Mei Xiangâs smile froze for a moment, clearly not expecting Yang Ruxin to be so straightforward right off the bat. However, she quickly composed herself: "I truly donât know about that. I just thought, since we live in the same village, and Lady Xinxin is so capable... Well, they say itâs better to resolve hostility than to create it. Iâve never done farm work before, so I was hoping to come to Xinxinâs place to find some tasks to do, to help supplement my familyâs income..."
"Apologies." Yang Ruxin smiled even brighter, "I really donât have anything here that you can do, and I also wonât employ anyone from the Wang Family. So, Miss Mei Xiang, youâd better go back. From now on, letâs each keep to ourselves and not interfere with one another..."
Mei Xiangâs expression soured visibly, though she quickly gave herself a way out: "I see... Then... Iâve been too presumptuous..." She even bowed her head slightly before turning to leave.
"Uncle Du, see the guest out," Yang Ruxinâs smile turned cold.
Du Chengxiu stepped forward and gestured politely.
Mei Xiang could only turn and walk out.
Yang Ruxin watched her departing figure, her eyes narrowing slightly. If this Mei Xiang wasnât a problem, then she might as well spell her own name backward. Instantly, she called Sanni and Zhou Xiao over, instructing them to keep an eye on Mei Xiang and the Zong Family while playing around the village.
Sanni and Zhou Xiao were now the leaders of all the children in the area, so mobilizing them to monitor those two wouldnât raise any suspicion. After all, children running around everywhere wouldnât attract attention.
Du Juan silently followed her out. Having been by Yang Ruxinâs side for so long, she could essentially sense what the young lady was thinking. Since Ruxin found this woman suspicious, it was better for her to shadow and investigate.
As for Mei Xiang, after leaving the Yang Familyâs home, her pretty face immediately darkened. She muttered a few incomprehensible words under her breath. If Yang Ruxin had heard them, she wouldâve immediately known that this woman was from Wa Country.
"Isnât that Wang Wenâs wife?" A woman walking toward her greeted with a smile, "Youâre out visiting folks?" It was the Zong Family woman, accompanied by her stepdaughter Liang Xiaohua, who had a fresh and innovative hairpin on her head, clearly having been to town.
"Ah, Sister Zong," Mei Xiang greeted back with a smile, "Yes, I was visiting the Yang Family, but they turned me away."
The Zong womanâs eyes narrowed slightly but still smiled: "Xinxinâs little sister always seems so nice and easygoing. Why would she turn you away?"
"Oh, letâs not even talk about it." Mei Xiang quickly waved her hand, glancing at Liang Xiaohua, "Sister Zong, your daughter is truly beautiful..."
"Xiaohua is still young. Sheâll grow up to be even prettier." The Zong woman nodded in agreement.
Liang Xiaohua just curled the corners of her mouth.
"Alright, come visit us at home when you have time." The Zong woman said as she slightly bowed toward Mei Xiang, then led Xiaohua away.
Mei Xiang also bowed slightly in return.
Du Juan, who had been following silently, returned to imitate the pairâs conversation and mannerisms for Yang Ruxin.
Yang Ruxinâs gaze turned cold. People from Daxuan, no matter how polite, would never bow when greeting someone. Only those from Wa Country would habitually bow.
If her guess was correct, then Mei Xiang was undoubtedly part of the Sun Cult. For their people to come to such a remote village, there was no need to overthink their motiveâit had to be her.
If they targeted her directly, whether through words or actions, she wasnât afraid. But what about her family?