CFRSIO Chapter 3

The little kitten, having worked hard all day, can finally lie down comfortably to sleep.

“Siam!” the familiar voice rang out.

Siam, who had just closed his eyes, opened them with a sense of utter despair. He tiptoed out and met the familiar golden tabby in the woods. It was his superior, named A Jin.

“I’ve found out. Lin Yunliang’s presence here is not without reason.”

Siam had apparently spent time with a handsome man today, and now he had to return to light a fire for his useless contractor and roast a rabbit. It was truly exhausting for a cat. He stretched, looking rather unenthusiastic.

“Lin Yunliang experienced soul wandering a few times in his childhood. His soul had lingered in this low-level plane.”

“He has some connection to this plane, which is why he replaced the contractor we originally selected.”

“The higher-ups’ decision is for you to stay put for now. The mission will still be issued, and someone still needs to complete it.”

“However, the beginner’s gift package situation is beyond help. The boss is also rushing to deal with it, and it cannot be replenished in a short time.”

Siam fell silent, then despaired. Siam wanted to roll around and throw a tantrum again. “But this guy doesn’t seem like an ordinary contractor!”

“Boss, this person gives me a very strange feeling. What is his origin?”

A Jin’s expression became inexplicably solemn when he spoke of this. “This guy’s mental power is a bit stronger than others.”

“But the key isn’t his strength, it’s his ancestors. They were once very powerful.”

“You should know, it’s what you learned in your guide school.”

Siam remembered after this reminder. That person, the one in their textbooks, the one whose real name they dared not put in the textbook.

His tone softened considerably. “You mean… that person… who caused the entire Wish Bureau to be in chaos and harmed several small worlds after her husband died?!”

Siam certainly wouldn’t forget. The guide for that person back then was now the Director of the Wish Bureau. To prevent such a thing from happening again, the Director had very generously compiled this black history into the textbook, providing experience for all guides.

Siam still remembered that when he learned about it, he had nightmares for several consecutive days, fearing that he would also encounter such a troublesome contractor.

Indeed, one shouldn’t think about things; the more you think about them, the more likely they are to happen. Wasn’t he experiencing it now? Not only had he encountered one, but he had encountered the most troublesome one.

“A Jin, can I really not have a different contractor?”

A Jin couldn’t bring himself to say that no one in the Wish Bureau was willing to replace Siam. Instead, he drew a picture of a future for him: “Don’t be sad. This mission is difficult, which is why it suits the number one person in the Wish Department. Besides, after completing this mission, won’t you get the bonus? Won’t you get a vacation?”

“Don’t you always want a long vacation? I promise you’ll get one after this mission ends.”

“And when the time comes, I’ll introduce you to someone. It’s my friend’s younger brother, absolutely reliable and absolutely handsome!”

Siam wagged his tail. “Alright then, I’ll try my best.”

“But you guys should approve it sooner, otherwise, I won’t be able to control Lin Yunliang.”

This is all for the Wish Bureau, for the mission, not for any handsome guy.

Hearing Siam’s words, A Jin thought he had finally managed to trick him. After giving a few more instructions, he left.

They had no idea that someone was watching them from behind.

Lin Yunliang stood quietly in the night, his expression calm and composed, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking. However, he had clearly seen both A Jin and Siam.

He probably had some suspicions in his heart.

After resting for a night, he had planned to go up the mountain again. His original plan to find some medicinal herbs or go hunting was delayed by an unexpected event. Now, he couldn’t afford not to go. If he didn’t, he would definitely starve to death here.

Instead, someone came looking for him.

It was Zhang Qing’an.

Zhang Qing’an had also detoured to come here. He was holding a basket covered with a cloth, indicating that he didn’t want anyone to know what was inside.

Zhang Qing’an stopped a few steps away, clearly not wanting any contact with Lin Yunliang.

He shook the contents in his hand and spoke proactively, “These are for you. Thank you for delivering the message for me that day.”

“It was just a small matter, no need to worry about it.” Lin Yunliang’s first reaction was to refuse, but he regretted it as soon as the words left his mouth.

The reason Zhang Qing’an came might not just be to thank him. Given the original body’s reputation, to prevent any inappropriate rumors later, Zhang Qing’an’s visit was necessary.

Just as Lin Yunliang thought, Zhang Qing’an did indeed come with that intention. Although he was a shuang’er, he also knew how fearsome people’s words could be. Many people in the village had been driven to death by rampant rumors.

Despite coming from a farming family, he was surprisingly insightful. Without speaking, a strange thought arose in his mind: this Lin Yunliang before him knew his intentions, and he would accept it.

Indeed, Lin Yunliang was the first to concede. “Then thank you, Zhang…” The words at the tip of his tongue stumbled.

It finally turned into: “Young Master Zhang.”

He saw the person in front of him show an expression of “just as expected.”

Lin Yunliang immediately had a thought and, adhering to the principle of using it for free if possible, gave an order: “Siam, take the basket.”

“Meow meow?!” Siam, who was leisurely basking in the sun, heard the order. How could he continue his cute meowing? It would have been good enough if he hadn’t rushed forward and swiped at Lin Yunliang’s face.

Zhang Qing’an was amused by the scene. His eyes curved, as dazzling as the moon in the sky, making people unable to help but glance at him more.

Lin Yunliang realized he had lost his composure and quickly collected himself, asking curiously, “How did you know I wasn’t Lin Yunliang?”

Yes, Lin Yunliang had seen it. The person who dared to come and find him like this most likely saw that he was not Lin Yunliang, or rather, his behavior was truly different from the Lin Yunliang they knew.

Zhang Qing’an smiled. “Because in West Mountain, Uncle Lin had an accident there back then.”

The Uncle Lin Zhang Qing’an mentioned was Lin Yunliang’s father. After Uncle Lin’s accident, Lin Yunliang, even when he went up the mountain, never went towards West Mountain. Even when Tao Wenyu, Lin Yunliang’s beloved, personally persuaded Lin Yunliang to go, it was useless. But Zhang Qing’an happened to meet Lin Yunliang in West Mountain.

This was enough to explain Lin Yunliang’s abnormality. Coupled with the fact that he was only there to deliver a message and actively returned his bracelet, it also indicated to Zhang Qing’an that this person was not the Lin Yunliang they knew.

But he didn’t know the specifics.

Lin Yunliang heard this and felt speechless, looking at the kitten on the ground with dissatisfaction.

The kitten stretched out its paw and nimbly lifted the cotton cloth covering it, then kept rummaging through the contents.

This guy! Lin Yunliang was speechless. Wasn’t this guy a guide? Why didn’t he realize anything, making his identity so easily discovered as soon as he arrived?

The kitten was happily rummaging, completely ignoring Lin Yunliang’s unfriendly gaze from behind.

The kitten smelled something fragrant. The kitten was hungry. The kitten wanted to eat!

Perhaps because there was a strange relationship between the two, Lin Yunliang felt ashamed seeing Siam behave like this. With a sigh, he said,

“So, what are your plans?”

“Are you going to expose me?”

According to memory, there were indeed some fantasy-colored stories related to this world, and people in this world were also quite superstitious about ghosts and spirits. So…

Lin Yunliang was somewhat worried about what Zhang Qing’an would do.

“There’s no need.” Zhang Qing’an waved his hand. “You saved my life, after all.”

There were wild beasts in West Mountain, and he had also sprained his foot. If he hadn’t met Lin Yunliang by chance, he might have died in West Mountain long ago.

Therefore, he would not repay kindness with enmity.

“However, about West Mountain…”

“What West Mountain? I never go there.” Lin Yunliang understood immediately. Without Zhang Qing’an reminding him, he took the initiative to respond.

“Then I’ll be going now. I still have work to do at home,” Zhang Qing’an said.

It was enough to make a point. Although Zhang Qing’an knew that this person had no ill intentions, he still didn’t want to have too much contact with him.

Lin Yunliang looked at the person in front of him. He was different from the Zhang Qing’an in the stories he knew. In the stories he knew, Zhang Qing’an was always a timid and incompetent person. Although his family was a landlord, he should have had some temper.

But this was the situation.

Now, this person knew his strangeness but did not intend to expose him. This showed that he was thoughtful. So, Lin Yunliang thought, should he tell him what he knew, or at least give him a hint?

As Zhang Qing’an was about to leave, Lin Yunliang couldn’t help but speak.

“Young Master Zhang.”

“?” Zhang Qing’an turned his head in confusion to look at Lin Yunliang, waiting for him to continue.

“You are a thoughtful and courageous person.” Wasn’t he courageous? He dared to go to West Mountain alone and asked him to help deliver a message after meeting him.

“Haven’t you ever thought that perhaps life isn’t just this world before you?”

Although he had only had a few brief interactions with this person, he could still see that Zhang Qing’an’s eyes were bright and not like an ordinary farmer. Perhaps he also had his own encounters. The more this was the case, the more he didn’t want to see such a wonderful person follow that tragic predetermined history.

“What do you mean?” Zhang Qing’an seemed to understand something, yet he didn’t seem to understand much.

The only thing he knew was that the person in front of him spoke with great insight, and was probably a scholar. Among the people he knew, only his fiancé could say such insightful things, which was…

Lin Yunliang paused. He was indeed too hasty. “Forget it, just pretend I said nothing.”

“Thank you for bringing these things.” He looked at the fish and the cat that had been dragged out of the basket and smiled helplessly.

Following Lin Yunliang’s gaze, Zhang Qing’an also saw the cat and the fish on the ground and smiled. “You’re welcome.”

Lin Yunliang squatted down and checked the contents of the basket. He had to admit they were very thoughtful. The contents were all very filling, but things he didn’t like to eat.

The fish was also not cooked, nor were the scales scraped off, but Siam was already happily eating.

Looking at the happily eating Siam, Lin Yunliang helplessly tapped his little head. Forget it, why argue with a little kitten? What did the little kitten know?

“You,” Lin Yunliang still felt a bit troubled. “Aren’t you a guide? Why did you let people discover my identity so easily?”

“Meow?” The little cat is eating fish. The little cat doesn’t know what you’re talking about.

Siam felt guilty. He clearly hadn’t expected to be seen through so easily. Wasn’t that person a native of this world? How could he have such ability? Moreover, what was with Lin Yunliang’s attitude?

He didn’t seem to care much either.

After complaining a few more times, he tidied up his things and prepared to go up the mountain again.

He couldn’t survive on just this relief. Besides, it had been so long, and except for Zhang Qing’an, he hadn’t seen anyone else. Even those people from that day hadn’t come looking for him again.

Indeed, relying on oneself is better than relying on others.

He was quite lucky. He caught several more pheasants and rabbits in the mountains. He was well-prepared today and brought a usable carrying basket, which was soon filled.

The harvest today was good, and Lin Yunliang was in a good mood.

As for what couldn’t fit, he temporarily entrusted it to Siam. After going to town later, he would sell these things and earn some money, at least to replace his dilapidated house. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to sleep peacefully.

He also needed to prepare for future means of livelihood. He could also go to town to inquire about the situation there, so he could make his subsequent arrangements.

“Can I eat rabbit today too?” Siam eyed Lin Yunliang’s basket and belongings greedily.

He didn’t have any grand hobbies. His greatest pleasure was eating, and all his bonuses were spent on food.

He still remembered the rabbit leg he was given last time.

“Yes.” It was just a rabbit, he wasn’t that stingy. It’s just that…

Lin Yunliang glanced at the drooling kitten with unfathomable eyes. This kitten probably had more secrets than he imagined. But now, this guy needed his contractor to complete the mission.

“How much do you know about this place?” Lin Yunliang asked. He calmly used the rabbit in his hand to tease Siam.

Siam leaped up and down following the rabbit in Lin Yunliang’s hand.

If he didn’t look like a cat, one wouldn’t recognize this as a cat.

“Can I eat the meat first?” Siam’s eyes were completely captivated by the rabbit in Lin Yunliang’s hand.

“Yes, but you have to tell me how much you know about this place?” Lin Yunliang didn’t want to be at a disadvantage.

Then, other sounds came from the woods. Lin Yunliang glanced sideways, ignoring them. He had already realized that there was something there. Now it seemed there really was.

Inside, hiding in the jungle, was A Jin. A Jin could naturally hear their conversation. Hearing that Siam only wanted to eat, he was completely speechless.

However, he also realized that this guy seemed to have inherited some of his ancestors’ abilities. Thinking of that guy, A Jin felt a terrible headache. That person was very powerful and also very troublesome.

After that, they rarely ventured into high-level planes, fearing that they would encounter that character again. Little did they know that without going to a high-level plane, they would coincidentally encounter the descendant of that guy on a casual mission.

Lin Yunliang’s idea was good, but the guide he encountered really didn’t know much. The source of their mission information was mostly integrated from the experiences of the parties involved and related personnel. Due to limited perspectives, many things were understood only partially.

This was why guides were needed to guide and protect. However, Lin Yunliang seemed to not need this.

Since he really couldn’t get much information, Lin Yunliang didn’t press further and walked down the mountain.

He intentionally wanted to change his reputation in the village, so he deliberately carried the basket filled with prey and appeared in the village.

In the center of the village, there was a large tree. Houses and winding village paths and main roads were distributed around the tree. Under the tree, women, husbands, and children often sat chatting or doing needlework.

It could be said to be the fastest source of news in the village. As soon as one appeared, any news would spread throughout Tao Village by the next day.

“Hey, isn’t that…” A woman wearing a cotton cloth spoke up. This person was Li Chunhua, a notorious gossip in the village. Anything that appeared before her could quickly spread throughout Tao Village.

Li Chunhua saw the basket behind Lin Yunliang, which was filled to the brim, indicating that there wasn’t much inside. Lin Yunliang occasionally managed to catch some pheasants and rabbits on the mountain. The quantity was small, but he always sent some to the village chief.

The entire village knew that Lin Yunliang liked Tao Wenyu, the shuang’er of the village chief’s family.

However, this time the entire basket was full. Li Chunhua immediately had some ideas, greedily thinking that the village chief’s family only had three people, how could they eat so much? If she could get one or two, she could save the meat money for the current period!

Li Chunhua’s family was not poor. Her husband worked part-time in town, and she had three sons. Although young men could impoverish their fathers, three strong laborers could earn a lot. It was just that she herself was accustomed to taking advantage of small things.

Upon hearing Li Chunhua’s words, the few women and husbands beside her also turned to look. Seeing the successful Lin Yunliang, they all had their own thoughts.

Coincidentally, on another road by the village, a person appeared.

It was a young man wearing a brightly colored robe, with smooth black hair tied into a bun. His features were delicate, and his round, innocent eyes immediately made people feel good.

Among the young people walking over, he was the most striking. At a glance, one would immediately see that young man.

The young people walking over were Tao Wenyu and his friends.

Lin Yunliang saw them, of course, and quickly matched them with his memory, recognizing the most striking presence in the crowd, Tao Wenyu. He had a delicate and cute appearance, even more childlike, with a hint of feminine coquettishness in his eyes.

After just one glance, he immediately looked away. Perhaps because he had seen the story of the cannon fodder original body, Lin Yunliang had no reason to dislike Tao Wenyu. He didn’t like such people.

Moreover, Lin Yunliang was sure that Tao Wenyu had also seen him. He had not missed the covetousness flashing in those seemingly innocent eyes. Tao Wenyu was clearly coveting him intensely but was pretending to be reserved and pretending not to see him. Lin Yunliang could not appreciate such people.

After seeing the memories of the cannon fodder original body, he knew that the village chief’s shuang’er was not a good person. Now it seemed that way. Since the other party “didn’t see” him, he naturally also “didn’t” see Tao Wenyu and the others, only nodding to a few elders as a greeting.

“Hey, Yunliang, you went up the mountain.” Li Chunhua was the first to speak, with a smile on her face, but her eyes were undisguisedly fixed on the basket behind Lin Yunliang.

“Yes, Aunt Li.” Matching this person’s identity with his memory, Lin Yunliang smiled and continued, “It’s just that my family is about to be unable to make ends meet. People have to strive for themselves.”

The elders knew Lin Yunliang’s situation, and some even showed expressions of satisfaction, with tears seeming to well up in their eyes. “You’ve finally come to your senses?”

“It’s good that you’ve come to your senses, it’s good.”

“This way, your parents in heaven will also rest in peace, right?”

Lin Yunliang still smiled. “Auntie is right.”

“Then I’ll be going now, otherwise I’ll miss the donkey cart to town.”

Lin Yunliang was referring to Tao Agou from Tao Village. His family had bought a donkey cart and made a business of transporting villagers to town, earning quite a lot each year.

“Okay, okay, go, go.”

Li Chunhua looked at the departing Lin Yunliang with some displeasure, a bit of anger in her heart. However, since everyone had said that his family was about to be unable to make ends meet, and they all knew Lin Yunliang’s family situation, if she dared to ask for more, what would that make her look like?

On the other side of the road, Tao Wenyu’s eyes turned red. He impatiently flung aside his companions and walked away without looking back.

“Brother Yu! Wait for me!” Tao Hua called out from behind Tao Wenyu and quickly followed.

The reason was simple: Lin Yunliang had ignored them, not even giving him a proper glance. This was naturally unbearable for the proud Tao Wenyu.

Tao Wenyu had always looked down on Lin Yunliang. He was willing to grant him the favor of speaking to him only because the other party had always been obedient to him and occasionally brought him meat for their family’s extra meals.

Only then did he deem him somewhat acceptable. Otherwise, he would have had his village chief father drive such a person away.

When they arrived here just now, Tao Wenyu was the first to see Lin Yunliang carrying a basket of prey. He was happy because he knew that once Lin Yunliang saw him, he would excitedly come over with that ridiculous face.

Then, he would pretend to be intimate and talk to him, and then, regardless of his “objection,” he would send pheasants and rabbits to his home. And his father would naturally not refuse. His father was the village chief, and there was no reason to refuse the occasional respect offered by the villagers.

However, Tao Wenyu’s ambition was sky-high, and he looked down on such blatant offerings. So, he pretended not to see. He just waited for the people around him to “first” discover Lin Yunliang and then remind him.

The situation was exactly as he had imagined. His companion Tao Hua discovered the well-laden Lin Yunliang and covered his mouth in shock. “Brother Yu! Look! Isn’t that Lin Yunliang?”

“What?” Tao Wenyu had a pair of innocent almond-shaped eyes. When he looked confused, it was as if he knew nothing at all.

But he had already discovered Lin Yunliang. Such behavior would only make him look innocent. Everything was Lin Yunliang shamelessly approaching him.

After seeing the basket behind Lin Yunliang, he also covered his mouth, feigning surprise.

Tao Hua smiled and deliberately approached, teasing, “No wonder Lin Yunliang hasn’t come to find Brother Yu for a few days. It seems he wants to give Brother Yu a surprise.”

Farmers also valued men’s abilities. Previously, Lin Yunliang had come a few times, but because the amount of food was small, he had been met with cold ridicule. Now, this person was carrying a basket full of things, wasn’t that admirable?

“What do you think he’ll send to your house today?”

“Is it a pheasant or a rabbit? I heard pheasants are delicious, and wild pheasant eggs are also very nutritious!” Tao Hua looked covetous. They hadn’t eaten them either, but it would be a joy to eat them without paying.

Tao Wenyu was also somewhat moved by what was said. He moved his lips, as if he had already tasted the flavor of pheasant and rabbit meat. However, his face showed a look of difficulty, paired with his dim round eyes, which was truly heart-wrenching.

“Don’t talk nonsense, that’s what Brother Yunliang worked hard to catch!”

“Oh, oh, don’t be angry.” Tao Hua immediately appeased him. “But, I think Lin Yunliang will definitely send it to your house himself.”

As soon as the words fell, they saw Lin Yunliang walk past, ignoring them.

Then came the previous remarks. They were saying such nice things here, as if the contents of Lin Yunliang’s basket already belonged to them, but in the end? The other party completely ignored them.

This made Tao Wenyu, who had never been treated like this, feel ashamed and leave angrily. Tao Hua also clearly hadn’t expected Lin Yunliang to be like this.

He still had other words on his lips, but Tao Wenyu had already left, so he couldn’t say them and had to quickly follow.

There were still many other people in the village. They all saw the pouting Tao Wenyu leaving.

Wouldn’t there be less gossip in the village now?

Lin Yunliang didn’t care about these things. He found Tao Agou, who was waiting at the village entrance to pick people up to go to town.

“Uncle Agou.”

Tao Agou was a strong man in his forties, wearing clean short garments. When he saw Lin Yunliang appear, he was also shocked.

“You went up the mountain?” Seeing the basket behind Lin Yunliang, he rubbed his head. “My goodness. You’re really lucky.”

He gave him a thumbs-up.

Lin Yunliang smiled. “Uncle, are you going to town? I wonder if there’s still space?”

Seeing the basket behind Lin Yunliang, he understood. “You’re going to town…”

“Yes,” Lin Yunliang said, a look of regret on his face. “People have to find a way to live.”

“It was my fault before. I should have woken up sooner.”

“Otherwise, my parents wouldn’t have…” He even choked up a little, as if speaking of them.

There were already several people sitting on Tao Agou’s donkey cart, all women and husbands from the village, and a few children. They all knew about Lin Yunliang’s family situation. Now, seeing him appear to have finally woken up, most of them showed expressions of relief.

“It’s not too late for you to realize it now,” a woman sitting on the donkey cart said. “Life always has to go on.”

“That’s right,” Tao Agou also said, looking at Lin Yunliang with a more serious gaze. He patted Lin Yunliang on the shoulder. “Now your parents will be at peace.”

After all, he was a man and couldn’t say much comforting words. In his opinion, his actions were enough comfort.

“Alright, get on.”

“Then this…” Lin Yunliang handed over a wild rabbit. He didn’t have a single copper coin on him, so he could only use this to pay.

“Hey! Hey! No, no! We’re all from the same village. I’ll take it when you get back.”

Tao Agou saw that the seats were all filled and was anxious to take them to town. The sooner they left, the sooner they could return. He could also transport another cartload of people and earn more money.

“When we get to town, wait at the left side of the town gate for two hours. After two hours, I’ll return to the village.”

Farmers rarely went to town. Usually, when they went, it was to buy things and didn’t take much time.

“Okay,” Lin Yunliang accepted this favor. “Thank you, Uncle Agou.”

Lin Yunliang got on the donkey cart. Many people on the donkey cart were looking at him, then turned back to whisper to the people beside them. Lin Yunliang didn’t care what they were saying, it was just about his sudden change of personality.

This was good. His previous reputation as a hoodlum was really bad. Heaven knows how many times he had cursed in those few days.

Siam, who was following, was somewhat shocked by Lin Yunliang’s change of demeanor. This person was too good at pretending! He wasn’t like this when he was in front of him!

As a guide, a being superior to this plane, Siam naturally had some abilities. He was currently following Lin Yunliang, invisible.

He witnessed Lin Yunliang’s change of expression with his own eyes and thought, very good, very good at acting. Then there would be no need to worry. He then nimbly jumped onto the donkey cart, curled up on Lin Yunliang’s lap, yawned, and fell asleep.

Lin Yunliang: … Fortunately, it’s a cute cat, otherwise, I’d eventually use you as a side dish.