Bell……The class bell rang, and one by one, students passed by Liu's small grocery store. Occasionally someone paused, glanced inside, then turned back with a casual wave. "Lu Yun, you still haven't gone to class yet," said Liu, giving him a clear "please leave now" gesture—not out of irritation, but because she knew Lu Yun must prioritize his studies. Otherwise, he would spend his entire life tending the soil and facing the sky in this rural village. After hesitating, Lu Yun considered: going to class meant having to find K first; after enduring that one class, he’d go see Old Iron Lady to ask for a word of favor—then everything should be settled at Weiknuckle Chicken House. Everything would fall into place. "Actually," Lu Yun said with a mischievous smile, extending his hands, "I’ll take leave today and come here to stay and chat with Auntie." Liu swiftly stepped aside, pushing him away. "Lu Yun, you must go back now—this isn’t the first time you’ve missed classes! How can you expect to honor your uncle? Do you really want to remain just a farmer in this remote village for life?" Lu Yun shook his head vigorously, like a windmill, thinking: *What if I get into trouble with Weiknuckle Chicken when I return? Even if I go see Old Iron Lady now, it might be too late.* With that, he stood up dramatically and strode into the room, collapsing onto the bed with a nonchalant air. "Auntie," he said, "this is entirely different. In the morning, I had an argument with my homeroom teacher—his class was scheduled for today. Shouldn't I go back to face him? Besides, no matter how well I study, I’m eventually going to leave here. The world outside is so vast—I can’t possibly stay in this place forever." Liu stood up helplessly and glanced out the window at the store’s entrance. Seeing no one approaching, she returned inside and casually closed the door behind her. Since Lu Yun wouldn't budge, Liu didn’t insist anymore. She looked at him gently and said, "Lu Yun—daytime is different from evening. You’ll have to hurry now." Lu Yun chuckled. "Auntie, it shouldn’t be crowded right now. Besides, the door’s locked; if anyone comes, they’ll just ignore me." "Actually," Liu replied brightly, "I didn’t lock the door at all." Lu Yun blinked—then nearly fell over with surprise. *You’re not just bold—you’ve got a real lion-hearted courage!* He hadn't expected to be this brave in doing such a thing. And if anyone happened to walk in now, the scene would surely be unforgettable. With a sudden burst of energy, Lu Yun leapt off his feet and rushed out, locking the door behind him with a sense of urgency. Only then did he breathe deeply and began walking back into the room, shedding his clothes. On his slightly slim frame were numerous bruises—clear marks of recent physical encounters. "Little Yun," Liu exclaimed, noticing the bruising on his body, "how many injuries do you have? Did you fight someone?" Lu Yun shrugged and smiled. "I fought off a few schoolyard bruisers this morning." Liu immediately stood up, deeply concerned. "You always just go out of your way to create problems! How about giving them a chance to learn some manners? You’ve hurt yourself so badly—do you feel any pain?" "Let me get you some medicine," she said, rushing off. "No need, Auntie," Lu Yun replied as he interrupted her with his hands. "I've already treated my injuries." Before she could finish speaking, he had wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. After a long kiss, both of them quickly shed their clothes. Lu Yun gazed at Liu’s graceful body, mesmerized, and teased lightly, "Auntie, your place is all open—your water's flowing like a river now!" Liu blushed, embarrassed. "It's because of you! Little Bao—how can you be so unconsiderate? From now on, don’t come into my house unless you’re in the mood to fight!" "Your royal decree," Lu Yun said, taking a deep breath, "and here comes Little Bird with me!" Before she could react, Little Bird took off, fluttering its wings toward the forest for fresh food. — PS: Recommended friend’s fantasy novel *Inverse of the Demon*—updated daily with over 10,000 words each—especially impressive. < Village Beauty of the Countryside – Chapter 41 (Updated!)