CHAPTER 54: CHAPTER 053 THE BACKSTABBING WOLF CURSES

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"Captain Zhang, does the Zhang Family really let a woman call the shots?" Lin Aiguo was quite irritated by Lin Zhaodi’s meddlesome interference; in a contest of glibness, how could an old man like him compete with an old woman? Thus, he directly fixed his gaze on the obvious head of the Zhang family.

Zhang Zhiming glanced at the hall sister-in-law who still wanted to rush forward to assert her presence, and took a precious last puff of his cigarette, realizing that the other party was only here to intimidate and not to start a physical altercation. Feeling relieved, he then slowly said:

"Mr. Lin, if you are here to discuss wedding gifts with Comrade Zhang Zhiguo, you should do so in harmony, not with weapons in hand, ready to create a disturbance."

Speaking of which, he glanced at the hoe in his hand, the threat in his eyes was self-evident.

Although social freedom has improved a bit today, and the public is somewhat more democratic, those who lead disturbances are still severely punished!

But there’s still the police, after all, only those who are desperate would admit to causing a public disturbance.

"No, no, we are all honest peasant men, how could we possibly cause a disturbance! Brother Zhang, you must have misunderstood, we are all well-behaved villagers, how could we possibly lead a disturbance, look at our hands, these are all farming tools, how could we use such precious items to create trouble!"

The middle-aged man who had previously explained among the people from Old Lin Village had already explained earlier, but at that time everyone was not focused on it, did not grasp the malice in those words, and didn’t care. Now that Zhang Zhiming brought it up again, those from Old Lin Village immediately shouted loudly in defense.

Those who came from Old Lin Village all nodded in agreement, everyone knew the gravity if the nature of their actions was determined, it would be bad.

Their maximum intent was to argue at the doorstep. Do you think arguing needs so many farming tools? Ha, don’t you know, after leaving here, they all go straight to the fields, who would have the spare time to go back home and grab farming tools?

"Heh heh, Captain Zhang, saying this is not fair, we haven’t harmed a single person or thing here, how can it be called causing a disturbance."

Lin Aiguo was stunned for a moment, realizing then that Zhang Zhiming had set a trap for him, even more outraged, he shouted loudly, exhibiting the demeanor of a rough peasant.

"Fine, you all know why you came, discuss it well, the eyes of the public are clear!" Zhang Zhiming nodded and stepped aside to reveal the Zhang Zhiguo family behind him.

As long as there is no violence, everything is negotiable. This was Zhang Zhiming’s ultimate goal and bottom line.

"Zhi, Zhiming, you can’t leave, everyone knew about this the day before yesterday, that misbehaved rascal of mine took all the money from home, we really have no money left!"

Zhang Zhiguo is indeed feeble and can’t support himself; when his father was still around, he was weak, just like a mouse seeing a cat. Now without his father to lean on, and with Lin Zhaodi around, he’s not in charge of major decisions and doesn’t even hear about minor ones.

Now seeing his cousin acting like he was going to walk away and wash his hands of the matter, he really panicked. He followed Zhang Zhiming’s movements and shrank behind him, speaking up.

Lin Aiguo hunched over, fully aware that Zhang Gou’er must be low on money, otherwise, how would his astute sister have the daring to elope with the weakling Zhang Dongliang?!

But just because Zhang Gou’er was out of money, did that mean the entire Zhang Family was penniless? Didn’t Zhang Gou’er’s father have a good reputation for being just and kind around the village? Even though Zhang Zhiguo wasn’t well-liked in the village, nobody stepped forward to kick him into the mud.

If not Zhang Zhiguo, wasn’t there still Zhang Zhiming? And if push came to shove, wouldn’t his own Uncle Zhang Hongqiang certainly not stand by and let things fall apart?

After all, the situation couldn’t get any worse. By making a fuss, perhaps he could truly snatch back a substantial bride price. Just thinking that Lin Aimei was already registered under Zhang Dongliang’s name ignited a villainous fire in him, how could he resign to his fate without a fight?

"Zhiguo, this is your family matter, what can I say? I certainly don’t want people pointing fingers and badmouthing me afterward," Zhang Zhiming retorted sharply as he stepped aside after lighting another cigarette, casting his gaze towards the horizon.

As for the cousin who followed behind him, had he not seen through him after all these years? He felt indifferent towards this cousin, holding not a trace of fondness for him, knowing his place in the family was not one to speak out. Wasn’t there always that overly competitive older cousin-in-law? Why bother being the good guy when no appreciation was shown, only to be subjected to scorn by this ungrateful household?!

With Zhang Zhiming’s stance made clear, not only was Zhang Zhiguo dumbfounded, but even Lin Zhaodi and her daughters behind them were struck dumb.

Lin Zhaoyin, known for both her bullying of the weak and fear of the strong, and selfish nature, still showed unquestionable devotion to her beloved children, especially in protecting her son.

Now witnessing her cousin’s blatant resignation, disbelief didn’t set her heart free. Instead, her face turned even paler out of fear due to Lin Aiguo’s recent rough actions!

There’s a saying, the fiercest fears the reckless. At this moment, Lin Aiguo’s demeanor manifested reckless brutality to Lin Zhaodi.

Seeing the hoe in his hand, Lin Zhaodi believed without a doubt that if she made any more excuses about not having money, or refusing to acknowledge Lin Aimei as her daughter-in-law, he would indeed dare to swing that hoe and obliterate their family!

Fortunately, surrounded by villagers, although fearful of Lin Aiguo’s violence, she still held a sliver of hope that he wouldn’t dare to touch them in public.

As for what might happen behind closed doors, her family simply wouldn’t leave the house for a while. Could Lin Aiguo possibly squat at their door forever?!

Deciding this, and hearing her cousin clearly abandoning them in their plight, Lin Zhaodi glaringly ’tsk’ed at Zhang Zhiming’s back, and her disdainful sound suddenly made everyone around silently turn their judging eyes toward her, as if looking at a foolish pig.

Zhang Yunni and Zhang Baonni, deeply embarrassed by the scrutiny, quickly tugged at their mother’s clothes, pleading for her to stop the shameful display.

Zhang Hongqiang and Zhou Dahua, who had walked up to them, glared at Lin Zhaodi, their steps halted firmly in place, their faces darkening. At that instant, the old couple felt that they truly shouldn’t help this household.

His kindness was only met with disgust, a sentiment anyone would find maddening.

The fact that Zhang Zhiming’s family held such an attitude wasn’t truly intimidating. Anyone would be irritated if after helping out, they were criticized behind their back as being ’nosy’, not only receiving no thanks but actually being reprimanded. Everyone would hesitate to deal with such an individual.

Even though Zhang Zhiguo was his own cousin, and his father was close brothers with his own father, being devoid of basic moral integrity made even the closest relationships crumble under the weight of constant accusations!