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The village chief nodded slowly, his tone firm yet calm.
"Very well, very well. It's better for you to see it with your own eyes than for me to waste breath explaining. Han Yan, come along."
He walked ahead with measured steps, his wooden cane tapping against the ground in steady rhythm. Before leaving, he cast a sharp glance at the noisy crowd of villagers clustered at the entrance hall, their necks stretched long like curious geese.
Han Yan responded quickly, giving a respectful nod as he gently pulled Lin Xin along behind him.
"Are you all still not satisfied after gawking for so long?" the village chief barked, his voice carrying authority that silenced the hall. "Don't you people have anything better to do? Move along, move!"
The cane struck the floor again thunk a sound that echoed with finality as he turned and continued walking out.
Old Man Han, who had been watching from his rocking chair, let out a long, weary sigh. As the chief departed, it was as though a heavy weight had finally slipped from his shoulders. He leaned back and closed his eyes briefly, savoring a fleeting sense of relief.
Madam Wei, however, fared far worse. Her face flushed crimson, like a hen that had just been ruffled, her chest heaving with rage. Things had not gone her way, and the humiliation nearly made her choke on her own saliva. With nowhere to vent her fury, she turned on the villagers, spewing curses and insults without a shred of dignity.
The villagers, however, were no fools. One by one, they scattered, their footsteps hurried, their lips already twitching with excitement. After all, the Han household's scandals had always been the village's favorite tale to spread and today's drama was no exception.
Han Yan stepped out of the Han household, Lin Xin's hand in his own.
What greeted him was a breathtaking sight. White clouds drifted lazily over the mountains, their shadows stretching like brushstrokes across the land. For a moment, it felt as though he had stepped into a living painting.
It was his first true glimpse of this ancient world. Midday sunlight poured down gently, warming his face and body. The air was crisp, clean, fragrant with wildflowers so different from the smog and steel of the city he once knew. He drew in a deep breath fresh, fragrant, untainted and for a heartbeat, he was utterly spellbound.
The surroundings were quiet, almost serene. Butterflies danced among the wildflowers, and birds took wing with graceful arcs across the sky. It was a scenery far removed from the endless noise of modern life, and it left him entranced, as though his very soul was being cleansed.
Ahead, the village chief strolled at an unhurried pace, clearly savoring the same warm breeze. He paused now and then to return greetings from passing villagers, his presence carrying a natural authority. In Hangul Village, everyone knew everyone, and the chief was a man held in high regard.
Lin Xin tugged gently at Han Yan's sleeve, his voice soft, almost hesitant.
"Yan-ge… do you really have enough money for our new home? Tell me the truth."
He hesitated, then lowered his head, his tone carrying quiet worry.
"If it's not enough… I can give you my dowry money. That should cover it, right?"
The breeze teased through his long blond curls, making them shimmer under the sunlight. His delicate face flushed faintly as his teeth worried at his fingernail an old habit, Han Yan guessed as his anxious eyes darted toward him.
Han Yan looked at him quietly, a faint warmth rising in his chest.
He smiled gently, reaching out to pull Lin Xin's hand away from his mouth. His fingers lingered softly as he intertwined them with his own.
"Don't worry so much. Did you forget? I'm here," he said warmly. "And don't you dare think I'd touch your dowry money. The money I have is more than enough. Trust me, hm?"
His calm reassurance settled like a soft blanket over Lin Xin's anxious heart.
Just then, the village chief's voice broke in, carrying a teasing lilt. His eyes glimmered with amusement as he glanced at the two youths.
"It seems you two care for each other deeply. Good, very good." He gave a small nod of approval, his lips curving into a smile.
Han Yan chuckled a little awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. Even he wasn't sure what expression he was making at that moment. Clearing his throat, he replied humbly, "Our village chief truly has a sharp eye."
Lin Xin, however, only grew redder. He lowered his head quickly, wishing the earth would swallow him whole. His face was flushed like a steamed shrimp, too shy to lift his gaze.
The group continued walking until they reached the far edge of the village, where the lively scenery faded into quiet. There, nestled near the mountains, stood a small, desolate house its loneliness stark against the cheerful bustle they had left behind.
The village chief raised his cane and knocked gently against the old gate. The wood shuddered weakly, as though one push might topple it entirely.
After a few moments, the creak of hinges sounded, and the gate opened to reveal a skinny boy, no more than six or seven years old.
His black eyes blinked at them, curiosity flickering within before he lowered his head politely in greeting.
They stepped inside. The courtyard they passed through was messy, yet strangely tidy as though someone had done their best despite lacking strength. The boy led them quietly into the main hall, where he motioned for them to sit before retreating to the side.
The village chief cleared his throat, his voice carrying a hint of gravity.
"Han Yan, as you can see, this is the house I spoke of. And this child, Dong Hai, is its owner. His parents… we do not know. They abandoned him when he was very young. He lived with his grandmother, but she, too, has already passed away."
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