Zhu Yanfeng blew out a long smoke ring and chuckled. "The Young Master sees things clearly. That old rascal Ye Zhengxin raised a fine daughter. This girl... she was famous for her quick wits back in the village. Now her resolve and methods are even better than before."
Dugu Fu was the first to collect himself. "So that was it. 'Between the tree and the goose, one must undergo a dragon-snake transformation.' Young Master, that remark of yours carried three meanings."
He rattled off his analysis. "First, it referred to Dou Congtong's own talent and aptitude, and adapting when the moment called for it. Second, it referred to Madam Lin's approach today. Third, it hinted at the future path of their family of three. Whatever Dou Jing ultimately chooses, mother and daughter have already used today's 'transformation' to secure a chance at a new life for all three of them!"
Zhu Yanfeng glanced at Zhu Wuneng and snorted with faint disdain. "Xiao Fu is right. His eye for these things is far better than yours. Wuneng, are you still standing there in a daze?"
Called out by his grandpa, Zhu Wuneng gave a violent start. "Huh?! So she was acting through the whole thing?! Young Master, you... you were acting too?! Were the two of you putting on an acting contest?!"
Chen Xiaojun lifted his teacup and took a small sip, his expression composed. "Calling it acting makes it sound rather sordid. Looking at the whole process, one was willing to strike and the other willing to take the blow. Each got what they needed. It was simply a tacit transaction built on mutual needs."
He paused, his tone growing a little more serious. "There was one thing, though, that wasn't an act."
Zhu Wuneng immediately pressed him. "What was