TSWPF -Chapter 416 The Handsome Man Strategy

After Lin Sen entered, the four exchanged a bitter smile—they were all here now.

The soldiers of the Liu family glanced at the four of them and said, “Stay here properly. Don’t even think about escaping.”

With that, there was a clang as the door was shut.

Lin Sen looked back at the door, then turned to He Tao and the other two, giving a faint, bitter smile. “I wonder how long we’ll have to stay here?”

He Tao said, “Wait. There’s nothing else we can do.”

For prisoners, there was no choice.

Lin Sen sighed, walked over, and sat beside He Tao, head drooping. “I’ve lost all hope.”

He Tao patted his shoulder firmly, trying to lift his spirits. “It’s not the worst yet. Maybe Liu Zhimou can really plead for us.”

Lin Sen’s maid looked at He Tao. “Can we really trust Liu Zhimou?” There was doubt in his heart.

He Tao glanced at him. “Do you have another plan?”

“No.”

“Then that’s it.” If there’s no other option, then just choose to believe.

For a while, the atmosphere fell silent again.

After a long moment, Lin Sen sighed, muttering, “I hope Liu Zhimou keeps his promise.”

At this moment, Liu Zhimou was leading the Perfect out of the prison. The Perfect looked at Liu Zhimou, calm and composed, and found a new layer of understanding of the young man.

The ability of the youth before him was not to be underestimated!

In a few years, he would surely achieve great things.

“Lord Liu, aren’t you worried about me?” the Perfect asked. Why did Liu Zhimou allow him to sit in on the interrogation? Wasn’t he afraid the information he heard would be leaked?

Liu Zhimou glanced at him, expression calm, and asked back, “Would you?”

Allowing the Perfect to sit in was also a test—to see if he had truly repented.

If he hadn’t repented and revealed what he heard, Liu Zhimou would just consider it a misjudgment.

The Perfect exchanged a look with Liu Zhimou, then shook his head with a smile. “No, I wouldn’t.”

Once a person decides to change, they won’t repeat mistakes.

Besides, what Lin Si, He Zhao Wang, and the others said didn’t contain much information. Even if he revealed it, it wouldn’t matter.

Liu Zhimou hummed softly, then asked if the Perfect wanted to come to his home for a meal.

The magistrate laughed heartily. “How can I come here without sharing a few drinks with Lord Liu?”

He came with a purpose to meet Liu Zhimou, intending to use force if Liu Zhimou didn’t cooperate.

He never imagined Liu Zhimou would enlighten him and completely change his original intention.

Perhaps heaven itself didn’t want him to continue down the wrong path. Otherwise, he’d have no face to see his mother in the afterlife.

Realizing in time and correcting himself meant he could still face his mother.

Liu Zhimou cast a glance at him, called for County Deputy Ma, and the three returned to the county magistrate’s residence together.

Back at the residence, Mr. Luo received word and hurried to the flower hall. Upon arrival, seeing the lively atmosphere, he froze for a moment.

Has Lan Gang… changed completely?

He looked at Liu Zhimou, sensing something strange in his demeanor too. What could have happened at the office to improve their relationships so much?

The Perfect, sharp-eyed, saw Mr. Luo and quickly stood to greet him.

His current demeanor was completely different from before—night and day.

Mr. Luo, always calm and composed in front of others, nodded lightly and walked in with his hands behind his back.

County Deputy Ma stood, smiling. “It’s been a long time, Mr. Luo.” He was grateful for Mr. Luo’s guidance with his sons.

Mr. Luo smiled faintly at Deputy Ma. “It has indeed been a long time. What have your well-behaved children been up to lately? Not attending lessons?” It seemed a while since he’d last seen the four children.

“They’ve been helping with farm work at home. After finishing the chores, they will come to bother you, Mr. Luo.”

Mr. Luo waved his hand. “It’s no trouble.”

He actually liked those four children.

The Perfect looked at Deputy Ma in surprise, then at Mr. Luo. From their conversation, he realized Deputy Ma’s children were studying under Mr. Luo?

Deputy Ma’s family was truly fortunate; their children could learn from Mr. Luo.

One must know, Mr. Luo didn’t even want to teach princes.

Unfortunately, such things can’t be envied; his own children were not destined for it.

Mr. Luo sat down, glanced at the Perfect, and asked if he was satisfied after visiting the prison.

The Perfect knew Mr. Luo had opinions about him. He smiled respectfully. “I’m satisfied. With Lord Liu handling matters, I feel at ease.”

“The Perfect seems to be in a good mood.”

“Indeed,” the Perfect nodded, glancing at Liu Zhimou. “Thanks to Lord Liu, I’ve realized some things.”

“Hm?” Mr. Luo looked at Liu Zhimou, who was sipping tea, wondering what mystery was being played out. “Seems like a good thing.”

Liu Zhimou gently set down his cup and smiled. “It is indeed a good thing.”

But he didn’t elaborate further.

Mr. Luo glanced at him again, didn’t press further, and then asked the Perfect when he would return. Would he stay the night?

The Perfect smiled and countered, “Want to have a drink together?”

Well, then it was settled—they’d stay the night.

Mr. Luo agreed, having no objections.

Setting aside any grievances, the conversation became quite pleasant.

During the meal, everyone drank freely. The Perfect, drunk, was supported by Liu family soldiers to a guest room to sleep.

Before leaving, he hiccupped drunkenly, “D… Lord… Liu… keep… drinking…”

Liu Zhimou, who drank the least, only had a flushed face but was otherwise fine.

He waved at the Perfect, signaling him to rest.

The Perfect, eyes hazy, pushed away the supporting soldier, swaying to Liu Zhimou. Clutching his hands, he started sobbing.

“…?”

Liu Zhimou looked stunned. What was happening? A grown man holding his hands and crying—it was terrifying.

“Your Excellency, are you… okay?” Can you let go of my hands? My goosebumps are rising.

The Perfect seemed not to hear him, crying, “I’ve wronged my mother, forgotten her final words… how can I face her? I have no face… no face… what should I do?” His sobs grew louder, almost wailing. “Lord Liu, thank… thank you for enlightening me, or else… else I’d have no face to see my mother, sob…”

What a mess. Listening to the Perfect jumble words left Liu Zhimou’s head spinning.

“Your Excellency, you’ve had too much. Go rest!”

“Who… who said I had too much? Drink… continue…”

Liu Zhimou rolled his eyes, wiped the drool from his face, then signaled a soldier to take the drunk away.

Receiving the signal, the soldier came over and dragged the drunk away forcefully.

If he stayed, Liu Zhimou would lose his mind.

With the crying gone, Liu Zhimou finally exhaled quietly, turning to Mr. Luo and Old Man Xue. Seeing them lucid, he smiled and greeted them.

The two elders looked at Liu Zhimou simultaneously. “What’s the matter?”

He told them to stop drinking and rest well.

The two elders had drunk enough tonight; more would harm their health.

“Alright, back, back!” Old Man Xue hiccupped heavily, swaying as he stood. Liu Zhimou immediately went to support him.

He waved Liu Zhimou off, saying he could manage.

Looking at him wobble, how could he manage?

Liu Zhimou sighed inwardly, called another soldier to support Old Man Xue back. He couldn’t let him walk alone; falling would be disastrous.

The soldier supported Old Man Xue out, ignoring his protests.

Once Old Man Xue left, Mr. Luo was also ready to return.

Liu Zhimou had soldiers escort him as well.

Mr. Luo calmly glanced at Liu Zhimou and nodded without comment.

Although he could walk home himself, he didn’t want Liu Zhimou to worry, so he agreed.

After seeing Mr. Luo off, Liu Zhimou exhaled and leisurely walked back to the courtyard.

Back home, to avoid bothering Li Qingling, he quickly took a cold shower.

Afterward, he realized he hadn’t brought any clothes to change into.

He tapped his forehead, exasperated at himself.

Thinking Li Qingling wouldn’t come looking for him, he boldly stepped out to fetch clothes.

Coincidentally, Li Qingling heard the door open. After waiting and not seeing him, she came looking.

“You…” Seeing him just out of the bath, she widened her eyes, staring straight at him.

Initially embarrassed, Liu Zhimou relaxed when he saw her expression.

He winked at her. “Satisfied with the view?”

Snapping back, Li Qingling turned, face red, and shouted, “Why aren’t you dressed?!”

Exhibitionist.

Liu Zhimou shrugged innocently. “How was I supposed to know you’d come looking for me?” Pausing, he added, “We’ve been married a long time; haven’t seen it all before? What’s to be shy about?”

“…?”

Exhibitionist… shameless.

Li Qingling’s mind raced with words, finally leaving her with: “Aren’t you cold? Go put clothes on.”

She then ran back to the bed, burying her head like an ostrich.

Liu Zhimou smirked, strolling over, sitting on the bed. He pulled the blanket from over her head. “Not afraid of suffocating yourself?” He tapped her nose. “So shy, hmm?”

The slight teasing in his voice made Li Qingling’s heart race.

Damn it—he was using the handsome man strategy on her again.