’an suddenly started walking so fast that Qin Yang, worried for her safety, had hurried after her.

Wen Jin’an glanced back and unconsciously slowed her pace.

Qin Yang caught up and adjusted her grip, saying, “Put Xiao Bai in the pot too. I can carry it all.”

Wen Jin’an didn’t reply, but she placed Xiao Bai in the pot.

Seeing her continued silence, Qin Yang blinked and pressed, “Don’t be shy. I still have money.”

The moment those words left her lips, Wen Jin’an felt a lump of cotton lodge in her chest, confirming her suspicions.

“I don’t need anything,” Wen Jin’an said flatly. “Now that the Wife-Husband is bought, let’s go home.”

“Oh, okay,” Qin Yang nodded, following behind Wen Jin’an. The more she thought about it, the more something felt off.

Normally, the Female Lead was delicate and soft-spoken, but today she seemed strangely distant. Qin Yang couldn’t quite put her finger on what was wrong.

Qin Yang quickened her steps until she was walking side-by-side with Wen Jin’an.

“Are you tired?” Qin Yang asked.

“No,” Wen Jin’an replied, her tone flat and emotionless.

Is this dog Qianyuan addicted to playing the part?

“Alright then. If you remember anything else, let me know, and we can buy it in town later,” Qin Yang nodded thoughtfully, hoping this would demonstrate her sincerity to the Female Lead.

They soon arrived at the agreed-upon meeting point for the ox-cart. The cart was already waiting, carrying two other men besides them.

Qin Yang placed their purchases on the cart, then folded the quilt separately and spread it out on the seat. She turned to help Wen Jin’an into the cart.

“Sit on the quilt,” Qin Yang instructed, glancing at the other passengers. She then sat beside Wen Jin’an, her Qianyuan’s height advantage completely shielding the Kunze from view.

“You can lean on me if you get tired,” Qin Yang whispered, bending down to press close to Wen Jin’an’s ear.

The ox-cart swayed violently, and the Female Lead’s delicate constitution clearly couldn’t withstand the constant jolting. Qin Yang had noticed earlier that Wen Jin’an’s gait was off when she dismounted. The first thing I need to do after earning some money is get a proper horse-drawn carriage—a spacious, comfortable one, the Rolls-Royce of carriages.

Wen Jin’an froze, lowering her gaze. Did this person even realize what she was saying?

A Kunze leaning on a Qianyuan in broad daylight? That only happens in…

The image of Kunze in brothels flashed through Wen Jin’an’s mind, her eyes darkening.

What kind of person does this bastard think I am?

Wen Jin’an bit her lip, saying nothing, and turned her gaze away.

By the time the ox-cart lumbered back, it was nearly dusk. When they reached the foot of the mountain, the house the Village Head had mentioned was in a truly dilapidated state. Part of the courtyard wall had collapsed, and the door tilted sideways at the slightest push. The interior was even worse, with a thick layer of dust and dirt covering the table.

Qin Yang’s lips twitched. Is this place even habitable?

If I’d known, I would have spent those 1,800 coins to rent a house in County Town instead.

But it was too late for regrets now.

Qin Yang pushed Wen Jin’an into the courtyard. “Wait here. I’ll clean up.”

The future Little Princess was destined to be pampered and cherished, a golden branch and jade leaf. Not only was her life in Qin Yang’s hands, but if she served her well, a single word from the princess could save her a decade of hard work.

Qin Yang rolled up her sleeves and began cleaning.

She threw out everything left by the previous owner except the bed.

It wasn’t just because the items were old and worn. Having grown accustomed to luxury, Qin Yang found it repulsive to use things that had belonged to someone else. If she hadn’t needed a place to sleep, she wouldn’t have kept the bed either.

Wen Jin’an sat in the courtyard, watching Qin Yang carry items out one by one. Her brow furrowed slightly. Is she throwing everything away? Does she plan to sleep in an empty shell?

Wen Jin’an sighed, clearing her mind. Well, she’ll be leaving eventually anyway. Let her do as she pleases.

She stood up to explore the surroundings, but as she opened the door, she came face-to-face with Qin Zhao.

What’s she doing here?

Wen Jin’an’s heart filled with confusion. She bowed slightly. “Second Sister, what brings you here?”

“Is Fourth Sister here?” Qin Zhao nodded.

“Yes, she is.” Wen Jin’an stepped aside, inviting Qin Zhao into the courtyard.

Though she knew Qin Yang had grown close to Qin Zhao recently, she hadn’t expected her to visit them after they left the Qin Family.

Wen Jin’an’s gaze lingered on Qin Zhao’s features, which resembled Qin Yang’s. She had never spoken much to Qin Zhao before; the man was usually silent. He was likely the only member of the Qin Family who had never bullied her.

Wen Jin’an withdrew her gaze and pressed her lips together. “Second Sister, please wait a moment. I’ll go call my Wife-Husband.” With that, she turned and entered the house.

A moment later, Qin Yang emerged, brushing dust off his clothes. “You’re just in time,” he said. “Give me another minute to finish tidying up.”

Qin Zhao nodded.

Qin Yang spread fresh bedding on the bed, exchanged a few words with Wen Jin’an, and hurried off with Qin Zhao. By the time they returned, it was already Hai Hour (9-11 PM).

Qin Yang gently pushed open the door and immediately saw the Kunze curled up under the covers on the bed, forming a suggestive curve.

The summers here were different from those in his original world, with stark temperature differences between day and night. Though the days were sweltering, the temperature dropped sharply after dark, and the heavy mountain dew made it feel even colder.

Having just moved in today, Qin Yang hadn’t had time to lay down straw on the floor. He glanced at the bed, a hint of longing in his eyes.

“Wife-Husband is back,” Wen Jin’an said, sitting up in bed, her tone flat.

“Mm, did I wake you?” Qin Yang asked, guiltily averting his gaze.

Seeing that he had no intention of explaining, Wen Jin’an clenched her hands. She couldn’t believe Qin Zhao would visit this scoundrel for no reason, and they’d been out together for so long. Could it be related to the money-making scheme Qin Yang had mentioned?

She waited a while longer.

Wen Jin’an’s eyes darkened.

Didn’t he say he’d explain everything when he got back?

This didn’t look like an explanation at all.

That bastard!

“No, was there something you and Second Sister went out for earlier?” Wen Jin’an asked, closing her eyes but unable to resist the question.

She quickly corrected herself, “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to tell you,” Qin Yang replied quickly. “I thought you were asleep and didn’t want to disturb you.”

Qin Yang pulled out a fire starter and lit the pine oil lamp, instantly brightening the dim room. She then retrieved a bundle from her robes, walked to the bed, and unwrapped it. The contents were wrapped in lotus leaves.

Inside were a dozen or so Jinchán, roasted until slightly blackened.

Wen Jin’an was stunned. So that’s what Qin Zhao and Qin Yang had been doing all evening—catching Jinchán!

“Eat these first, and I’ll explain everything slowly,” Qin Yang said softly, placing the lotus leaves in front of Wen Jin’an and sitting on the edge of the bed.

The family had run out of oil, so on their way back, she and Qin Zhao had roasted some Jinchán by the river. They split the batch, with Qin Zhao taking half and Qin Yang bringing the rest back for Wen Jin’an to help her recover.

Wen Jin’an lowered her gaze, glancing at Qin Yang from the corner of her eye.

This person seemed different from before. Her smile was more genuine, and under the warm lamplight, she appeared even more upright and radiant.

Not that Qin Yang had been unattractive before. But she had always exuded a gloomy aura, with a volatile temper, sallow complexion, and a hunched posture.

In an instant, Wen Jin’an snapped back to her senses, her voice turning noticeably colder. “Very well.”

“Actually, I’ve already discussed this with Qin Zhao,” Qin Yang said to Wen Jin’an. “We’ll collect Jinchán together and sell them. Don’t underestimate this—they’re not only crispy and delicious but also incredibly nutritious. We’re sure to make a profit.”

Collect Jinchán?

So this was her plan to earn money.

Wen Jin’an frowned slightly. It wasn’t that she doubted Qin Yang’s intentions, but these creatures were abundant this season. If they were truly profitable, wouldn’t someone have already started collecting them? Why would anyone wait for her to do it?

Noticing Wen Jin’an’s silent scrutiny, Qin Yang continued, “I know it sounds far-fetched, but we won’t sell them right away. They’ll disappear in a few days. Once it gets cold, we’ll bring them out. By then, demand will be high, and the price will be much higher than it is now.”

The idea was sound, but it seemed overly optimistic.

Wen Jin’an had never heard of these creatures being preserved for such a long time. Their natural shells might not even allow salt-curing to penetrate and preserve them like meat.

Making a profit would be a miracle; avoiding a loss would be a success.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Wen Jin’an’s eyes.

“It’s getting late,” she said coolly. “Wife-Husband should rest early.”

“Hmm?” Qin Yang paused, then nodded. “Oh, okay.”

Watching Wen Jin’an finish the Jinchán and neatly fold the lotus leaf aside, Qin Yang hesitated. “Um…”

If I ask the Female Lead to sleep with me, she’ll probably agree, right?