Chapter 1577 - 1559: Why Is Marcus Quinn So Impoverished?

White walls, black tile eaves, and an imposing wooden door adorned with two circular lock rings—this was the standard sight on Anfield Village’s main street, a familiar sight for anyone walking through Anfield Village. Alton’s journey had introduced her to many similar structures, though most were modest in scale compared to this, a farmhouse with an elaborate three-entry courtyard.

The village was tranquil, disturbed only by the sounds of barking dogs and crowing roosters. This was a rural lifestyle that Alton had never experienced before. Although she had visited country homestays with her father and her ancestors hailed from the countryside, the generations up to her grandfather had already moved to the city, leaving her inexperienced in village life. Everything seemed novel to her, particularly as Anfield Village differed from typical rural settings; it had a charm that appealed to historical martial arts dramas, hence Marcus Quinn’s grandfather’s choice to retire here.

Marcus stepped forward to knock on the door, which was left open, as folks in the countryside had no habit of locking doors during the day. Upon entering, the two were greeted by a spacious courtyard full of flourishing flowers and plants. Beyond was the main house, and as Alton raised her eyes, she noticed the large structure and the presence of a loft behind it.

An elderly man in his sixties emerged, holding a small radio that played a storytelling broadcast. Upon seeing Marcus and Alton, his eyes widened suddenly.

"Irving." Marcus put down his luggage and smiled as he greeted him.

"Marcus, my boy?" The old man seemed to be in good health, despite his graying temples. Seeing Marcus again made him so emotional that his eyes became teary. He promptly invited them inside, wiping his eyes as he spoke, "Marcus, where have you been all these years? I couldn’t reach you, and even Irving went to the Imperial City looking for you. They said you joined the military."

"I’ve retired." Marcus replied casually, carrying his luggage into the house.

In his excitement, Irving contacted his son, Irving Spencer, summoning him to visit. He also went out into the fields to call his wife back to prepare the house and cook, saying that Marcus and his wife had come.

Irving’s wife returned, casting her eyes upon Alton as if she were a celebrity. She was utterly pleased and busied herself with tidying up the house, purchasing meat and fish for the meal preparation.

After a brief rest, Alton felt rejuvenated, while Marcus showed no signs of fatigue. Since their arrival was in the evening, Marcus chose not to take her out. The farmhouse was left in Irving and his wife’s care, and as the night approached, their son, Irving Spencer, hurried back from the city, bringing numerous provisions. The five individuals moved the table into the courtyard and cooked hotpot, preparing a sumptuous feast to enjoy together.

Having grown accustomed to Marcus’s cooking, Alton found that although the table offered hotpot, lobster, and even rural snails as local specialties, the flavors didn’t quite appeal to her, so she ate sparingly, preferring to listen to their conversation.

On the way, Marcus had told her about Irving’s family, though he knew little about the farmhouse, having been away for years.

Irving’s family was Marcus’s grandfather’s trusted confidants and servants. Having served Marcus’s grandfather throughout his life, upon Marcus’s grandfather’s passing, the farmhouse was left to Marcus with Irving’s family tasked with its upkeep. Irving’s son, Irving Spencer, attended college, left the village, and settled with a family in the city, only visiting his parents during festivals and holidays.

"Back in the day, when the master was here, the farmhouse flourished. Over the decades, the fields have become desolate." Irving spoke with a hint of sorrow in his voice.

Irving Spencer interjected with reassurance, while Irving’s wife gently scolded, "It’s rare for the young master to visit; why dwell on these matters? Although the fields are unused, they remain as property, especially since the government prohibits the sale of land now."

As Alton listened, she finally understood. Marcus bore his mother’s surname and, being his grandfather’s sole descendant, was both his grandson and heir. His grandfather, known for being headstrong, entrusted vast lands and assets to hired workers. Surplus produce was generously given away, benefiting the entire village. During his years residing here, Marcus’s grandfather held high regard throughout the village, having frequent guests from high society due to connections made in his earlier years, earning esteem citywide.

After Marcus’s grandfather passed, Irving adhered to the old master’s principles. Once the workers were dismissed, Irving’s family couldn’t manage the land nor rent it out. The village, having benefited from Marcus’s grandfather’s generosity, remained respectful, leaving the fertile lands untouched for over a decade.

The group chatted over their meal until the night deepened, after which they bathed and retired.

Despite being a farmhouse, its premises were extensive, housing several units divided between inner and outer courtyards. Irving’s family resided in the outer courtyard, while Alton and Marcus occupied the inner quarters.

The farmhouse retained its rustic charm; Alton even spotted a traditional stove. Yet modern amenities coexisted, including advanced bathrooms featuring spacious, lavish designs, complete with jade bathtubs equipped with drainage holes, leaving Alton astonished. Even the Chase Family estate wasn’t this luxurious.

"Marcus, can that bathtub be used?" Alton asked curiously as she stepped out in her slippers.

Irving’s father and son wished to converse with Marcus late into the night, but Marcus closed the door, leading Alton away for some private time to nurture their relationship.

"Yes, it can be used. My grandfather specially built it, believing that soaking baths were beneficial for girls. There are two such baths in the farmhouse." Marcus explained while placing his clothes in the wardrobe. Observing Alton’s exuberance, sparkling eyes, he smiled slightly without revealing that one bath was constructed for his mother and the other for his wife.

"I’ll help you run the hot water. Check if this room suits you; if not, I’ll have the furniture replaced tomorrow." Marcus said as he entered the bathroom. As he approached, his muscular arm inadvertently brushed against her delicate skin, radiating warmth in the oppressive air, prompting Alton to step aside and suppress the peculiar feeling in her heart.

"I’ll take a look around." Alton hastily uttered before darting out to examine the room’s layout, realizing Marcus’s grandfather must have been quite wealthy. The farmhouse appeared ordinary from the outside, merely larger and broader than village houses. Inside, particularly the inner courtyard, it boasted understated, antique luxury, with wooden floors beneath the eaves and all furniture made of vintage wood, even the beds were canopy-style, explaining Marcus’s offer to replace the furniture.

Alton couldn’t identify the rare wood, noting how although the farmhouse had remained vacant for a decade, its condition was superb, thanks not only to Irving’s family’s care but also to the top-quality materials used in its construction.

Still, with Marcus’s grandfather seemingly well-off and Marcus being the sole heir, why did Marcus live in apparent poverty? Alton pondered this mysterious contradiction, puzzled.