"How did I bully your sister?" Mu Zibai asked curiously. She'd come right out and accused him of bullying Wenren Lingmeng, and even Mu Zibai couldn't figure out how he'd done that.
"You married my sister, so you must have bullied her! I don't care—I won't let my sister marry you!"
"Ridiculous."
Mu Zibai found the whole thing ridiculous, though he had some idea what was going through her head. He ignored her and carried Wenren Lingmeng toward the house.
He couldn't be bothered with her. Dealing with a girl like this would just be a waste of time.
"Let go of my sister! I won't let you touch her!" Wenren Qingyi stepped forward to stop him.
Mu Zibai glared at her. The words she was about to say caught in her throat, and she couldn't help flinching at the look he'd given her.
When she came to her senses, she flew into a rage.
"How dare you glare at me!" Wenren Qingyi stepped forward and tried to shove Mu Zibai aside, but he didn't budge. Instead, Wenren Qingyi stumbled back two steps.
[Clang! Points +10,000]
What the—? Mu Zibai was stunned. She was worth ten thousand points too? This girl had the same status as her sister.
He sighed inwardly. What a pity that she had such a terrible personality—spoiled and willful, never having taken a beating from society.
He couldn't help wishing Wenren Qingyi were a vegetable too. He wouldn't mind sharing a bed with both her and Wenren Lingmeng; that would double his point-farming efficiency.
Watching her act so spoiled, he thought, Maybe when the shop refreshes, I should buy poison and turn her into a vegetable?
Wenren Qingyi had no idea how wicked Mu Zibai's thoughts were. She was deeply uncomfortable with and disliked this sudden new brother-in-law, especially whenever she thought of her sister's condition.
"All right, stop fooling around."
Just then, a man entered the courtyard and caught Wenren Qingyi by the arm. Only then did she stop, still looking indignant.
Mu Zibai glanced at him. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a heroic air about him. He was probably Wenren Manor's eldest son, Wenren Longhong.
He'd heard that Wenren Longhong was exceptionally strong and held an official post at court as a military general.
"Greetings, elder brother." Mu Zibai nodded to Wenren Longhong.
Wenren Longhong returned the nod. "I'm truly sorry. I went with Qingyi to look for a renowned physician some time ago. I didn't realize you were getting married. Otherwise, I would have come back no matter what."
"It's all right. It's the thought that counts," Mu Zibai said with a smile. Unlike Wenren Qingyi, Wenren Longhong was much more courteous.
Though he was a military general, he was also quite refined.
"I've heard about what's happened at the manor these past few days. Lingmeng's complexion is indeed much better than before. Thank you for taking care of her," Wenren Longhong said gratefully.
"You're too kind. Lingmeng and I are husband and wife now; it's only right." Mu Zibai went on to ask, "I heard you went to look for a renowned physician. Did you find one?"
"We did. He's a monk at Tianling Temple. We're planning to take Lingmeng to see him the day after tomorrow. I'll have to ask you to take good care of her then."
"All right. If Lingmeng can wake up, that would be a blessing."
Wenren Longhong sighed. "It's hard to say. So many renowned physicians have examined her already, but having some hope is always a good thing."
"Lingmeng's been recovering very well these past few days. It's only a matter of time before she wakes up."
Wenren Longhong nodded. "I hope so."
Seeing that the two men were getting along well, Wenren Qingyi huffed, then sat beside Wenren Lingmeng without saying another word.
"Could I speak with you privately?"
"Of course."
The two men went out into the courtyard and stopped in the corridor. Wenren Longhong smiled. "Qingyi's always been like this. We've spoiled her too much, I suppose. If she's offended you in any way, please be patient with her."
"She's just a child. It's normal for her to be a little mischievous," Mu Zibai said indifferently.
Wenren Qingyi was only thirteen or fourteen. It was normal for her to act like a child.
Besides, Mu Zibai had no reason to hold it against her. After all, he was her brother-in-law.
"She and Lingmeng have always been very close. When she suddenly heard that Lingmeng was getting married, and saw Lingmeng in her current state, she got upset. She'll get over it in time. If Qingyi gives you trouble, you don't have to indulge her," Wenren Longhong said.
"Mm."
Mu Zibai gave a slight nod and glanced into the courtyard. Wenren Qingyi was talking to Wenren Lingmeng.
Wenren Longhong sized Mu Zibai up. When he'd first heard the news, he'd been quite displeased and had even considered going to the Mu family to demand an explanation.
If this was how the marriage was going to be, they might as well forget the engagement. But after he'd returned and heard what people at the manor had said about Mu Zibai, Wenren Longhong had been surprised.
If the reports were true, then this marriage wasn't a bad arrangement after all.
Looking at Mu Zibai now, his aura seemed ordinary, nothing out of the usual; he appeared to be a regular person. But there was a streak of determination in his bones. His words were gentle, his voice steady, and he neither fawned nor acted arrogant.
At first glance, he seemed like a decent young man, and a good match for Wenren Lingmeng. The only question was whether Wenren Lingmeng would like him when she woke up.
"I heard you went several days and nights without sleep while taking care of Lingmeng. You should look after your own health. You don't want to end up bedridden just as she wakes up."
Mu Zibai waved a hand and smiled. "Don't worry. I know my own body."
Wenren Longhong took out a book and handed it to Mu Zibai. "You can read through this cultivation method once or twice in your spare time. It contains some exercises for strengthening your body."
"Thanks, big brother." Mu Zibai took the book and glanced through it. It contained some very basic body-tempering methods.
"I heard you're a scholar. You've been looking after Lingmeng lately and haven't been going to school. My cousin is studying at the Imperial Academy. How about I speak with him and have you go there with him?" Wenren Longhong suggested.
If Mu Zibai could study at the Imperial Academy, his status would naturally rise. It would be best if he could achieve something there.
That way, he'd be a better match for Wenren Lingmeng. As things stood, people were bound to gossip.
In Wenren Longhong's eyes, a man ought to stand tall and firm, make a name for himself, and build a career.
"Uh..." Mu Zibai thought it over before saying, "Lingmeng's still not in very good health. I'd like to wait until she's better before deciding."
Study? He'd rather die. Was studying more important than farming points? Of course not.
He could stay by Wenren Lingmeng's side and gather enough points to become a god. Why bother studying for an official title? At least until he had enough points, or until Wenren Lingmeng woke up, Mu Zibai didn't intend to leave.
Thinking about this made Mu Zibai a little worried. Wenren Lingmeng's complexion was getting better by the day. It looked as though she might wake up at any moment.
If Wenren Lingmeng woke up, given her status and temperament, would she even think him worthy? Would she know how he'd taken care of her?
If she didn't, it would probably be difficult to touch Wenren Lingmeng again in the future.
He thought, While I can still farm points, I'd better squeeze every last point out of this.
Before you continue