Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2602: 2538: If You Don't Wear It, You're a Puppy
Previously on Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s...
Cheng Cheng got a shock.
Across the river, that would require ferrying by boat to the far bank of D State.
Why on earth does Chiang Xiao need a house there?
Should she arrive, she'd land right in D State itself. So why hunt for property on the other side?
Yet Guan Tiezhu offered no explanation. Chiang Xiao had simply ordered him that way, leaving him clueless about her intentions too.
Additionally, Chiang Xiao had directed him that should Cheng Cheng swiftly locate the spot, he ought to inspect the house prior to departing, then tuck an object into one of its corners.
He remained baffled by the directive.
Chiang Xiao's orders aimed to test whether Cheng Cheng knew the locale well enough to promptly secure an ideal house serving as her outpost. Should he succeed, Guan Tiezhu could install a talisman diagram for her before leaving. That way, she might teleport straight from the prior outpost, drawing nearer to D State.
Should he fail, no harm done; she'd handle it personally on her next visit.
Fortune favored her, though—Cheng Cheng indeed possessed just such a location.
“Did she mention its purpose? For her personal use?”
“No mention, only that it's for emergencies, potentially useful down the line.”
Cheng Cheng harbored no doubts.
Venturing to D State's this side, once night descends, bridges seal and ferries halt, making crossings a hassle.
Chiang Xiao seeking a secluded haven over the water made perfect sense.
“I've got a spot like that, though unsure if it suits her.” Cheng Cheng remarked while loosening the hefty bundle, eager to peek inside first.
Once unpacked, it brimmed with provisions.
Jerky, munchies, tea leaves.
“This lass, I'm no glutton, yet she made you haul these specially for a handoff?” Cheng Cheng quipped with a helpless grin.
Suddenly, another of Chiang Xiao's words surfaced in his mind.
She'd procured an amulet for him and demanded he don it without fail?
Perhaps the solemn delivery from Guan Tiezhu pertained to that protective charm?
True enough, after digging around, he unearthed a tiny case. Inside lay a bead threaded on a dark string.
Nothing fancy about the bead, merely buffed to a glossy sheen.
It bore the hue of raw timber.
Plain and unadorned as it was, no one he'd known sported a wooden bead as a necklace.
He was at a loss between amusement and exasperation.
Must he truly string this on?
Noticing his look, Guan Tiezhu urged, “Officer Cheng, Xiao Chiang insisted you absolutely must wear it.”
She'd even burdened Guan Tiezhu with enforcing it…
Cheng Cheng sighed in resignation, “Fine, fine, relay to her that I will.” He moved to stash the bead back in its box.
Guan Tiezhu cut in swiftly, “Xiao Chiang demanded proof of you wearing it, plus there's a note inside the box.”
A note existed?
Cheng Cheng inspected the case anew and spotted a slip tucked in a secret fold.
Unfolding it displayed a single sentence.
If you don’t wear it, you’re a puppy.
Pfft.
Laughter exploded from Cheng Cheng.
His forehead vein pulsed.
If you don’t wear it, you’re a puppy?
Whatever drove her obsession with him wearing this wooden bead? Hadn't she called it a peace charm? Where was that charm?
Plainly, it was merely a wooden bead.
“Officer Cheng, about that spot you spoke of—what's it like? Got a key? If yes, hand it over; I'll deliver it to Xiao Chiang.”