Chapter 82

Today's events were truly monumental.0

Everyone was too preoccupied to cook and had gathered in the courtyard. The Bai Father and Son were still at the hospital and hadn't returned. It was clear that even if they had dealt with their wounds, they wouldn't be released anytime soon.0

This incident was no small matter. Caught red-handed, the factory couldn't just ignore it.0

With the Bai Father and Son absent, the focus shifted to Zhou Qun and his wife. However, it was apparent that Zhou Qun didn't want to discuss the topic. His face was grim, and even when addressing his mother, Aunt Zhou, there was a palpable resentment.0

Nonetheless, the neighbors understood Zhou Qun's frustration. Aunt Zhou's actions were indeed questionable. Before outsiders could slander her daughter-in-law, Jiang Lu, she had already jumped to conclusions, eager to tarnish Jiang Lu's reputation.0

Such behavior from a family member was unheard of.0

"Zhou Qun, what's the deal with Bai Fendou's situation? How is the factory going to handle it?"0

"Yeah, will he and Old Man Bai be able to keep their jobs?"0

"More importantly, are they going to end up in jail?"0

"Maybe even get the death penalty?"0

The neighbors cautiously inquired, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation. Among them, the most anxious was Aunt Su. She was deeply concerned about the Bai Father and Son, though not out of genuine care. Like her daughter-in-law, she worried about the potential loss of their financial support.0

If something drastic happened, her family would be the most affected. Hence, she was desperate to know the outcome, her eyes fixed on Zhou Qun and his wife.0

Zhou Qun calmed down and replied, "I don't know. The investigation is still ongoing."0

His voice was stern but laced with resentment. "These people don't deserve to live."0

The crowd gasped, impressed by his harshness.0

But putting themselves in his shoes, they understood the anger.0

Zhao Guihua stood among the crowd, surprisingly sharing Zhou Qun's view. She spoke up, "Anyone who does bad things should consider the consequences. If they hadn't been caught, the ones suffering now wouldn't be them. So whatever happens to them is justified."0

Aunt Zhou looked at Zhao Guihua in surprise, unable to believe she was siding with them.0

But thinking about it, Zhao Guihua was known for her fairness in major matters. Aunt Zhou nodded, "You're right. The Bai Father and Son deserve to die a thousand deaths for their despicable acts."0

"We're all neighbors; why make such a big deal out of it? Maybe there's a misunderstanding?"0

"Oh, are you defending your lover now? Don't be shameless. We still have our dignity. There's no misunderstanding here." Aunt Zhou sneered, "Misunderstanding? Do you really believe that? With people like them living here, we all live in fear."0

"Exactly, my daughter-in-law is quite attractive too." The woman from the Sui family in the back courtyard wasn't pleased. The actions of the Bai Father and Son were unsettling. It seemed their courtyard had bad luck.0

First, Zhou Qun was caught mistreating older women, and now Bai Fendou was targeting older women. The thought made everyone shiver.0

"Aunt Wang, you're the courtyard leader. You need to report this to the neighborhood committee. We can't let them stay here. Otherwise, how can the young women move around freely? Their house is right by the gate. It's terrifying just thinking about it."0

The Sui family's suggestion was met with nods of agreement. Zhao Guihua added, "Exactly. I have two young daughters-in-law at home. We can't feel safe with such people around."0

Aunt Wang replied, "Alright, I'll report this to the neighborhood committee. But we also need to wait for the factory's decision. Our housing is allocated by the factory, so they need to take action first before the committee can do anything."0

"We understand. But we can't let this slide. It's too scary otherwise." Zhao Guihua wasn't backing down.0

After so many years as neighbors, if someone started plotting against others, then there was no need to be considerate. There was no room for sentiment.0

"Guihua is right."0

Empowered by the support, Aunt Zhou stood tall again. "Yes, we should drive them out. Get rid of the Bai Father and Son."0

Aunt Wang tried to calm everyone down. "I'll follow up on this. Don't worry."0

"Thank you, Aunt Wang. This is really troubling you."0

"Yes, we're in a tough spot."0

Just as the crowd was riled up, Wang Xiangxiu returned, her foot wrapped in bandages, limping. Aunt Su hurried over. "Xiangxiu, what happened to you?"0

She quickly asked, "Did you hurt your foot? Was it from a machine? Or something else? I know you work hard, but you also need to take care of yourself."0

Wang Xiangxiu gave a weak smile. "Mom, help me home."0

She was too distraught to think about anything else.0

Aunt Su replied, "Alright, let's go home."0

Aunt Zhou sneered from the side. "Looks like your lover's troubles have left you flustered."0

Wang Xiangxiu didn't respond, and the mother-daughter duo quickly left.0

Aunt Wang shook her head slightly, understanding why Wang Xiangxiu was so distressed. Others probably knew too. Finding out that the person you thought was your partner had eyes for someone else would leave anyone feeling lost.0

However, Aunt Wang kindly reminded everyone, "Last night's heavy rain made the roads slippery today. Be careful when walking on the small paths. Don't twist your ankles. Yu, the kid from the alley, twisted his ankle this morning. It's swollen like a pig's trotter and he had to go to the hospital."0

"He probably deserved it. He's always causing trouble, smashing this and that. It's about time he got some karma." Someone muttered quietly.0

Aunt Wang coughed, pretending not to hear, and said, "Alright, everyone, it's getting late. Go home and eat."0

It was already dark, yet no one in the courtyard had started cooking. They were all gathered in the courtyard.0

Zhao Guihua's family also went home. Unlike winter, when vegetables were scarce, there were many varieties available now. Liang Meifen washed some leeks, and Zhao Guihua instructed, "Add an egg and stir-fry them."0

Liang Meifen's eyes lit up. "Okay."0

Zhao Guihua was kneading dough, planning to make mixed-flour pancakes. As they worked, Zhao Guihua asked, "Who is this Yu kid they mentioned?"0

Liang Meifen disdainfully replied, "Who else could it be? The Yu family at the end of our alley. What a despicable bunch." She spat in disgust. "He's heartless, forcing his sister to give up her job and go to the countryside. Don't you remember? It was last year. You even said that if he didn't get hit by a car, it was because the heavens weren't paying attention."0

Zhao Guihua's mouth twitched. She hesitated for a moment...0

When you say that, don't you realize you're doing the same thing by giving your job to your brother? Criticizing others is easy.0

Liang Meifen noticed Zhao Guihua's expression and quietly explained, "But he's much worse. He forced his sister to go to the countryside and messed up her marriage. That's way more excessive..."0

Zhao Guihua nodded, not dwelling on the topic, and pondered over this Yu kid.0

Although it happened last year...0

But she had lived through a whole lifetime since then. However, thinking about it, she did have some impression of him. It seemed that good people don't live long, while villains thrive.0

This man was one of the earliest wealthy individuals from their street. To avoid being sent to the countryside, he took his sister's job for himself. Since his family had already registered for the rural reeducation program, someone had to go. This guy forced his sister to take his place. His sister was about to get married, but because of this, she had to break off her engagement. A young woman, all alone, went to a remote mountain village for rural reeducation and eventually married a local farmer. Even when the urban return wave began, she couldn't bear to leave her children and missed the chance to return to the city.0

As for him, he didn't take his sister's job seriously. Instead, he jumped on the bandwagon of the times, following a group of people all day long, wearing red armbands and vandalizing, targeting anyone with even a slight problematic background. If there was no issue, they would create one just to harass people.0

This cunning scoundrel has been quite active over the years.0

A few years later, when everything settled down, he was merely fired from the factory without any serious punishment. However, this old guy took advantage of the new wave and started a business, gathering a group of his old buddies and becoming active in the streets and alleys again.0

He started by selling clothing, then moved on to pirated cassette tapes.0

Later, he used his connections to go to Shanxi and run an illegal coal mine, tricking many people into working there.0

With ample capital, he started strong and made his fortune, becoming one of the earliest wealthy individuals on their street. However, despite his wealth, his relatives and friends didn't benefit from it at all.0

Not to mention others, even his sister who took his place in the countryside received no kindness from him. This man, who drove a small car by the late 1980s, was quite affluent. Yet, when his sister came to borrow 200 yuan to treat her son's illness, he refused to lend even that small amount.0

Back then, 200 yuan was equivalent to a month's salary for an ordinary worker. He wouldn't even lend that amount, yet he would take his friends out for a meal without hesitation. By the 1990s, he became even richer, but no matter how wealthy he was, his parents and siblings still lived in the same alley.0

He didn't even give them a single clove of garlic.0

His brothers said that this guy didn't even contribute to his parents' old-age support, showing just how ruthless he was! According to his brothers, their family was quite ordinary. The reason this guy could rise so quickly and have the capital to start his business was entirely due to his "enthusiasm" during those years.0

Many people only saw the destruction during those years, but few realized that for some, it was also a way to make money. Even the most ignorant could recognize that some things were valuable.0

Perhaps some people were genuinely brainwashed and acted out of conviction.0

But others, like this guy, saw it as an "opportunity" and not only acted aggressively but also took advantage of the situation. They might not recognize antiques and break them, but everyone knows that gold and silver are valuable.0

Bold and greedy individuals wouldn't hesitate to seize such opportunities.0

And such people weren't rare; there were quite a few of them.0

Just like the person Ming Mei encountered on the bus. That person also used his progressive identity to make money. However, he was a bit foolish, taking all the gold bars, which was just asking for trouble.0

Moreover, without any introduction letter, he wanted to travel thousands of miles to Hong Kong, showing a lack of common sense.0

Unlike this fool, the guy didn't greedily take a large sum at once. Instead, he took a steady, long-term approach, which kept him safe and undetected. Even their neighbors had no idea about his wealth until over a decade later when he suddenly started a big business with a large sum of money.0

His family had been poor for generations, and they were still struggling. No one would believe that his wealth came from his ancestors.0

This made Zhao Guihua suspect that the items he hid last night were quite suspicious.0

Yes, Zhao Guihua focused her attention on this man because she believed he was the one who hid something last night. He twisted his ankle when jumping down from the beam, and when he walked back, he limped. Zhao Guihua noticed that he indeed headed towards the innermost part. So, it was likely him.0

If it was him, Zhao Guihua understood why he hid the items outside. He had three rooms but lived with a large family. With many siblings and their families, there were over twenty people in total.0

It was understandable that he didn't dare to keep the items at home.0

What did he hide?0

"Mom, Mom, why are you zoning out?"0

Zhao Guihua came back to her senses and said, "It's nothing."0

She started the fire, and Hutou kept peeking over, asking, "Grandma, isn't the food ready yet?"0

He was hungry.0

Zhao Guihua replied, "Almost."0

Liang Meifen sighed, "The guy's sister is really pitiful. Her fiancé was a worker. Now that she's gone to Shaanxi for rural reeducation, the man's family can't accept her anymore. He's remarried by now. I heard that the guy even went to the man's family claiming to seek justice for his sister and demanded compensation. Guess who got that money? Not his sister, of course. He drove her away and still wanted to squeeze the last bit of value out of her."0

Liang Meifen was also a typical woman who favored her brother over others, but she had some limits. She wouldn't give everything up for her brother. If she had to choose between her husband, children, and brother, she would still prioritize the former.0

She wouldn't even think about giving up her job for her brother, let alone her marriage or family.0

"How come such a person doesn't get his comeuppance?"0

Zhao Guihua chuckled, thinking: He really hasn't.0

Not just this guy, but even Zhou Qun, who was notoriously wicked in his previous life, didn't get his punishment. Even Aunt Zhou, that wicked old lady, didn't face any consequences.0

And the two women from the Su family, though they did what they did for survival, weren't exactly honorable either, yet they didn't face any retribution. Sometimes, expecting divine punishment is just wishful thinking.0

However, the wicked people in their courtyard pale in comparison to this guy.0

She remembered that this man later went to Shanxi to run an illegal coal mine with others, making a lot of money but harming many people. When things went south, he fled. This man was truly the worst kind of person.0

"Alright, stop talking about them. We should stay far away from such people. He can be so ruthless to his own family, let alone others."0

Liang Meifen: "I understand."0

Tonight's dinner was a bit distracted. Old Man Zhuang and the others were thinking about Bai Fendou's situation, but Zhao Guihua was thinking about the guy and his hidden bundle.0

Zhao Guihua was torn between "taking" and "not taking" the bundle, struggling with the decision.0

Deep down, she knew that if the bundle contained the valuable items the guy had collected during his raids, she couldn't use them even if she took them. She would have to hide them, which carried some risk.0

But if she didn't take them, she felt quite reluctant.0

After all, the guy's wealth wasn't acquired honestly. She would just be taking from a dishonest source. This man was so wicked; losing some of his wealth would weaken his power.0

Zhao Guihua felt like a little devil in her head was constantly tapping her, urging her to make a decision.0

Tick-tock, tick-tock, it kept pushing her.0Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Yes, she had to make a decision quickly. If she delayed, the guy might move the items.0

Zhao Guihua didn't think the hiding place was his final destination. No one would dare to leave such valuable items in a public place. She believed it was just a temporary stop, and the guy would move them later.0

The only chance she had was during the few days when the guy was nursing his twisted ankle.0

Zhao Guihua rubbed her temples.0

"Old man, what's wrong with you?" Old Man Zhuang asked with concern.0

Zhao Guihua: "I'm thinking about something important."0

Old Man Zhuang thought she was referring to Bai Fendou's matter. He whispered, "That scoundrel is just wicked, he won't end up well."0

In fact, Old Man Zhuang was quite hurt by this incident. He considered himself good friends with Old Man Bai. Among the elderly men in their courtyard, two had passed away early on, and the ones left were mostly of similar age—himself, Chef Li, and Old Man Bai.0

But he never expected that Old Man Bai would use such a vicious method to frame his son. If it weren't for his wife's quick thinking, they would have suffered a great loss by now. So, he was deeply resentful. After all these years, how could it be like this?0

There was no trace of friendship left.0

He sighed along with her.0

Liang Meifen noticed that her in-laws' expressions were not good, so she kept her head down and dared not speak. Even the observant children, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, dared not make a sound and quietly continued eating.0

Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Mom and Dad, don't be too angry. It's not worth getting upset over a fool like Bai Fendou. You've known what kind of person he is from the very beginning. It's not worth getting involved with the two mentally ill people in their family."0

"We know, let's eat."0

"Knock knock."0

There was a knock on the door. Zhao Guihua asked, "Who is it?"0

To their surprise, it was Aunt Su who had come to knock. Aunt Su gave a weak smile and said, "Still eating?"0

Zhao Guihua: "Is there something you need?"0

Aunt Su glanced at the food on the table—a mixed flour pancake, spinach and vermicelli soup, and scrambled eggs with leeks.0

She inwardly cursed their extravagance. What kind of life is this, using eggs to cook with leeks? Such a waste. Eggs are precious, how can they be used like this? Despite her jealousy, she said on the surface, "I have something I'd like to discuss with you."0

Zhao Guihua: "With me? What is it?"0

Aunt Su: "Let's talk inside."0

She walked in on her own initiative. Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow and said, "Speak."0

Aunt Su, seeing that the family didn't even bother to be polite, felt even more displeased. At this moment, they should have asked if she had eaten. Since the new daughter-in-law entered the family, Zhao Guihua had become increasingly stingy.0

Suppressing her discontent, she said, "I came mainly to talk about the matter with the Bai family..."0

Before she could get to the point, Zhao Guihua interrupted her, saying, "Don't talk to me about the Bai family. Shouldn't you be going to the Zhou family for such matters? Why come to our house to discuss it?"0

Aunt Su was momentarily stumped, then said, "We're all neighbors..."0

"Don't say that. We don't want such neighbors. Just think about how people will talk about Courtyard No. 44 in the future. I feel embarrassed just thinking about it. Anyway, don't talk to me about their family. I don't want to hear it. If it's about voting to expel them, I'll definitely participate. If it's anything else, just go back."0

Zhao Guihua's words were cold and sharp. Aunt Su's eyes turned red as she said, "Isn't it a bit too much?"0

She blinked back tears: "The Bai father and son are such good people. They just like to joke a bit, but they're not bad."0

"They're not bad to your family. I say, Aunt Su, don't put on an act in our house. Everyone knows about the special relationship between your family and theirs. You can run around for them if you want, but don't drag us into it. Who are you trying to use as a pawn?"0

"I'm not."0

"Go, go, go. We're still eating. If you just want to sit and chat, I don't mind; but if you want to talk about the Bai family, I don't want to hear a word. Go outside and close the door behind you, okay?"0

"You..." She bit her lip, seeing that Zhao Guihua ignored her and the rest of the Zhuang family ignored her as well, her mood plummeted. She said, "Can't you consider the feelings of being neighbors? We've always gotten along so well."0

There are people like this, whose faces are as thick as walls. Even if you expose their tricks, they can still continue their performance, acting pitiful and innocent. She no longer looked at Zhao Guihua but turned to Old Man Zhuang and said, "Old Man Zhuang, you and Old Man Bai were good brothers. How can you not care now?"0

Zhao Guihua stood up directly, rolled up her sleeves, and said, "Do you need me to push you out?"0

Aunt Su looked at Zhao Guihua in disbelief, unable to believe how rude this old woman was. Without a word, Zhao Guihua pushed her out and said, "Aunt Su, go home quickly and stop running around for your sweetheart. This matter has nothing to do with our family, we're not interested."0

She was quick and efficient, pushing her out and closing the door with a bang.0

Aunt Su bit her lip, wiped away her tears, and lamented the coldness of humanity.0

However, she couldn't just abandon the Bai father and son. They were the most important source of sustenance for her family. She inwardly complained about everyone's ruthlessness, but at the same time, she also blamed the Bai father and son for being unreliable. Why did they deliberately cause trouble for Jiang Lu?0

Although there were some unfavorable rumors, Aunt Su and her daughter-in-law still believed that the Bai father and son didn't really intend to do anything to Jiang Lu. After all, they were people with bad intentions but no courage. If it were anyone else who had spent so much money on their family, they would have made a move long ago. But Aunt Su and Old Man Bai were still innocent, and Wang Xiangxiu and Bai Fendou were also innocent. So Zhao Guihua believed they didn't have the guts.0

If they were just trying to provoke Zhou Qun, that was possible.0

But if they were really planning to harm a woman, she would never believe it.0

Even if they were really up to no good, she and her daughter-in-law would still stand by the Bai family. After all, they were the real source of sustenance.0

Aunt Su went to the back courtyard again. Liang Meifen was a bit puzzled and said, "Mom, this is clearly Zhou Qun's matter. Why does she go around the Zhou family and approach other families?"0

She just couldn't understand.0

Zhao Guihua: "She wants to unite all the families to put pressure on the Zhou family. If Zhou Qun and Jiang Lu insist it was a joke and a big misunderstanding, would the factory still pursue it? Don't you think Aunt Su is smart? She saw through the key point of the matter at once."0

"But, but wouldn't it be the same if she directly asked the Zhou family?"0

"What weight does she have? Would the Zhou family listen to her if she went alone? She's trying to gather public support."0

Liang Meifen pouted: "Who would care about them."0

Zhao Guihua raised an eyebrow: "Don't underestimate her. She's very good at playing the victim. Maybe someone will be moved by her words. Only someone like me who has long known what kind of person she is wouldn't be tricked. But if it were someone else, you never know. Take you, for example. If she kept crying to you, talking about neighborly affection, after a while, you might be swayed."0

Liang Meifen: "That won't happen."0

Zhao Guihua: "Heh."0

Didn't you get fooled countless times in your previous life?0

This time, she had subtly expressed her dislike for their family from the beginning, so Liang Meifen didn't dare to get too close. If it were like her previous life, where she didn't work and interacted with them more, she would have been fooled many times.0

Aunt Su is the most adept at using her pitiful and kind appearance to gain people's sympathy and trust. Later, Zhao Guihua figured out that many family dramas in their household were instigated by Aunt Su.0

She's so annoying.0

Zhao Guihua: "Liang Meifen."0

Liang Meifen was startled and looked up at her mother-in-law.0

Zhao Guihua was extremely serious: "Stay away from those two women. If I find out you're getting close to them, see how I deal with you."0

Liang Meifen quickly pledged loyalty: "Mom, I won't."0

Zhao Guihua: "Heh."0

She then looked at her eldest son and said, "If Wang Xiangxiu tries to get close to you, stay alert."0

Zhuang Zhiyuan smiled bitterly: "Mom, what are you talking about? I'm not that kind of person."0

He's a civilized man.0

Liang Meifen immediately became vigilant and said, "Right. You have to stay away from them. They're not good people."0

This widow, who knows if she might have designs on her man. If she were a decent person, she wouldn't worry, like Sister Xu from the machinery factory, who is also a widow and no one worries about her because she's very decent.0

But Wang Xiangxiu... she just can't trust her!0

Zhuang Zhiyuan: "..."0

Who did he offend?0

Today, everyone was busy gossiping, so they ate dinner late. Just after finishing dinner, Zhuang Zhixi and his wife, Ming Mei, returned. Ming Mei smiled brightly: "Mom, we're back."0

Zhao Guihua couldn't help but sigh. Ming Mei always had a smile on her face, clearly a blessed girl.0

She asked: "How are your parents?"0

Ming Mei: "They're in great health, eating and drinking with gusto."0

How could her parents not be doing well?0

Ming Mei: "Mom, this is some tea my mom asked me to bring for you."0

Zhao Guihua quickly thanked her. Such tea was hard to come by nowadays, and ordinary people like them rarely got such tickets. They were lucky if they could get some coarse tea. Tea like this, which was properly packaged, was valuable and good. Only small leaders would usually drink it.0

"You must help me thank your mom," Zhao Guihua said.0

Ming Mei nodded with a smile, then said: "Mom, I'm going to my grandfather's place. My mom also sent a box for him."0

Zhao Guihua: "Go ahead."0

Although Ming Mei's grandfather, Lan Sihai, lived in the same courtyard, the two families didn't interact every day. Lan Sihai valued his personal space, and Zhao Guihua felt that he was more like a reborn person than she was. He truly lived a carefree life.0

Even though Zhao Guihua was reborn, she wasn't as carefree. She still had many things she couldn't let go of, and her knowledge was limited. The only advantage she had was a bit more perspective than others. But Lan Sihai lived a truly carefree life.0

Sometimes, she couldn't help but feel a bit envious.0

Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi carried a cloth bag to Lan Sihai's door. Ming Mei jokingly knocked on the door: "Grandpa, your most adorable granddaughter is here."0

The door clicked open as soon as she finished speaking. Lan Sihai smiled: "Oh, what a modest girl. My granddaughter is so thin-skinned. To praise herself so calmly, not bad, not bad at all."0

He stepped aside and said: "Come in quickly. After all, my adorable granddaughter is so cute; if she gets carried away by a crow, that would be bad."0

Ming Mei pouted: "Where are the crows, Grandpa? You're just talking nonsense."0

Lan Sihai: "Then it wouldn't be good if she got carried away by an eagle."0

Zhuang Zhixi: "And there's me, Grandpa, your even more adorable grandson-in-law."0

He followed them in, and Lan Sihai finally couldn't hold back and turned to pretend to vomit. In his heart, his granddaughter would always be a child, but this grandson-in-law... he said: "Can you straighten your tongue before speaking? Truly, ugly people do the most."0

Zhuang Zhixi felt wronged: "Grandpa, why do you have double standards? You can joke with Ming Mei and call it cute, but when I compliment myself, you call me ugly. I'm such a handsome and spirited young man. You've really broken my heart."0

Lan Sihai disdainfully pursed his lips: "Get lost."0

So blunt and cold.0

Zhuang Zhixi sighed: "Ah, it's hard to be a human, even harder to be a grandson-in-law."0

At this moment, Luo Xiaohe poured them each a cup of hot water with a bit of sugar: "Drink some sugar water."0

Serving guests with something sweet was the best way to show hospitality.0

Ming Mei gulped it down quickly and said: "Thank you."0

Although Luo Xiaohe was her grandfather's new wife and lived in the same courtyard, they weren't very familiar with each other. Luo Xiaohe was quiet and didn't talk much, while Ming Mei had a lively personality, so they naturally didn't get along well.0

Fortunately, Ming Mei's trait was that if she didn't get along with someone, she wouldn't force it. Keeping polite was enough; being good relatives was better than forcing a close relationship.0

Ming Mei: "Grandpa, my mom asked me to bring you a box of tea, a pack of candied fruit, and this, a short-sleeve shirt she made for you."0

Ming Mei placed the items down and said proudly: "My mom is great, right? You should try on this shirt."0

Lan Sihai immediately stood up, picked up the shirt, and went into the room. He quickly changed and came out, nodding: "Your mom's craftsmanship is passable."0

He said: "The items are good, but tell your mom not to prepare anything for me in the future."0

Ming Mei: "Huh?"0

Lan Sihai: "If she prepares something for me, I have to return the favor, which is too troublesome. I'll accept the food and drinks, but no more clothes."0

Ming Mei: "Oh."0

Her grandfather really did things differently.0

Lan Sihai: "You got some candied fruit too, right?"0

Ming Mei: "Hehe, yes."0

Lan Sihai: "Alright, then I won't share with you. Wait here."0

He took out a key, opened the cabinet, and pulled out a bag of White Rabbit candies: "Here, take these home to eat."0

Ming Mei's eyes widened: "Grandpa, you're treating me like a child."0

Lan Sihai: "So, do you want them..."0

Ming Mei decisively: "Yes!"0

What girl doesn't like sweet things?0

She quickly took the White Rabbit candies and smiled brightly. Zhuang Zhixi leaned lazily on the chair: "I..."0

"No for you!" The grandfather and granddaughter said in unison.0

Zhuang Zhixi: "???"0

He scratched his head: "You're too mean! I didn't even want any. Waaah, I just wanted to ask if I could have another cup of water. Waaah, you misunderstood me."0

Luo Xiaohe smiled: "I'll pour you some water."0

Lan Sihai: "No need. What's the point? Go home and drink there. It's getting late, and I won't entertain you. Early to bed, early to rise is good for health. I'm old, I can't handle staying up."0

Ming Mei: "Okay."0

She pulled Zhuang Zhixi up. Zhuang Zhixi muttered: "Not even a cup of water for me."0

Lan Sihai: "I don't care!"0

He rolled his eyes, extremely arrogant: "I don't even take care of my own daughter; do you think I'd take care of a grandson-in-law?"0

Zhuang Zhixi: "My heart is broken. You clearly love me the most."0

Lan ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‍Sihai suppressed a laugh: "Go away, don't be so self-absorbed. By the way, you've been transferred to a new position. Since it's an administrative role, you get a tobacco ticket every quarter. No one in your family smokes, so bring it to me, and I'll buy it from you."0

"No need, I'll just give it to you. After all, I..."0

"Even brothers keep accounts clear. I don't want to mess with that. We'll do a straightforward exchange."0

"Alright."0

Zhuang Zhixi and Ming Mei returned together. They saw Hutou and Xiao Yanzi holding hands, coming out to go back to their room to sleep. Ming Mei generously gave each of them a White Rabbit candy: "Here, little uncle and auntie give you White Rabbit milk candies. Am I nice?"0

Hutou: "Yes, little auntie is the best, even better than my mom!"0

Liang Meifen: "..."0

She sighed: "I heard that."0

Hutou covered his big head and quickly ran back to the room.0

Xiao Yanzi giggled and shouted: "Little auntie is the best!"0

She was always on the same side as her brother.0

Ming Mei laughed heartily. Liang Meifen tried to calm down. Their family was benefiting, so it was fine to lose out a bit in words. She wouldn't take it personally.0

Not at all!0

She took a deep breath, then her eyes widened in shock. Oh my, so many White Rabbit candies! This bag must be about a pound!0

Ming Mei noticed her gaze and quickly darted away: "Back to the room!"0

Zhuang Zhixi chuckled and shook his head: "Sister-in-law won't take them; she'll just get the kids to ask for them."0

Liang Meifen: "..."0

You're saying this right in front of me?0

She awkwardly smiled: "No, don't worry, I'm not that kind of person."0

Although she had thought about it for a moment, being called out like that made her unable to do it. It would be too embarrassing. Liang Meifen was someone who wanted to take advantage but didn't want to be the one to do it, and she also wanted to save face. Because of these conflicting traits, she often couldn't get what she wanted.0

It's painful.0

She sighed and went back to the room: "Sister-in-law has so many White Rabbit candies."0

Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Her grandfather gave them to her. I didn't see any candy when she came in with the tea."0

As a man, he wasn't too concerned about such things, so he just said casually: "You see, although Grandpa Lan seems indifferent and his words aren't pleasant, he treats Ming Mei quite well. I've seen him give Ming Mei White Rabbit candies more than once."0

Zhuang Zhiyuan had only spoken casually, but Liang Meifen felt a pinch of discomfort. She thought that Zhuang Zhiyuan was subtly hinting at her.0

The in-laws of others, even their grandfathers, could be supported, yet her own family had to rely on her husband's family. She felt a sourness in her heart and her eyes began to redden.0

Zhuang Zhiyuan: "Go fetch some water, I want to soak my feet."0

Liang Meifen: "Oh."0

She wiped away her tears.0

The couple fell silent again, but Ming Mei and Zhuang Zhixi were lively. Ming Mei had brought back candied fruit from her mother and a bag of crispy cakes, and from her grandfather, a bag of White Rabbit candies, all stashed in a cupboard, which she considered her treasure trove.0

Zhuang Zhixi lay lazily on the bed, saying, "Wife, give me a shoulder massage."0

Ming Mei: "Get lost, you wish."0

Zhuang Zhixi reached out, pulling her down with him onto the bed. He held her hand and placed it over his chest, saying, "See, my heart is racing. I was quite nervous today."0

His topic came out of nowhere, but Ming Mei, who had been informed on the way back from her parents' house, understood. She wriggled up like a caterpillar, nestling into the crook of Zhuang Zhixi's arm. She tilted her head to look at him, saying, "I know you can handle it."0

Zhuang Zhixi: "I can handle it, but I still need my wife's comfort."0

He smiled, his lips curling, and looked down at her. Under the lamplight, he noticed the fine down on her face. Unable to resist, he leaned down and kissed her. Ming Mei pouted at him, and Zhuang Zhixi obliged... Whatever he had been thinking or planning to say was forgotten.0

The room was filled with warmth, while outside, the weather turned gloomy. It had been raining heavily recently.0

Last night's torrential rain had continued until noon today, and by evening, the sky darkened again, followed by gusts of wind. Soon, the sound of raindrops hitting the ground, accompanied by a pattering noise, could be heard.0

It was hailing.0

Zhao Guihua was tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Old Man Zhuang, disturbed by her movements, asked, "What's wrong? Can't let go of today's events?"0

Zhao Guihua: "It's not that. I'm thinking about that bundle in the toilet..."0

Old Man Zhuang: "Why are you thinking about that? We decided not to meddle with it yesterday."0

Zhao Guihua: "I think it was that Yu kid who put it there. You know him, right? The one from the old Yu family in the alley. He's not a good guy."0

Old Man Zhuang: "He put it there? How do you know?"0

"Yesterday, that guy twisted his ankle, and I roughly saw where he lives. If it were someone else, I wouldn't be tempted. But this kid... well, he's obviously profiting from the current crackdowns. I feel like pulling a fast one on him."0

Old Man Zhuang, who had always been an honest man, felt a bit uneasy hearing this.0

He said, "Is... is that okay? We know it's him and still take action?"0

"That's exactly why I want to do it. If it were someone else, I'd pretend I didn't see it. But this stuff definitely isn't from a legitimate source."0

Zhao Guihua: "I'm so torn..."0

Old Man Zhuang, cautious and fearful, said, "If it were me, I definitely wouldn't agree to do this. We have a good life, no need to get involved in such matters. But your hesitation is because you want to pull a fast one. I can see that you're very tempted. No matter what you decide, I support you. So, I'll leave it to you."0

Zhao Guihua looked at her husband and smiled, saying, "That's why I love you. You always support me no matter what."0

Old Man Zhuang blushed slightly, saying, "Who else would I support? You're my old lady."0

Zhao Guihua: "I like hearing that."0

Old Man Zhuang chuckled, then after a while, asked, "What do you plan to do?"0

Zhao Guihua sat up abruptly, saying, "Let's go get it!"0

Old Man Zhuang: "I'll go."0

Zhao Guihua: "I'll keep watch for you."0

Old Man Zhuang: "Alright."0

Zhao Guihua: "Wait, let's hold off a bit. Today's been busy, some people might still be awake. We'll go later to avoid being noticed. I want to see what that Yu kid is hiding."0

Old Man Zhuang, rarely cracking a joke, said, "Maybe we'll find out it's nothing when we get it."0

Zhao Guihua: "Even if it's nothing, I won't regret it."0

She said, "Now that I've made up my mind, I don't want to back out. Oh, it's good that the Bai father and son aren't home; it makes our job safer."0

"That's true," Old Man Zhuang agreed.0

The sound of opening and closing doors inside the courtyard might go unnoticed, but any noise near the entrance could wake light sleepers. So, having the house near the gate empty was crucial for them.0

"Speaking of which, I wonder how the Bai father and son are doing. I heard... it's broken?"0

Old Man Zhuang shuddered at the thought, feeling a phantom pain. He couldn't imagine anything worse than that. Jiang Lu had been furious, aiming for that exact spot, and the thought made him cringe.0

"Everyone says it's broken. I wonder if it can be stitched back at the hospital."0

Old Man Zhuang: "..."0

He had heard of mending clothes, but never of mending such a thing.0

He winced, feeling a sympathetic pain, and sincerely remarked, "So, never offend a woman. They can really go crazy."0

Zhao Guihua laughed, saying, "He deserved it!"0

"I wonder if it will affect his ability to have kids. The Bai family hasn't had an heir yet, and Bai Fendou isn't married."0

"Who knows..."0

While the elderly couple chatted idly, the actual victim, Bai Fendou, was inconsolable, overwhelmed with grief and sorrow, unable to sleep in the dead of night.0

If it weren't for his... injury, he would probably be locked up in the security office by now.0

Being able to lie in a hospital bed was already a blessing.0

But it came at the cost of his... injury.0

Although Jiang Lu had hit his head, a woman's strength was limited, and while he had bled a lot, the head injury wasn't severe. The most serious injury was... the one that was broken.0

Not only was it excruciatingly painful, but it also deeply hurt his pride. He felt his life was at a crossroads because of this farce. Sobbing, he felt utterly pitiful. He had only wanted to get back at someone...0

How did he end up in this situation?0

In the stillness of the night, he cried over his "condition," the pain unbearable. He also thought, if only this hadn't happened. If only Zhuang Zhixi had been the one...0

Why hadn't Zhuang Zhixi come?0

During the day, the pain had been so intense that he couldn't think straight, but now, unable to sleep, his thoughts turned to the future. He needed a clear explanation; without one, this matter wouldn't end.0

He had originally thought it was no big deal, but clearly, others saw it differently.0

He rubbed his eyes, feeling utterly miserable.0

"Fendou," Old Man Bai suddenly spoke up.0

He too was in pain and couldn't sleep.0

"Dad," Bai Fendou replied in a muffled voice, still a bit upset. He felt that his father had handled the situation poorly, not even checking if anyone was inside before pushing Jiang Lu in.0

Wasn't this just harming his own son?0

Bai Fendou: "Dad, I have to say, you handled today's matter poorly. Why didn't you ask more questions? If you had, we could have explained to Jiang Lu that it was a joke, and none of this would have happened. You just pushed her in, and she screamed, how could things not go wrong?"0

He felt it was all his father's fault.0

Old Man Bai's temper flared. The idea had been Bai Fendou's, and he had just followed along. He hadn't done his part well, failing to get Zhuang Zhixi involved, yet now his son was blaming him? He felt utterly wronged.0

His heart was as cold as ice, wondering how he had ended up with such a useless son.0

He was also annoyed, his eyes wide with anger as he retorted, "I haven't even said anything about you, yet here you are blaming me! Didn't you say you'd be prepared in advance? Why has everything turned out like this? If you had just knocked Zhuang Zhixi unconscious, stripped him, and thrown him inside as planned, would we be dealing with all this mess now? Every single thing that was supposed to be my responsibility, did I not handle it perfectly? It's clearly your fault for dropping the ball, yet you dare to blame me? Bai Fendou, how did I end up with a son like you? The roots of our Bai family are about to wither away!"0

Old Man Bai burst into tears.0

His tears were genuine.0

After all, this was a matter of the Bai family's legacy!0

"You useless fool!"