A Divine Farmer

Chapter 205 - She's Already Dead

Zhang Xiaolong's divine power was indeed capable of healing injuries. Had Zheng Hong sought him out immediately, her wounds could have been healed without leaving a trace.

Now, however, the situation had changed. The wounds had scabbed over and turned into visible scars. It was no longer a simple task for his divine power to completely heal them.

Had Zhang Xiaolong not made his promise, Zheng Hong might have never agreed to cooperate, potentially leading to a disastrous outcome for both her and the entire village.

But having made the promise, Zhang Xiaolong was determined to fulfill it. The priority, for now, was to address her illness and the ailments of the other villagers discreetly.

The men were at fault, but spreading the news would not only harm Zheng Hong but could also lead to the breakdown of many families in the village—a scenario Zhang Xiaolong wanted to avoid at all costs.

He discussed the situation with Wang Tiehzhu and Lee Xiulian, who both condemned Wang Fugui's actions.

Indeed, Zheng Hong was the one responsible for spreading disease in the village, but it was Wang Fugui's disfigurement of her face that had driven her to such lengths.

Lee Xiulian, being a woman herself, empathized deeply with the trauma of having one's face disfigured. She knew it would feel like the world was crumbling. Had she been in that position, she couldn't imagine what lengths she might go to in seeking revenge.

“I'll head to the city to buy medicine and treat the village's illness first,” Zhang Xiaolong declared. “We'll say it's an epidemic and have every household come here. The sick will be treated, and the healthy will be given a different potion. This is the only way to keep the situation under control.”

“Are you sure nothing will be overlooked?” Wang Tiehzhu asked, concerned.

“Rest assured, as long as I can check the pulse, I'll know immediately whether someone is sick or not,” Zhang Xiaolong assured with confidence.

“Then go quickly; we can't afford to delay. I'll handle gathering the villagers and tell them we're dealing with an epidemic,” Wang Tiehzhu said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. If left unchecked, it could spell disaster for the entire village.

Zhang Xiaolong pondered for a moment before proposing to the others, “I've been thinking, Zheng Hong can't keep living in that cave. Otherwise, who knows if some fool will insist on bothering her, even though she doesn't want to continue with that kind of work. But considering how things have escalated, she can't handle any more trouble. Could she stay with you? Your place seems to be the only one where no one would dare to intrude.”

Many villagers were enchanted by Zheng Hong's allure, fantasizing about having their way with her delicate, fair skin.

They weren't inherently thugs or bullies, but having pegged Zheng Hong as a woman of the night, they found it hard to accept her refusal. It's uncertain if everyone could simply let it go.

“Wouldn't that be a bit awkward?” Wang Tiehzhu mulled it over, feeling uneasy about the prospect of such a woman living in his home.

Lee Xiulian gave him a dismissive look. “What's the big deal? I see no problem with it. If it bothers you that much, you can move out for a few days.”

“What, you don't trust me now?” Wang Tiehzhu retorted, visibly upset.

“Mr. Zhuzi, you're welcome to stay at my place for a while. I've got plenty of space,” Zhang Xiaolong interjected quickly. “It's not that I mistrust you, Mr. Zhuzi. I'm just concerned about the idle chatter. That's also why I didn't offer my own home to Zheng Hong.”

Wang Tiehzhu thought it over and then agreed.

Once they had settled the matter, Zhang Xiaolong headed straight back to Nest Mountain.

Upon reaching the entrance, he was met with the sound of an argument.

“Why can't I have my way? Someone else did just yesterday. What makes today any different?” a man's voice demanded, clearly there to coerce Zheng Hong.

“Just leave. From now on, no one is going to lay a finger on me…” Zheng Hong was desperately trying to push the man out.

But her slight frame was no match for his; she was quickly overpowered and pinned to the bed. “You think you're still pure? After being used up, you still play the virtuous woman? Come on, I've brought you something nice today…”

“No, get out of here, you jerk…” Zheng Hong hadn't expected it to be so hard to turn back, but pinned down as she was, she couldn't rise, and tears were on the brink of spilling. “Please, I'm begging you, leave me alone!”

“You let me have my way with you, and I'll let you go!” The man reached out to tear at her clothes.

But before his hand could make contact, he was suddenly hoisted into the air and then hurled out of the cave, landing in a disheveled heap.

“Who? Who the hell dares to hit me?” The man's pain turned into rage.

“Oh? You want to take me on? Gouzi, you've really outdone yourself this time,” Zhang Xiaolong emerged from the cave, his face as dark as a storm cloud. “You earn a few bucks and you get this cocky. If I let you make some real money, what then? Would you raise a flag and start a revolt? Or have you had enough of working in the orchard?”

The man recognized Zhang Xiaolong and immediately lost his bravado.

It was Gouzi, the same guy who used to carry vegetables for Zhang Xiaolong. After the roadwork period, he had started working in the orchard.

“Xiaolong, it's you…” Gouzi's head hung so low it was nearly in his pants. “I didn't realize you had your eye on Zheng Hong. From now on…”

“Don't you dare accuse me,” Zheng Hong interrupted, fixing her clothes as she came out. “Zhang Xiaolong and I have nothing to do with each other.”

Everyone knew her reputation as a fallen woman, and the last thing she wanted was to drag Zhang Xiaolong's name through the mud.

“Who says we're not involved?” Zhang Xiaolong pointed at Zheng Hong and declared, “Gouzi, you better listen and spread the word: Zheng Hong is my sister. If you bully her, you bully me. Starting today, she's going to live at the village chief's house. If anyone dares to gossip, I'll shut them up for good!”

“Mr. Xiaolong, you…” Zheng Hong was a mix of concern and gratitude.

Her life had taken such a turn, and yet he didn't hesitate to stand by her. If only she had met a man like him sooner, she would have gladly faced poverty rather than resort to her current predicaments.

“I get it,” Gouzi quickly stated, “I swear I won't dare to entertain such thoughts again. I was out of line earlier, just got carried away…”

While speaking, he gave himself two sharp slaps and then turned to leave.

“Come on, let's go. You won't have to live in this cave any longer. Ms. Lianzi is waiting for you at home. You'll stay there until you're healed, and no one will dare lay a finger on you, or they'll have to answer to me!” Zhang Xiaolong said, leading Zheng Hong outside.

“But there's still something inside…” Zheng Hong interjected urgently.

Zhang Xiaolong glanced back at her, “Yes, there's something else. Wait here.”

He went back into the cave, struck a match, and set the straw ablaze before tossing it onto the bedding.

“Mr. Xiaolong…” Zheng Hong said anxiously, “There's still money in there!”

“There's nothing left inside,” Zhang Xiaolong replied calmly, “The Zheng Hong that was here is gone for good!”