Chapter 040: Liu’s Advice By the time Landu and Lu Xiaoying reached the classroom, they thought it was nearly time for class. So they walked hand in hand through the woods. "Landu," said Lu Xiaoying, "I’ll go back to my classroom now. If other students see us like this, they'll surely make comments." Girls always had delicate feelings—after stepping out of the woods, Lu Xiaoying pulled her hand away and looked at Landu with a smile. "I’ll head back now. Don’t let me keep you from class!" Landu nodded, watching as she walked away. A quiet sense of melancholy settled in his heart. Truth be told, Landu really didn't want to part from Lu Xiaoying. Whenever he was near her, his heart warmed up—like she had become the only true family member in his life, deeply woven into his very soul, something that could never easily be separated from him. After a moment of reflection, however, Landu’s head began to throb again. His first class after lunch was going to be unbearable—the lecture on the "curved chicken" lesson had him completely lost. He barely remembered anything he’d read, and when he arrived at the classroom, all he found were empty hallways—no way around it. He could suffer through this one-class ordeal however, as long as he managed not to let Xiaoying find out. If she discovered what had happened between them, she'd surely peel him alive. "Landu, what are you standing there doing?" Just as Landu was struggling with his thoughts, Liu’s voice reached him. Huh! How about ducking into Liu’s small store? Maybe something interesting would unfold there—after all, the winding corridors had always been a delight. And now he wondered if Xiaoying’s place wasn’t equally spectacular! "Madam, I just had dinner and was strolling around," Landu said, holding up his rice bowl as he walked toward Liu. As he approached, Liu smiled softly and asked, "I saw Xiao Ying go by—did you two go into the woods?" "Oh! Madam, don’t let this go public! I’m quite comfortable—but Xiao Ying is still a young lady," Landu hurried to say, nearly reaching out to cover Liu’s mouth. Liu chuckled, gave him a sultry glance, and sighed with mild resentment: "How ungrateful of you! Just moments ago we were busy together—now you’re hooking up with Xiao Ying again? You truly are a romantic at heart!" There were several students standing nearby—Liu seemed completely unconcerned. Landu, on the other hand, only kept pounding his rice bowl against his head, begging: "Madam, please! Don’t talk about it anymore! Let’s go into your store and talk there—please, I beg you!" With a graceful turn of her body, Liu gave Landu one last elegant glance before walking back toward her shop. Landu felt embarrassed—glancing at the students on the sidewalk, he saw that they seemed unimpressed, hadn’t heard anything. Calming down, he quickly ran after Liu and joined her inside. As class time approached, the store was nearly empty—the atmosphere quiet and spacious. Liu sat by the door of the inner room, chattering softly while cracking peanuts, watching Landu who now stood covered in a sheen of sweat. "Little boy with no sense!" Liu said, smiling warmly. "With no one else around, you don’t need to worry anymore." "I was really frightened when you spoke—didn’t we agree that our little secret must remain between just us two?" Landu sat down on the floor and picked up a cup of tea from the low table, taking long sips. Liu kept cracking her peanuts without paying attention to him. She smiled with gentle irony: "What a fuss! You said I mentioned something that bothered you. Oh—by the way—I just said that you and Xiao Ying went into the woods together. As for what exactly happened… well, I didn’t catch that." "During the day? We just had dinner together," Landu explained. He now understood how sharp village women could be—trying to keep secrets was pointless; it was better to simply admit everything. Liu snorted, then said nothing, continuing to crack her peanuts with steady rhythm. "Madam, aren’t you jealous?" Landu leaned in and gave a mischievous grin. "I’m jealous? How could I possibly be? You’ll grow up one day and marry someone—then just remember me!" Liu replied with sincere warmth. But how could she not be? Her tone carried a hint of longing that was almost suffocating. Landu glanced out the door, making sure no one passed by. Then, reaching out, he firmly grasped one of Liu’s full arms and began kneading it—making her lose concentration entirely. "Ah!" she murmured under her breath, her voice growing fuller as her breathing deepened. "You little traitor—you’re truly my destiny!" Landu smiled playfully: "Madam, do you feel comfortable?" "Certainly! But last night I was drinking too much—I didn’t even notice what it felt like," Liu leaned against the wall, her breath gradually growing heavier. At that moment, however, Landu gently released his hands—only to be seen now with such an open door, how could anyone miss it? "Madam, shall we plan to do this again after class?" Liu didn’t seem unaware of the subtle cues. She sat upright and said calmly: "How about we wait a couple of days? Your health is more important—don’t overdo yourself." While Landu was lingering with Lu Xiaoying in the woods, his arousal had already begun—it would have been hard to resist, especially since Xiaoying had specifically told him that she wanted to be married before he could truly express his affection. By now, Landu’s body was ready to embrace her fully. Now facing Liu—the very embodiment of village charm—his inner excitement was bubbling with anticipation. "Madam, I’m strong and healthy—I have no issues at all." Liu shook her head: "Oh please! I see you’re already on fire from Xiaoying’s attentions. With so much desire building up inside you, you’ve only found a way to vent it onto me now!" Landu was exactly right—the beauty of the winding paths hadn’t been fully enjoyed yet. Today offered such a golden opportunity—why not take full advantage? "Madam, you truly hit the nail on the head!" Landu said with a pleased smile. Liu rolled her eyes and let a soft drop of nut shell land gently onto Landu’s hair—her expression clearly irritated. "You’re always so self-centered! You're barely out of boyhood yet—you already have such a sharp mind. When you grow up, you'll surely become a man of many affairs—hurting countless young ladies!" She sighed softly and continued: "Landu, don’t be too romantic—especially with Xiaoying. Her father is the village headman. You know, if he finds out about your relationship with his daughter, he won't just give you a light warning—he might even break your legs! So remember my words. When you feel overwhelmed, come find me. And as for touching her—do it only when you two grow older." "Thank you so much, Madam," Landu said sincerely, looking at her with gratitude before settling into thoughtful silence. — Chapter 040: Liu’s Advice Updated!