Chapter - 47 - Belt

Tang Li's eyes lit up as she spotted the hemp rope trouser belt under the mattress. She carefully pulled it out and held it in her hands.

It was a simple but well-made belt, evidence of the original owner's effort and feelings for Mo Jing.

She couldn't help but marvel at how lucky she was to have found it otherwise the consequences could have been dire.

Now that she had it in her possession, she felt a mixture of relief and excitement.

With the belt in hand, Tang Li examined it closely. It was clear that the original owner had put a lot of effort into crafting it.

The rope was neatly woven, and there was even a small decorative knot at the end. It was a thoughtful gift, no doubt given with affection.

Tang Li couldn't help but imagine the original owner, a young and shy girl, making this belt for Mo Jing. She wondered about the feelings that had led her to create such a gift.

It was a touching reminder of the original owner's unrequited love.

It was also a reminder of the complex web of emotions that had existed in this village, and it added another layer to her understanding of the people around her.

She then set the belt aside, deciding to keep it safe as a token of the original owner's feelings.

But!

This item was a damning secret that must not be discovered by anyone else.

However, before she could decide what to do with it, the door burst open, revealing an angry Su Cheng, who immediately spotted the belt in Tang Li's hand.

Tang Li was annoyed, but hiding it at this point might raise suspicion since she wasn't hiding money but a simple belt.

She considered that if she didn't put too much importance on this ordinary hemp rope belt, Su Cheng might not pay too much attention on it.

So, Tang Li pretended to casually toss it onto the bed, furrowing her brow as she scolded Su Cheng, "Why are you barging in like this? Who are you angry at? Next time, knock on the door!"

Su Cheng shot her a resentful glare and replied, "Mother-in-law wants to see you!"

"Tell her I'm not interested!" Tang Li had no desire to engage in a conversation with the old woman. Every word that came out of Gu Xiulan's mouth annoyed her to no end.

If she went there, she would only waste time and energy by hearing her scold and curse.

"She knows the third child wants to stay at home and not go out, and she's making a fuss about it! The third child wants to separate the family, but the mother-in-law disagrees. Are you sure you won't go?" Su Cheng inquired again.

Tang Li was taken aback. Hadn't Yi Minghuan mentioned that they should keep this a secret? Why was he suddenly discussing it with others?

The thought of Yi Minghuan facing opposition to their plans worried Tang Li.

She couldn't just stand by and do nothing!

Quickly extinguishing the kerosene lamp, she told Su Cheng, "Leave now." 

She was worried that he would suffer under the oppression of his mother and elder brother.

Su Cheng turned and headed out, but her eyes lingered on the bed, specifically on the trouser belt. There was a flicker of hesitation in her gaze.

Hadn't she seen that belt somewhere before? But the first time she saw it, it shouldn't have been in Tang Li's room.

Where had it been?

Tang Li noticed Su Cheng's hesitation and pushed her roughly, urging, "Hurry up, what are you waiting for?"

"Slut!" Su Cheng staggered forward, pushed by Tang Li, her train of thought disrupted. Her face flushed with anger as she gave Tang Li a withering look before leaving.

The moment Tang Li shut the door, she used her mind to place the belt into the hidden space. She completely eradicated the evidence, leaving no trace behind. No one but Tang Li could ever discover it.

In the main room, Gu Xiulan was shouting angrily, brandishing a sickle menacingly. She berated Yi Minghuan, demanding money and threatening him.

"Don't think I don't understand. You bastard, where is your money?! If you don't hand over the money today, I will never end this with you!"

Tang Li approached the door and witnessed the volatile scene...