The Scumbag Ex-Wife of the Heroine in the Old Abusive Article - Chapter 29

The rain continued to pour, lightning snaking across the night sky accompanied by increasingly thunderous roars.

As they climbed higher, the rainwater beneath their feet formed a small river, rushing past.

Qin Yang tightened her raincoat, mentally strategizing, and pushed open the courtyard gate. Light spilled from the broken window paper, illuminating the interior.

She entered the house and removed her raincoat.

Wen Jin’an hadn’t slept. Curled up in a corner of the bed, her eyes lit up at Qin Yang’s return, then dimmed again. She remained silent, her gaze fixed on Qin Yang like a frightened little animal.

Qin Yang’s heart clenched.

“I’m back. Don’t worry, everything’s alright,” Qin Yang murmured, approaching to comfort her.

Wen Jin’an nodded, her fingers trembling slightly as she gripped her sleeves.

“The rain’s too heavy. I’m worried it’s dangerous to stay here. When I went to the County Town before, I saw a dilapidated temple by the road. We’ll spend the night there to weather the storm,” Qin Yang said, crouching down to put shoes on Wen Jin’an’s feet.

Of course, they would need to take some belongings with them.

It was also inconvenient to let Wen Jin’an see her put things into her Space.

Qin Yang stood up and helped Wen Jin’an off the bed. “Wait for me outside for a moment,” she said, pulling the newly purchased bedding off the bed.

Wen Jin’an stood still for a moment, then turned to look at Qin Yang, her brow furrowing slightly. She understood that the other woman didn’t want her to see her secret, but she had no interest in knowing anyway.

Wen Jin’an glanced away and walked to the doorway, gazing at the rain-soaked landscape. The thunder was loud, but the fear she had felt earlier had vanished.

Qin Yang quickly stored the bedding and newly purchased cookware into her Space. She grabbed a straw raincoat and draped it over Wen Jin’an’s shoulders, helping her put it on.

“The rain is heavy outside. I’ll carry you on my back,” Qin Yang said, tucking Xiao Bai into Wen Jin’an’s arms before turning her back and crouching down in front of her, as if this were the most natural thing in the world.

She’s going to carry me on her back? Wen Jin’an bit her lip, struggling to comprehend. In this torrential rain? I can barely walk myself, and this Qianyuan who once treated me like trash…

She couldn’t fathom what had happened to Qin Yang. Not only could she inexplicably hide things, but she seemed like a completely different person.

A different person.

The world was full of wonders. Could it be that she had been replaced by another soul?

Wen Jin’an was startled by her own thoughts. Regaining her composure, she saw Qin Yang still crouched halfway, turning her head to look at her with a puzzled expression.

After waiting for a while without Wen Jin’an climbing up, Qin Yang couldn’t help but urge, “Don’t just stand there! If the rain keeps up, the path will become too slippery to walk.”

Wen Jin’an leaned forward, their bodies concealed beneath the rain cape. Qin Yang’s strong Qianyuan arms slipped beneath Wen Jin’an’s knees, lifting her up with a gentle effort.

At the same moment, a faint scent of roses wafted through the air as Wen Jin’an’s soft Kunze body pressed against Qin Yang’s back, her warm breath brushing against the nape of Qin Yang’s neck.

Qin Yang’s glands instantly began to throb with excitement.

She bit her lip, scolding herself, What’s wrong with me? At a time like this, my mind is filled with such nonsense!

Meanwhile, Qin Zhao grew increasingly uneasy. She couldn’t understand why Qin Yang had suddenly mentioned the landslide. Recalling her second sister’s supernatural abilities, Qin Zhao gritted her teeth, turned around, and raced toward the foot of the mountain.

Unexpectedly, she encountered a figure.

Qin Yang’s heart tightened as she stared at the person before her.

Qin Zhao lifted the brim of her hat, revealing eyebrows and eyes that bore a striking resemblance to Qin Yang’s own. Only then did Qin Yang relax, exclaiming in surprise, “What are you doing here?”

Didn’t she go home? Why would she be here at this hour? Could she be looking for me?

She had already left the Qin Family. Were they going to cause trouble again?

Qin Zhao looked at her, a flicker of guilt and panic flashing in his eyes. “I…”

“What do you want?” Qin Yang asked.

“What’s this?” Qin Zhao frowned.

“Didn’t I tell you? The heavy rain might cause a landslide. I’m taking Jin’an to the abandoned temple for shelter,” Qin Yang explained.

Hearing this, Qin Zhao nodded, his belief in her words growing stronger.

If he had initially approached her with a “better safe than sorry” attitude, seeing the person in charge now convinced him about seventy or eighty percent.

“You still haven’t said why you came,” Qin Yang pressed.

Qin Zhao paused. “I wasn’t looking for you.” Without waiting for her response, he hurried down the mountain.

Huh?

“It’s dangerous over there! What are you doing?” Qin Yang shouted after him.

The heavy rain quickly swallowed her voice.

Qin Zhao ran all the way to Miao Zhiru’s door.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Miao Zhiru startled awake. Despite the downpour, she heard the urgent knocking.

Her heart raced, her hand clutching her chest as her breathing quickened. Her heart pounded in her throat.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Another knock echoed through the door.

Miao Zhiru pressed her face against the window, her gaze fixed on the courtyard gate. She bit her lip, her face pale.

“It’s me, Qin Zhao. Open the door,” Qin Zhao called out.

Qin Zhao?

Hearing the familiar voice, Miao Zhiru exhaled in relief. She slowly slid off the bed, her legs still weak, and shakily opened the door.

Qin Zhao stood at the entrance, clad in a straw raincoat.

Miao Zhiru’s eyes reddened with the joy of surviving a near-death experience. She threw herself into Qin Zhao’s arms.

Startled, Qin Zhao pulled her closer, sheltering her beneath his raincoat.

“It’s alright now,” he murmured. “With the heavy rain, it might be dangerous here. I’ll take you to a safe place to hide until the storm passes, then we can come back.”

His warm breath brushed against her ear, tickling her skin with an unfamiliar sensation. Miao Zhiru felt her entire body flush with heat. She shrank back slightly, afraid to move too much, and murmured a soft “Mm.”

“Should I take anything?” Miao Zhiru asked.

“Yes, take a few things,” Qin Zhao replied after a moment’s thought. “Two sets of clothes and any valuables.”

Miao Zhiru nodded.

Qin Zhao adjusted his raincoat and scooped Miao Zhiru into his arms.

“I…” Miao Zhiru didn’t dare look at Qin Zhao.

She never imagined he would carry her like this. She held her breath, afraid to speak.

Qin Zhao carried Miao Zhiru inside and gently set her down. “Get your things together.”

Miao Zhiru nodded, her face flushed. She didn’t own anything of value, so she followed Qin Zhao’s instructions, taking two sets of clothes from the bedside cabinet and tucking her meager silver coins inside.

“I’m ready,” she said, her cheeks still rosy, her head bowed, avoiding Qin Zhao’s gaze.

Qin Zhao noticed the small bundle in her arms and pressed his lips into a thin line. “I’ll carry you on my back.”

Since they didn’t have another raincoat, Miao Zhiru nodded obediently, put on the one Qin Zhao offered, and climbed onto his back, her heart swelling with warmth and affection.

Qin Zhao didn’t know where to go. Suddenly remembering Qin Yang’s words, he inexplicably carried Miao Zhiru to the dilapidated temple.

Qin Yang froze when she saw them, her lips twitching.

What’s going on?

Who is Qin Zhao carrying?

Miao Zhiru slid off Qin Zhao’s back and timidly glanced at Qin Yang, then ducked behind Qin Zhao for protection.

She recognized this woman. She was always hanging around Chen San, and had even been present when Chen San harassed her. Though she hadn’t done anything herself, Miao Zhiru had a poor impression of her.

Qin Zhao actually knew her.

“Come warm yourself by the fire first,” Qin Yang said.

Even though she didn’t understand what was happening, the woman was already here. They couldn’t just stand there awkwardly staring at each other.

“Go inside and dry your clothes. Don’t catch a cold,” Qin Zhao said gently to Miao Zhiru.

?!

Qin Yang’s eyes widened. When had Qin Zhao become so gentle? He was usually so quiet and reserved. Who would have thought!

Miao Zhiru stepped out from behind Qin Zhao and finally noticed that, besides the three of them, there was also a stunningly beautiful Kunze whose beauty was impossible to look away from.

Who is this…?

Miao Zhiru glanced nervously at Qin Zhao.

“Don’t be afraid. This is my Fourth Sister and her wife,” Qin Zhao introduced them softly.

Miao Zhiru’s heart skipped a beat. Qin Zhao’s sister!

How could Qin Zhao’s sister be mixed up with someone like Chen San?

Miao Zhiru leaned closer to Qin Zhao, who patted her arm reassuringly.

Watching their interaction, Qin Yang rubbed her nose, suppressed her curiosity, and settled back down by the fire.

Outside, thunder and rain raged relentlessly. Qin Yang’s expression darkened. In the original plot, many villagers had perished in a similar downpour.

If her fate could be altered, did that mean the plot itself was reversible? But would the villagers believe her if she blindly warned them?

“This rain is getting heavier,” Qin Zhao remarked.

“Mm,” Qin Yang replied, glancing outside. The torrential rain seemed to drown out all other sounds in the darkness.

Qin Yang quietly rose and spread a quilt over the straw. “You Kunze should sleep. Qin Zhao and I will keep watch here.”

Wen Jin’an eyed the quilt with a complex expression. It was the new quilt they had just bought. Despite the torrential rain, not a single drop of water had touched it. It seemed this person could not only conceal things but also protect them perfectly, as if shielded by a natural barrier.

Qin Zhao, however, took it in stride.

“Thank you, Wife-Husband,” Wen Jin’an said, glancing at Qin Zhao. Noticing the Kunze he had brought along, she nodded to her. “Let’s leave things to them.”

Miao Zhiru cautiously glanced at Qin Zhao before sitting down on the bed next to Wen Jin’an.

This was Qin Yang’s wife.

She had heard from Chen San that Qin Yang had married, but she never imagined someone like him could be so devoted to his wife.

Then again, it wasn’t surprising. Even as a Kunze herself, Miao Zhiru couldn’t help but feel her heart race at the sight of such a beautiful Kunze. No wonder Qin Yang, that rogue, had finally settled down.

Miao Zhiru had been given away by her family as a bride price just after turning sixteen. Wen Jin’an was eighteen this year.

“Sister, you…” Miao Zhiru looked timidly at Wen Jin’an.

Though she didn’t know where Qin Zhao had brought her from, the woman seemed like someone to be pitied.

“Get some rest,” Wen Jin’an said.

Wen Jin’an’s gaze lingered on Qin Yang’s back, an inexplicable sense of peace settling in her heart.

“Mm,” Miao Zhiru murmured, curling up timidly on one side of the bed.

Wen Jin’an remained silent, staring at Qin Yang’s back for a long moment before lying down, wide awake.

The man sat by the fire, the dim yellow light softening his usually sharp features.

Qin Yang watched the rain outside and sighed. Knowing the danger yet remaining idle weighed heavily on his conscience.

It would be one thing if this were just a novel, but these were living, breathing lives right in front of him.

“No, the rain seems to be getting heavier. If something happens, it won’t just be one or two lives lost. I need to go back.” Qin Yang stood up abruptly, causing the firewood at her feet to clatter. Realizing she was getting agitated, she took a deep breath and turned to Wen Jin’an, her eyes filled with apology.

“Jin’an,” she said, crouching down and placing an old machete in Wen Jin’an’s hand. She hesitated, wanting to say more but stopping herself.

“Go if you wish, Wife-Husband,” Wen Jin’an said, averting his gaze.

He had always been selfish. Why would he suddenly risk his life for others? Wen Jin’an slowly curled his fingers into a fist, as if confirming his earlier suspicions.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon,” Qin Yang said firmly.

She couldn’t live with herself if she didn’t try. Even if no one believed her now, the village was small. She decided to go door-to-door, waking everyone up. Whether they survived would depend on their own fate.

“I’ll go with you,” Qin Zhao said, glancing at Miao Zhiru.

Without further hesitation, the two donned their rain capes.

“Bar the door with a stick. Don’t open it unless I return,” Qin Yang instructed before heading out.

Watching Wen Jin’an close the door from the courtyard, she finally felt a sliver of peace.

Time was of the essence. The plot hadn’t specified when the mountain would collapse, and it was already past midnight. They had no idea what the situation was in the village.

The two quickened their pace, hurrying back.

Fortunately, the village wasn’t far, and they soon arrived.

Splitting up, they knocked on doors, waking people and moving on to the next house. Before long, lights flickered on in every home, and faint shouts of curses could be heard in the distance.

Qin Yang glanced at Qin Zhao, raising an eyebrow with a knowing smile.

At that moment, the mountain, eroded by the torrential rain, began to collapse with a thunderous roar. Hearing the sound, villagers poured out of their homes, fleeing for their lives beyond the village.

The rain gradually subsided, the thunder faded, and the clouds parted, revealing a faint glimmer of dawn.

“Let’s head back too,” Qin Yang said to Qin Zhao, standing at a distance. “They must be worried sick by now.”

Qin Zhao nodded silently, quickening his pace back to the dilapidated temple.

The temple was eerily quiet.

“Jin’an, I’m back,” Qin Yang called out, knocking on the door.

After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing the slender figure of a Kunze.

Qin Yang’s eyes lit up. She rubbed her nose and stepped inside with a cheerful spring in her step.

Miao Zhiru stood behind Wen Jin’an, peeking out to see Qin Zhao, a smile spreading across her face.

The four stood awkwardly, the atmosphere strangely tense. Qin Yang cleared her throat. “It’s gotten a bit chilly after the rain.”

As she spoke, Qin Yang walked over to the dying fire and sat down. After burning all night, only a few embers remained, emitting a faint warmth.

With the village destroyed, there was no reason to return. The Jinchán-catching season had ended, and the money they’d earned had run out. Qin Yang didn’t plan to collect any more for the remaining days. She still had a pig in her Space, which could fetch at least three taels of silver if sold.

It would be some time before the weather turned cold, and they couldn’t sell Jinchán during that period. This meant they’d be living off their dwindling savings.

Renting another house, plus living expenses, made Qin Yang hesitate.

If she went to the Northern Region now, she’d have no capital, making the trip pointless.

Yet she couldn’t wait any longer. She wanted to scout the area first, regardless of the risks. But that raised a problem: what about the Female Lead?

Taking her along would be dangerous, but leaving her behind…

Qin Yang felt even more uncertain. After all, in the original plot, the Original Host had been tortured to death by the Female Lead. Though the Female Lead now had a favorable impression of her, it didn’t guarantee she wouldn’t kill her again.

And with the Female Lead alone in the wilderness, if she encountered danger because of Qin Yang’s absence…

This was a real dilemma.

Just then, a noise came from outside.

Qin Zhao opened the door to find the dilapidated courtyard crowded with villagers.

Seeing them, the villagers immediately surged into the temple.

“Qin Zhao, I didn’t expect to see you here,” one villager remarked.

Qin Yang frowned and hastily gathered her and Wen Jin’an’s blankets, shielding Wen Jin’an behind her.

“Isn’t that Widow Miao? What’s that jinx doing here?” a villager exclaimed.

“Get her out of here!” another immediately chimed in.

Qin Zhao stood protectively in front of Miao Zhiru, his brow furrowed.

“Qin Zhao, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and get her out so we can go in,” a villager demanded impatiently.

These people…

Qin Yang squeezed Wen Jin’an’s hand and whispered reassuringly, “Don’t be afraid.”

Releasing Wen Jin’an’s hand, she stepped forward to stand beside Qin Zhao.

As a top-tier Qianyuan, even a slight release of her pheromones would make ordinary Qianyuan unable to meet her gaze.

Qin Yang stood blocking the doorway. Most of the villagers were Zhongyong, and even the Qianyuan among them had weak pheromone levels.

This was why, despite Qin Yang’s notorious reputation, the villagers had never dared to provoke her.

Seeing Qin Yang step forward, the villagers recoiled. One villager, gathering his courage, protested, “Qin Yang, we’re all from the same village. What’s wrong with us squeezing in? Besides, this dilapidated temple isn’t yours anyway!”

Qin Yang glanced at them. “It’s true this isn’t mine, and I wouldn’t object to you entering. But if anyone tries to cause trouble, don’t blame me for being merciless.”

Qin Yang tugged Qin Zhao’s sleeve, and they moved back slightly, bringing Wen Jin’an and Miao Zhiru with them to sit on the straw they had spread earlier.

Hearing her words, the villagers no longer dared to press the issue of Wen Zhiru and squeezed into the temple.

With so many people, some were forced to remain in the courtyard, but fortunately, the rain had stopped.

“We’ll leave at dawn,” Qin Yang announced.

Though she had intimidated the villagers, they were still desperate refugees. The barefoot fear no one wearing shoes, and if a real conflict erupted, her group would likely lose. This village was the only one affected by the torrential rain, so the authorities probably wouldn’t intervene.

It was a miracle anyone had escaped alive; they certainly hadn’t brought any valuables with them.

If anything worth looting appeared, a free-for-all would be inevitable.

As she pondered this, a sharp, bitter female voice snapped her back to reality.

“Qin Yang, you ungrateful wretch! Your parents are here, and you won’t even come help?”

The Qin Family!

No matter where she went, she couldn’t escape them.

Qin Yang rubbed her forehead, feeling utterly drained.

She had finally moved out of the Qin Family’s house and barely enjoyed two days of peace before they came crawling back.

“No, we can’t let them in,” Qin Yang said, rising to her feet. “I’ll go check it out.”

Qin Zhao grabbed her arm, glanced at Miao Zhiru, and pressed his lips into a thin line. “I’ll go,” he said to Qin Yang. “You stay here and take care of things.”

He worried that Qin Yang’s temper would lead to another argument with the Qin Family.

“Hey!” Qin Yang blocked his path, shaking her head in disagreement. “I should go. If you go, you’ll have trouble getting away. Besides, you should take care of your own people. What kind of host would I be if I made you rely on me?”

Qin Zhao fell silent.

Miao Zhiru’s face flushed crimson as she lowered her head, staring at her toes without a word.

Since when did I become Qin Zhao’s person?

But…

A sweet warmth bloomed in her heart.

“Jin’an, don’t worry. I’ll be right back,” Qin Yang said, forcing a reassuring smile for Wen Jin’an.

Pushing through the crowd, she saw the Qin Family in the courtyard.

The group was covered in dust and grime. Qin Youcai leaned against Qin Yong, sitting on the ground with his head bowed in pain. Looking closer, Qin Yang froze—bl00d stained his trouser leg.

“You damn good-for-nothing! Get over here and carry your father inside!” Liu Yue’e shrieked, gesturing for Qin Yong to help Qin Youcai to his feet.

Qin Youcai is injured?