Chapter 39: Chapter 39: A Mysterious Sense of Responsibility
Chapter 39: Chapter 39: A Mysterious Sense of Responsibility
Su Yu heard this and a bitter smile appeared on her lips before she picked up her chopsticks and slowly stirred the noodles in her bowl, each strand seemingly burdened with the difficulty of life and future plans.
The already insufficient pouch of money in her heart reminded her that many essentials still needed to be procured for her ho, and the silver tael in her pouch was running low.
How to increase inco and reduce expenses in the shortest ti had beco an urgent issue.
This silver tael, perhaps sufficient for a few days’ expenses in an ordinary family, required ticulous calculation in her current circumstances, as every wen money counted.
Deciding to address the urgent needs first, Su Yu planned to purchase so rice and oil today to ensure basic sustenance, while more long-term plans would have to be carefully thought out tomorrow.
When settling the bill, she asked the landlady tentatively and hopefully about hiring a carriage to go to the countryside.
Hearing this, the landlady put down what she was busy with and showed a concerned expression, “Young girl, are you going far to visit relatives?”
“Clear Water Town’s Willow Village.” Su Yu answered, her eyes shimring with the anticipation of the unknown journey.
However, upon hearing this, the landlady quickly shook her head, “Oh dear, that place isn’t close at all. The round trip will surely end after dark and by then the city gates will be closed. I’m afraid no driver would be willing to take that job. You might as well go early tomorrow morning and ask at the inn, as they usually provide services.”
Su Yu felt a tinge of disappointnt upon hearing this.
It ant incurring additional lodging expenses, and her planned shopping had to be postponed until tomorrow.
But upon reconsidering, rather than exhausting herself with heavy burdens, it might be better to take advantage of the early day and leisurely stroll around Dusk City, which could serve as a consolation to her mood.
As Su Yu was lost in her thoughts, enjoying the rare peace, a sudden burst of force ca from behind her, nearly knocking her to the ground.
Turning around, she only saw a figure swiftly dart past like a quick monkey, disappearing into the bustling crowd.
In panic, Su Yu quickly checked if the silver coin in her bosom was safe, and thankfully, the precious silver tael still lay securely within her garnt, which sowhat relieved her stress.
If she was to face robbery and theft consecutively, life would indeed be too rough.
But the turmoil did not subside there, as a group of children ard with wooden sticks soon followed, aggressively chasing the child from before, bumping into passersby and bellowing threatening words, “Stop! If we don’t teach you a lesson, we won’t be called Li!”
“Begging here, not seeing whose turf this is!”
The youthful voices were mixed with an irresistible authority.
Witnessing this scene, although Su Yu was reluctant to get involved in conflicts, the unimaginable consequences if that lone child was really hard sprung to her mind.
In the face of life, any indifference or avoidance seed so pale and powerless.
Thus, driven by a deep-seated sense of justice, she hurried forward, determined to prevent this situation from worsening before it escalated.
Soon after, turning into a quiet and narrow alley, the noise and disputes grew clearer, signaling an unnecessary conflict about to unfold.
“Quick, hand it over, or you’ll regret it!”
The threatening words mixed with the impulsiveness and harshness characteristic of youth.
“To make a living in this area, you must follow the rules here, teach him a harsh lesson!”
Another voice arose, filled with arrogant command.
As the dull thuds of sticks hitting and the child’s suppressed groans echoed through the narrow alley, an ominous aura instantly perated the air.
Su Yu, hearing the noise, swiftly moved into the depth of the dark alley. Her voice rang out like a bell, carrying an undeniable authority, “Stop! If you don’t cease imdiately, I’ll report you to the officials and have you all thrown into prison to reflect properly!”
Her words had a stern warning yet also conveyed an unmistakable force of justice.
The group of children who had been rcilessly bullying their peer; under this sudden adult intervention and threat, the arrogance on their faces was instantly replaced by panic.
They looked at each other as if suddenly realizing the gravity of their actions, and like startled animals, they scattered in all directions, leaving only an empty alley and a few discarded sticks on the ground.
Su Yu’s gaze then tenderly shifted to the child crouched in the corner, who was holding his head, trembling slightly, appearing helpless and fragile.
She softly asked, her tone full of care, “Child, are you all right?”
As soon as she finished speaking, the frail child slowly lifted his head and pulled out a squished bun from his bosom, which he almost wolfed down as though he hadn’t eaten in ages.
This scene deeply moved Su Yu. She involuntarily gasped, her heart full of sympathy and pain for the child’s hunger—what kind of hunger could drive a child to such desperation?
Once the bun was laboriously swallowed, the child finally regained so strength. He looked up with a defiant face and shouted with all his might at Su Yu, “They can’t beat to death!”
This simple phrase, although seemingly a response to Su Yu, felt more to her like a firm declaration from the child, a refusal to submit to fate.
After shouting, the child did not linger; like a swift deer, he disappeared at the other end of the alley, leaving Su Yu with a series of unanswered questions and confusion.
She reached out, as if wanting to say sothing more or offer so comfort, but ultimately, she could only watch the child’s retreating figure, feeling a mixture of emotions.
At that mont, Su Yu’s mood turned exceedingly heavy, the tearful yet strong look in the child’s eyes was like an invisible thorn stuck in her heart, making it hard for her to let go.
Her mood for strolling instantly vanished, replaced by an inexplicable sense of responsibility.
Thus, she did not hesitate to turn back, deciding to return to the inn where she had stayed the night before.
Upon seeing her return, the waiter imdiately plastered a professional smile on his face and hurried forward, diligently asking, “Madam, would you like the sa top-tier Sky Character room as before?”
Su Yu shook her head, her expression containing a certain resolute decisiveness, “No, no. This ti, just arrange an ordinary room in the Man Character category for !”
She internally reasoned that today was different from usual; there was no need for luxury, simple and functional would suffice.
The waiter caught on quickly and nodded, then inquired further, “What about the als?”
Su Yu waved her hand, responding indifferently, “No need, I’ve already eaten. Just a pot of clear tea for , and so warm water in the evening for soaking my feet will do.”
Her tone carried weariness but remained resolute.
The waiter obeyed and led Su Yu to her Man Character room.
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