Can a System Have Bad Intentions? - Chapter 147

Hearing Zhuang Yu’s words, Lu Tang didn’t even care about getting the stories anymore.

“Are you really willing to recommend Xie Yu? You’ve probably heard about his situation. He hasn’t even taken the imperial exams and is entirely self-taught. If he enters the officialdom, there will be a lot of gossip.”

Zhuang Yu snorted, “Do you think I’m afraid of gossip? As long as he’s truly capable, I’ll handle any rumors. If he can make a mark in water management, that’s all that matters. Just look at the current state of our water management—it’s a complete mess!”

The latter part was directed at Qin Mo.

Still worried, Lu Tang added, “Xie Yu’s health… he looks quite pitiful. He’s been poisoned…”

Zhuang Yu waved his hand impatiently, cutting her off. “His appearance doesn’t matter. Even if he looks like a pig, as long as he’s good at water management, I’ll make sure he shines.”

Lu Tang:…

That’s not necessary.

A pig wouldn’t know water management.

It would already be a miracle if it could climb a tree.

“Take me to see Xie Yu,” Zhuang Yu demanded, eager and unwilling to wait even a moment.

Qin Mo looked at Lu Tang, silently asking if it was convenient.

How could it not be convenient?

Lu Tang had always hoped Xie Yu could find a good place. She trusted Qin Mo, and seeing that Qin Mo didn’t object, it seemed this rude old man was reliable. Introducing Xie Yu to him was a good thing, and Lu Tang couldn’t be happier.

“Alright, I’ll take you to see Xie Yu right now.”

With that, Lu Tang turned and walked out.

Xu Shen glanced at Zhuang Yu and added, “Xie Yu likes reading supernatural novels. He’s currently running out of books.”

Lu Tang: Oh, I forgot about that.

She silently gave Xu Shen a thumbs-up.

Zhuang Yu turned and headed towards the main house. “Wait here.”

Lu Tang laughed happily and winked at Xu Shen. “Is this settled?”

Xu Shen also smiled. “Go back and thank Xie Yu properly. Your cactus problem couldn’t be solved, but Xie Yu solved it just like that.”

“Yes, yes, definitely thank him. He’s a lifesaver.” Lu Tang’s eyes curved with her smile.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Qin Mo looking at her. The intense emotions in his eyes were unmistakable. Understanding this, Lu Tang’s cheeks flushed red.

Xu Shen nudged Lu Tang. “Go on.”

Lu Tang bit her lip and moved towards Qin Mo. “Um, I… I have something to tell you.”

Qin Mo looked down at her, gently rubbing her head. “I have something to tell you too.”

“Qin Mo, get in here!”

Before their tender moment could begin, Zhuang Yu’s shout from inside the house broke the mood.

Song Qingzhan immediately responded, “I’m coming.”

He walked into the house.

“Qin Mo!” Zhuang Yu continued to shout.

Qin Mo had no choice but to ruffle Lu Tang’s hair more firmly. “We’ll talk when we get back to the inn.”

Lu Tang nodded.

As soon as Qin Mo left, Xu Shen leaned closer. “Little Tang, have you thought it through?”

Lu Tang took a deep breath and asked Xu Shen, “If I were a girl, would you still consider me a friend?”

Xu Shen’s expression froze. “Huh?”

“If.” Lu Tang tugged at her hair, asking.

Xu Shen stepped back, looking Lu Tang up and down several times. Something quickly flashed through his mind, and he caught on to some unexpected yet logical clues. “No if, right?”

Lu Tang looked up at him.

“Why?”

Lu Tang continued pulling her hair. “My grandfather decided it. He took me away as soon as I was born, you know that.”

Xu Shen nodded.

Lu Tang explained, “It was probably to guard against my father. If I were a boy, my mother would have support.”

Xu Shen understood.

“After Lu Deren was dealt with, why didn’t you say anything?”

Lu Tang scratched the back of her head. “I didn’t have any particular reason or opportunity to say anything. I couldn’t just suddenly announce it. Besides, my mother didn’t mention it either. Now… now…”

Xu Shen rolled his eyes. “If it weren’t for Qin Mo, would you still be hiding it from us?”

“I was afraid you guys wouldn’t want to hang out with me anymore.”

“Come on, Brother Tang, be honest. Do you really think we wouldn’t want to hang out with you if we knew?”

“We can hang out now, but after you get married, it might not be the same. Even if you guys don’t mind, your wives might not be comfortable with it. If it were me, I wouldn’t like it. It’s like being jealous and protective of your childhood friend.”

Xu Shen flicked her forehead. “Nonsense!”

Lu Tang rubbed her forehead. “No hardware.”

Even though she had explained things to Xu Shen, Lu Tang was surprised at how calmly Xu Shen accepted it. “You’re not shocked or angry that I deceived you?”

Xu Shen laughed. “I didn’t think much before, but now that you mention it, thinking back, it was quite obvious.”

For example, when swimming, Lu Tang never took off her clothes and always left the water at different times and places. After turning twelve, she never swam with them again.

Xu Shen glanced towards the main house. “Does he know? Is he…”

Lu Tang knew what Xu Shen was asking. “I’ll explain it to him later. As for the outcome, I’ll leave it to fate. After all, some preferences are innate. But as for Zhou Shu and Liang, help me keep it a secret for now. I need to talk to my mother first.”

Xu Shen laughed. “Then why did you tell me?”

Lu Tang rolled her eyes. “I didn’t want you to worry yourself to death!”

Song Qingzhan and Qin Mo came out carrying a large box, making Lu Tang and Xu Shen gape in surprise. “What’s this?”

Zhuang Yu followed behind Qin Mo. “Didn’t you say Xie Yu likes supernatural novels? These are my gifts to him. He should enjoy them.”

Lu Tang:…

Other than saying “You’re amazing,” she couldn’t think of any other suitable words.

There wasn’t a single servant in Zhuang Yu’s courtyard, and he didn’t even lock his door when he went out. Curiosity getting the better of her, Lu Tang approached Qin Mo and asked, “Isn’t he afraid of losing anything?”

Qin Mo, sweating from carrying the box, replied, “There’s nothing to lose in his courtyard. What could a thief steal? His writing tools?”

“Nothing? No money or valuables?”

“No, everything he uses is recorded on accounts.”

“Accounts? Whose accounts?”

Qin Mo glanced at Song Qingzhan. “His.”

“Why?”

“Zhuang Yu is Song Qingzhan’s grandfather.”

Lu Tang:!

So she had just scolded Song Qingzhan’s grandfather in front of him?

Seeing Lu Tang’s embarrassed and timid expression, Song Qingzhan smiled. “My grandfather has a bad temper. Sorry for the trouble, Young Master Lu.”

Lu Tang quickly waved her hands, but before she could speak, Zhuang Yu smacked Song Qingzhan on the back of his head. “You brat, who has a bad temper?”

Song Qingzhan obediently said, “I do. I have a bad temper.”

Zhuang Yu snorted. “You know you have a bad temper and don’t fix it. How will you ever get a wife?”

Lu Tang:!