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Chapter 21: Twenty-One Treasures ?

Xu Zhen remarked, "That explanation is as vague as the original."

After a pause, Xun Qianchun elaborated. It meant those who cherish their lives more than the world can be trusted with it, and those who care for themselves more than the world can be entrusted with it.

Impressed by Little Beggar's thorough and correct answer, Xu Zhen was surprised, "You even know this sentence. Have you been secretly studying?"

"I've read some," Xun Qianchun replied.

"Where did you find books?" Xu Zhen inquired.

"From the temple," Xun Qianchun paused, adding, "Some refugees traded books for food."

She pulled two small, thin books from her robe, one being the "Dao De Jing" and the other "Zhuangzi."

The books, having been soaked by rain, were crumpled and the characters inside were blurred and barely legible.

Seeing how worn the books were, Xun Qianchun hesitated, feeling embarrassed, and tried to put them back.

Unexpectedly, a light blue money pouch fell from her waistband with a clatter.

Xu Zhen looked over, stunned.

Wasn't that the pouch she had thrown at Little Beggar before?

Feeling remorseful, Xu Zhen quickly picked it up, stuffing it into her clothes, pretending nothing had happened.

Xun Qianchun had intended to retrieve it, but seeing Xu Zhen take it first and not intending to return it, she silently watched.

After a while, Xun Qianchun asked, "Do you like the pouch?"

"What pouch?" Xu Zhen asked.

Realizing the pouch was what she had given Little Beggar and the money inside was hers, Xu Zhen blushed, hastily retrieving it from her clothes to give back to Little Beggar.

Holding the warm pouch, Little Beggar earnestly asked, "Do you like this?"

Xu Zhen shook her head, then nodded.

Xun Qianchun said, "I'm not interested in it."

Xu Zhen was puzzled by Little Beggar's remark.

After a pause, Xun Qianchun added, "If you like it, I can chop wood for ten copper coins a day, saving up a lot."

Blushing, Xu Zhen said, "No need."

Xun Qianchun replied, "If you like it, I'll give it to you."

Xu Zhen felt both touched and guilty.

She asked, "Did it hurt when I threw this at you?"

Xun Qianchun shook her head, "No."

Xu Zhen suspected she was lying, feeling more embarrassed, she touched her hand, "Does your hand still hurt?"

Xun Qianchun said, "No."