Cheng Chi was furious.
With the matter of Huang Li as precedent, and Zhou Shaojin’s predictions accurate down to the year, month, and day, he absolutely didn’t believe the Cheng family or their in-laws had such capable people. Everything he had said and done from beginning to end was merely hoping to help Zhou Shaojin let go of her psychological burden and tell him the truth.
Even if she couldn’t tell him the truth, at least getting a few sentences out of her would be good.
But he had never imagined that what he’d draw out was Cheng Xu!
This nephew in whom he had invested infinite hope.
For this nephew’s sake, he had even refused his mother’s proposal to have him mentor Cheng Rang, just to avoid creating a rival for him and affecting the Cheng family’s stability and harmony.
That little beast!
Cheng Chi gripped Zhou Shaojin’s arms tightly, trying his best to make his voice sound less harsh: “Shaojin, don’t be afraid. I’m Cheng Zichuan!”
But Zhou Shaojin seemed caught in a nightmare, shrieking and kicking at him.
Nanny Shang rushed in: “Fourth Master…”
Cheng Chi’s gaze swept over like a blade, his voice as cold as ice shards: “Get out!”
Nanny Shang retreated in fear and trembling.
Zhou Shaojin struggled even more violently.
Cheng Chi had no choice but to restrain her in his embrace, reminding her gently by her ear: “Shaojin, I’m Cheng Zichuan, I’m your Uncle Chi…”
The scent of Ruwenwowen incense was elegant and fresh, like nameless little flowers blooming in the wild mountains—having both the fragrance of flowers and the freshness of grass, calming one’s emotions when inhaled.
Zhou Shaojin gradually quieted down.
Cheng Chi breathed a sigh of relief, gently patting her back, comforting her like a small infant: “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid!”
Zhou Shaojin felt as if she had returned to her mother’s embrace. After a while, she came to her senses and discovered she was helplessly half-embraced in Cheng Chi’s arms.
She shuddered and pushed at Cheng Chi with her hands.
But unexpectedly, Cheng Chi was stronger than she imagined. Not only did she fail to push him away, but she made Cheng Chi misunderstand that her emotions were becoming agitated again. He tightened his arms around her, continuously comforting her softly: “Don’t be afraid, I’m Uncle Chi! Don’t be afraid. Everything’s all right now…”
So Uncle Chi was just comforting her.
Zhou Shaojin’s whole body relaxed.
Cheng Chi’s anxious heart finally settled.
He tentatively slowly loosened his arms restraining Zhou Shaojin.
This little girl looked so soft and gentle, but when she made a fuss, she was like a little cat, scratching and clawing. If she continued like this, he really wouldn’t know what to do.
The little girl obediently remained still.
Cheng Chi couldn’t help patting her head like comforting a small animal. He said in a low voice: “Shaojin, you said you trusted me. Do you still trust me now?”
Of course she trusted Uncle Chi’s abilities.
Otherwise, in her previous life, he wouldn’t have been able to rescue Cheng Xu from the execution ground, and in this life, she wouldn’t have sought his help to pass messages to Cheng Jing!
Zhou Shaojin nodded.
That was good!
Cheng Chi pursed his lips and said gently: “Then good, Shaojin. Tell me, besides Cheng Xu, were Cheng Lu and Cheng Ju also involved?”
Zhou Shaojin’s hair stood on end.
She hadn’t said anything yet, but Uncle Chi had already guessed pretty close to the truth.
If she revealed everything about her previous life, what could possibly remain hidden from Uncle Chi?
Her body stiffened.
Cheng Chi, holding her, immediately sensed her emotions.
A flash of ferocity passed through his eyes, but his voice became even gentler: “Shaojin, don’t be afraid. Just tell me the truth… Did Cheng Xu take something of yours, so you have no way to break free…”
Zhou Shaojin was astonished.
Why would Uncle Chi think in this direction?
But what happened back then was indeed somewhat similar to this, only much more serious!
But even so, would Uncle Chi still think she was blameless?
Would he still stand on her side and help her?
Zhou Shaojin tightly gripped Cheng Chi’s lapels.
In other words, he had guessed correctly!
The flames in Cheng Chi’s heart immediately shot up rapidly, so much so that he didn’t dare open his mouth, fearing that once he spoke, he would frighten Zhou Shaojin, who was already like a startled bird.
After quite a while, he gently stroked Zhou Shaojin’s hair and said softly: “Shaojin, rest assured. I’ll help you get the item back and guarantee no one else will know. But you must tell me what it is…” After speaking, fearing it might be something extremely private, he added, “Or you can write it down for me…”
Zhou Shaojin’s eyes immediately moistened.
After she had said such alarmist words, after she had done such hysterical things, Uncle Chi not only didn’t treat her as a monster or push her away, but instead cared for and protected her as before… Perhaps in this world, no one treated her better than Uncle Chi!
She clutched Cheng Chi’s lapels and began crying with sobs.