Mark Hunter Pays a Visit
In just a few days, the news of Lily Evans spending her entire fortune to buy properties and houses at Tenmile Hill had spread like wildfire throughout the village.
When Helen Parker heard the news, she was stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Hahaha! That fool Lily Evans spent all her money buying a house in that godforsaken place? Her brain must be as broken as her idiot husband's!"
May Parker had always been jealous of Lily Evans's good fortune. When she heard the news, she was overjoyed. "Oh my, that fool Lily Evans! Isn't she just throwing her silver down the drain? Serves her right to be poor forever—she can't even hold on to her money after getting rich!"
The mother and daughter secretly mocked Lily Evans's family in their house, and Helen Parker's mood, soured by her failed extortion attempt, was instantly lifted.
Whenever something bad happened to Lily Evans's family, Helen Parker was delighted!
Grandma Evans, hearing Helen Parker's laughter from outside, scolded her irritably, "What are you laughing at? We still haven't scraped together enough betrothal money for Shimao, and you find that funny! What kind of mother are you?"
Grandma Evans's scolding made Helen Parker instantly restrain herself, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter.
Grandma Evans glared fiercely in the direction of Lily Evans's house, stomping her feet in envy. "She wasted all that silver and didn't even think to honor her grandmother! Heartless little brat! If I'd known, I would've snatched that silver myself! Now look, it's all gone!"
Sam Evans kept quiet, but seeing Grandma Evans so angry, he tried to console her. "Mom, Lily was never going to give us her silver anyway. It's her money, she can spend it however she wants."
Grandma Evans was even more displeased when she heard this. She grabbed Sam Evans by the ear and scolded, "What do you mean! Lily's silver is my silver! If she kept it, I'd get my hands on it sooner or later! Now that foolish girl has spent it all, I've got nothing to hope for! Oh, what are we going to do about Shimao's betrothal money!"
Sam Evans was honest and tongue-tied, afraid that the more he said, the more mistakes he'd make, so he kept silent.
Susan Evans grew angry at the sight of Sam Evans's timid behavior. She dragged him back into the house and scolded, "Look at you, such a coward! From now on, keep your mouth shut when you're outside."
Lily Evans couldn't care less about what people were saying outside. She was too lazy to explain herself. Once Phoenix Academy was built, all those who mocked her now would be left speechless!
But to Lily Evans's surprise, someone came knocking at her door.
Mark Hunter arrived at Lily Evans's home, carrying a rabbit. Seeing that he hadn't come empty-handed, Lily Evans knew he must have something important to discuss.
Lily Evans had assumed Mark Hunter was there about Cynthia Wu, but as soon as he spoke, he took her by surprise.
Mark Hunter said, "Lily, the villagers all say you must be crazy to buy property and houses at Tenmile Hill."
Lily Evans laughed, "Do you think so too, Mark?"
Mark Hunter shook his head. "Yesterday, I made a trip to Tenmile Hill."
He paused, then continued, "I found something interesting. I think you made the right choice."
Mark Hunter continued, "I saw people building houses at Tenmile Hill. It's a huge project."
"That's right." Lily Evans kept smiling at Mark Hunter.
Mark Hunter rubbed his hands nervously. "Lily, does your house purchase have anything to do with the construction going on there?"
Lily Evans's eyes lit up. She hadn't expected Mark Hunter to be not only a skilled hunter but also so perceptive.
Mark Hunter went on, "Lily, I know you're not a fool. You spent all your savings to buy a house at Tenmile Hill, so you must have your reasons. I'm here today to ask why you bought it. Don't worry, I'm not one to gossip. If you're willing to tell me, I won't spread it around. Of course, if it's inconvenient, I won't push."
Lily Evans sized up Mark Hunter, even more impressed. Mark Hunter was thoughtful, knew how to investigate, and could spot talent, unlike those villagers who blindly followed the crowd.
Most importantly, Mark Hunter was honest in his questioning and made it clear he wouldn't force Lily Evans to answer.
Lily Evans thought for a moment. Since she'd already bought the house, there was no harm in telling Mark Hunter. If he wanted to seize the opportunity and make a fortune, Lily Evans, as his fellow villager, was happy to help.