49 Secret Hideout

Song Zhuyu let out a mirthless chuckle in response, "That's… very reassuring to hear."

Truth to be told, it wasn't like Song Zhuyu particularly cared about his image in the eyes of the islanders. 

There had been some talk that he was a problematic guy back in the city, and his presence here was most likely because he was punished. After all, no one of his caliber would be willing to come all the way here to this secluded island despite the government paying him handsomely for it. 

Song Zhuyu had learned of these rumors from Ma Xiaocai, who told him with an amused laugh and reassured him that the villagers meant no harm and were simply curious as they had never encountered anyone like him before. In return, he had laughed along and brushed off the rumors with ease— first, because they were not entirely wrong, and second, he could sense that the villagers harbored no ill intentions toward him.