I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping
Chapter 1369 - 935 lower half of the poem

Chapter 1369: 935 lower half of the poem

"Wang Aunt, how long have you been here?"

Drum Alley.

Not just a symbol of wealth in the courtyard houses.

Jiang Chen skillfully wielded the spatula, stir-frying the vegetables while asking.

Firewood stove.

Even in the countryside, it’s rare to see these now.

But the meals cooked on such stoves have a delightful aroma.

"I can’t quite remember."

Wang Aunt.

The woman who helps look after Lan Peizhi’s house, managing such a large place all by herself.

"Can’t quite remember? It must have been at least ten years, right?"

Jiang Chen casually responded while tossing the greens in the pan gracefully.

Actually, cooking big dishes is simple.

The real test of culinary skills often lies in the small dishes.

Children from poor families learn to be independent early, and Jiang Chen, with his grassroots background, had been cooking since middle school, occasionally frying some egg rice for himself. Though he hadn’t cooked in a long time, his skills hadn’t rusted.

"Probably not that long."

This plain woman, much like Lan Peizhi, seemed aware of Jiang Chen’s hidden agenda, always answering precisely yet revealing nothing specific, leaving him helpless.

Jiang Chen smiled wryly to himself.

Right.

Don’t be fooled by her modest appearance; even the most clueless could tell she’s extraordinary. His little ploys likely wouldn’t escape her notice.

Oh well,

If Lan Peizhi knew he was trying to subtly inquire about her age, she might never let him in this house again.

"Work’s done."

Jiang Chen plated the last dish of vegetables, brought it to the main hall, and then went to the backyard.

Basically, every week, he tried to bring the Taoist nun sister back once, with no ulterior motive, just for the sister disciples’ sake. If busy, the visits might be less frequent.

"Dinner’s ready."

He shouted at the top of his lungs.

Expecting these sister disciples to communicate more was a stretch; every time they came back, they hardly exchanged ten words. Tanki Liuli would just practice swordsmanship, while if available, Lan Peizhi would watch with an air of profound, unsaid understanding.

Of course.

Diligent and eager-to-learn Comrade Jiang Chen would occasionally volunteer to spar with the Taoist nun sister. The outcome was predictable, much like an amateur facing a martial arts master in a wuxia novel—unable to parry a single move. Yet, true effort pays off; after many attempts, Boss Jiang could at least last several seconds.

But one possibility couldn’t be denied.

The gradually socially-savvy young Taoist nun might be showing mercy.

Since Jiang Chen had been trying to get close to Wang Aunt today, he hadn’t been a sparring partner. The three of them left the backyard and sat at the dining table.

"You’re missing quite a few spices; the taste might be a bit off. Please bear with it."

Jiang Chen declared first, unusually steady, showcasing a no-nonsense approach.

"Did you cook all this?"

Lan Peizhi picked up the wooden chopsticks.

"Mostly, Wang Aunt added the firewood. By the way, where did you buy that firewood?"

This is the quintessential example of awkward small talk.

The mode of interaction between these sister disciples was so unique that Comrade Jiang Chen could only try to liven up the mood.

Luckily, it was him.

Friendly, outgoing.

If a more reserved person sat here, it’d be more dull than eating vegetarian in a temple.

Lan Peizhi was probably used to it, habitually treating him as air, placing a piece of stir-fried lettuce in Tanki Liuli’s bowl.

Despite being not very articulate, her actions showed her elder sister’s care for her younger sister.

"Liuli wants to go back for a bit, what do you think?"

Jiang Chen was slightly taken aback, then quickly asked, "Why?"

Lan Peizhi ate without explanation.

Jiang Chen looked at Tanki Liuli, tentatively asking, "Homesick?"

Tanki Liuli remained silent.

Jiang Chen then put on a serious face, saying sternly, "I’m in constant danger right now, you can’t leave at this point."

When the Taoist nun sister first came, he, accustomed to freedom, had difficulty adapting to someone by his side. But over time, he gradually got used to it.

Plus, he wasn’t lying.

Even though last time ended without incident, Jiang Chen didn’t become complacent.

Who knows when assassins might come out of nowhere next.

Having the Taoist nun sister around was like having a protective charm.

"Your skills aren’t bad; no need to worry too much."

Lan Peizhi reassured, but wise Jiang Chen wasn’t about to drink that love potion.

Anyway, during meals, the Taoist nun sister seemed to automatically block her hearing and speech, so he didn’t hold back, lowering his voice to question Lan Peizhi, "You were the one who insisted on having her with me, and now you’re backing out—doesn’t seem fair, does it?"

Lan Peizhi, unruffled, reiterated while eating, "She’s a person, not an object; she has her own thoughts. She wants to go back herself."

In earlier days, Jiang Chen wouldn’t have forced anyone; instead, he would have sent her off warmly. But humans are emotional beings.

Although the ethereal Taoist nun sister was mostly mute, having this "tree hollow" to talk to without reservations was actually nice.

Moreover,

It wasn’t paranoia.

Nor was it once bitten, twice shy.

Jiang Chen deeply understood how perilous his situation was.

And in the coming period, the danger would only intensify.

"You know, Fujiwara Reiki came to find me the day she signed the contract with Hang Seng."

"You’re sure she’s no threat to you."

"Who can say for certain?" Jiang Chen retorted straightforwardly, without thinking, "A woman’s heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea—today she wants to win me over; tomorrow, she might wish for my demise. She’s certainly no rules-abiding businesswoman."