Chapter 127: Envy, the Beauty Falls

Zhou Shaofeng’s words were tinged with a mix of surprise and admiration. He stared at Li Chao, eyes wide, as if watching a magician in the middle of performing a miracle.

"Brother Chao, aren't you taking a bit too big of a leap?"

The shock in Zhou Shaofeng’s voice was impossible to hide. Facilities like medical clinics and corporate offices—things usually only seen in the city—Li Chao was actually planning to bring them all to a small village like Li Village.

"If you keep going at this rate, are you going to build a school and a shopping mall in the village next?" Zhou Shaofeng joked, though his eyes sparkled with a vision of the future. "Are you planning to upgrade Li Village into Chen City?"

His tone was teasing, but it was underpinned by genuine awe at Li Chao’s courage and ambition. Li Chao responded with a confident smile, one filled with firm resolve and anticipation.

"Turning a village into a city is impossible!" Li Chao said with a touch of humility, but his tone shifted quickly, revealing a greater ambition. "However, the school and shopping mall you mentioned—those really could be arranged later on. At the very least, I want to improve the village and ensure the villagers live better lives."

Zhou Shaofeng’s gaze showed a flicker of reverence. He gave a thumbs-up, his voice full of admiration: "Brother Chao, you’re impressive! Li Village is truly blessed to have you."

As they spoke, a tall, slender figure approached quietly, bringing a gentle, spring-like air with her. It was Luo Su. She spoke softly to Li Chao: "Brother Xiao Chao, dinner is ready. Let’s head back."

Li Chao nodded, his eyes softening as he looked at her. He turned to Zhou Shaofeng and invited him warmly, "Want to join us for a bite?"

Zhou Shaofeng waved his hand in polite refusal, thinking to himself that he’d better not play the third wheel. However, after a few seconds of hesitation, he couldn't help but pull Li Chao aside and whisper secretively: "Brother Chao, do you think you should add another floor to the villa? I’m worried it won't be enough space later on!"

Li Chao watched Zhou Shaofeng’s retreating back with a speechless expression. *There are over a dozen rooms!* he thought. *How could that not be enough?* This guy was definitely overthinking it. Yet, as fate would have it, it wouldn't be long before he realized his own vision had been the one that was too limited.

Returning to the clinic with Luo Su, dinner was already set on the courtyard table. Four dishes and a soup, rich in color, aroma, and taste, were enough to stimulate anyone's appetite. Li Chao washed his hands and praised with a smile: "No wonder I told you to cook, Su—this skill is truly superb."

A faint blush crept onto Luo Su’s face as she smiled shyly. "I learned to cook in secret while I was at the Jiangnan Spring Restaurant. Try it and see if you like it."

Li Chao took a bite and exclaimed, "Delicious!" His tone was filled with satisfaction and happiness.

Luo Su was clearly delighted. "I’ll make noodles for you tomorrow; they taste great, too."

This sentence made Li Chao’s hand tremble slightly. *What kind of suggestive remark is that?* he thought. But he quickly realized she must have meant it innocently, so he gave an awkward laugh and continued his meal.

After dinner, Luo Su and Yu Xin began clearing the dishes and cleaning the courtyard. Watching them, a warmth welled up in Li Chao’s heart. When he asked if Luo Su was heading home, Yu Xin interjected: "The clinic is busy, so Su has been staying here lately, in the room next door."

Li Chao’s mouth twitched. *If that’s the case, won't it be much less convenient to be with Yu Xin?* Of course, he couldn't say that aloud and had to silently accept the reality.

That night, Li Chao reflected on the day’s events, his heart a whirlwind of emotions. After washing up, he headed toward his room. Before long, Yu Xin quietly slipped in, closing the door and drawing the curtains as if to shut out the world’s noise.

As they lay in bed, Li Chao pulled Yu Xin close and whispered, "I made quite a bit of money on this trip to Huaxi City. I’m thinking of renovating the clinic into a larger medical center."

Yu Xin looked surprised and asked with concern, "Won't you be short-handed?"

Li Chao smiled confidently. "Don't worry, you don't need to stress about the staff or the money. Just focus on helping manage the clinic later on." He already had a plan; the old man Sun Xinglin was very enthusiastic about taking on apprentices, so he could leave the staffing entirely to him.

Yu Xin felt a surge of warmth and nestled into his embrace. "Do whatever you want; I’ll support you." As a woman, she didn't crave much; as long as she could be by her beloved’s side and help where she could, that was enough.

Li Chao chuckled and teased her, "I can do whatever I want?"

Yu Xin’s eyes became hazy with desire as she retorted, "You rascal, you’re restless the moment you get back. Luo Su is right next door, and these walls aren't very soundproof."

Li Chao didn't care in the slightest. "It’s fine! Don't worry! She can't hear us!"

Yu Xin poked his chest and laughed, "Stop lying. Didn't He Li go to Huaxi these past few days? I’m sure you didn't hold back with her, did you?"

Caught in the act, Li Chao had nothing to say and could only offer an awkward laugh.

Yu Xin continued, "By the way, I talked to He Li about that matter. She said she’d think about it." She was, of course, referring to the "Two Stars Accompanying the Moon" arrangement.

Li Chao smiled triumphantly. "She’s already agreed. So when she gets back, this bed will have room for three. It’s a good thing it’s sturdy, or it might not be able to handle it."

"Hey, you naughty ghost!" Yu Xin giggled, acting coy.

Li Chao laughed heartily and reached out generously. "I’m not afraid of any of that! You all just come at me, and we’ll see who can handle whom!"

Yu Xin bit her lip, a flash of mischief in her eyes. "Hmph, keep bragging! Be careful not to bite your tongue! Next time, I’ll pull Luo Su in too, and let’s see what you do then!"

The mention of it sent a thrill of indescribable excitement through Li Chao. After all, there was a great beauty living right next door. If they really could... *hehe*, that would be wonderful!

They started off trying to keep things quiet, but they soon let themselves go completely. While they were filled with joy and laughter, it was a bitter night for Luo Su next door.

Listening to the sounds from the next room, Luo Su’s heart was in turmoil. Her instinct was to bury her head under the blankets, but her curiosity wouldn't let her. The sounds lasted for nearly an hour before finally coming to a stop.

Luo Su looked at her own bed, a surge of inexplicable feelings washing over her—loss, envy, longing... these emotions intertwined, leaving her caught between wanting to escape and being unable to curb her curiosity.

Next door, Li Chao and Yu Xin were held in a tight embrace.

"Luo Su must have heard us; it’s all your fault!" Yu Xin complained, resting against Li Chao.

Li Chao laughed calmly. "If she heard, she heard. It’s no big deal. Love and passion between a man and a woman are only natural!"

Yu Xin poked him gently. "You say that so easily!" She then shifted the topic. "But come to think of it, I think Luo Su is a wonderful girl. She’s already taking the initiative to come to our clinic—why don't you consider taking her in, too?"

"Huh?" Li Chao was taken aback by the sudden suggestion, but a ripple of desire stirred in his heart.

He was surprised by her sudden proposal and asked curiously, "Why would you suddenly think of that?"

Yu Xin sighed. "My situation is much like Liu Dan’s. I’m content just to be in this relationship with you. But you’ll have to get married eventually, and I think Luo Su is a great choice—gentle, virtuous, and she can even cook..."

Li Chao was speechless. He said helplessly, "Do you think she’s as indifferent about titles as you two are? In this world, most women still place great importance on love and commitment."

Yu Xin paused, realizing her perspective might have been too simple. She and Liu Dan might not care about status, but whether Luo Su could accept such an arrangement was a different matter.

After a few moments, Yu Xin spoke again: "How about I find a chance to ask her in private? But only if you’re willing to be with her?"

Li Chao scratched his head awkwardly, his mind in a tangle. To say he didn't want to would be a lie. But as a responsible man, he couldn't make such a decision lightly.

"No wonder people say men are fickle creatures!" Yu Xin laughed, her tone light and teasing.

Li Chao gave a wry smile. "Actually, this used to be a traditional virtue in our country, you know? In the past, men would study to earn prestige, and by the age of thirty, if a man didn't have a concubine, he’d be looked down upon. The primary wife would often take the initiative, even offering her own dowry to urge her husband to take a concubine. And even then, many men wouldn't want to, fearing it would distract from their studies."

Yu Xin looked at him, speechless. "You call that a virtue? You really are impossible."

Li Chao couldn't help but sigh, "Ah! Such a fine traditional virtue—why was it ever abandoned?" His words carried a hint of regret, as if he truly missed that bygone era.

Yu Xin’s lips parted as she stared at him in disbelief. *My god!* she thought. *There’s such a thing?* While she had heard of ancient customs, she had never imagined Li Chao would bring it up so seriously, treating it as a virtue. She then looked at him with a meaningful gaze and said: "So, that is your true inner voice, isn't it?"

Her eyes held a clarity that seemed to pierce right through him, as if she had seen through his heart.

The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight spilled into the courtyard, Li Chao woke up. He walked out of his room to find Luo Su cleaning the yard, breakfast already prepared. Watching her busy figure, a warmth stirred in Li Chao’s heart, and he couldn't help but recall Yu Xin’s description of her: a virtuous wife and a loving mother.

After breakfast, Li Chao began teaching Yu Xin some medical techniques. He patiently explained every detail, and Yu Xin listened intently, occasionally asking questions or offering her own insights. The atmosphere between them was harmonious, like a pair of perfectly synced master and apprentice.

After teaching Yu Xin, Li Chao wandered through the village. Since discovering that the experience gained from treating patients—by him, Yu Xin, and Sun Xinglin—could boost the scale values of the ancient pagoda in his mind, he had become much more relaxed, barely spending any time in the clinic. He enjoyed this sense of freedom, as if the whole world were at his feet.

He first went to check on the production base outside the village. The villagers were already busy in the fields, smiles on every face. Since their produce had no trouble selling, life was getting better and better. Watching this, Li Chao felt a surge of relief and pride.

On his patrol, he ran into Sun Peng and his team of security guards. They were dressed in uniforms, patrolling the village with serious expressions, keeping it safe. With uniforms, walkie-talkies, and rubber batons, Sun Peng and his team looked quite professional. They moved through every corner of Li Village, serving as silent guardians.

"Brother Chao!" seeing Li Chao approach, Sun Peng hurried over to greet him with a warm smile. The security office was set up within the production base, and because there were plenty of vacant rooms, Sun Peng had even brought his father over, effectively settling him in Li Village.

"Hard work!" Li Chao said with a smile, expressing his gratitude. Since Sun Peng had organized the security team, the peace and order in Li Village had noticeably improved, and the villagers felt much safer.

"I wouldn't dare call it hard work! As long as I can help you, Brother Chao, that’s all that matters!" Sun Peng laughed honestly, his eyes shining with determination.

"Carry on with your work. I’m just looking around!" Li Chao said, preparing to walk away.

However, Sun Peng suddenly remembered something. "By the way, Brother Chao, there’s something I need to tell you! I’ve been seeing someone, and we’re getting close to marriage. I might need to take some time off here and there in the next few days. But don't worry, I’ll make sure the work here is well-arranged; there won't be any issues!"

A hint of shyness and anticipation colored Sun Peng’s words. Li Chao laughed, "You sly guy! You never mentioned having a girlfriend, and now you’re getting married? Fine, you go handle your own affairs. When the date is set, I’ll give you a big red envelope!"

He was genuinely happy for his brother.

After chatting for a while, they parted ways. Li Chao inspected the production base, satisfied with the work of the security team. As he was about to head back, he suddenly remembered something and turned to walk toward the distance.

His destination was the foot of the mountain behind the village, where a piece of his heart’s concern and anticipation lay.

A narrow, winding path led him to a place overgrown with weeds. His gaze fell upon a pile of rotting wood and broken bricks; the ancient pagoda had once stood upon these ruins. Only Li Chao knew of the pagoda’s magical qualities. He stood there, feeling as if he could transcend time and sense the former glory of the structure. However, after shifting through some of the rubble, he found no valuable clues.

"Xiao Chao, what are you doing?" A voice behind him interrupted his thoughts. He turned to find the village head, Li Xitian.

Li Chao smiled, "Nothing, I was just passing by and remembered the pagoda that once fell on me, so I was just looking around." He then asked, "Village Head, do you know the history of this pagoda?"

Li Xitian shook his head with a laugh, "How would I know! The elders say that when the first group of people moved here to escape the war, the tower was already here. I reckon it’s at least several hundred years old." He sighed, "If this were in a place with better economic conditions, it might have been a tourist site or a protected relic. It’s a pity it ended up in our poor mountain village. Now that it’s destroyed, why are you asking about it?"

Li Chao explained, "I’m working on the village’s development, and I was thinking about how to add some cultural depth. That’s why I thought of this pagoda! If I could find some historical significance or famous figures associated with it, it would be good for the village’s development."

Li Xitian’s eyes lit up, and he nodded quickly. "You young people really have flexible minds! You’re right; to build a tower this high back then, there must be some history behind it! If you really want to find out, you could check with the County Cultural Bureau. They have a lot of records—maybe there’s something written down!"

*The County Cultural Bureau?* Li Chao made a mental note of it.

Returning to the clinic from the mountain, Li Chao found few patients. With time on his hands, he looked up the address of the County Cultural Bureau on his phone, planning to make a trip. He was filled with anticipation, hoping to find clues about the pagoda’s origin.

Hearing that Li Chao was going to the county, Luo Su approached him cautiously and whispered, "Brother Xiao Chao, I haven't been home to see my mother in days! Could I catch a ride with you?"

Li Chao smiled, "Of course! You’re not my employee, you can go back whenever you want! Don't be so formal! Let’s go, I’ll go get the car!"

Luo Su bowed her head, twisting the corner of her shirt as she followed him. Her voice was even lower, "I’m not an employee, but I am your maid, so I have to ask for your permission for everything!"

Li Chao stumbled, nearly falling over. He shook his head helplessly, thinking: *This girl, she really is impossible to deal with.*

They drove the Porsche toward the county. Because the road leading to Luo Su’s house was rough, she had called her mother earlier, asking her to ride her electric scooter to the intersection to meet them.

However, just as they entered the county, Luo Su’s phone rang. After answering, her expression turned tense: "Mom, don't worry! We’re almost there!"

Hanging up, Li Chao squinted and asked, "What’s wrong?"

Luo Su looked ahead anxiously, her hands gripped tight. "My mom said she came out in such a rush that she bumped into someone’s car at the intersection. From the sound of it, she’s arguing with someone!"

Li Chao raised an eyebrow and comforted her, "Don't worry! It’s just a scrape, nothing major! It’ll be easy to resolve!" Hearing his words, Luo Su felt slightly more at ease.

Li Chao accelerated toward the intersection leading to Luo Su’s home. Within seven or eight minutes, they arrived near the scene of the accident. A crowd had gathered, and they knew they had arrived.

"Brother Xiao Chao, go do your business; I can handle this!" Luo Su said as she prepared to get out of the car, but Li Chao grabbed her.

"My business can wait! Let me help you handle this first!"

After parking the car, Li Chao and Luo Su squeezed through the crowd. They saw a woman in her forties sitting on the ground with blood on her face—it was Luo Su’s mother. An electric scooter lay nearby, its shell cracked in several places, clearly damaged by a heavy impact. Standing beside it were four middle-aged men. The leader, who was balding and pot-bellied, stood with a haughty air. Behind them was a BMW X5 with a long, deep scratch on the front passenger door.

Li Chao took one look at the scene and immediately deduced what had happened. A dark look crossed his face as he thought: *It seems these men are relying on their car to bully Luo Su’s mother, thinking she’s an easy target because she’s on an electric scooter!*