Joyful Motherhood in a Rural Family

Chapter 97 - 97:  95: Sisi Finds a Way Out: Nan Tianzong’s Suspicion

The man strolled from afar, still dressed in a bamboo-green long robe, which accentuated his thin frame, making him appear even taller. Beneath his high, straight nose and across his thin lips, his beguiling smile barely held itself together.

Would he really have to hire this woman to mind his shop? This persistent spirit just wouldn’t leave him alone.

No, he couldn’t allow it! He needed to find an excuse to send her away.

Frowning all the time was a waste of her celestial beauty.

Liu Sisi complained mentally.

Still, she stood up, greeted the incoming man with a smile, “Shopkeeper, you’ve arrived. Today’s weather seems good. It must be a good day for making money. I’m sure your wealth will flourish and gold will flow in.”

She stood at the entrance of the shop, bathed in the early morning sun, smiling faintly at him.

Even disguised in a man’s attire, she couldn’t hide her ethereal beauty, particularly her pair of shy, watery eyes, which now seemed tinged with light melancholy. One look at her and an irresistible urge to protect her wells up, making you want to wrap her in your arms.

Damn it!

Had he lost his mind?

Nan Tianzong cursed himself quietly, disguising his expression with a smile as warm as the spring breeze, and made his way to the shop, inspecting the two children.

“Are these two children yours?” he asked as he unlocked the door.

Liu Sisi hurriedly followed, “You are spot on, shopkeeper! There was no one at home today, so I brought my two children here. But don’t worry. These two children are extremely well-behaved. They won’t cause you any trouble. In fact, they might even help attract more business…”

Before she could finish, Nan Tianzong, who had walked ahead, suddenly stopped and turned around. That smile on his otherwise gentle face instantly froze.

Liu Sisi closed her mouth, hesitated, and looking at her children, one on each side, she lowered her head in disappointment.

She understood that she shouldn’t have brought her two children, but it wasn’t a solution to continually leave them at Guihua’s house.

On the day Sister Guihua had a family emergency, she had no choice but to bring Di Xuan and Di Ying to her mother’s house, resulting in Di Yelei not finding anyone at home when he returned. After much thought, Liu Sisi decided to bring the children and try her luck. If the shopkeeper couldn’t accept it, she was prepared to leave at any moment.

Of course, before that, she wanted to give it her best shot.

But in the face of his frozen smile, she found herself unable to voice her remaining words.

Nan Tianzong grimaced as his eyebrows twitched uncontrollably. He turned back and continued towards the interior, “You can leave the two kids here, but you won’t get paid for your work today. Think it through. Don’t blame me for being heartless. After all, this is not a charity!”

Liu Sisi’s eyes instantly lit up!

“Thank you, shopkeeper! I will work hard, welcome the customers well, and take good care of the children. I promise not to cause you any trouble!”

She was ecstatic!

Who knew that this man named Nan Tianzong had such a kind heart!

Just a moment ago, she thought he would reject her!

This was too much of a surprise!

Liu Sisi, overjoyed, led the siblings to a corner near the inner room, found a table and chairs for them, and then started her cleaning work for the day.

As Nan Tianzong watched her swift movement among the shelves, a surge of indescribable irritation welled up in him.

He covered his forehead in frustration!

Looking at her disappointed expression just now, his heart inexplicably stirred. The words of keeping the children just slipped out of his mouth, making him wish he could slap himself.

Haven’t he decided to find a way to send her away?

Such a great opportunity wasted by none other than himself!

But now that he had spoken, he couldn’t bring himself to go back on his word.

Frustrated, he retreated behind the counter, grabbed a book to cover his face, avoiding looking at her, so as not to get more annoyed.

But in a moment, his attention was involuntarily drawn to the figure darting between the shelves, captivating all his senses. His eyes followed her every move, unable to look away.

Many customers came in the morning. Some passed through to make a purchase. Because of the shopkeeper’s kindness in letting both her and her children stay, Liu Sisi worked extra-hard.

Even the students who didn’t plan to buy much ended up taking home an extra item due to her charming recommendation. The day’s business was nearly twice as good as usual.

As a result, Liu Sisi received quite a lot in tips.

Having finally seen off the last customer, she was both exhausted and thirsty. She hurriedly walked over to the counter, picked up the bamboo tube, uncapped it, and started drinking.

Wiping the corner of her mouth, she let out a deep sigh of relief, however her amusement upon seeing the shopkeeper made her burst into laughter.

“Shopkeeper, is that ‘Book of Songs’ in your hand really that interesting?”

A beauty’s smile captivates the city!

Even the plain-faced, cross-dressed beauty in front of him seemed to carry a different allure the more he looked at her.

Nan Tianzong sat behind the counter, silent and motionless, book in hand, looking like an ink landscape painting exuding a faint ink fragrance.

Upon hearing her question, he raised an eyebrow as heavy as a mountain, “There’s a jade-like face in the book, of course it’s interesting.”

“It must be truly interesting then.”

Liu Sisi earnestly nodded, pointed towards the book in his hand, “But shopkeeper, your book… it’s upside down.”

The corners of her mouth held a light, faint smile.

Clearly, she was happy, her beautiful lips curving upward!

As a result, her doe-like watery eyes also held a strong sense of joy.

The sunlight streaming through the lattice window fell on her, bathing her in a glow. She looked ethereal, her beauty otherworldly, it seemed like she shouldn’t belong to the mortal realm. Nan Tianzong was thoroughly bewitched.

He was certain he was bewitched!

His heart was crying out in agony!

Falling!

Struggling!

She was merely a married woman with children. What merit or ability did she have to attract his full attention?

He, the accomplished eldest legitimate son of the prominent Nan family, who had access to any kind of beauty he wanted, when did he sink so low to take interest in a married woman?

If he really brought her back to his family, let alone passing the scrutiny of those so-called family elders, even his own parents probably wouldn’t agree!

Wait, wait!

Why was he considering bringing her back to his hometown?

Could it be he really harbored some ill intentions towards her?

At this thought, Nan Tianzong was instantly shell-shocked, his mind whirling in chaos, momentarily lost for bearings.

He completely forgot Liu Sisi was still standing in front of him!