CHAPTER 1400: CHAPTER 1400: EXPOSING IN PUBLIC

Luo Qiao had been carefully observing the expressions on the faces of the Sun Family members. Afterward, she focused on the two daughters-in-law of the Sun Family, trying to make out their conversation by watching their mouths move.

After a while, she suddenly chuckled.

The Sun Family members exchanged glances, seemingly ready to back down.

Lu Yichen, who had also been watching, noticed this as well. He hadn’t expected the Sun Family to stoop so low.

By this time, many villagers had gathered outside to watch the drama. The Sun Family could scrape together the ten thousand yuan they owed, but they were unwilling to take the risk. After all, if they handed over the money and the Ning Family couldn’t repay them as much, what would they have gained from all this trouble?

Sun Baoqing, trying to save face, said, "If Stone doesn’t want to acknowledge us, then we won’t force it."

After he said this, he prepared to leave with the Sun Family members.

Lu Yichen’s voice turned cold. "What do you take us for, coming and going whenever you please?"

This sparked a fire in Sun Baoqing. The matter hadn’t been resolved, and now being watched by the villagers, his mood was foul. Leaving wasn’t an option anymore.

Sun Baoqing turned and barked, "What—so he refuses to recognize us, and we’re not even allowed to leave? You think just because you’re a city official, you can act so domineering?"

Lu Yichen’s tone dripped with sarcasm. "Why? Afraid that the Ning Family can’t compensate you, so you’re pulling out now? The Sun Family really knows how to play their cards."

Sun Baoqing was startled, not expecting Lu Yichen to expose the truth so directly. But admitting it was out of the question. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

Lu Yichen cast a glance at the women of the Sun Family standing behind and spoke casually, "I can read lips. I saw and understood everything they said just now. Should I demonstrate right here by recreating their conversation?"

The daughters-in-law of the Sun Family panicked, their hearts in turmoil, already fearing the scolding and beatings they might face back home.

Sun Baoqing didn’t dare say more. He had indeed heard of lip-reading before during his time in the county—how one could decipher spoken words by watching mouth movements. He didn’t want to humiliate himself further, so he growled in irritation, "Let’s go."

As the Sun Family turned to leave, Lu Yichen said evenly, "The Ning Family has already found Stone, so don’t bother scheming anymore. As long as Stone doesn’t want to acknowledge you, it doesn’t matter who comes—it won’t work."

The Sun Family left in a hurry, defeated and ashamed.

Worried about Stone being affected, Luo Qiao suggested they go to the pond to fish for a while. If they caught a big one, they could grill it and share. The younger kids cheered excitedly and urged Lu Yichen to prepare the tools.

Stone, catching his sister’s intentions, said earnestly, "Sis, I’m fine. As long as I have all of you, that’s enough for me."

Luo Qiao patted Stone on the shoulder. "Live your best life and rise above them—that’s the best revenge."

Stone nodded. "You’re right, Sis."

Luo Qiao tilted her head playfully and asked, "Stone, tell your sister—have you started dating anyone?"

Stone’s face flushed instantly. "Why are you suddenly asking that?"

Luo Qiao grinned. "Your lack of a straightforward answer tells me you’re seeing someone."

Stone, a bit embarrassed but unwilling to hide things from his sister, replied earnestly, "We made it official before I was deployed. I was waiting until things were stable before introducing her to the family."

"That’s great," Luo Qiao said. "What does she do?"

Stone’s gaze drifted toward the village entrance. "She was my high school classmate. Later, she got into the Communication University of China and now works as a journalist."

Luo Qiao laughed. "Not bad, Stone. So, when are you planning to settle down?"

Stone’s smile faded slightly as he recalled the conditions her family had set. "We’re just starting our careers, so there’s no rush."

Luo Qiao, ever perceptive, asked, "Have you met her family already?"

Lowering his head, Stone gave a soft "Mm." "Her family isn’t too keen on the idea. They said at minimum, we’d need a house in the city to get married and that they don’t want their daughter living a hard life. They think soldiers are too busy to take care of their families."

Luo Qiao could understand where the girl’s parents were coming from. "And what does your girlfriend think?"

Mentioning his girlfriend brought a smile back to Stone’s face. "She said it doesn’t matter what her family thinks; she’ll never compromise. She’ll work hard to win their understanding and support."

Luo Qiao smiled knowingly. What Stone didn’t realize was that she and Lu Yichen had already discussed gifting Stone and Taifeng each a house when they got married.

But this was something she wouldn’t reveal now. She wanted to see how the girl’s attitude would play out in the end.

Smiling fondly at Stone, she asked, "Fate is destiny—what’s meant to be won’t miss you. Did you tell your girlfriend about your family situation?"

Stone shook his head. "No, I only said I was an orphan."

Luo Qiao burst out laughing and lightly tapped him on the back. "Honestly! No wonder her parents object. If you’re sure about each other, the sooner you make things official, the better."

Stone nodded. "I’ll talk to Yu Qi when I go back."

Luo Qiao laughed, gazing at her brother. "Time flies so fast. Our Stone is about to start his own family and career."

Thanks to Luo Qiao’s playful chat, the earlier unpleasantness melted away completely.

When the two had nearly finished their conversation, Lu Yichen came out, carrying buckets and makeshift fishing rods with the kids in tow.

The group cheerfully set off toward the pond.

Meanwhile, under the big willow tree in the village, the villagers were gossiping about the Sun Family. "The Sun Family is utterly shameless. I thought they’d had a change of heart, but even now, they’re still trying to exploit poor Stone."

"Not a single decent person in the Sun Family. Aren’t they afraid of being scorned by everyone?"

"They have no shame to begin with. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have ruined Sun Mei’s life."

"Stone was right to refuse them. He’s a college graduate now, no longer the little boy who needed their care. They still think they can control him with their status—it’s pathetic."