Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Chapter 603: Chapter 609

“The construction of the greenhouse and the design of the Heavenly Pavilion were both conceived by the same person, weren’t they? Such talent is indeed remarkable. I wonder if Madam Han could introduce me, as I would very much like to meet this extraordinary person,” Chen Li was overly eager to know the answer, because it was not only curiosity at play, but also her interests. It could even risk exposing her own status.

Even if Chen Li was reckless and scornful of the era’s rules, she knew that if her origins were exposed, it would lead to dire consequences. Initially, she had been overconfident, thinking that her transmigration made her the protagonist and that no one would detect her. Thus, she acted without concern. However, if someone really came from the same place as she did, they could easily sense the discrepancy and guess her background, whereas she knew nothing about them.

Chen Li herself was no saint; her desires were strong, and she was fiercely persistent about power. So, when speculating about others, she assumed the worst, ensuring she wouldn’t be at a disadvantage. She didn’t believe that someone from her past would be kind-hearted or refrain from harming her. People are greedy, and for their own interest, they can do anything.

Nevertheless, regarding Su Wenyue’s words, Chen Li did not suspect her. Although she once had her doubts, once she truly met Su Wenyue, she could tell that she was entirely an ancient woman, devoted to her husband as if he were her heaven. She exhibited none of the distinct qualities and differences a modern woman should have. Chen Li believed that even if Su Wenyue tried to conceal it, she could sense it – no matter how skilled her acting. Therefore, she subconsciously believed Su Wenyue, thinking that her compatriot was someone else in hiding.

However, Su Wenyue was indeed a bona fide ‘ancient person.’ Chen Li never expected to meet another transmigrated woman, let alone one who had been reborn. It was just her speculation about all the things that shouldn’t exist in this era that had led to this series of guesses.

After Chen Li finished speaking, she saw Su Wenyue looking at her with an almost smiling expression. Only then did Chen Li realize her haste and imprudence in asking such questions. She had forgotten even the most basic of facts—that even in modern times, such technical secrets would not be casually disclosed, let alone in ancient times. Although it wasn’t too difficult for her to work out these matters, Su Wenyue didn’t know her background and must have become guarded because of her words.

“Madam Han, please don’t misunderstand. I am not trying to pry into business secrets, I am simply curious,” Chen Li hastily explained, holding a favorable impression of Su Wenyue and keen on befriending her. She did not want Su Wenyue to misunderstand her, but such an explanation felt insufficient, and certain truths, especially those revealing her origin, could not be disclosed.

Su Wenyue was just as sensitive as Chen Li, if not more so. Whether a time-traveler or someone reborn, having a secret made one exceedingly cautious, fearing any inadvertent slip that might reveal something and elicit a guard. She naturally did not fully trust the sincerity and curiosity Chen Li demonstrated.

It wasn’t just a matter of trust but some things simply could not be shared. As a local girl, she knew all too well what revealing her secret would entail, and the consequences were not something she could bear.

“I know Miss Chen is curious, but as a merchant yourself, you should understand the importance of trade secrets. If I disclose them, I wouldn’t be able to carry on with my business. Miss Chen holds numerous business secrets as well. Surely you wouldn’t reveal them just because someone is curious? So please forgive me, I truly cannot tell you.”

As Su Wenyue spoke, her words carried a hint of sarcasm and she was quite blunt. Although she knew that Chen Li was only trying to fish for information—information Chen Li was already aware of—she still pretended to have misunderstood Chen Li. It was Su Wenyue’s consistent principle: if you’re going to act, then you must act convincingly and fully immerse yourself in the role.

Seeing Su Wenyue’s guarded and suspicious manner, Chen Li, despite her urgency to find the information she desired, knew that some things were simply not feasible. She would not be able to learn what she wanted through Su Wenyue, lest she offend her.

The consideration was not just because Han Yu was increasingly valued by Liu Xiu but also because the Su Family, Su Wenyue’s mother’s family, had not been suppressed by Chen Li. Instead, Chen Li chose to cooperate and compromise, indicating that Su Wenyue was not someone to be offended. Otherwise, Yin Lihua would not have set aside her usual aloofness to please Su Wenyue in a roundabout way.

“Madam Han, I’m sorry. I was confused for a moment and shouldn’t have asked like that. I tend to speak before I think sometimes, and I please ask for your forgiveness for any offense,” Chen Li, having realized her mistake, expressed her regret and apologized sincerely.

Su Wenyue had some understanding of Chen Li’s nature. Whether Chen Li had done it deliberately or not, the girl indeed lacked guile. Besides, many of the ideas Su Wenyue had come up with were related to Chen Li. Although Su Wenyue felt no guilt—since fate had given her a second chance, she was meant to use what she knew to live a better life—she did feel slightly remorseful towards Chen Li. She thus softened her expression.

“It’s alright. Since it was unintentional, just be careful in the future. Matters of trade secrets are significant. No one should be inquiring about them, and I won’t take it to heart. If it were someone else, they might not be as understanding and might suspect Miss Chen’s intentions.”

“Certainly, certainly. I’ll definitely be more careful in the future,” Chen Li assured, nodding repeatedly, regardless of what she was thinking, until her gaze was drawn elsewhere.

“So that’s the City Lord Mansion’s young lady. She indeed possesses some beauty and has a good status; no wonder she causes Yin Lihua unease—she does have some capital to her name.” Chen Li was momentarily taken aback, mentioning this almost absentmindedly with a hint of jealousy in her voice. Though it was not very pronounced, Su Wenyue still caught on.

It seemed that even though Chen Li followed Liu Xiu for her ambitions and desires, she did harbor some feelings for him. No matter how unconventional, she was still a woman, and Liu Xiu, although not faithful or truly sincere to women, was undeniably an attractive man. He was both literary and martial, and his charm and status were irresistible to many women. It was normal for one to fall for him after being by his side for so long. But having feelings for such a man was a path bound for a sorrowful end.

“I thought you saw things very clearly. Once you invest your feelings, you are only setting yourself up for hurt,” Su Wenyue felt obliged to remind Chen Li, regardless of her reasons.

Chen Li, upon hearing Su Wenyue’s heartfelt advice, felt touched. She did not hide her emotions from Su Wenyue, and her face showed a bitter smile.@@novelbin@@