Although Aries promised to pay back the money, many villagers still didn't quite believe her. But with the mindset of "better safe than sorry," they all came anyway.
People in the village didn't usually write IOUs when borrowing money, mostly because the amounts were small.
Aunt Third led the way. When she received her silver from Aries, the others finally believed that Aries really was paying everyone back.
They didn't even care that Mawen's face was as dark as the bottom of a pot. Everyone rushed up to Aries to get their money. After receiving it, they praised Aries warmly before leaving.
Watching the shiny silver coins being handed out little by little, Mawen felt like his heart was bleeding. This didn't feel like paying off debt—it felt like someone was cutting his flesh!
But hearing everyone compliment his daughter made him feel a bit better.
He felt proud inside—this money was earned by my daughter Aries! From now on, we won't owe anyone anything. Let's see who dares to look down on us again!
After the villagers left, Sky had finished cooking and came out to call them to eat.
"Father-in-law, wife, time to eat."
Aries had been hungry all day. As soon as she heard there was food, she didn't waste a second. She washed her hands and headed straight inside.
Seeing the white rice and big pieces of juicy meat on the table, and smelling the delicious aroma, Aries felt her mood instantly lift.
Mawen, who followed behind her, lit up the moment he saw the meal. His eyes fixed on the meat, his mouth watering, and he quickly swallowed a couple of times.
He slipped past Aries, sat down at the table, grabbed the chopsticks, and stuffed a big piece of meat into his mouth. After a mouthful of rice, he finally looked up to call Aries.
"Aries, come quick! The meat's delicious and the rice smells so good. Eat more!"
Aries' good mood disappeared instantly. Her forehead veins bulged from irritation.
Still, she sat down and called to Sky, who was still standing, "Sit down and eat."
When Mawen saw that Sky was sitting to eat with them, he froze with a piece of meat halfway to Aries' bowl.
"Aries, he's just a concubine. Giving him meat is a waste."
Then he turned and scolded Sky, "You little flirt! Just because Aries spoils you, don't forget your place. White rice and meat aren't for someone like you. From now on, eat coarse grains. Don't eat too much!"
Mawen's attitude flipped fast. He was full of love when speaking to Aries but instantly turned cruel when facing Sky—faster than actors changing masks on stage.
Sky flinched at the scolding. His smile faded, and the hand reaching for a bowl pulled back.
Those almond eyes that usually made Aries' heart flutter were now dim and dull.
Aries slammed the table and said in a cold tone, "Eat."
Mawen shut up immediately after seeing his daughter get angry, lowering his head to eat silently.
Aries glanced at Sky, who still hadn't moved. She picked up a piece of meat and placed it in front of him.
"Eat."
Sky's eyes lit up again. Seeing his wife give him food herself made him forget his sadness. His almond eyes sparkled with joy again.
He looked up and gave Aries a bright smile. "Thank you, my wife."
"Mm."
Aries replied briefly and began eating, ignoring Mawen's displeasure.
She only responded because earlier that afternoon, when she came home, Sky had called her once and she didn't answer. He then stood in front of her, calling again until she responded. Only then was he satisfied.
So just now, she answered again. Otherwise, he might've just stared at her and forgotten to eat.
After the meal, Mawen sat there staring at Aries and didn't move. More precisely, he was staring at the spot where Aries had put the silver.
"Aries, let Dad keep the money for you. You'll need it to marry a husband."
This house was just a thatched hut, so it didn't block sound. Sky, who was cleaning dishes in the kitchen, clearly heard what he said.
He knew very well he was just a concubine, not Aries' official husband. One day, Aries would marry someone officially. Still, hearing Mawen say it out loud made him feel upset.
He had told himself when he agreed to the marriage that he wouldn't care, that it wouldn't hurt.
But now… it did.
Maybe because Aries treated him so well!
He used to hear people say she was a terrible person. He also thought with his plain looks, he wouldn't be liked, so he just hoped to get by peacefully.
But things were not as he expected.
Even though Aries was fierce, had a bad temper, and liked gambling, she treated him really well.
He felt everything about her was good.
So now, hearing Mawen talk about marrying someone else really hurt.
But what could he do?
He was just a concubine brought in for luck. What right did he have to care who Aries married?
Even if he were an official husband, if Aries wanted to take more concubines, he would have to smile and help her. There was no room to complain.
Aries had no idea what Sky was thinking in the kitchen. She took out ten taels of silver and placed them in front of Mawen.
"Here's some pocket money. As for marrying someone, don't worry about it—I'll handle it."
With Mawen's taste, what kind of husband could he even find for her?
Thank goodness this concubine wasn't chosen by him. Who knows what kind of person it would've been?
Mawen grabbed the silver with both hands. Ten taels! He had never seen that much in one go!
He stuffed it into his pocket quickly but still wasn't satisfied.
"Then at least let Dad keep the rest for you. You can ask me for it whenever you need."
Aries didn't respond directly. She glanced at him and said, "I'll give you ten taels every month for allowance. Don't worry about buying things for the house."
In other words: spend your ten taels however you want, but don't expect anything more.
Mawen did a quick calculation—ten taels a month meant 120 in a year. My goodness! He couldn't even imagine it.
But then Aries threw a cold bucket of water over his head.
"If I hear you cursing anyone at home, I'll deduct a month's allowance. If you don't bathe once every three days, one month gone. Don't keep the house clean? Another month gone. Three strikes and I'll cancel your whole year."
To someone like Mawen, who loved money more than anything, this was a thunderbolt from the blue. He had been thrilled a second ago, now he was devastated.
Not allowed to curse? That meant no yelling at Ning!
She really forgot her father after getting a husband!
And it wasn't even an official husband! What kind of spell did that little brat Ning put on Aries to make her speak up for him?
He's so ugly. What did Aries even see in him?