Transmigrated as the Scum Alpha in a Farming Novel (GL) - Chapter 2
It was early autumn. Liu Huaixu was busy planting cabbages when her neighbor, Wu Qiuqiu, called out to her.
“Sister Huaixu, do you know something happened to Yu An?”
Liu Huaixu heard this kind of news about Yu An every few days, so at first, she didn’t react when Wu Qiuqiu spoke, continuing to scatter seeds in the vegetable patch.
Wu Qiuqiu stood at the courtyard gate. Seeing no reaction, she took a few steps inside, grabbed Liu Huaixu’s hand, and said, “Yu An is being chased all over the village by the village head!”
“What did you say?” Liu Huaixu said, then noticed Wu Qiuqiu holding her hand.
Although Wu Qiuqiu hadn’t fully differentiated yet, she was already a married woman, a Kun Ze with a Qian Yuan. The proper distance should be maintained. Liu Huaixu quietly withdrew her hand.
Because of the urgency of the moment, Liu Huaixu Wu Qiuqiu also felt a bit impolite. She awkwardly put her hands behind her back and repeated what she had just said.
Liu Huaixu’s brows furrowed deeply after hearing it.
Wu Qiuqiu watched her and said nothing more. She had heard more about Yu An’s exploits than Liu Huaixu knew, and naturally had no good impression of Yu An, feeling that Liu Huaixu was utterly wasted on her.
She was clearly a Qian Yuan, yet apart from her face, she had no redeeming qualities. Not only was she useless in major and minor household affairs, but she also caused Liu Huaixu constant worry.
—
It was common for Yu An to get beaten, but usually, she’d return home bruised and battered. Being beaten in the village itself had never happened before.
Even if everyone knew Yu An was a good-for-nothing, being beaten in the village meant Liu Huaixu would also lose face.
Liu Huaixu quickly put down the cabbage seeds, went back to change into clean clothes, and then left with Wu Qiuqiu.
As soon as they left their alley, they saw several neighbors. It was clear they were also going to watch the excitement. Their gazes at Liu Huaixu ranged from disdain to pity.
Wu Qiuqiu was greatly annoyed by their looks.
“Sister Huaixu, look at them…”
“No need to mind them.”
With that, Liu Huaixu quickened her pace, and Wu Qiuqiu could only chase after her.
When they reached the crowd, Liu Huaixu’s first sight was her good-for-nothing Qian Jun being held down on the ground.
Pushing through the crowd, Liu Huaixu calmly spoke: “Uncle Cao, what has my Qian Jun done wrong? Why such a commotion?”
As the woman’s voice fell, Cao Biao’s face first stiffened, then he puffed out his mustache and glared, pointing at Yu An on the ground and saying to the woman, “Madam Liu, don’t you know what kind of character your Qian Jun is?”
Yu An, who was held down on the ground, snapped back to attention when she heard Cao Biao mention “Madam Liu.”
She had been in a daze earlier, captivated by the woman’s beauty, and hadn’t noticed how she addressed her. Now, with a surname attached, Yu An finally reacted.
Liu…
Liu Huaixu!
Of all the characters in that erotic novel she skimmed, the second female lead, Liu Huaixu, was the one who left the deepest impression.
The original novel didn’t mention gambling or visiting brothels much, but it did feature bullying young wives and seducing young widows.
And she even went after the village head’s daughter, constantly flirting with her, making the lovesick girl swear she would marry no one else, believing only Yu An was good.
Hence, the current situation.
Yu An had only read the first few chapters. After realizing it wasn’t her cup of tea, she merely skimmed the rest, knowing only that according to the original setting, Liu Huaixu would also inevitably fall for her…
Sigh, what a pity.
Yu An’s expression was a bit exaggerated. Liu Huaixu had been looking at her, but then saw her shaking her head with a look of regret.
Combined with Yu An’s usual behavior, Liu Huaixu’s beautiful eyebrows furrowed. She thought Yu An was probably thinking about some other messy, scandalous affairs!
But right now, she had no choice but to step forward.
Her gaze shifted from Yu An and she walked slowly towards Cao Biao.
“Uncle has watched Yu An grow up. Uncle is also clear about Yu An’s character; she merely likes to play around a bit.”
Play around a bit?
Yu An wasn’t a child of a few years old. Could the things she did really be considered playing around?
“Madam Liu, do you know what you’re saying?”
Cao Biao was greatly angered, and his expression towards Liu Huaixu was also somewhat unfriendly. He couldn’t control his Qian Yuan and let her cause trouble, making Liu Huaixu both pitiful and hateful.
But Liu Huaixu’s expression remained indifferent, which only infuriated Cao Biao even more.
He was exasperated and pointed at Yu An, saying, “My daughter…”
Before he could finish, there was another commotion in the crowd. The villagers made way, and a young girl ran over, crying as she ran.
The newcomer was Cao Biao’s daughter, the same girl who had been crying by the river earlier, telling Yu An to run.
The girl ran while calling for her father, but her eyes were constantly on Yu An.
Cao Biao could get angry at Yu An and Liu Huaixu, but how could he get angry at his own daughter in front of so many people?
“Guan’er, come to Daddy.”
Cao Biao reached out and pulled Cao Guan to his side, glaring fiercely at her. He said in a voice only they could hear, “Stay away from her. Haven’t you disgraced me enough?”
Liu Huaixu calmly glanced at the red-eyed Cao Guan, then at Yu An, who was still held down on the ground. A hint of disgust flashed in her eyes.
But no matter how disgusted she was, they couldn’t continue this standoff.
She walked up to Cao Biao: “Uncle, a word in private.”
Cao Biao glanced at Liu Huaixu, who had walked away, then at his daughter. After a moment of hesitation, he followed her.
“Madam Liu…”
“Uncle Cao, today’s incident is all my Qian Jun’s fault, but if we continue to make a scene, Miss Cao’s reputation will also suffer.”
Liu Huaixu bowed slightly, showing both an apologetic and a threatening attitude.
Cao Biao had been temporarily overcome with anger. He had just woken up that morning to his wife telling him their daughter had run off chasing Yu An again.
A few days ago, Yu An had been constantly visiting their home under the pretense of wanting to help impoverished households.
Cao Biao initially just thought she was lazy and gluttonous, neglecting her family’s meager land and wanting to get something for nothing. He never expected her to set her sights on his own daughter.
Cao Guan was only fifteen this year, having just differentiated, and was at the age for marriage proposals. But with Yu An stirring things up like this, what good family would want her?
So, Liu Huaixu’s words hit Cao Biao’s sore spot exactly.
“Niece… I won’t hide it from you, Uncle was also very angry.”
If he hadn’t been so enraged, would he have chased Yu An back and forth through the village?
Yu An was disgraced, and he was disgraced along with her.
—
Yu An was being held down on the ground, staring at Liu Huaixu and Cao Biao talking in the corner. Cao Guan had come over at some point and pushed away those who were holding Yu An.
These people were either Cao family relatives or those who flattered the village head. When Cao Guan came, they all let go.
Yu An had been held down for too long, her neck was stiff. She moved around a bit, then looked at the girl who had started crying again.
She sighed helplessly. Although she didn’t know exactly what happened, based on the original text’s description of Yu An…
Yu An’s appearance possessed the softness of a woman and the dashing spirit of a Qian Yuan, with a pair of captivating peach blossom eyes.
Looking at the young girl in front of her, Yu An felt that it was probably true.
Otherwise, why would a good-looking Miss Cao fall for Yu An, a married woman?
“Sister Yu, I’ll definitely beg Daddy to let you go.” Cao Guan pulled Yu An’s hand, tears streaming down her face.
Yu An didn’t understand the situation, but she still wanted to say: “What a sin!”
She had never even been in a relationship, yet she had transmigrated into such a promiscuous and heartless person. The things weren’t done by her, but she was occupying that person’s identity, and without understanding the specific situation, she didn’t dare to say another word.
She was afraid that saying something wrong would provoke public outrage.
When Liu Huaixu came over earlier, she admitted she was captivated by beauty. This Liu Huaixu really hit her aesthetic sweet spot; she was so stunned she didn’t say a single word.
It was fortunate she didn’t say anything, otherwise Yu An wasn’t sure what she would have blurted out.
Just like now, looking at Cao Guan, she couldn’t say a word. She could only quietly withdraw her hand from Cao Guan’s, revealing what she thought was a sincere smile.
As for why it was sincere…
Yu An thought it must be that light-hearted fellow with the same name as her who made the girl fall for her. As long as she was direct and sincere…
“Sister Yu! What are you doing? Do all the things you told me before not count anymore?”
Cao Guan looked at her hand, which had been cast aside, feeling both pain and humiliation.
If Yu An hadn’t come to her repeatedly, how could she have…
How could she have known the other person was married, yet still…
Still given her heart to her.
“Sister Yu, are you really going to be so heartless?”
Yu An was utterly stunned by these words. Had she done something so outrageous?
She had just separated their clasped hands and smiled, and this, this…
Cao Biao and Liu Huaixu returned to witness this scene. The former was exasperated, the latter had an indifferent and disgusted expression.
Looking at the people around, then at his kneeling daughter and Yu An, Cao Biao swallowed the words he wanted to say. He took two steps towards them, glared fiercely at his daughter, and then helped Yu An up.
“Niece Yu An, Uncle misunderstood. I hope I didn’t hurt you just now?”
Yu An stood up with Cao Biao’s help. Hearing his words, she looked at him incredulously, then at Liu Huaixu.
So what did the two of them talk about? The village head’s attitude changed too quickly!
Although she didn’t know the exact conversation, it was always right to go along with it.
“Uncle is too kind.”
Yu An cupped her hands, slightly bent her body, and awkwardly performed a bow, mimicking a posture from TV dramas.
She didn’t know if she was doing it right, but seeing Cao Biao’s surprised expression, it was likely… not too far off.
Even Liu Huaixu was stunned. When did Yu An become so polite?
—
Cao Biao looked at Yu An with satisfaction, thinking that she still had some sense of propriety. Yu An had taken all his cues. He then turned to his useless daughter and scolded her: “Guan’er, Daddy knows you and Yu An have been close since childhood, but now that you’ve differentiated, you should learn to avoid suspicion.”
With one sentence, he dismissed Cao Guan’s behavior as childish ignorance.
Furthermore, the villagers, who knew a thing or two about the Yu family’s situation, didn’t say much. Instead, it was Cao Guan… who refused to accept it.
Her relationship with Yu An was clearly one of mutual affection; how could it just be a deep childhood bond?
“Daddy! Sister Yu and I…”
“You shut up!”
Cao Biao glanced at Yu An standing beside him, who remained expressionless, as if her daughter’s words had nothing to do with her.
When it came to her own affairs, she was quick to distance herself, yet she used such sweet words on his daughter, leading his obedient daughter astray.
Simply… utterly heartless!
Cao Biao’s internal conflict was truly immense. He thought it would be best if his daughter had no relationship with Yu An, but Yu An’s quick distancing made him uncomfortable. His daughter was precious, so why did she become insignificant in Yu An’s eyes?
Liu Huaixu immediately detected what his changing expression indicated.
Yu An’s actions were perfectly appropriate for resolving the situation.
However, Cao Guan’s emotional reaction made Yu An seem incredibly cold-hearted, and it was understandable that Cao Biao found it hard to accept.
“Uncle Cao, little sister Guan’er is still young. And since she and Yu An have known each other since childhood and have a deep bond, it’s normal for her not to think so much.”
Liu Huaixu had been standing a little further away, but now she moved closer to the group, especially very close to Yu An.
They were wives, so standing close was normal.
But two people felt a bit off.
One was Yu An. When Liu Huaixu approached, she smelled a cool fragrance. The closer she stood, the stronger the scent became. Her eyes couldn’t help but stick to Liu Huaixu, as if only Liu Huaixu existed at that moment, and her heart beat a few times faster than usual.
The other person was Cao Guan.
She watched Liu Huaixu get closer and closer to Yu An, wringing her handkerchief in her hands, her eyes filling with a mixture of grievance and disbelief.
Clearly…
Clearly, Sister Yu had told her before that Liu Huaixu was very cold, like a block of wood, completely clueless.
But why was it that Sister Yu’s gaze never left Liu Huaixu?
The onlookers, seeing the village head and Liu Huaixu speak, knew that the matter was essentially resolved. The crowd gradually dispersed, leaving only a few of Cao Biao’s relatives and some sycophants.
Cao Biao gave a look to his younger brother, Cao Qing, telling him to send those few people away.
Once everyone was gone, Cao Biao’s face turned cold again. He turned to Liu Huaixu and said, “Let’s let today’s matter go. If Yu An does something like this again, Uncle won’t be so magnanimous.”
Liu Huaixu was well aware of Cao Biao’s displeasure. He had only been willing to put on this show for the sake of appearances. Now that the audience was gone, he naturally wouldn’t have a good attitude.
She bowed slightly, her tone apologetic: “Yes, Huaixu will certainly keep a close eye on her Qian Jun and ensure she doesn’t cause any more trouble.”
Liu Huaixu had said these words countless times over the years; they were deeply ingrained in her memory.
Hoping Yu An would turn over a new leaf?
She had long since given up that hope.
Liu Huaixu’s words could only go so far. She could manage Yu An, but she couldn’t manage Cao Guan.
As she pulled Yu An’s sleeve to leave, Cao Guan looked at her with hatred, as if she had broken up a perfect couple.
They hadn’t walked far when they saw Wu Qiuqiu, who had accompanied Liu Huaixu earlier.
She had only wanted to tell Liu Huaixu about Yu An’s situation, but she hadn’t intended to watch the drama unfold.
Although Yu An was a flirt and addicted to gambling and prostitution, she was still very concerned about Liu Huaixu. As long as she saw herself getting close to Liu Huaixu, she would definitely say some harsh words.
Yet, this person had a thick skin. She didn’t mention her own disgraceful acts but insisted on harassing her and Liu Huaixu. So, she was quite articulate with her harsh words. Wu Qiuqiu only regarded Liu Huaixu as an elder sister and usually couldn’t stand Yu An.
Seeing the two of them walking hand-in-hand, Wu Qiuqiu’s first reaction was to head home, but she was called out by Liu Huaixu.
“Qiuqiu, thank you for today.”
If Wu Qiuqiu hadn’t come to report the news, Yu An would have been even more disgraced.
“It’s nothing, Sister Huaixu.” Wu Qiuqiu didn’t look back; she just said a few words and ran home.
She wasn’t afraid of Yu An; if they had a fight, Liu Huaixu would be the one to suffer.
Yu An didn’t pay any attention to Wu Qiuqiu; her mind was completely occupied with her own affairs.
Yu An was so lost in thought that she didn’t notice Liu Huaixu had already let go of her hand.
The two walked to a courtyard. Liu Huaixu didn’t mind Yu An at all. She went straight into the courtyard, changed clothes, and prepared to continue planting vegetables. But when she came out, she saw Yu An standing blankly in the courtyard. Remembering past events, Liu Huaixu’s face turned from indifferent to gloomy.
“From now on, go to the brothel more often. Don’t go around flirting in the village. You may not mind being disgraced, but I do.”
With that, Liu Huaixu continued to sow the cabbage seeds, not even looking at the dumbfounded Yu An.