Host, the villain's corruption level has exploded!

Chapter 33: The Plan to Take Down the Commander (1)

A faint fragrance of crabapple blossoms drifted into the nameless courtyard from somewhere. The dilapidated courtyard didn't seem like the kind of house a wealthy young lady should live in. The girl's laughter drifted over, which sounded pleasant to others, but to Song Zhishu, it was jarring.

"You vixen, why didn't you just die sooner!"

"Exactly, keeping them around to cause trouble."

"Hahaha, look at her, she's not even moving, she's such an idiot."

Why do people live?

In the instant she was thinking, a dull pain shot through her forehead. Her expression remained calm as she glanced at the blood-stained stone in her arms, then touched her forehead uncertainly, only to find her hand covered in crimson.

"How can you bully people like this!" Just as she was about to get up, a gust of wind suddenly blew in front of her. Song Zhishu looked up and saw the small figure blocking her way.

"Who are you?" The group looked at each other, and finally someone arrogantly stepped forward, pointing at the girl hiding behind him: "She's a witch. Blood rained when she was born, and she even killed her own mother. What right does she have to live?"

Ji Rong slapped her hand away and said coldly, "There is no such thing as a demoness in this world, and what makes you think she can't live?"

The woman was furious, her face flushed, and she was about to unleash a torrent of abuse when a stern voice stopped her: "Xi'er! Don't you dare fool around with Xiao Rong!"

Hearing the voice, Song Zhishu looked towards its source. His usually stern face was now plastered with ingratiation, the wrinkles on his face appearing unsightly with laughter. He said to the cold-faced boy, "Xiao Rong, Xi'er is being immature. Why don't you two have some fun? Maybe..."

"Enough, Uncle Song." Ji Rong interrupted sharply, "I wouldn't deign to play with someone like that. Besides..." He suddenly looked at Song Zhishu, who was silent behind him, and sneered, "Your family is really a mess. The daughter of a concubine dares to bully the child of the main hall. I've learned something new."

His small body exuded an astonishing aura, just like his father's. No wonder he was the son of the most respected officer of the day.

Song Xingcheng wiped the sweat from his forehead, but in his heart he was already making some calculations: Since Ji Rong is so protective of Song Zhishu, does that mean that Song Zhishu might marry into the family in the future? ...Then I'll have to treat her well.

Although he thought this to himself, he still tried to please her, saying, "Xiao Rong, Commander Ji has already selected the fabrics in the hall and wants you to go back."

Ji Rong then gave him a cold look, then smiled and turned around, placing the crabapple seed in his hand into Song Zhishu's hand, and said softly, "This is the seed of my favorite flower. It will protect you." After confirming that it was true, he left the disgusting courtyard. Before leaving, Song Xingcheng glared fiercely at the group of children who dared not speak, clearly telling them not to touch Song Zhishu.

Song Zhishu watched helplessly as the group of demons fled in disarray.

Did he save himself?

Recalling that cold face, she suddenly smiled, a very gentle smile.

Just now, Song Xingcheng called him Xiao Rong and also mentioned Commander Ji.

So... his name is Ji Rong, right?

...It sounds really good.

Because of Ji Rong's appearance, Song Zhishu began to live the life of an ordinary rich young lady.

Time always flies by, slipping through her fingers unnoticed. Looking back, she suddenly realized that it had been more than ten years since she had seen that boy.

For the past ten years or so, she had always liked to look at the crabapple tree in the yard by herself. He had probably forgotten her... Song Zhishu lowered her eyes, feeling a pang of sadness.

That was the day she fell in love with him—a love that lasted for over a decade, born from a single meeting. Overwhelmed with emotion, Song Zhishu began to cough violently, her tightly furrowed brows a heartbreaking sight.

"Oh dear, Miss, why are you coughing again?" Yu'er hurriedly stepped forward to check on her condition: "Your health is not good to begin with, and you're standing by the window in the wind."