Chapter 17: Don’t Think You Can Distance Yourself from the Two of Us Mother and Daughter-Bebê Fofo de Warcraft: A Mãe Raposa Demoníaca Não é Fácil de Mexer(Guo, o gatinho)

Ishihiko’s words grew increasingly sharp, and Mingxi could only feel the small trembling hand of Xiaotong tightly clutching her waist. She was thrown into confusion and hurriedly said, “That’s right! Xiaotong! How can you curse your own mother like that?”

“Mother, Xiaotong was wrong. Xiaotong will never curse you again…”

“That’s my good girl. See, Mr. Shi, my silly son listens so well…” Mingxi said softly as she gently pinched Xiaotong’s cheek, trying to ease the tension.

“…Cut the act! You two are nothing but ‘thieving mother and deceiving son’! I really suspect you’re some kind of scam syndicate! And for his mother to be someone like you! Are you good at cheating, stealing, and swindling? Give me back my money immediately! Or do you think I won’t throw both of you out?”

Thrown out? That was harsh! The Ming family’s men were already searching the streets for them. If they went outside now, the consequences would be disastrous!

“Uncle Shi, you can’t be so heartless~~ Xiaotong didn’t mean to trick you. It’s just that the two of us have had such a miserable life. Xiaotong is a disabled child, blind in her left eye, and her mother is a useless beast tamer who can’t cultivate. How could you bear to throw us out?”

That was the truth. Besides, Mingxi was injured now. Losing this shelter would mean death for them.

“Besides, Xiaotong really feels a special connection with Uncle Shi because she has never known her father. All she knows is that her father was a beastman, and Uncle Shi is a beastman too, so Xiaotong really likes Uncle Shi, truly…”

Hearing Xiaotong’s innocent explanation, Ishihiko was at a loss for words. He couldn’t help but feel that this child wasn’t lying—indeed, she was a pitiable little soul.

When he heard the last sentence, Mingxi sighed softly, a trace of helplessness flickering in her eyes. “Forget it, son. No matter what, Mr. Shi is our lifesaver. A gentleman loves wealth but acquires it righteously. We cannot deceive Mr. Shi’s money... Son, return the money to him.”

Return the money…

Such heavy words left Xiaotong puzzled. Her mother was clearly money-hungry, so why would she say something like this?

Xiaotong pouted stubbornly, took out a silver note from her pocket, and said, “Uncle Shi, I’m sorry. Xiaotong had no choice but to trick you because we didn’t have money for mother’s roast chicken. Here, take it back.”

Ishihiko had no idea what this mother and child were up to. The atmosphere was so strange... It made him feel like a villain for taking this money! This was clearly his own money, yet he felt guilty because of them!

“…Forget it, forget it. This money is a gift from me! The fact that the three of us met in such chaos is fate. Since we know each other, consider this money a gift for our acquaintance!” Ishihiko sighed deeply and decided not to pursue the matter further.

“Really?” Xiaotong exclaimed joyfully.

“Mm! You two look pitiful. Stay here for a few days. Once Miss Mingxi’s injuries heal, you can leave with this five hundred taels of silver. For now, since Miss Mingxi’s waist bones need rest and she shouldn’t move, she can sleep on my bed. There’s a small spare room in the backyard—tiny, but with a little tidying, Xiaotong can stay there. I’ll go prepare it now.”

With that, Ishihiko left the room. Xiaotong then leaned close to Mingxi and asked, “Mother, why did you return the silver to him just now?”

“Didn’t I tell you? A gentleman loves wealth but acquires it righteously! That means if you want to take money, you must have a way about it. My method just now was effective, wasn’t it? See, after I said that, he felt embarrassed to accept the money. Hmph, you’re still too naive to mess with me!” Mingxi smiled slyly as she tucked the silver note away.

“Mother, you’re so cunning! So you had this planned all along!”

“Of course! And silly son, do you want this wealthy daddy?”

“I do!!!”

“Then wait for your mother to get this rich godfather for you. Want to wash your hands of us? No way!”