Live and Die Together

"Lily, how could people be like this? It's infuriating!" Lucky shot up from his chair, clenching his fists. "Not only is the Tofu Beauty meddling, but the village matchmaker is also at Mark Hunter's house trying to arrange a marriage! How could they do this? Cynthia Wu isn't even dead yet, and they're already scheming to find Mark a new wife! That's just heartless!"

Lily Evans was fuming as well. "Tell me about it! Mark said that on the third day Cynthia was unconscious, a matchmaker came to his door, trying to set him up with a new bride! If Mark hadn't told me, I wouldn't even know!"

Lucky huffed, "From now on, we won't deal with the Tofu Beauty. No more tofu for us!"

"Fine, we won't eat it! If we want tofu, we can make it ourselves!" Lily replied, then sighed. "I'm really worried about Cynthia's illness. It's been days and she still hasn't woken up. Looking at Mark, if Cynthia doesn't make it, I think he'll follow her."

If Cynthia Wu really didn't make it, Mark Hunter might just tear May Parker apart.

Lucky scooted over and hugged Lily Evans, anxiety written all over his face. "Lily, you have to take care of yourself."

Lily stroked Lucky's face. Ever since Cynthia Wu's accident, she'd been thinking a lot. Life was unpredictable—one moment everything was fine, the next disaster could strike. Cynthia was perfectly healthy one second, and the next, she was on the brink.

"Lucky, what if something happened to me?" Lily cupped his face.

Lucky panicked instantly. "I won't let anything happen to you! If something happens to you, I won't go on living!"

"Nonsense!" Lily tapped Lucky's nose. "If something does happen to me, you have to live well."

"No, I want to live and die with you!" Lucky sniffled, looking utterly aggrieved, as if Lily Evans really was about to leave him. He hugged her tightly. "You can't leave me, Lily, promise me! Swear it!"

"I won't leave, I swear." Lily soothed him gently. "I was just imagining things. Look at me, I'm perfectly fine—how could I possibly leave you?"

Lucky was still shaken, afraid Lily Evans might suddenly fall ill like Cynthia Wu. Lily had to comfort him for ages, making countless vows to grow old together before he finally calmed down.

"Madam, sir, dinner is ready!" Mrs. Silver called from outside, inviting everyone to eat.

"Alright, let's eat." Lily Evans smiled at Lucky's crumpled, handsome face and used a handkerchief to wipe his sweat. "Come on, let's see what's good for dinner tonight."

Lucky gripped Lily Evans's hand tightly as the two walked toward the dining room. Lily glanced around—someone was missing.

"Where's Belle?" Lily Evans asked.

Mrs. Silver replied, "Madam, after Belle delivered lunch to Cynthia Wu's house at noon, she hasn't returned."

"Hmm? Didn't I help her carry the handkerchief? Didn't Belle go home first?" Lily Evans wondered aloud.

Mrs. Silver said, "Maybe Belle went straight to the fields?"

Lily Evans thought for a moment, then shook her head. "No, that can't be. Every afternoon, Mother drinks a bowl of snow fungus porridge, and Belle said she'd come home to serve her. She wouldn't suddenly change her plans and run off to the fields."

"Eugene Jr.!" Lily Evans sensed something was off and called for Eugene Warren. "Go check the fields and see if Belle is there!"

Eugene Jr. immediately ran out to check the fields, while Lily Evans stayed in the courtyard, feeling increasingly uneasy.

Mrs. Charlotte Evans and Mrs. Silver tried to reassure Lily Evans. "Belle is a responsible girl. The village is safe, don't worry."

But Lily Evans couldn't help feeling anxious, her eyes drifting toward the gate, waiting for Belle to come home.