Seeing that infuriating face, William Carter felt a chill run through his heart.

William Carter also responded with a smile, “Thank you for your concern, cousin. I’ll definitely work hard and make you proud. You should work hard too, and make sure to pass the county exam.”

James Carter felt as if he’d swallowed a fly. This young master had always done well in his studies and was favored by the old master and Teacher Zhou. The mere children’s exam—he was sure to pass it. Did he need encouragement from this loser?

His face twitched a few times, wanting to retort, but William Carter had already slung his bookcase over his back and dashed off like the wind: “Goodbye, cousin.”

James Carter watched in the direction William Carter had left until he was out of sight, then couldn’t help but mutter under his breath, “Scum! Like father, like son.”

After a day’s work, William Carter was a bit hungry and hurried home, but just then he heard a voice behind him: “Chunqiu, Chunqiu…”

William Carter turned around and saw it was Thomas Carter from the second branch, carrying a bamboo basket with ink and brushes. He had just finished school as well and had been following behind.

Thomas Carter was the second son of Third Uncle. Although he was a bit younger than William Carter, perhaps he’d eaten something to make him grow—he was broad-shouldered and burly, half a head taller than William Carter.

Like William Carter, Thomas Carter was not favored in Teacher Zhou’s eyes. By rights, birds of a feather should flock together, but as it turned out, rivals often come from the same crowd. Thomas Carter had always disliked William Carter. Kids tend to pick on the weak, and William Carter always suspected he looked too kind, which made Thomas Carter itch to pick a fight whenever he saw him.

William Carter didn’t want to deal with him and kept walking with his bookcase.

Thomas Carter got angry and shouted, “Stop right there, William Carter, I’m talking to you, you big-footed brat!”

When Thomas Carter caught up, William Carter saw his face was full of anger, sleeves rolled up, looking ready for a fight.

Damn… What did I do to deserve this? I’m not even close to you—can’t we be reasonable?

William Carter realized Thomas Carter was being completely unreasonable. It was too late to run; Thomas Carter was already in front of him, raising his fist menacingly: “William Carter, don’t think I won’t hit you just because you’re my older cousin.”

William Carter put on an innocent face and said, “Juncai, what’s wrong?”

Thomas Carter snapped, “You’re still asking what’s wrong? You’ve been telling everyone I’m the disgrace of the Ye family, that I’m not even fit to carry your shoes, haven’t you?”

William Carter was startled. He’d thought that, sure, but he’d never dared say it out loud—he wasn’t the type to face life head-on. After half a month at the clan school, William Carter knew this burly cousin was notorious for being a troublemaker, relying on his strength to bully others. Many Ye family kids had been beaten by him.

William Carter put on a bitter face and said, “Who told you that?”

Thomas Carter sneered, looking down at William Carter like a little wild bull: “James told me. Don’t deny it—I won’t listen to your excuses. I don’t care if you’re my older cousin, today I’m definitely going to beat you up.”

James Carter…

No wonder.

Second Uncle from the second branch, and his son, had always disliked him. That James Carter was always mocking and ridiculing him. Hmph…

Having lived two lives, William Carter knew full well that pair of father and son wished he and his father would never return to the Ye family. If his father didn’t come back, Second Uncle would be the heir, and James Carter would be the legitimate eldest grandson.

So it was no surprise that this guy would play tricks behind his back.

Seeing Thomas Carter raise his fist, William Carter realized he couldn’t communicate with this cousin at all. With that level of intelligence, he was only fit to be someone’s pawn.

“Hee hee… Here they come… here they come…”

In the distance, faint voices could be heard.

William Carter looked over and saw James Carter and a few other Ye family boys watching the show by the rockery. James Carter was even fanning himself. Though his face wasn’t clear, he was surely full of anticipation.

William Carter didn’t even have time to curse these bastards, because the impatient Thomas Carter was already cracking his knuckles, ready to spread the truth with his fists.

“You know everything?” William Carter suddenly put on a shocked expression.

Everything… That sounded odd. Thomas Carter glared and said, “Of course I know everything.”

“Cousin Juncai… then…”

Thomas Carter was taken aback. Hey, kid, can’t you be serious? I’m only beating you up for my dignity, so why are you acting like you have something to say but can’t get it out?

Thomas Carter paused, fist in midair, and snapped, “What do you want to say?”

Chapter 6: Pure as Ever

William Carter looked nervous and said, “Don’t you know everything?”

“Of course I know everything, but what exactly are you trying to say?” Thomas Carter was getting impatient.

William Carter cautiously said, “Then… cousin, do you also know about the mole on Third Aunt’s body?”

Thomas Carter’s eyes instantly widened. Third Aunt was his mother. His mother had a mole? How come he didn’t know? If he didn’t know, how could Chunqiu know? Thomas Carter’s chest began to heave as he demanded, “You… how do you know about that?”