The man standing respectfully aside knew this was a precursor to the old man's rage. "So, what should we do next?"
The old man's voice was cold. "Since they've dared to wage war against our Shen Family over that Chu, I want to see just how far they're willing to go for the Chu Family."
"Family Head, you mean...?" the subordinate ventured.
"Tomorrow, take some men and kidnap that orphan girl from the Chu Family for me," the old man commanded.
"Family Head, that Chu orphan is the kin of a martyr. We mustn't let them use this to turn the tables on us again."
The old man paused. "Your concern is valid. In that case, just find someone to rough her up. Make it a show for the Hua and Gu Families."
"Yes, I'll arrange it immediately."
「Early the next morning」
Yunyi woke and entered the space. She was filled with high hopes for the various uneven crevices within it.
The patch watered with tap water from outside still showed no change. However, the area watered with Spatial Well Water had already begun to show specks of green, filling her with delight.
It seemed fate was kind to her; the crevices between the rocks could indeed be used for planting.
Overcome with excitement, she hopped about on the rocks. She no longer felt any aversion to going to the countryside; in fact, it would make it convenient for her to find all sorts of seeds.
After leaving the space and composing herself, she planned to find a place for breakfast. Then, she would deal with the Qin Family first before taking care of Sun Ruiming. Besides, she already knew his schedule for today from last night.
Not far from the bus stop was a basketball court. As Yunyi passed by, a game was in progress. Engrossed in her thoughts, she didn't notice what was happening on the court.
Suddenly, a voice from the court yelled, "F*ck!"
Hearing the shout, Yunyi had just looked up when a flying basketball hit her squarely in the face.
The impact sent pain shooting through her. She clutched her face and squatted down, tears welling in her eyes, followed by two streams of warm blood from her nose.
The basketball players ran over. Stunned by the sight, they erupted in a chorus of apologies.
A cool, detached voice cut through the apologies, "Are you okay?"
As he spoke, he offered Yunyi a brand-new, blue-checkered handkerchief. "Use this."
Yunyi didn't take it. She pressed her hand to her nose, waiting for the throbbing to subside a little. When it did, she finally looked up at the culprit. "Is this how you people play basketball?"
The young man standing opposite her knew he was at fault. "I'm really sorry," he said. "There's a clinic not far from here. Do you want to go get it checked out?"
Yunyi knew she was fine and didn't want to waste any more time here. She glared at the young man before her, then hunched over and headed towards a public water tap nearby.
The cold water quickly stopped her nosebleed.
After cleaning herself up, she shot another displeased glare at the group still standing nearby. Holding her still BUZZING head, she strode off. She didn't notice, however, that the main culprit in the group was staring thoughtfully at her retreating figure.
Once Yunyi was some distance away, someone clapped the still-dazed young man on the shoulder. "Hey, what are you staring at? Cat got your tongue? Or are you just not used to *not* being shaken down for once?"
The young man who had been dazed didn't reply, merely nudging the speaker with his elbow. "What nonsense are you spouting? If you hadn't fumbled that pass, would anyone have gotten hit?"
With that, he glanced one last time at her rapidly disappearing figure before turning and running back onto the court with the ball.
***
When Yunyi arrived at the Qin family home, it was clear all the Qin Family members were waiting for her.
Old Master Qin's eldest daughter-in-law offered her a rare smile. However, there wasn't an ounce of goodwill in her eyes, only the smug delight of someone whose scheme had finally succeeded.
The guilty look on Old Master Qin's face told Yunyi that she had guessed correctly.
But she had no intention of bailing him out. In the end, he had chosen to betray his promise for his grandson's sake. She could understand such a person, but she despised him from the bottom of her heart.