Ernie Lee's Scheme

The moment Belle heard Ernie Lee's name, a wave of disgust washed over her.

Whenever Belle was working in the fields, Ernie Lee would always come over to chat, reciting some cheesy poems he’d picked up who knows where. Belle would get goosebumps all over and wished she could run as far away from him as possible.

"Tell him to leave. I’m not seeing him!" Belle stomped her foot.

Granny Silver held the things Ernie Lee had brought for Belle and muttered, "Belle, I think Ernie Lee treats you quite well. He even brings you gifts. Looks like he’s really sincere. You’re not getting any younger, so don’t be too picky, or you’ll end up an old maid."

Belle slammed the door shut and said, "I’d rather be an old maid than marry Ernie Lee! Tell him to leave—just seeing him makes me sick!"

Granny Silver shook her head and muttered to herself, "Girls these days, their hearts are set too high. She’s just a maid, what’s she being so picky for? Acts like she’s some precious young lady. I think Ernie Lee’s pretty good—he comes by often and always brings food. I don’t know why Belle puts on airs, truly doesn’t know what’s good for her."

Granny Silver took the braised pork Ernie Lee had brought and headed for the door, but halfway there, she couldn’t bear to part with it. After some thought, she decided to keep the meat for herself—what’s the harm in eating a piece for helping pass a message?—and walked out empty-handed to the courtyard gate.

Ernie Lee saw Granny Silver coming out and hurried over with a big grin, "Hello, Granny Silver! Where’s Belle?"

Granny Silver saw how respectful Ernie Lee was and felt quite pleased. She said, "Belle’s too shy to come out, but she kept the braised pork you brought."

Hearing this, Ernie Lee was overjoyed. He thought to himself, Belle acts all proud, but in the end, she can’t resist a little gift.

"Alright, I understand. Thank you, Granny Silver." Ernie Lee bowed to her. "Please, Granny, put in a good word for me with Belle. I really do like her and want to marry her!"

Granny Silver laughed, "Sure, I’ll definitely speak well of you!"

Ernie Lee left, grinning from ear to ear. When he got home, his brother Doggie Lee greeted him, "So, did you win over that Belle girl or not?"

Ernie Lee chuckled slyly, "Almost! Big brother, you were right—if we forced Belle, she’d probably kill herself. If she died, not only would we lose our chance to get rich, but we’d also end up in trouble with the law! I’m using some tricks, and soon Belle will be head over heels for me. She’ll do whatever I say. Then I’ll get her to tell us how to grow mushrooms, and we’ll make a fortune!"

Doggie Lee burst out laughing, "Brother, our family’s counting on you! Once you get Belle and trick her into revealing the mushroom-growing secret, we’ll be rich. Then we can have any woman we want!"

News spread in the village that the Evans Family’s fourth son was actually Eugene Evans, the famous businessman Mr. Warren. The Evans Family was full of regret—how could they have let such a golden opportunity slip away?

Lila Green was furious when she heard, and spent the whole day at home scolding Grandma Evans and the others, calling them short-sighted fools who ruined the family’s chance at wealth.

Cynthia Wu mentioned it to Lily Evans, laughing so hard she could barely stand. Lily glanced at Cynthia, noticing her glowing complexion—clearly her married life with Mark Hunter was treating her well. It seemed marrying Zhang Mu was the right choice.

"Ali, my husband and I are thinking of opening an herbal shop on Ten Mile Slope. Our family owns a storefront, and my father is a doctor. Once the Wutong Academy opens, we’ll start business." Cynthia Wu happily linked arms with Lily Evans. "Ali, marriage is wonderful!"

"Isn’t it? Having someone who cares for you is so much better than being alone." Lily Evans smiled as she watched Yuanbao playing with Jindou and Yindou in the distance, her lips curling up in happiness.