Jun Jiuli returned to the main hall and found the table in disarray. Zhao Dezhu and his mother had gone down the mountain, and Zhao's father was likely with old friends, drinking and chatting.
All this was left for the original owner to clean up; Jun Jiuli was not about to indulge them. Her body felt unfamiliar and her soul unaccustomed to it after just transmigrating. Following her memories, she went to the original owner's room to rest and regain some spiritual energy.
In the evening, Zhao's father returned first. Seeing the chicken droppings by the door and two crushed eggs in the coop, his anger surged. He shoved open the house door and went towards Jun Jiuli's room.
“You useless girl, do you think you’re a young lady of a wealthy family? You can’t even tidy up the house when it’s a mess. The bowls from lunch are still there. Didn’t I tell you to prepare dinner? I think you’re itching for a beating.”
With that, he kicked open Jun Jiuli’s room door. “You lazy brat, are you afflicted with laziness? Lying around all day like a corpse.”
As he moved to lift the quilt, Jun Jiuli’s foot met his stomach, sending him flying back to hit the door.
Zhao’s father looked on in disbelief. Jun Jiuli grabbed him by the collar and dragged him to the main hall. No matter how much Zhao’s father struggled, it was of no use. He could only lie on the ground in humiliation.
“You wicked girl, I am your father. This is disobedience and unfilial conduct. You will be struck by lightning.”
“If lightning strikes, it will strike you first.”
Zhao’s father looked up at the small figure who barely reached his leg. Where did she get such strength and courage? Was she possessed by a mountain spirit? The person before him was definitely not his daughter.
“I’m warning you, don’t do anything rash. If anything happens to me, you won’t be able to leave Zhao Family Village alive. Be sensible and return my daughter to me quickly.”
Jun Jiuli stepped on his face and pressed down hard, a wicked smile spreading across her lips. She extended her hand, and a ball of crimson flame appeared in her palm.
“What if I don’t return her? This small Zhao Family Village can’t trap me.”
Zhao’s father’s body trembled like a sieve. “Little immortal, little immortal, please don’t kill me. If you like this unprofitable daughter’s body, take it and use it. I beg you to be magnanimous and spare this humble one. Consider this girl’s body as a sacrifice to you.”
Jun Jiuli kicked him in the stomach twice more. “It’s truly my bad luck to be your daughter.”
“Yes, yes, yes, little immortal. Everything you say is right. From now on, if you tell me to go east, I will never go west. If you tell me to hit a dog, I will never chase a chicken.”
“Hmph, that’s more like it. You must not speak of my affairs to any outsiders, or you will bear the consequences yourself. I’m hungry now. Go make something delicious.”
“Yes, yes, yes, I’ll go right away.”
“Also, I like the young lady upstairs very much. Your scoundrel son is forbidden from bothering her again.”
“Yes, divine being. I will obey you in all things.” With that, he bowed and scraped as he entered the kitchen, steeling his heart to wash the preserved cured meat.
He couldn't imagine why his Zhao family had provoked a demon, and he had no idea when this demon would leave. Would she eat people? The thought sent a cold sweat down his spine. Fine, he would just do his best to serve her well with good food and drink.
Zhao’s mother returned, carrying a large sack of corn flour on her back. The strong and healthy Zhao Dezhu, however, carried nothing. Zhao’s mother, panting, set down the basket. Seeing Jun Jiuli sitting motionlessly in the main hall, her anger instantly flared.
“Are you dead? Can’t you see how tired your mother is? You don’t even come to help me carry the basket. And it’s so late, and you haven’t cooked yet. Are you trying to starve your mother? You unfilial daughter…”
Before she could finish her scolding, Zhao’s father rushed out of the kitchen.
“You’re always nagging, it’s annoying to listen to. Da Ya is just a 5-year-old child. Can’t you ask Dezhu to help you? Hurry up to the kitchen and help. We can eat soon.”
Zhao’s mother looked aggrieved but dared not retort to Zhao’s father. She walked into the kitchen like a young wife.
At this moment, Zhao Dezhu sat next to Jun Jiuli, took out a corn-flavored lollipop from his bag, and dangled it in front of Jun Jiuli’s eyes. “Little sister, do you want some?” Before she could react, he took it back, tore open the wrapper, and popped it into his mouth.
“Heh heh, I won’t give it to you, girl. All the family’s money will be mine from now on.”
“Oh, is that so? Dad said our daughters will be more important than sons from now on.”
Zhao Dezhu laughed until he bent over, covering his stomach and tears streaming down his face.
“Zhao Da Ya, you’re still dreaming. Do you think this is a big city?”
Just then, Zhao’s father emerged from the kitchen, holding a spatula. He slapped Zhao Dezhu on the head.
“Dad, why did you hit me?”
“You’re bullying your sister again. Get back into the kitchen and help.” He then turned to Jun Jiuli, a fawning smile on his face.
Jun Jiuli gave him an appreciative glance, and he happily pulled Zhao Dezhu toward the kitchen.
“Dad, what are you doing? Are you possessed? You said the kitchen is a woman’s place, and I won’t go to the kitchen. It’s greasy and disgusting.”
Zhao’s father gave him two more slaps. “You unfilial son, your mother and I both have to go to the kitchen. What right do you have to be disgusted?”
“Then why can’t sister go?”
“Slap.” Zhao Dezhu was hit again. “Are you comparable to your sister? You’re already 26, and you’re still loafing around doing nothing. I get angry just looking at you.”
Zhao Dezhu, beaten into submission, dared not retort and obediently went to help in a corner of the kitchen. Looking at the fragrant green peppers, garlic sprouts, and cured meat, Zhao Dezhu’s mouth began to water.
There was also the stewed pork ribs with dried beans. This was something his mother wouldn’t take out to eat unless it was the New Year or a festival. What kind of day was it today?
While his family busied themselves in the kitchen, Jun Jiuli had already gone up to the attic to release Liu An’an.
“Don’t be afraid. My family now knows that human trafficking is illegal. I’ll send you down the mountain tomorrow. What do you think?”
Liu An’an’s face was filled with disbelief. “Can I walk by myself then?” She was somewhat distrustful of the half-grown child before her.
“There are several human trafficking dens nearby. I don’t feel safe letting you go alone. I’ll take you to the police station.”
Shui Wa: “Shouldn’t we wait for the female protagonist to come before letting her go?”
“You mechanical device, you don’t understand humans. The female protagonist won’t arrive for another two years. Liu An’an was just kidnapped. Letting her go back to continue her studies is the most beneficial choice for her. I’ll just wait here for the female protagonist.”
“Then how does the host know there are dens nearby?”
“I lied to her. I don’t feel safe letting her go alone. The supporting female character is a bit unlucky. Zhao Family Village also doesn’t allow danger to be near them. The children in the village are also afraid of being kidnapped.”
Liu An’an was half-believing, half-doubting, but she still chose to go downstairs. After all, she hadn’t eaten a full meal in a long time. If she could eat her fill, it would be easier to escape tomorrow, no matter what happened.
It had been a month since she was kidnapped. Her parents must be very anxious. She had to escape.