Chapter 86 Disturbing Her

Compared to Zhou Chao standing before her, Yun Xiaoyan was the very picture of beauty and the beast. No, it was more apt to say she was the beauty and he the gorilla.

At this moment, Yun Xiaoyan was startled by Zhou Chao, whose skin was as dark as charcoal. "Village Chief Zhou, it's so late and yet you brought fish soup over. You've really gone to such trouble," she managed a forced smile.

In truth, fear and anger warred within her. It was unsettling for Zhou Chao to intrude upon her so late at night. Yet on the surface, she dared not show it. Zhou Chao had brought fish soup, a gesture that suggested good intentions, so she couldn't outright refuse.

"Village Chief Zhou, please come in and have a seat," she said, resigned.

"Alright, alright," Zhou Chao replied, clearly delighted. Tonight he had donned a shirt he'd bought from Quidodo for over three hundred yuan, and he'd slicked his hair with his son Zhou Run's shampoo gel—washed with Sidankang.

From his vantage point, Lu Hao watched Zhou Chao with a grave expression. Zhou Chao was obviously dressed up, reeking of cheap cologne. Coming to see a woman late at night, meticulously groomed—his intentions couldn't be clearer.

He was notorious for flirting and dominating women, a habit even his wife couldn't curb. As a village chief in his prime, he wielded power and indulged himself. His son Zhou Run was even more wanton than his father, so he had no authority to reprimand him.

Lu Hao could see clearly the dynamic between Zhou Chao and Yun Xiaoyan. "Hehe, Xiaoyan, how do you find living here? Are you comfortable, getting used to it?" Zhou Chao entered, setting the fish soup on the table.

Yun Xiaoyan tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her face pale. "It's alright. Thank you for your concern, Village Chief," she replied, not daring to sit, her back pressed against the wall.

"Coming to Peach Blossom Village is like returning home. The folks here are all honest and kind—except for that Lu Hao," Zhou Chao belched, smiling slyly at Yun Xiaoyan. "If you need anything, just tell me. You say it today, I'll buy it for you tomorrow."

"I can get anything you need, don't hesitate," he said grandly with a wave of his hand, as if flaunting his wealth.

But in Lu Hao's eyes, Zhou Chao was utterly repulsive. His leering expression and greedy gaze left no doubt about his intentions. Like father, like son, Zhou Chao and Zhou Run were two of a kind.

"Village Chief, I'm here to investigate and learn, and help the villagers prosper. I really don't have any special requirements," Yun Xiaoyan replied. "I should live as the villagers do."

Zhou Chao paused, forcing a smile that betrayed a sinister undertone. This little girl was fresh and pretty, certainly fun, but clearly lacking common sense. She couldn't hear the hints he was dropping about spending money on her. The widows in the village all understood, but this college student did not.

He glanced again at Yun Xiaoyan, noticing she wore only a simple nightdress. Beneath, the lamplight revealed a set of white undergarments. Instantly, Zhou Chao's desire surged, a wicked heat rising from his loins to his head, making him tremble with barely contained excitement.

This girl, he thought, was far more enticing than any of the widows he'd dallied with before.

Zhou Chao decided he wouldn't hold back any longer. "Xiaoyan, enough talk. You should drink the fish soup," he said with a smile.

Hearing the mention of fish soup, Lu Hao's expression changed dramatically. He recalled Sister Cuihua mentioning that several times, the widows Tian and Li had been lured to Zhou Chao's home, fed something, and then lost consciousness. When they awoke, their clothes were disheveled, their bodies damp. It was obvious what the village chief had done.

Yet, intimidated by his authority and their own tarnished reputations, the widows let the matter drop. This only emboldened Zhou Chao, confirming his belief that he was above punishment.

Now, after exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhou Chao launched into tales of his glory days in Peach Blossom Village, boasting of his legendary exploits. But Yun Xiaoyan clearly had no interest.

She frowned and said, "Village Chief Zhou, it's already so late. If there's anything important, let's talk tomorrow. I'm really tired and need to rest."

Zhou Chao stared greedily at her chest before finally rising. "Alright, that's fine. Xiaoyan, you have a good rest tonight," he said, surprisingly agreeable, preparing to leave.

"But you must drink the fish soup before I go," he suddenly insisted, his tone turning threatening.

Yun Xiaoyan was taken aback. "Uncle... Well, since Auntie made it, of course I'll drink it."

"Then drink it now, let me see," Zhou Chao pressed. "Otherwise, I won't leave."

Hidden at the side of the house, Lu Hao heard this and sensed something was wrong. The fish soup was likely tainted; otherwise, Zhou Chao wouldn't have brought it over so late, nor insist on watching her drink it.

He hadn't expected Zhou Chao to act so quickly. Yun Xiaoyan had only just arrived in the village, and already he was making his move. No doubt this wasn't a rare occurrence—how many women in the village had suffered at his hands?

"Alright, I'll drink it. Please thank Auntie for me," Yun Xiaoyan said, seeing that Zhou Chao was reluctant to leave. To hasten his departure, she compromised, ladling a bowl of fish soup and taking a sip.

"It's quite good, very fresh," she said with a smile.

"Of course, my son just caught the fish from the river today," Zhou Chao replied with pride. "Now that you've drunk it, Auntie's effort wasn't wasted. I'll take my leave."

With a hearty laugh, Zhou Chao patted the key hanging from the door of Yun Xiaoyan's little cottage and turned to go.