Chapter 137 - 3.33

Winter was coming, and considering that this was not the modern era, but rather the olden times where people commonly suffered under the harsh conditions of the season, Xu Jiaqi had to be busied by this factor.

"We have to prepare for the worst case scenario. Xian Ruo.. really isn't the most blessed land ever. It's hard to manage, but I am doing my best. It's part of the reason on why I'm so plagued with work nowadays." Xu Jiaqi justified herself.

"Winter or what not, my people isn't as weak as that. Losing to winter? There is no way that would happen." Xie Yongrui was not a kind Samaritan, nor was he a demon.  His decisions were taken out of logical thinking, and there was no way that the people he allowed into his land would be incompetent. Since they weren't a widely known land, it was still easy to control the population that circulated around.

In fact, it would be fine to say that Xian Ruo was more like an organization rather than anything.

"..Yes. Although there might not be deaths, I am just trying to keep the condition as contained as possible. There is no telling when a big disaster might strike. The lord must already know that I am working day in and day out to better this land. If this winter goes bad, then there's a possibility that the growth that I have been trying to maintain will be stunted. It would be horrifying." Xu Jiaqi explained.

Although most of Xian Ruo's population were people who worked for Xie Yongrui, there were also families of these same people who would definitely suffer. Their numbers were not that many, so Xu Jiaqi was confident in keeping them in check, safe and healthy for this winter.

"I know, Qiqi. But sometimes, I worry about your wellbeing. You are still so young, shouldn't you relax a bit? You talk all day about preserving these lives that might someday be of use to me.. But to me, you are the most useful. Not in the sense that you work for me all day long, but because I treasure you."

"My lord, if you talk like that, people will misunderstand. Besides, ladies my age have already been married away or suffered more or less the same fate, waiting for their life to be constrained. I consider myself very lucky to have fallen under your rule. And the fact that I don't have any family to sell me off also helps. Not only that... isn't the lord also very young? Why aren't you stopping yourself?" Xu Jiaqi complained.

By saying that, Xu Jiaqi indirectly admitted that she did not take Xu Yan, her birth mother as her family. Xu Yan was still thriving in the night district, but never once did the original Xu Jiaqi get to see her after the first few times she was visited by Xu Yan before getting abandoned for good.

This was where the saying that 'every child deserves parents, but not all parents deserve children.'

Especially in a crude era like this, where child protection laws were not very well established. Not to mention those protecting children, even some of the most basic and needed laws were not yet placed.

Xie Yongrui's gaze darkened. "It would be better if everyone misunderstood. Then, I could justify keeping you not as a servant, but as my equal. My men.. I heard that they approved you. You really are quick on your feet. It hasn't even been that long of a time, but you have already established your position."

"It's a given that I am able to do such things. If not, I shouldn't even be here."

"Qiqi, what kind of- Could you please stop talking about yourself in such a manner?" Xie Yongrui had a pleading face as he brought the girl closer and held her hands in worry.

"I am merely speaking the truth, my lord. There is not much good that can come out of my background. If it wasn't for me getting taken here and having the chance to prove my worth.. Who knows where I will be right now? At worst, I would be in the afterlife. Or.. at someone's mercy, with nothing to my name but an insufferable fate. It's only up to myself and my decisions to create honor for myself."

Mirth filled her eyes. Of course, this was all part of her act, but the genuine reaction that she offered would make anybody believe her if she didn't tell them herself.

Xie Yongrui gritted his teeth. He couldn't take her speaking of herself in such a manner anymore. He went to her side, sighing as he pulled her in for a hug and pet her head multiple times in an attempt to calm her down.

"...What is this, my lord? Are you trying to console me?" Xu Jiaqi asked with a chuckle. "I don't need consolations. All that matters is that I am here, right now, in your embrace. Rather than being all sad about it, shouldn't we rejoice?"

"Rejoice, what rejoice? Just let us savor this moment for a bit longer. Can you do that for me?"

"Certainly. If that is what you will for, then so be it." Xu Jiaqi smiled.

"..I don't want it to be my choice. I want it to be because of you, because you chose it yourself. I want you to value yourself more, because you are a star. A true treasure." Xie Yongrui looked at her seriously.

"..I understand."

The atmosphere was heavy, and Xie Yongrui's feelings were being unraveled, one chapter at a time. One scene to play in their lives.

In the end, Xu Jiaqi departed after having exchange various matters with the other. Beginning from light matters, to the fortification of their plans.

Xu Jiaqi continued her duties as always from there, working to complete her mission without the System's presence coming around with her.

Xu Jiaqi sighed as she laid on the bed. The necessary information were all transferred to her before he left.

What did he long to do? So much that he left without a word?