Dandy Escapes From Marriage - Chapter 27

The villagers dragged the wild boar back and immediately called for the butcher. With a swift motion of the white knife in and the red knife out, the wild boar let out a piercing cry, ending its life.

 

Liu Shu sat on a stool, startled by the sound. He was about to cover his ears when another pair of hands reached out to cover them first.

 

Turning his head, he saw the owner of the hands watching the scene of butchering from afar, with a slight furrow in her brow. Unable to hold back, he chuckled, “Go help Aunt Zhu and the others with the fire.”

 

Everyone knew these two boys couldn’t handle such a big wild boar, so they spontaneously organized themselves. The men slaughtered the pig outside, while the women heated water in the kitchen, bustling about in an orderly manner.

 

Meanwhile, the two hosts were at a loss here. Shen Ke finished applying medicine to his knees and went into the kitchen to help.

 

Liu Shu glanced at the scene where the butcher was cutting up the pig, then looked away and started playing with a forked twig in his hand, before picking up a knife to whittle. Soon, he made a slingshot.

 

After more than an hour, the meat in the pot was ready. Everyone gathered in the courtyard for a satisfying meal. Someone brought wine from home, and the men drank heartily.

 

Liu Shu also had some, it was sorghum wine, not as good as the fine wines he had drunk before, but it tasted especially good at this moment.

 

The weather was already hot, and with the addition of alcohol, the men unbuttoned their shirts, baring their chests. The women seemed accustomed to this, chatting at another table.

 

Mrs. Zhu pointed at the men at this table and laughed, “Look, only Brother Ke and Little Wu are still covered up.”

 

Xiang Jie said, “They’re young, shy.”

 

“Indeed, after getting married, they won’t be so shy anymore,” Mrs. Zhu said with a smile. “But really, I kinda want to see these two young men take off their clothes. If only I were ten years younger…”

 

The women all laughed.

 

“Come on, Little Wu, have a drink!” Mrs. Zhu’s husband, after finishing his drink, became particularly bold. He pointed his cup towards Liu Shu and said, “Little Wu, you’re amazing! You managed to take down such a big wild boar all by yourself, solving our big problem. Here, cheers!”

 

“Cheers!” Liu Shu raised his cup and downed it.

 

“Brother Ke, don’t just sit there, come join us!”

 

“I can’t handle much alcohol, can I just have one with you?” Shen Ke asked.

 

“Sure!”

 

They were more lenient towards him at the drinking table, as there was a kind of inexplicable admiration for scholars among them.

 

“Are you okay?” Liu Shu turned his head to look at Shen Ke, who hadn’t touched his drink. “Shall I drink it for you?”

 

“It’s okay, it’s rare that everyone is happy.” Shen Ke lifted his cup and drank it all in one gulp.

 

Liu Shu keenly noticed that when he put down the cup, his fingers seemed to tremble slightly.

 

… Could it be?

 

“Little Wu, you should finish eating the pork soon, it won’t keep in this weather,” Mrs. Zhu shouted from the other table.

 

“We can make preserved meat, but it might spoil in this weather,” Xiang Jie said.

 

“No need, when you all leave later, each of you take a chunk of meat back. We can’t finish it anyway,” Liu Shu said.

 

While everyone was spontaneously helping earlier, he and Shen Ke had discussed how to deal with the meat.

 

The others were all taken aback. “Giving it to us for free?”

 

“If it weren’t for your help, we wouldn’t be able to eat such delicious meat,” Liu Shu said.

 

The crowd cheered, and the drinkers became even more enthusiastic. Under the influence of alcohol, even the bamboo weaver struck up a conversation with someone. It wasn’t until midnight that they dispersed, each taking a piece of meat, feeling embarrassed to take too much.

 

Liu Shu wanted to give them more, but Mrs. Zhu said, “Take the rest to town to sell, you can make a good profit. We’re lucky to have a taste, don’t give us more.”

 

“Okay, then next time I’ll bring another one for us to eat together,” Liu Shu said with a smile.

 

Others encouraged him to hunt down all the wild boars in the mountains!

 

After everyone left, Liu Shu helped Shen Ke back to the room. As soon as he touched the bed, Shen Ke automatically lay down and reached for his belt.

 

“Still dizzy?” Liu Shu lifted his upper body, helped him take off his outer clothes, and looked at his flushed face. Then he fetched a basin of cold water to wash his face, teasing, “Your alcohol tolerance is really bad.”

 

Shen Ke could still hear what he was saying, but his head was a bit dizzy, his eyelids heavy, and he mumbled, “Hmm… that’s why my parents never let me entertain guests, it’s always my older brother.”

 

“Older brother? You have an older brother?” Liu Shu asked curiously.

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Is he handsome?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“What’s his name?”

 

Shen Ke hesitated for a moment before his lips parted slightly, but just then, the barking of dogs outside startled Liu Shu, who hurriedly ran out to check, missing Shen Ke’s soft murmur of “Shen Huai.”

 

The leftover food outside had not been collected yet, and some wild dogs had come to steal it, waking up the hens, which began squawking loudly.

 

Liu Shu grabbed a broom and chased the wild dogs out of the yard, locked the door, and then went to clean up the mess.

 

After this commotion, he was delayed for some time. He huddled in the kitchen washing dishes, yawning one after another. Suddenly, he felt a great admiration for Mrs. Zhu and the others. If he had to cook, do dishes, and light fires in the kitchen every day, he would surely go crazy.

 

There was a faint sound of movement behind him. He turned to see Shen Ke leaning against the doorway, quietly watching him. If it weren’t for the slightly glazed look in his eyes, one wouldn’t even realize he was drunk.

 

“Why are you up? Can’t sleep?” Liu Shu asked.

 

“Looking for some water…” Shen Ke’s throat was a little dry. He took a couple of steps forward but couldn’t walk straight.

 

When he almost bumped into the water jug, Liu Shu stopped him just in time, pulled him into the living room, and made him sit down. After pouring him a cup of tea, he handed it to his lips, saying, “Be careful not to spill.”

 

“Mm.” Shen Ke obediently agreed, but still couldn’t control himself while drinking, spilling some down the corner of his mouth.

 

Liu Shu couldn’t help but laugh and wiped the water stains off him. “You’re like a child now.”

 

Shen Ke blinked slowly and denied, “I’m not a child.”

 

After finishing the tea, Liu Shu prepared to take him back to bed, but Shen Ke resisted and asked, “What about you?”

 

“I’ll tidy up the kitchen and then go to sleep.”

 

“I’ll help you.”

 

Shen Ke tried to stand up, but Liu Shu pushed him down. “No need.”

 

“Then I’ll accompany you,” Shen Ke changed his wording.

 

“Alright.”

 

Shen Ke sat in the living room, propping his chin with one hand. By the candlelight, he watched Liu Shu busying himself in the kitchen for a long time. His figure gradually became blurry, and before he knew it, he fell asleep.

 

When he woke up again, he was in his own bed. He sat up in a daze for a moment, then pushed open the window. Not far away, Liu Shu was feeding the chickens.

 

“Awake? You’re going to be late today,” Liu Shu joked.

 

Shen Ke was startled and quickly got out of bed. He saw breakfast on the table, a few large steamed buns.

 

Yesterday, Mrs. Zhu steamed quite a few steamed buns in the kitchen, specifically for them to have for breakfast.

 

The two of them ate breakfast together, and Liu Shu laughed, “Don’t worry, Brother Weaving Master is going to town to sell things later, and he’ll take us with him, so you won’t be late.”

 

“Yeah,” Shen Ke suddenly realized, “Today is market day, I almost forgot.”

 

“What else do you remember?” Liu Shu asked curiously. “Do you remember what happened after you got drunk last night?”

 

Shen Ke hesitated for a moment, then asked in return, “What did I do?”

 

“You…” Liu Shu glanced at him, then smirked, “You told me you really liked me last night and wanted to marry me!”

 

“… ” Shen Ke took a bite of his steamed bun, his expression unchanged. “It’s unethical to deceive someone with poor alcohol tolerance.”

 

Liu Shu observed him for a long time, then sighed regretfully, “Looks like you remember everything.”

 

“There’s one thing I don’t remember.” Shen Ke touched his forehead, which was slightly swollen. “Why does it hurt a bit here?”

 

Liu Shu lowered his head and nibbled on his steamed bun.

 

“Did you secretly hit me?” Shen Ke asked.

 

“Of course not!” Liu Shu explained nervously, “You fell asleep in the living room, so I carried you back. I didn’t expect you to be so heavy. I almost hurt my back. Just as I was about to put you on the bed, you fell off and hit the bed frame…”

 

“Mm.”

 

Liu Shu cautiously glanced at him from the corner of his eye. “You’re not angry?”

 

“Angry about what? Angry that you did everything by yourself? Angry that you painstakingly… carried me back to the room?” Shen Ke quickly changed his wording, “Took me back to the room?”

 

Liu Shu grinned, then self-consciously added, “It wasn’t a big deal, really. I just wasn’t prepared. Otherwise, I could have easily carried you. Let’s try it next time if you don’t believe me!”

 

Shen Ke smiled.

 

After breakfast, the two of them packed up the remaining wild boar meat. When the weaver’s cart arrived, they loaded it up.

 

Sitting on the swaying cart, Liu Shu kept edging closer to Shen Ke, almost leaning on him. He shamelessly explained, “There’s too much stuff today, there’s no room to sit.”

 

Before Shen Ke could say anything, the weaver turned around anxiously and pointed to a small empty space next to him, saying very considerately, “There’s still a seat here. I specially made room for you, so it won’t be crowded.”

 

However, it seemed that his words did not receive a positive response. Liu Shu gave him a dissatisfied look, and the weaver looked puzzled.

 

Shen Ke turned his head to look at the scenery outside, and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly before he managed to suppress his smile.

 

After arriving in town, Shen Ke parted ways with them and went to the inn. They went to the market to sell things, which went much smoother this time.

 

All thanks to that bamboo rabbit.

 

After Liu Shu mentioned it to the weaver last time, the weaver actually took the time to think about it and made one to give to Liu Shu. He thought Liu Shu wanted it for himself, but unexpectedly, Liu Shu brought it this time and put it on the stall, attracting the attention of passersby.

 

However, the wild boar meat sold the fastest. Liu Shu counted the silver coins, a total of two taels and nine wen, and he was overjoyed. “This is the first time I’ve truly earned money.”

 

Before, he had made some extra money by gambling, but when he handed it over to Shen Ke, he felt a bit guilty. But this time was different. This was his labor income, a legitimate profit, and he had nothing to feel guilty about!

 

At noon, they went to eat separately. Liu Shu carried a specially prepared large ham and hurried to the Zhang family, knocking on the door.

 

“Is Zhang Moyang at home?”

 

“Yes, do you know our young master?” asked the servant who opened the door.

 

“Yeah, go inform him, just say Xiao Wu is here.”

 

In no time, Zhang Moyang swaggered out of the door with a fan in hand. “You brat still remember to come find me. What’s up?”

 

Liu Shu handed the rope with the ham tied to it to him. Zhang Moyang stared at the thing, showing a puzzled expression. “Where did you get this?”

 

“I made it myself.”

 

“You brought it all the way here?” Zhang Moyang’s mouth curled up. “I’ll give you credit for that.”

 

“This is for your sister.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Just… anyway, it’s for her.”

 

Zhang Moyang stared at him with a somewhat elusive look. If he didn’t know that he liked men, he might have thought he had fallen for his sister. But he immediately guessed the reason. “You feel sorry for her because you’ve fallen for Ke Shen, right?”

 

“It’s not really feeling sorry. She and I are in fair competition, but I feel a bit embarrassed… She should know by now, right?”

 

“Of course, she knows!” Zhang Moyang told Zhang Mosheng about the affair between these two dog men at the first opportunity. Fortunately, his sister took it well and didn’t make a big fuss, calmly accepting the situation. “My sister asked me to give you a message.”

 

“What message?”

 

“Don’t try to mooch her congee anymore in the future.”

 

“Oh… okay.”

 

Zhang Moyang glanced at him, dryly saying, “But you’re welcome to come to the Zhang family for meals.”

 

Liu Shu suddenly raised his head. “Really?”

 

“Are you doubting me?!” Zhang Moyang glared at him.

 

“No.” Liu Shu smiled, took out something from his pocket, and threw it to him. “This is for you, I’m leaving.”

 

Zhang Moyang lowered his head and found it was a slingshot. It looked brand new, making people suspect it was made in the past few days. He shouted, “Did you make this?”

 

“Just made an extra one out of boredom.” Liu Shu turned around, waved his hand, and said, “That’s it, I’m off to pick up men.”

 

“Get out of here. I want to see when you’ll actually succeed!” Zhang Moyang spat, then had the servant take the ham inside and pulled the slingshot, suddenly laughing.

 

Liu Shu ran to the inn and pushed the door open. “Missed me!”

 

To his surprise, besides Shen Ke, there was also a monk sitting at the table. The monk put away the sutra in his hand and replied, “No.”

 

Liu Shu snorted coldly, the two of them were back to not being alone again. He went over to pour himself some water and casually asked, “What have you been busy with these days?”

 

“Performing rituals. Many people have come to the temple recently seeking marriage.”

 

“Is it effective?”

 

“During my rituals, three pairs have formed.”

 

Liu Shu suddenly looked at him, tightly holding his hand and looking devout. “Master, please help me perform a ritual. I urgently need a marriage fate!”

 

Shen Ke: “…”

 

Huishang calculated on his fingers, “Your marriage fate cannot be formed.”

 

“Why can’t it be formed?!” Liu Shu frowned, then turned to Shen Ke, seemingly wanting an explanation from him.

 

Shen Ke: “…”

 

“Your true fate seems to be avoiding you,” Huishang said.

 

Liu Shu’s gaze towards Shen Ke gradually became dangerous, as if asking him why he was avoiding?！

 

Shen Ke: “…”

 

“Similarly, you are also fleeing from your true fate.”

 

“?” Liu Shu hastened to assure Shen Ke, “Impossible!”

 

Shen Ke covered his face.

 

“You and your true fate seem to be in a mutual process of avoidance, and I can’t help with this marriage fate,” Huishang concluded.

 

“Charlatan, you big charlatan.” Liu Shu completely disbelieved his nonsense. How could he and Shen Ke be mutually avoiding each other? Clearly, he was chasing after him, and he was avoiding him!

 

“Ah Ke, don’t believe this charlatan’s words.”

 

Shen Ke: “…” Didn’t believe him in the first place.

 

“Charlatan” refers to someone who deceives others by pretending to have special skills or knowledge, especially in the fields of medicine, spirituality, or magic. It’s often used to describe someone who is fraudulent or dishonest in their dealings.