Chapter 252: The Stench of Chick-Oleee-Give
Downstairs, Jiang Kekai bumped into Xia Hong, Wang Wenjuan, and Xia Yu and Xia Ling’s grandparents as they were all enjoying porridge together. — Jiang Kekai was not at all secretive about their upcoming plans. She directly informed the four of them, “I’ll take them to town for some fun. We’ll grab breakfast there too; you don’t have to worry.”
“Mmm, have fun, but stay safe.”
Wang Wenjuan trusted Jiang Kekai enough to let her take her kids out. After all, kidnappings didn’t happen frequently, and what else were her bodyguards for?
Similarly, Xia Hong hoped Jiang Kekai would broaden his children’s horizons and didn’t object.
However, watching only Xia Yu and Xia Ling, he couldn’t help but suggest, “Isn’t Xia Le coming? Wouldn’t more people make it more lively?”
“Nope,” Jiang Kekai replied flatly.
“Alright, just stay safe.”
Xia Hong knew Jiang Kekai wasn’t on good terms with his eldest son, so he didn’t push. If she had no interest, then so be it.
As they passed by the big banyan tree on their way to the car, the others couldn’t help but notice them again. Jiang Kekai and Jiang Hanhan weren’t bothered, as they weren’t very close to these folks. Let them look. But Xia Yu and Xia Ling felt awkward. They feared people would gossip about them, like how younger cousins might react when seeing them without greeting.
True, Xia Ling used to be less worried about this. Yet now, something made her apprehensive. She couldn’t figure out why her attention kept drifting back to Jiang Hanhan; this new feeling was odd.
Jiang Kekai picked up on Xia Yu’s tension and guessed the reason: “Let’s move faster, I’m starving.” This suggestion pleased Xia Yu and Xia Ling, who eagerly followed.
Unsurprisingly, their leave incited the elders under the tree to chatter. A convoy rolled out of the village.
This display was indeed embarrassing for Xia Yu, who preferred low-key outings. But his little sister Jiang had a wealthy family. Wealth also meant danger, necessitating such security.
“Xia Yu, our town sister hasn’t explored much yet; remember to take her around afterward.”
Jiang Hanhan was intrigued by what the town offered in terms of food and amusement. This was her first visit to a poorer area after seeing fancy cities.
Indeed, the air quality was surprisingly fresh.
Thus, she proposed, “Sis, why not build a villa here instead? After all, Xia Yu and Xia Ling are from here too!”
Jiang Kekai mulled over, finding merit in this idea. Though Xia Yu’s room got a refurb, it lacked top-notch finishings, leaving dissatisfaction.
Why not fund a villa? Then she could live here with Xia Yu, Jiang Hanhan, and Xia Ling, wouldn’t that be lovely? She swiftly decided: “Okay, once we return, I’ll talk to Xia Hong about buying land.”
“Yay! Sis, that’s awesome!”
Jiang Kekai’s decision delighted Jiang Hanhan. She reached for an embrace before Xia Ling nudged her head and pulled her back, saying, “So excited? We’ll see who’s better.”
“Bring it!”
Reaching town, Jiang Kekai instructed Captain Acheng: “Stay undercover. Things aren’t as complicated here as in Peng City.”
“Yes, Miss.”
Patting Acheng’s solid shoulder, Jiang Kekai took Xia Yu’s hand, “Let’s eat before playing.”
Struggling with unfamiliar territory, Xia Yu and Xia Ling led the way, indicating places with good food or fun.
After breakfast at a reputed noodle shop, the quartet was set to play.
Growing up in isolation, Xia Yu and Xia Ling only knew streets vaguely. Xia Le knew illicit internet cafes existed here but they did. Therefore, Jiang Kekai took Xia Yu’s hand, leading the way: “Fine, I’ll navigate.”
Lacking prior experience, walking through crowds, avoiding eyes, felt foreign. People of all ages filled the streets during a week off.
Jiang and Xia Yu maneuvered, weaving through masses.
Stopping at a stationery store, intrigued by trinkets, Jiang commented, “Little Ling, things here are cheap. Our pen costs 2.5 yuan while it’s only one here.”
Gripping a pen, Jiang passed it to Xia Ling, though they bickered often.
Xia Ling examined it, returned it, mimicking Jiang, “Pfft, I already own one. It’s collecting dust at home.”
Jiang responded, “Due to different economic levels, prices vary.”
She picked a cute pink bunny hair clip, teasing Xia Yu: “If you truly love dress-up, you could buy a Barbie doll.”
“Who needs dolls when I’ve got your cute little Yu?”
Jiang played along: “Still, do you want one? Tell me, and I’ll get you one.”
Playfully, Jiang wrapped Xia Yu from behind, resting her head on Xia Yu’s shoulder—a close scene.
They were girls, after all. Familiarity wasn’t odd. The customers noticed but weren’t disturbed.
In the end, none of them bought anything except Jiang Hanhan, who added items to her bag carelessly. Before paying, she faced Jiang with a worried expression, “Sis, I don’t have change.”
Jiang sighed: “Well…”
Being Jiang’s sister, she accommodated, fishing cash from a pocket.
Jiang was dressed stylishly, carrying money without a purse.
Upon payment, she resumed leading the playful quartet.
The market felt less comfortable than supermarkets, with crowded paths and varied merchandise—mostly clothes.
Curious about local attractions, chicken nurseries were popular this season. Xia Yu heard noisy chicks halfway in, bustling.
“What’s sold there?” Jiang Hanhan asked Xia Ling, pointing sounds.
Xia Ling replied, “Baby chickens.” “Chicks?”
“Yeah, villagers raise them from here.”
“I want to see.”
“It smells awful.”
“Eh, just accompany me.”
Pulling Xia Ling, Jiang led her away.
Noticing, Jiang and Xia Yu followed, not abandoning the curious duo. Upon entering the crowd, pungent aroma struck hard.
“Quick, we’ll wait outside, can’t handle this.”
First victim—Jiang Kekai.
One whiff and she planned to rescue Xia Yu. The stench was unbearable. Curiosity perplexed her. Xia Ling similarly felt queasy, wanting out with Xia Yu.
What did she spot?
