Chapter 32: with translation of chapter title

Luo Song hurried back to the lounge, saw Ye Heng sitting upright, and let out a relieved sigh— as long as the person hadn't left, it was fine.

Ye brother, here you don't need to be so vigilant; the watchtower is absolutely safe, you can relax a bit.

Ye Heng nodded casually, offering no explanation.

When he communicated with Lin Meng via mental power, he was always solemn and serious, never daring to be lax.

He had long ingrained respect for Lin Meng into his bones; even without that figure in the space, he remained the same.

Luo Song naturally didn't know of Lin Meng's goddess existence; he handed Ye Heng a palm-sized box.

Ye brother, please look; this is something I bought from the inner city auction not long ago, originally meant for my little wife, but since you want it, I'll give it to you.

Ye Heng glanced at it; it was a ring box, inside stood a deep blue gemstone ring.

The blue gemstone's brilliant, mysterious light displayed its nobility, an accessory a woman would love at first sight; Lin Meng would surely like it.

Ye Heng made up his mind and immediately asked: 'What use does this ring have?'

Luo Song carefully took out the ring to display, and said:

This ring contains a hallucinogen, usable up to a thousand times; just rub the gemstone lightly with a finger to release it, and the user need only wave a hand toward the target for the hallucinogen to take effect instantly.

Ye Heng frowned, thinking; this alone surely isn't enough—Lin Meng doesn't want too much lethality, but she didn't say there should be none at all.

The hallucinogen can only immobilize the opponent briefly, lacking any deterrent effect.

Don't rush, Ye brother; besides the hallucinogen, this ring also has a physical attack: press the band and the setting will spring out a nano‑scale needle that can easily pierce skin, causing intense pain while leaving no trace.

Ye Heng personally tested it; the invisible nano‑needle pricked his forearm, a piercing pain surged instantly, and as he breathed, a layer of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

Had it not been for his firm will and rich injury experience, he would probably be rolling on the ground in pain right now.

'Not bad.' Ye Heng's eyes suddenly brightened.

Luo Song, seeing this, held back a laugh and said:

'How about it? Isn't this needle powerful enough? This was originally used by noble ladies in aristocratic circles to punish disobedient slaves.'

'There are over ten thousand nano‑needles hidden in this tiny ring; is this number of uses satisfactory, Ye brother?'

Ye Heng couldn't help but nod, carefully placing the ring back into its box and swiftly storing it in his space.

'Lin Meng, hurry and look—do you like this self‑defense weapon?'

Ye Heng carefully explained the functions to Lin Meng, his expression solemn, his body motionless, making Luo Song quite uneasy.

After a moment, Ye Heng slapped the table and said:

'Deal, this cabbage is yours, I'll take the item.'

'Ye brother, please stay.'

Luo Song hastily handed over a crystal card: 'Next month, several major districts will jointly hold a trade fair, located in our 13th district; keep this invitation card, you can come when you have time—you might find what you need.'

Ye Heng was about to refuse when Luo Song had already shoved the crystal card into his hand.

'Your shelter probably doesn't have much defensive equipment, does it? This trade fair is huge, with lots of weapons and gear; I think you'll need some.'

Lin Meng returned to Lin Family Village.

She left debt‑free, but came back burdened with five million in external debt.

Villagers saw her dragging her suitcase with a dejected head, couldn't help but glance a few extra times and toss out a few jeers.

'Look at that miserable look—serves her right!'

'I heard she went to Jing Shi, probably looking for work in the big city to pay off her debt, but some people just lack ability; even a top‑university degree won't get them anywhere.'

'In my view, a girl should marry early and have kids, give the house to Lin Jianyang, and not have to repay the debt—how nice, this is all her own doing.'

'Lin Meng will surely never marry—she's headstrong yet talentless, likes to show off; who in ten miles would dare take her home?'

'City folk would never want her either; they look down on us villagers, and Lin Meng still owes over three million—no man would rush to spend money on her.'

'Three million plus—good grief! My whole family working a lifetime couldn't earn that much; Lin Meng's life is over…'

The gossip of those long‑tongued villagers, Lin Meng didn't take to heart.

They can say whatever they like; she just quietly makes a fortune, and when she succeeds she'll scare them to death.

Grandpa's debt she had long repaid; villagers couldn't know, and even her own relatives thought she lacked the ability to earn money, surely waiting to see her joke.

As for the five million owed to Ye Chenjing, that's actually easy to repay.

Ye Heng's side can still help her find gold, silver, and jewels; the newly invested mortal cultivator Ye Fan is probably already on his way to Yun Tian Sect.

As long as she stays in touch with those two, she need not worry about making money.

Lin Meng had just put down her luggage at home when her uncle's side came rushing over.

In no time, seven or eight people stood in the courtyard.

Lin Qianqian stood at the front, eyes red from crying, and as soon as she arrived she pointed at Lin Meng and shouted abuse.

'Have you long been in contact with the Ye family? That day you deliberately watched me make a fool of myself!'

Thinking back to that day, she had dressed up carefully, stood in the rain while people pointed and gossiped, whereas Lin Meng sat in a Ye family car mocking her, leaving Lin Qianqian with a burning fire inside her that had nowhere to go.

It should have been her entering the Ye family in glory, becoming the future Ye lady, but Lin Meng seized the opportunity instead.

The noble‑family dream shattered, Lin Qianqian lost all reason, and without warning lunged at Lin Meng clutching a fruit knife.

Murderous intent frenzied across her face; Lin Meng saw this and was horrified—this woman had gone mad, daring to try to stab her in front of so many people!

But she reacted swiftly; at the instant the cold light thrust, she sidestepped, and while doing so pressed her thumb lightly against the ring's band, inadvertently jabbing the needle toward Lin Qianqian's arm.

'Ah!'

Only a shriek was heard; before anyone could react, Lin Qianqian let out a wail and collapsed to the ground.

The fruit knife clanged as it flew out; Lin Meng hurriedly picked it up, gripping it tight, while keeping a wary eye on Lin Qianqian.

At that moment Lin Qianqian resembled a twisted maggot, writhing on the ground, continually emitting sharp, piercing screams.

'Ah ah ah, it kills me, it kills me!'

How could Lady Wang bear to see her daughter bullied? She rushed over at once.

Lin Qianqian, what's wrong? Was it that bitch Lin Meng who hit you? Where are you hurt?

Mom, I'm in so much pain, my arm feels like it's ruined!

Lin Qianqian only knew that at the moment she stabbed Lin Meng with a knife, she suddenly felt a piercing pain in her arm, more painful than a fracture, as if her whole arm had been run over by a wheel.

Tears mixed with snot and saliva covered her entire ferocious, terrifying face; at this moment, Lin Qianqian was utterly miserable.

Lin Meng stood still without changing her expression, warily staring at her uncle's family, a wave of fear lingering in her heart.

Fortunately, she had been prepared and dodged quickly; Ye Heng also gave her this ring for self-defense, otherwise she might really have had to go see her grandfather today.

This woman knew she could never become a wealthy family's wife, and she had gone mad.