"The Lin family has bought so many people back that it seems like they're not planning to hire anyone else for the oil mill," a disgruntled villager commented.
"Didn't you hear? They're placing trust in the people they bought," someone responded sarcastically.
"In such a short period, the Lin family has bought so many people, it seems they've prospered."
"You don't need to mention it, anyone can see that," another countered.
...
Lou Zheng's ears filled with the villagers' discussions, sparking in him uncertainty. With the Lin family having so many servants, might they let go of his two sons?
Thinking of that, he lost interest in making idle small talk with the villagers and walked away, worry lingering in his heart.
"Miss, I can read and am skilled at farming," a fair-skinned man cried out desperately to Lin Ziyin.
But Lin Ziyin was already moving on, ignoring his plea.