Chapter 67: Alcoholic father, gambling mother, sick brother, broken woman

At this moment, Lin Moli really wanted to kill someone.

This Xu Chu was clearly a hot-blooded youth, yet even with her in this state, he didn't have any reaction at all, his attention was completely on his broken fishing rod.

This was a huge blow to Lin Moli; she was actually less appealing than a fishing rod? Less attractive than a spiritual fish?

Lin Moli even suspected that Xu Chu had some physical defect and wasn't a normal man.

Her pride made her want to leave immediately and never see Xu Chu again.

But the hundred thousand Spirit Stones promised by Shopkeeper Liu forcefully calmed her down.

Lin Moli pushed the wet strands of hair sticking to her cheeks to the sides, lifted her dripping wet skirt, walked over to Xu Chu, and said with a wronged expression.

"This humble one has no way to repay Young Master's life-saving grace. May I ask if Young Master could escort me home? I really can't face anyone looking like this."

As long as she reached her own residence, with just the two of them, Lin Moli didn't believe that her experienced self couldn't handle this novice, Xu Chu.

Xu Chu, holding the fishing rod, turned his head impatiently. Only then did he see Lin Moli's appearance. As a normal man, he took an extra look.

It was this one glance that Lin Moli noticed, and her heart secretly rejoiced.

"I knew it! How could a young man experiencing his first stirrings of love be indifferent to me right now? It seems he's still a normal man and doesn't have any physical defects."

Xu Chu did look, but it was just an extra glance. He took out a set of long robes from his Storage Ring and threw them to her.

"I saved you just because it was convenient, I don't expect anything in return. Wear this back, you don't need to return it."

Having said that, Xu Chu's attention returned to the fishing rod.

Lin Moli was stunned, frozen in place, at a loss.

She subconsciously wanted to say something else, but she forcefully held back.

Her actions just now were already somewhat deliberate and had caused his displeasure. If she continued to pester him, it would only be counterproductive.

So, for now, she could only leave and make other plans.

"Thank you, Young Master."

Lin Moli replied sweetly, draped the long robes over herself, and left.

Originally, she felt that earning these Spirit Stones was unsettling, but now she felt that if she wasn't given so many Spirit Stones, it simply couldn't compensate for the blow she had suffered internally.

Lin Moli went back and described the events in great detail to Shopkeeper Liu.

Shopkeeper Liu's expression was solemn, "Could it be that he noticed something?"

Lin Moli also hoped that Xu Chu had sensed something was wrong and that's why he repeatedly rejected her, rather than it being due to her lack of charm and failure to attract him.

"He probably didn't notice anything. After all, I'm very familiar with that look in his eyes. Maybe he just purely likes fishing and doesn't want to be bothered by other things."

"Let's hope so," Shopkeeper Liu nodded.

"It's normal to be cautious of strangers. After a few more chance encounters and getting to know each other, it might be much better."

Lin Moli agreed, "That's what I think too."

"Alright, you go back first. Be ready for the next chance encounter at any time, and come find me when you have any progress," Shopkeeper Liu instructed.

He was worried that if Lin Moli came to see him too often, it might be discovered by the Xu Family or Xu Chu, raising suspicion.

Lin Moli nodded and turned to leave.

Her eyes were only on the Spirit Stones, and she had no desire to bother Shopkeeper Liu when there was nothing to do.

…..

Xu Chu was indeed at a hot-blooded age, a normal man, and he hadn't sensed that Lin Moli had ill intentions.

The way he treated Lin Moli was because half a year ago, after knowing he possessed the Longevity Dao Fruit, he made a decision.

No matter how beautiful the woman he encountered in the future, he would not develop feelings, would not seek a Dao Companion, and would not marry and have children.

Because as someone who would live forever, he would see his loved ones pass away in the future, which was already painful enough. He didn't want to watch his beloved wife and daughter also grow old and die.

So when he met Lin Moli, he only saved her life out of kindness and didn't want to get too entangled with her.

Lin Moli didn't know any of this. She was still thinking about what clothes to wear, how to dress up, and how to get closer to Xu Chu the next time they met.

The next day.

After completing his Alchemy task, Xu Chu went to the river to fish again, but this time he went far away, afraid of running into Xu Qingzhou again. Being too close to an elder always felt a bit uncomfortable.

Not long after Xu Chu started, the meticulously dressed Lin Moli arrived again. She moved with light steps, came to Xu Chu's side, and called out softly.

"Benefactor, do you still remember me?"

Xu Chu turned his head, glanced at her, and nodded.

Lin Moli smiled playfully and took out a long robe, handing it to Xu Chu.

"This is your clothing, I've already washed it."

"I said you didn't need to return it," Xu Chu held the fishing rod in his left hand but still accepted the clothing with his right.

Lin Moli chuckled, looking slightly naive and charming. She had no intention of leaving and instead directly took out a small stool, sitting down obediently to the side.

"This humble one specifically made some pastries for Benefactor. Please have a taste, Benefactor."

Saying this, she took out a box containing exquisite pastries of various colors and ingredients.

Xu Chu subconsciously waved his hand.

"No need."

Lin Moli said crisply, "This humble one has no way to repay your life-saving grace, so I made some pastries, hoping they would provide some entertainment while you fish. I hope Benefactor can have a taste, otherwise this humble one will truly feel uneasy."

Xu Chu was helpless and picked up a piece to taste.

"How does it taste?" Lin Moli asked quickly.

Xu Chu nodded, "It's alright."

"Then eat a few more pieces, these were all made for you," Lin Moli held the plate and offered it to the side, like a maidservant.

Xu Chu said, "You don't need to do this. I'll take them if I want to eat."

"Okay."

Lin Moli placed the plate to the side, looking very obedient.

After that, they started chatting. Saying they were chatting, it was actually just Lin Moli talking about herself. She would say ten sentences, and Xu Chu would at most reply with one, but she still enjoyed it immensely.

Lin Moli mainly talked about her own experiences, which was the reason she jumped into the river yesterday.

To sum it up, she had a tragic background: a father who loved to drink, a mother who loved to gamble, a sick younger brother, and a broken self.

If Xu Qingzhou were here, he would definitely sigh, different world, same old routine.

Xu Chu was very polite, nodding frequently while listening. Lin Moli thought he was listening attentively and might even feel sympathy for her, thus stimulating his protective instincts.

After all, this trick had worked wonders when she used to work at Dream Drunken Tower.

In reality, Xu Chu had long since drifted off in thought, listening with one ear and letting it go out the other, his mind wondering if his fishing bait ingredients were wrong, and if he should switch to a different recreational activity in a few days.

Just like that, the afternoon passed.

Xu Chu finished the pastries Lin Moli made, and she had talked until her mouth was dry and her throat was almost smoking.

By this time, the sky was getting dark. Xu Chu put away his fishing rod, "Thank you for the pastries, I'm going home."

"Uh, okay, see you tomorrow," Lin Moli replied subconsciously.

Xu Chu, who had already turned around, was slightly taken aback.

What does that mean! Is she clinging to me?

Talking all afternoon today was already annoying enough, and she wants to come again tomorrow??

Alright, alright, I'll change locations tomorrow, let's see if you can still find me!