In Chu'he's memory, the male lead of this world, Song Chunming, lost his memory and was rescued by the female lead, Lan Yingying. The two lived an idyllic, peaceful life in a village, where Song Chunming experienced an unprecedented sense of inner tranquility.
Chu'he never expected to encounter the main couple here—let alone that Fang Songhe had also lost his memory and become a hunter in this village.
Not only that, but under the identity of Song Tieniu, Fang Songhe had even become the male lead’s elder brother!
She pressed herself against the window, scrutinizing every detail, afraid to miss any useful information.
Song Chunming brought Lan Yingying over to deliver some food to Song Tieniu.
"This should be enough to last you a while, Big Brother. If you don’t feel like cooking… you can always come to our place to eat."
At the mention of "cooking," Song Chunming’s expression turned slightly odd—clearly, he had suffered the consequences of Song Tieniu’s culinary skills before.
But Song Tieniu didn’t catch the implication and simply smiled. "I can take care of myself. You don’t need to worry about me all the time."
—Worry about you? More like fear you’ll poison yourself!
Song Chunming rubbed his nose and didn’t respond.
Lan Yingying noticed the horse tied nearby and asked with a smile, "Big Brother, do you have guests?"
"A couple from out of town. They had nowhere to stay, so I invited them to live with me for a while."
Lan Yingying pressed further, "The woman is exceptionally beautiful, and the man has red eyes and white hair, dressed in foreign attire?"
Song Tieniu nodded. "That’s them."
Song Chunming and Lan Yingying exchanged a glance. He looked surprised. "What a coincidence. Earlier today, Yingying accidentally fell into a hunter’s trap, and they were the ones who helped her out."
Song Tieniu was also slightly taken aback before smiling. "Ninth and Miss Chu'he are kind-hearted souls. I felt an instant connection when I first met them."
"Indeed, they do seem familiar," Song Chunming agreed, though inwardly, he thought it was Miss Chu'he who felt especially familiar.
Strange.
Chongyang ate two full bowls of noodles before finally feeling satisfied. He slowly walked over to Song Tieniu, hugging his leg and peeking out curiously at the two visitors.
Song Chunming said, "I heard you’re planning to take this child in."
Song Tieniu nodded. "Yes."
Lan Yingying met the child’s gaze briefly before looking away.
Song Chunming spoke carefully, "Big Brother, this child’s situation is… complicated."
"I know. But what does it matter? He’s just a child. An extra bowl and pair of chopsticks—I can afford it."
Lan Yingying tugged lightly on Song Chunming’s sleeve, and he dropped the subject.
Song Tieniu was a man of integrity. If he could help someone within his means, he wouldn’t hesitate. Perhaps he knew taking in Chongyang might invite disapproval, but before weighing the pros and cons, he had already made his decision.
A moment later, Song Tieniu noticed something off about Lan Yingying’s foot. "Sister-in-law, did you injure your foot?"
Lan Yingying nodded. "Just a sprained ankle. It’s nothing serious."
Song Tieniu frowned. "Sprains shouldn’t be taken lightly. What if it’s a bone injury? Sit down, let me take a look."
Lan Yingying instinctively moved behind Song Chunming. "No need to trouble you, Big Brother."
Song Chunming stepped between them. "I’ll check on her properly when we get back. Big Brother, it’s… improper between men and women."
Song Tieniu suddenly realized his mistake and flushed. "I—I didn’t mean anything by it."
"Oh no, oh no…" Chu'he muttered from the windowsill, gripping the frame. "He’s blushing! He’s blushing!"
Behind her, Ninth draped himself over her shoulder, mimicking Song Tieniu’s tone in an exaggerated whisper:
"I—I didn’t mean anything by it~"
He patted Chu'he’s head, then tilted his face to hers, adding fuel to the fire. "Ah He, look—Song Tieniu’s heart is filthy."
Outside, Song Tieniu glanced at the equally flustered Lan Yingying before quickly looking away, his usually forthright gaze now shifty.
Chu'he clutched her head in despair. "That look—"
Ninth chimed in, "Absolutely not innocent!"
Song Tieniu murmured, "My apologies. That was inappropriate."
Lan Yingying smiled politely. "You meant well, Big Brother."
Song Chunming added, "We’re family. It’s only natural you’d care for Yingying."
Song Tieniu’s eyes flickered. "Right. We’re family."
Chu'he scratched her head. "That tone—"
Ninth nodded sagely. "Way too mushy!"
In short, Chu'he was exasperated, while Ninth was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
She turned to face him directly. "Ninth, you’re a man too. Tell me—what do you think Song Tieniu… no, Fang Songhe is thinking when he looks at Lan Yingying?"
Ninth stroked his chin, pretending to ponder. "Probably wants to study the Three-Character Classic with her."
Chu'he perked up, ears twitching.
"Like how you taught me—words like squeeze, burn, seam, ecstasy… Mmph!"
She clamped a hand over his mouth, deadpan. "Are you sure that’s what Fang Songhe would think about?"
Ninth blinked innocently, staying silent.
She then grabbed his ear. "I knew that ‘Three-Character Classic’ of yours was shady! Where did you hide it?"
His red agate earring swayed, contrasting sharply against his snow-white skin.
He whined under her grip, not daring to resist. "I swear on Ninth’s name—if I’m lying, may I never eat tanghulu again!"
A dire oath indeed.
Chu'he released him half-convinced, turning back to the scene outside. "Could it be… Fang Songhe’s personality changed after losing his memory? Did he become… perverted?"
Ninth rubbed his ear, eyes glinting mischievously.
An oath sworn as Ninth has nothing to do with Chi Yan.
Chu'he’s worry deepened. She feared Fang Songhe would, as in the original plot, fall secretly for Lan Yingying and ultimately sacrifice himself for Song Chunming and Lan Yingying’s happiness.
The couple didn’t stay much longer, exchanging a few more words before leaving.
Chu'he shut the window, shoved Ninth off her back, and dashed out of the room.
Ninth sprawled on the bed, oozing resentment, before sluggishly dragging himself after her.
"Big Brother Song, is Song Chunming your younger brother?"
Song Tieniu nodded. "Yes."
He added warmly, "Chunming said you helped his wife earlier. They’re grateful and asked me to invite you over for a proper meal."
"Their place isn’t far—just over there." He pointed toward a distant house barely visible in the direction.
Chu'he stared at the house, scheming. If that fish-shaped jade pendant is still there… maybe I should steal it quietly.
Suddenly, Ninth’s stunning face filled her vision.
Bending down, he peered at her with faux innocence. "Ah He, what mischief are you plotting?"
"What kind of bad idea are you talking about?" Chu'he replied calmly, without a trace of panic. "I’m an upright person—I never do anything shady."
Ninth eyed him with suspicion.
