Chapter 5: Don't Peek

Words : 1870 Updated : Jan 15th, 2026

Della Sowden had no idea what the old pervert was plotting. She wore a worried look. "Uncle Ben, you know my family's situation." "We just farm a bit. There's barely any income." "Most of last year's poverty stipend went into treating Joseph." "If we don't get it this year, we really can't keep going." The old man had aimed for exactly that. Seeing her fret, he felt smug. He kept a solemn face and said, "Della, I know your situation." "If Guazi and his two brothers hadn't had that mine accident last month, that poverty slot would have gone to your family." "So this year it's a bit tricky." Ben Lyson squinted and stole glances at Della. Watching her worry deepen, he forced down his excitement, then shifted his tone. "Actually, there's room to bend the rules." "The last poverty slot could go to your household." "I'm the village Party secretary. I have the say." "But…" He left the rest hanging. Della hurried him. "Uncle Ben, but what?" "Is there some condition? As long as my family can do it, I'll agree." Ben chuckled. "Della, it's something you can definitely do." "You know my wife passed several years ago, and I never remarried." "Do you know why?" "Because I've liked you for a long time." "As long as you say yes to me, I'll give you anything." He couldn't wait any longer. To him, Della was too beautiful, too tempting, and he'd already lost himself. He stepped in close, reaching to grope her. Della jolted and backed away several steps. "Uncle Ben, don't. You're even older than my father. This isn't right." Ben was already beyond restraint. He lunged, grabbed her, and bowed his head, aiming a kiss at her chest. "You old beast, let go of Della!" "I'll beat you to death, you old beast!" Joseph Lyson came back with a fish bucket just then. He saw the scene and charged in, furious. Seeing the "idiot" about to swing, Ben yanked back his gropey hands, bolted out of the yard, and ran. He knew folks wouldn't hold it against a simpleton if he threw a punch, and he was in the wrong for molesting Della in the first place. The fool had brute strength; if Ben took a bad hit and got seriously hurt, he'd be done for. Joseph started after him, but Della stopped him. "Joseph, don't chase him." "Della, I'm gonna kill that old beast." "Let it go. He didn't get anything out of me." "Fine. If he dares come again, I'll break his legs." "All right, all right. Our Joseph is strong. The old bastard won't dare come back. Show me-how many fish did you catch?" "Della, I caught a whole bucket. I even gave one to Xiumei." Joseph stepped outside, grabbed the bucket, and carried it in. Della couldn't help grinning. The silly kid really was something-he'd managed a whole bucket in no time. "Joseph, you're the best fisherman in Alton Village. Whoever marries you will have it made-fish on the table every day." "I won't give fish to other women. I'll only feed Della, hehe." Joseph wasn't simple anymore. He played dumb on purpose, teasing Della. She shot him a look. "Brat, what are you thinking? Getting naughty-trying to bully me?" Despite the words, she felt sweet inside. If he hadn't backed down at the last moment last night, he would have had her already. So it failed yesterday-there would be plenty of chances later. The kid was handsome; she couldn't let this prize slip to someone else. She had to strike first. As the thought flashed by, her cheeks burned. What was she thinking? Heat stirred low; she really had gone mad from wanting a man. "I just want Della to eat." "Okay, okay. Joseph, carry the fish into my room first." "Got it. I'll bring it in." Joseph hauled the fish inside. After lunch, Joseph took a nap. Memories started surfacing-so many pieces from before. The mastermind behind the murder of his elder brother Quentin Lyson had terrifying strength, the kind that could crush him like an ant. He also remembered why he'd become "simple": Dakota Ferdinando and Ivanna Shiyer, that filthy pair, had set him up, drugged him, and beaten his mind dull. And the woman with the Cartier Diamond Watch-she was the one pulling the strings. You two scum, just wait. I'll settle this score. By evening, Joseph ate dinner at Della's house and chatted with her for a while. Around ten, he said he was tired. Della let him sleep in her bed, and he was out the moment he lay down. Della was speechless. Brat, I wanted to find a chance to be a woman tonight, and you simply flopped over and slept like a pig. This wouldn't do. I had to take him to the town hospital again. She sighed, then lay down beside him. Joseph had sunk into deep sleep. That state helped repair his damaged body, but it consumed a great deal of vital essence. As his body mended, the abilities and methods of the Heavenly Emperor's Legacy rose to the surface. When he woke the next morning, daylight already filled the yard. He checked the time-half past eight. Why so late? He got up and headed for the door. Della had already washed the clothes, cleaned the fish, and hung them up in the yard. Seeing him wake, she drew water at the well and called out with a smile, "Joseph, hurry and eat breakfast. After you eat, Della will take you to the town hospital for treatment and get you some medicine. Xiumei and Chunhua just passed by and said there are specialists from the provincial capital sitting in today. We need to move fast, or we won't get a number." Joseph wasn't simple anymore and didn't need a doctor, but he couldn't tell her. Without real strength yet, he couldn't let anyone know he was fine. He smiled. "Okay, Della. I'll eat right now." He went back inside, ladled a big bowl of rice porridge, and wolfed it down. He felt ravenous. The porridge settled, and he finally felt better. Della finished drawing water, wiped her damp hands, and walked toward the door. She glanced up and startled. "Joseph, what's with your face? You look terrible." He had drained so much vital essence during last night's deep sleep that he looked like he'd been through a serious illness-pale and wan. Joseph looked at Della-and froze. He suddenly had sight that pierced through. He could see not only under her clothes, but the flow of qi and blood inside her body. As he stared, a warm trickle slid from his nostrils. He was nosebleeding.

Chapter 5: Don't Peek

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