All affairs, big and small, in the county office were handed over to Hollowbelly (the Scholar) to manage. Darren Ding had fallen gravely ill, and his condition was worsening by the day.
Everything Hollowbelly did pleased everyone up and down the ranks. To keep his official hat, Darren Ding concealed the severity of his illness from his superiors, hiding it completely.
Within the city, Hollowbelly quickly established connections with wealthy merchants and prominent families. Over the past three years, he underwent a dramatic transformation. After taking Darren Ding's place, he immediately started amassing wealth and bribing those above him.
Meanwhile, Darren Ding's wife, Pearl Zhu, also fell into the arms of her former lover, Hollowbelly. Everything he had lost was reclaimed.
"The day is drawing near, isn't it?"
Miss Wen May said with a cheerful smile, glancing at Hollowbelly beside her.
"Yes, in a few days you'll be able to cross over. Your vengeance will be fulfilled, and as for me—I'll inherit everything Darren Ding leaves behind and rise to power. When the time comes, come with me."
As Hollowbelly spoke, he reached out his hand. Miss Wen May giggled and nodded.
During the rainy season, Darren Ding's illness grew even worse. Everyone at home was preparing for his funeral, and his three concubines were getting ready to return to their families.
Pearl Zhu kept vigil by Darren Ding's side every day. After all, a day's marriage means a hundred days of kindness. Watching Darren Ding in this state, while already entangled with her former lover, she felt a deep bitterness in her heart.
On a certain rainy day, Darren Ding’s room was opened. He looked up in a daze—lately he’d been drifting between moments of clarity and bouts of unconsciousness. Hollowbelly walked in.
"Hollowbelly..."
Just as he called out, Darren Ding started coughing violently. But Hollowbelly was like a different person now, his face twisted in a sinister, wicked grin as he stared at Darren.
"Come here and help me."
Normally, Hollowbelly acted like a lackey, but his attitude now infuriated Darren Ding. He pounded his chest, coughing hard. Just then, another person walked in—Darren's eyes widened.
"You were about to be promoted, Lord Ding. Congratulations!"
"Miss Wen May..."
A rush of heat surged to his head. Darren Ding clenched his teeth, trembling as he looked at the two before him. Hollowbelly casually put his arm around Pearl Zhu. Darren began to realize something was wrong—his body had been fine, but it was only after Hollowbelly started coming around that his health began to decline.
He had married three concubines, and Pearl Zhu’s family was one of the wealthiest in town. Darren felt guilty toward Pearl Zhu and always tried to accommodate her.
"Help! Somebody—anyone!"
Darren Ding shouted, but no one came in from outside. The torrential rain crashed down, thunder and lightning splitting the night.
"You don’t understand the power of money, do you?"
Hollowbelly spoke as he walked step by step to the bedside. Darren Ding, gasping for breath, leaned against the edge of the bed. He tried to raise his hand in anger, but his body wouldn’t obey.
"Hollowbelly, what are you doing? Who is this woman?"
A piercing scream rang out—Pearl Zhu stood at the doorway. Hollowbelly slowly stood up and beckoned to her.
"Come here."
Darren Ding immediately started shouting. Hollowbelly grabbed Pearl Zhu, his hands roaming over her body.
"Everything you own belongs to me now."
Pearl Zhu struggled, but gradually she submitted, shrinking into a corner. She’d seen Hollowbelly sneaking around, doing something shady, and soon after, her husband fell ill. She sensed something was wrong, but felt no love for the man before her. She said nothing, only watched in silence.
"This is what you deserve, Darren Ding. Who was it that whispered vows to me under the moon and flowers? Ha—what was the result? Not only did you break your promise, you handed me to someone else to secure your career. So now, on the eve of your promotion, I’ll destroy everything you have. Hahaha…"