A crisp sound rang out. Caught off guard, Sam spun around twice on the spot from the slap, seeing stars, with nosebleed and teeth flying, his cheek swelling high. The alcohol instantly cleared from his head, and when he saw Jason Brooks standing sternly before him, he was shocked: “Chen... Chen Xianggong!”

“Get out!”

Sam hurriedly covered his head and scurried away like a rat.

Not to mention him—even Belle behind them was so stunned her eyes went wide—was this really her gentle, bookish, weak Brother Ethan?

Chapter Twelve: Visiting

“Brother Ethan, is your hand alright?”

Snapping out of her shock, Belle immediately asked about Jason Brooks’s hand, afraid he might have hurt himself while hitting someone.

Jason Brooks smiled and said, “I’m fine.”

He was now strong and robust; slapping Sam was like swatting a fly, and he’d only used forty percent of his strength. If the other had dared to resist, he wouldn’t have held back.

—A scholar isn’t just someone who talks reason and argues endlessly. At least, Jason Brooks wasn’t. When it was time to act, he acted, without any hesitation.

Belle responded with an “oh,” her thoughts in a jumble. Today, Jason Brooks gave her a strong sense of unfamiliarity, but deep down, she found herself inexplicably liking this unfamiliar feeling.

“Belle, move into my house.”

Jason Brooks said.

Belle was stunned and replied, “How could that be?”

“If I say it’s fine, then it’s fine. Pack your things right now, we’re going home.”

Jason Brooks’s tone was firm and brooked no argument.

Belle opened her mouth wide again, but when she met Jason Brooks’s resolute gaze, she couldn’t say a word. She turned back into the temple and quickly packed her belongings.

Just like that, the two of them walked back the way they came.

Belle habitually followed half a step behind Jason Brooks, matching his pace, her bright eyes fixed on his suddenly taller figure, her heart full of delight. A long-cherished wish had suddenly come true, making her feel as if she were dreaming—she only hoped she could follow behind Jason Brooks like this for the rest of her life...

Back home, Jason Brooks briefly explained the situation. After a slight pause, Olivia Morgan had no objections at all. She warmly took Belle’s hand and said she would treat her as her own daughter from now on.

Belle’s eyes instantly turned red, and big tears rolled down uncontrollably.

The The Brooks Family household was actually quite poor, with only two rooms: one for Jason Brooks, and one for Belle and Olivia Morgan.

It was already late, so everyone went to rest.

Lying in bed, Jason Brooks couldn’t fall asleep for a long time, repeatedly thinking about how to use the bell artifact to subdue demons. After much deliberation, he finally came up with a safe and feasible plan, and only then did he sleep soundly.

At dawn, the roosters crowed all around.

Diligent Belle got up early to do housework and make breakfast.

Perhaps because she had found a solid support in life, the young girl’s face was radiant with joy.

After breakfast, while Belle was clearing the dishes, Olivia Morgan quietly called Jason Brooks aside and got straight to the point: “Ethan, do you have feelings for her?”

Jason Brooks couldn’t help but laugh: “Mother, what are you thinking? How could I?”

Olivia Morgan said, “That’s good... Belle is a good girl, but...”

She didn’t continue, but Jason Brooks understood his mother’s meaning. In an era that valued social status and family background, he and Belle were from two different worlds. Of course, he personally didn’t care about that at all. But given his current age and situation, Jason Brooks absolutely didn’t want to get involved in romantic matters too early, nor did he have the time.

He had Belle move in simply because he felt it was the right thing to do.

Besides, Belle was diligent and obedient. With such a girl around, he believed his mother would be much happier—it was a win-win. After all, come next spring, he would be going to Jiangzhou to study, and leaving his mother alone always made him uneasy. As for the added burden of another mouth to feed, Jason Brooks was confident he could handle it.

After a bit of preparation, Jason Brooks set out to visit Franklin Warren.

Franklin Warren lived in Shuyang Village, five li from Jingyang Village. Riding his little donkey at a good pace, Jason Brooks arrived at Shuyang Village, asked for directions, and found Franklin Warren’s house.

The The Warren Family belonged to the landlord class, with high walls, spacious courtyards, and many servants—a truly grand sight.

After the servant announced his arrival, the master of the The Warren Family, Mr. Warren, immediately came out beaming. He was a big, round man with a rosy face, always smiling. As a country gentleman, he was well-spoken and very courteous.

After the host and guest were seated and had some refreshments, Jason Brooks asked about Franklin Warren. Mr. Warren replied, “My son is still in Jiangzhou City and hasn’t returned.”

Jason Brooks quickly figured out what had happened: after leaving yesterday, Franklin Warren must have gone straight to the Jiangzhou villa to see Taohua, completely forgetting about home.

He ground his teeth in frustration and said, “Uncle Warren, could you send someone to Jiangzhou to call Brother Futai back? I have urgent business with him.”

Mr. Warren said, “Alright... Arthur, quickly ride to Jiangzhou and tell the young master to come back at once—just say Ethan is here.”

The servant called Arthur accepted the order and left.