Chapter 101: Nurturing the Tree with Spirit Essence

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Zeng Xiaofan finally came to understand that this golden girl, Huang Yueguang, was not someone he could control. If things continued like this, it might really lead to trouble... After all, which man wouldn’t be drawn to a delicate girl of nineteen, blessed with both stunning looks and an exquisite figure? More importantly, just now Zeng Xiaofan clearly saw that Chen Lini was a rare and precious pink girl—a kind that one could hardly come across. If he kept indulging her wildness, he would soon lose all self-control.

With this in mind, on the way back, Zeng Xiaofan avoided speaking to Chen Lini, walking ahead by himself and letting her follow behind. The narrow path along the ridge only allowed one person at a time, so they returned to Bai Qingyao’s house without incident.

When Bai Qingyao saw Zeng Xiaofan bring home a beautiful young girl drenched from head to toe, she hurried to find some clothes for Chen Lini.

“What happened, Xiaofan?” she asked. “Why are both of you soaked like this? Did you fall into the river?”

Zeng Xiaofan smiled helplessly. “Exactly that... we fell into the river.”

“Honestly, so careless...” Bai Qingyao frowned. “Who is this child? Look at her shivering from the cold! Quickly, little sister, take a bath and put on auntie’s clothes first.”

Upon seeing Bai Qingyao, Chen Lini immediately changed her demeanor from the playful attitude she showed with Zeng Xiaofan, transforming into a well-behaved and sweet young girl. She spoke in a coquettish tone, “Yes, thank you, sister... Sorry to trouble you.”

Bai Qingyao smiled warmly. “No trouble at all. You must be Xiaofan’s friend, right? Since Xiaofan calls me auntie, you can call me auntie too~ I’m much older than you—I’d feel shy if you called me sister.”

“Ah?” Chen Lini looked surprised. “You’re Xiaofan’s aunt? I thought you were his sister. You don’t look more than three or five years older than me.”

Hearing this, Bai Qingyao laughed brightly. “Haha, little sister, you’re so sweet. If only I were that young! I’m actually over thirty.”

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“Really?” Chen Lini said seriously, “You don’t look it at all. I’d have guessed you were only three years older than me... I’ll just call you sister then.”

“Alright, alright, if you prefer sister, go ahead~” Bai Qingyao said indulgently. “Now, little sister, hurry up and take a hot bath—don’t catch a cold!”

Chen Lini then turned and went into the shower room, but not before winking mischievously at Zeng Xiaofan. He couldn’t help but feel exasperated and silently admire how clever a child raised in an official family was—knowing exactly how to say the right thing to please auntie within just a few words.

After Chen Lini went to bathe, Zeng Xiaofan told Bai Qingyao that Chen Lini was the county magistrate’s daughter, here to study for a few days.

Bai Qingyao was shocked. “What? In that case, how could you let her get soaked like this? The county magistrate values you so highly, and you can’t even take good care of his daughter! Hurry, before it gets completely dark, go buy some groceries in town. We’ll add some dishes for tonight.”

Bai Qingyao grew nervous upon hearing Chen Lini’s identity.

Zeng Xiaofan merely smiled faintly, and while no one was around, he lightly patted Bai Qingyao’s behind and whispered, “Auntie Yao, don’t bother so much... That girl is tough—she can’t handle hardship.”

Bai Qingyao blushed, quickly brushing off his hand and whispering a warning, “You! Keep your hands to yourself! You’re getting bolder. It’d be trouble if someone else saw.”

Zeng Xiaofan nodded and grinned mischievously. “Auntie Yao... I want to eat your dumplings tonight.”

“Hmph~” Bai Qingyao gave a playful huff. “Always dumplings, dumplings... don’t you ever get tired of them?!”

She poked his forehead with a finger, half-scolding, half-teasing, her eyes sparkling with charm.

Zeng Xiaofan beamed. “So, does that mean I’m having them tonight?”

“We’ll see,” Bai Qingyao said, “Now hurry up and go buy the groceries.”

Zeng Xiaofan shook his head, laughing, “What groceries? We’ll just eat whatever we have at home.”

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“I still need to plant the medicinal herbs,” Bai Qingyao said. “If I don’t plant them now, the seedlings will die without soil by tomorrow.”

“Where did Sister Xian put the medicinal seedlings?”

Bai Qingyao smiled gently. “That child, Bi Xian, doesn’t need you to tell her twice. She already took them to plant in the fields.”

“That girl is really capable. Judging by the way she looks at you, it seems she has feelings for you too~ You’d better cherish her heart.”

There was a hint of jealousy in Bai Qingyao’s soft murmur.

Zeng Xiaofan felt a warmth in his chest and found himself admiring Li Bixian’s diligence even more. But since Bai Qingyao was present, he said no more and simply smiled before heading to the fields.

“Where are you going so late?” Bai Qingyao called anxiously after him.

“Auntie, you start cooking first. I’m just going to the fields for a moment; I’ll be back soon!” Zeng Xiaofan said, revving up his battered motorcycle and speeding off toward the fields.

When he arrived, he found that Li Bixian had already finished and gone home. The five-fingered Aralia seedlings and some ginseng seedlings they had picked in the mountains had all been neatly planted in the field by her.

Looking at the tidy rows of seedlings, Zeng Xiaofan’s affection for Li Bixian grew stronger. Such a skillful woman—what more could one ask for?

After admiring the scene, Zeng Xiaofan glanced around to ensure no one was nearby. Then, with a thought, he pulled out the magical jade-green gourd from his mind’s sea.

As he opened the gourd, a thick spiritual energy wafted out.

With the experience he had gained, Zeng Xiaofan quickly poured the green liquid inside, diluting it several times with water before evenly watering the roots of each seedling.

Satisfied that every sprout had been nourished with the enchanted liquid, he returned home.

By the time he arrived, night had fallen completely, and the warm yellow glow from the house made it look especially cozy.

As soon as Zeng Xiaofan’s motorcycle rolled into the courtyard and before he could even stop it, Auntie Yao came out to greet him.

“Back already? What were you doing in the fields so late? If there’s anything, just deal with it tomorrow,” she said, half-scolding but swiftly taking the tools from his hands and brushing off the dust and dirt on him.

Zeng Xiaofan took a deep breath, his eyes shining brightly.

“Auntie Yao! How about chicken for dinner tonight?”

“Ah?” Bai Qingyao shuddered in surprise, her cheeks flushing deep red. “You idiot! Are you crazy? There are other people in the house!”