“No!” Having traveled here from modern times, Edward Clark’s male chauvinism was in no way inferior to that of ancient men, so he especially couldn’t stand those men who lazed about and relied on their wives to support them. In his view, Emily had already suffered too much; if he couldn’t let her enjoy a good life, so be it, but to make her toil away in the embroidery or weaving workshop was simply unworthy of being a man. Of course, he never considered asking Samuel Adams for help—his relationship with this scholar was not deep, and to trouble him over such a trivial matter would only ruin the good impression he had made.

Back in modern times, he had never really suffered; he only knew how to ask his family for living expenses and had no idea how ordinary people managed to make ends meet. So, while he was focused on finding a way out, he basically ignored the dire situation at home. Fortunately, he had already taken out the watch and lighter he had hidden away; whether pawned at a shop or sold to a wealthy person, these things should be enough to solve their immediate crisis.

“I’ll go to the Su residence after all!” Edward Clark gritted his teeth and made up his mind. The silver ring on his finger was his only keepsake and certainly couldn’t be sold, but the watch and lighter couldn’t be kept any longer. As long as he could make up a story and ask Samuel Adams to find a nobleman or official who liked rare and ingenious objects, he should be able to get a decent sum. As he was racking his brains to invent a backstory for the items, a sudden commotion erupted outside the door.

“Second Brother Clark, Second Brother Clark!” With a loud, boisterous shout, a dark, skinny young man barged into the room without any hesitation, immediately startling Emily.

Edward Clark had no idea who this guy was, but at this moment he could only play dumb and replied vaguely, “What are you here for?”

“Second Brother, we haven’t seen you in ages—everyone’s been missing you! There’s another competition at the club this time, and of course we’re all counting on you. That Boss Zhu from Qingfeng Tower is offering a reward of thirty strings of cash; if we win, each of us can pocket two or three strings!” The young man plopped down on a stool, not even glancing at Emily.

Seeing Emily’s cold reaction, Edward Clark classified the visitor as one of those idle, disreputable friends, but the man’s words piqued his interest. He was no longer as clueless as when he first arrived in this place; now he understood the cost of living. The current price of rice was nine hundred wen to one string per dan. Last time, the money from Mr. Clark Sr. plus Emily’s hard work had kept the household afloat for about a month. If he could get two or three strings as a reward, it would be enough for another month or two, and he wouldn’t have to sell anything. Thinking of this, he no longer cared about Emily’s unhappy expression and asked in a low voice, “What kind of competition?”

“Second Brother, you must be joking—it’s our Longqing Club versus Bateng Club in a cuju match!” The skinny young man was already puzzled by not seeing Edward Clark for over a month, and now he was even more confused. “I’ve heard people say you’ve changed completely—are you really planning to quit for good?”

“My husband has long since stopped getting involved in those things!” Unable to contain her worry any longer, Emily cut in to refuse, “Charles Baker, you should go. My husband won’t be going!”

“This isn’t something for a woman like you to butt in on!” Charles Baker suddenly shouted angrily, his face full of rage. “It’s all because of you, you unfaithful woman, that Second Brother is holed up at home! Second Brother, it’s not my place to meddle in your family affairs, but you’d be better off divorcing a woman like her! Anyway, if you’re willing to come, be at the Longqing Club’s field at the main alley entrance at noon tomorrow. That’s all I’ll say!” With that, he glared fiercely at Emily and slammed the door as he left.

A string of events left Edward Clark with no time to react. By the time he understood what Charles Baker was implying, only he and Emily were left in the room again. At this moment, Emily was completely different from before—her face was deathly pale, and even her eyes were filled with fear as she desperately avoided his gaze. Seeing this, and recalling Charles Baker’s strange words, he began to think of those plots in vernacular novels. Could it be that this seemingly virtuous wife really had something to hide?

However, Edward Clark quickly let it go. A husband who hadn’t touched his wife for three years—gossip in the streets was inevitable. That night, Emily’s tearful complaints and tenderness had seemed completely genuine. If he doubted his wife just because of idle talk, he would be far too petty. Thinking this, he walked slowly over to Emily, suddenly pulled her into his arms, and said, “Don’t worry, I don’t believe any of that gossip.”

“Re… really?” Nearly in despair, Emily clung to this lifeline, raising her head full of hope. “Husband—no, Clark Jr., you really believe me, I…”

“Say no more, I understand how rumors work. I won’t suspect you for no reason.” Placing a finger on Emily’s lips, Edward Clark took the opportunity to share his plan. “But, I’m planning to take part in the cuju match that Charles Baker mentioned just now.”

Emily, who had just felt relieved, immediately grabbed her husband’s arm in alarm. “No, you can’t go!”