After seeing Uncle Han off, Chi Yin returned home. Originally, her plan had been to wait for Zhang Xiufang to make the first move, but days passed without a sound. She grew impatient, leading her to invite Uncle Han over to stage a provocative scene involving a million-yuan windfall. This play to lure the snake out of its hole had finally worked—the snake was stirring—and now, she, the target of the snake’s hatred, had to move quickly to set the stage for what would follow.
While cooking, Auntie Li was overcome with anxiety. The flames licked at the bottom of the pot, and when the oil became too hot, it popped and splattered, scalding Auntie Li’s hand and raising blisters. She even broke a bowl. The older generation often said that bad luck comes in threes, and she took this as a grim omen.
As the red blisters on Auntie Li’s wrist swelled up, Chi Yin knelt beside her, dabbing the burns with a cotton swab soaked in ointment. The medicine felt cool and soothing, easing the pain, but Auntie Li still felt as if her heart were being roasted over a fire. She gripped Chi Yin’s arm and whispered nervously, "Chi Yin, do you think this is a warning from heaven? Maybe you shouldn't go out today. What if something happens..."
Chapter 117