Chapter 238

238 Cracking the Enigma Puzzle
“…” Gary, still young and naive, was taken aback by Wynter’s words. His gaze began to wander as if it
were about to betray him.
Fanny immediately intervened, saying, “He’s just trying to act tough. His healed yet, but he insisted on
coming out.”
uph hasn’t fully
Gary did indeed have a cold. His voice was hoarse as he said, “I’ve missed you.”
“Alright, let’s all head inside,” Dickson said, smiling. “We’ll let Wynter try some of our home–cooked
dishes.” The couple, cleverly synchronized, ushered Wynter into the house.
an
Inside, it was a multi–generational abode. Dickson introduced them one by one:
grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins–in–law.
Everyone else seemed quite ordinary, except for the young cousin–in–law, who was only a couple of
years older than Wynter. She appeared disheveled, holding a child in her arms with a vacant
expression.
Wynter called out to her cousin–in–law a couple of times before she finally snapped back to reality.
“Oh, hello,” she greeted, her voice devoid of any rural accent.
Wynter glanced at the inside of her cousin–in–law’s forearm and teasingly remarked, ” You’re not a
local, are you?”
“I…” Yarra Raine looked at Wynter as if she wanted to say something.
Fanny nudged her from behind. “Yarra, why are you standing here foolishly? The ribs are ready. Why
don’t you go eat a few pieces?” The underlying threat in her words was evident.
Yarra immediately lowered her gaze. “Right, I want ribs. Gotta eat meat to grow tall,” she mumbled to
herself.
Wynter raised an eyebrow at the childish remarks. “Mom, is there something off about her?” “She’s got
some issues,” Fanny explained, pointing to her head. “She nearly drowned once, and when she woke
up, she started telling everyone she’s a college student from the city.” Wynter chuckled as she toyed
with the purple sugilite pendant around her waist. “That does explain her foolishness.”
“It’s not just that,” Fanny continued. “When she sees strangers, she cowers and cries for help. She
scared away quite a few tourists previously. Did she frighten you too?”
Wynter glanced innocently at Fanny. “A little. Her messy hair was rather scary.” Upon
238 cracking the Tingana Puzzle
hearing this, Yarra slouched even further.
The Quirks had prepared a table full of dishes. Despite the lively atmosphere, Yarra never once lifted
her head.
Seated next to her, a 30–year–old man gently coaxed, “Darling, try this dish.” Yarra acted like a puppet,
obediently doing as she was told.
Wynter’s gaze shifted toward them. Noticing this, Fanny leaned in to explain, “Finding someone for
Yarra isn’t easy, but fortunately, Beny doesn’t mind. Other than the age gap, everything else is fine.”
Just then, Dickson accidentally knocked over a dish while toasting, splattering Wynter’s T-
shirt.
Fanny stood up and scolded, “Dear, how could you be so careless!”
Dickson’s face flushed red as he stammered, “I….
“It’s alright, it’s just a shirt. I’ll change into something else,” Wynter said shyly. “Since Yarra is around
my age, could she help me watch the door?”
Wynter specifically asked for Yarra, prompting Fanny to frown instinctively. “Wynter, you…”
“I’m shy,” Wynter lowered her eyes and explained.
Wynter’s fair complexion, along with her long, dense eyelashes, exuded an innocent vibe that eased
Fanny’s doubts. She glanced at Dickson, who nodded in agreement, before saying, “Yarra, go with
Wynter, but don’t act strangely.”
Yarra shifted awkwardly, her expression somewhat blank. Wynter didn’t attempt to hold her hand either.
The two walked away, one after the other.
As they vanished into the house, Gary trailed along, as was his custom, ensuring Yarra wouldn’t
attempt to flee.
Fanny lowered her voice. “Beny, why did you let her come out?”
તા.ર બનતો 11}}}}
Ato Something Different
pony, she knows she’s wrong, but the ldd can’t go without milk” Beny said, popping a pot into his
month. “Don’t worry, I’ve got her under control. Dragged her back from town, and now she’s clear that
running off won’t work. She’s given up and says she wants to settle down with me”
Dickson chimed in with frustration, “Beny, I hate to say it, but It’s been three years. How come you still
haven’t sorted her out?”
“Well, being a university student, she’s literate and harder to handle,” Beny chuckled. “But hey,
Dickson, the girl you brought back this time is really good–looking! She seems well- behaved too.
Maybe 1-”
Fanny cut him off sharply. “Don’t even think about it! The village head fancies her, and they’re coming
over soon to check her out. Wipe that lecherous grin off your face!”
Fanny sneered, “Thank goodness this girl is dim–witted. Otherwise, with your lecherous look. I’d have
to figure out a way to fool her!”
‘Alright, let’s put an end to this discussion,” Dickson intervened. “Keep a close watch on the man Yarra
brought along. Make sure he doesn’t come out.”
Beny’s anger flared at the mention of it. “He’s just some brat who popped out of nowhere, daring to
meddle in our village’s affairs. It’s really getting on my nerves.”
Dickson frowned. “He’s no ordinary fellow. Even with ten times the sedatives, he wouldn’t go down. If it
weren’t for the village head’s help, he might’ve snatched Yarra away! What then? The whole family
would be in trouble thanks to you!”
“He didn’t take her,” Beny snapped impatiently. “I checked. They’re not involved. Yarra just happened to
save someone and ran into this brat. Damn busybody!”
“Regardless, keep a close watch,” Dickson warned.
“He’s locked in the cellar, with Biggie and Brownie on watch. He won’t get out,” Beny assured his
mother as he dished out more food. “Ma, stop eating just potatoes, have some
meat.”
The family continued their meal unperturbed, seemingly accustomed to such occurrences. Through the
window, the Quirks appeared to be just another peaceful and warm family. But beneath the surface,
things were quite different.
Yarra wanted to follow Wynter inside the house, but Gary stood behind her, making sure she