Chapter 55: The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife
Chapter 55: His Thoughts
As they carried offerings up the mountain, Xiao Penghui overheard Li Hongying chatting with his wife, praising Xiao Cheng for marrying a woman with a good personality. However, Xiao Penghui doubted Xiao Cheng's foresight, believing he wouldn't let himself be held back by a mere woman.
"A true man aspires to explore the world; once you make a fortune, anywhere can be home," Xiao Penghui continued to persuade.
Other Xiao family members who had returned with him echoed the sentiment, painting a picture of lucrative opportunities outside the small town.
Implicitly suggesting that staying in the town had no future and earning money would attract women anywhere, they emphasized that a man without wealth would be looked down upon.
Returning with wealth brought prestige, and those who failed to make a name for themselves faced humiliation even during ancestral ceremonies. The villagers welcomed those who returned with a display of wealth, and some elders even requested their assistance for the younger generation.
The pride in their hearts grew as they were received by the influential figures during the ancestral ceremony. Xiao Penghui and others spoke with a hint of arrogance, and Xiao Cheng simply smiled without uttering a word.
Amidst discussions of the town's affairs, Xiao Cheng's mind was elsewhere. The southern city presented opportunities and challenges, controlled by powerful figures in real estate, business streets, entertainment, and security.
The looming conflict with Li Chengbin, who held influence over sand and gravel businesses in the area, hinted at larger power struggles. Xiao Cheng pondered whether to align with the existing powers or eliminate them to carve his own path.
Without establishing influence, venturing into the southern city would be futile, and Xiao Cheng sought greater opportunities beyond his hometown.
Xiao Penghui, observing Xiao Cheng's determination, sighed and advised, "Think carefully, nephew. Whether you choose prosperity or hardship, the decision is yours."
Offering hospitality, he added, "If you decide on the southern city, let us know in advance. We, the Xiao family, will welcome you warmly. We can discuss matters together, and your sixth uncle will ensure you're well taken care of."
Xiao Cheng, complying with the familial tone, replied, "Certainly, Uncle. Your words make sense."
Believing his words had an impact, Xiao Penghui continued the optimistic chatter about potential opportunities.
Xiao Cheng, however, remained silent, contemplating his path forward in the face of the enticing yet challenging prospects presented before him.
Under the luxuriant tree, Bai Lu and Xiao Wei pounded their legs for a while before leaning against the trunk to rest.
Suddenly, voices from behind interrupted their break.
"Hey, old woman, do you have a lot of chestnuts at home? Tell us the quantity, we'll buy them all."
The person being addressed as the "old woman" retorted angrily, "Old woman? Just now, all the Xiao family members around, clearing weeds, called me Granny. Didn't you hear?"
"Everyone is helping clean up for our ancestors. Instead of working, what are you doing roaming around? Buying chestnuts now, do you not know the season? Chestnut flowers haven't even bloomed yet. Are you daydreaming?"
"Since you're here for the ancestral ceremony, talking about money in front of our ancestors before even lighting the incense? Have you gone crazy from poverty? What family's girl are you? I want to see what kind of parents raised such an ill-mannered daughter!"
Li Shuixian, scolded, blushed and ran away.
Passing by a large tree, she saw Bai Lu gleefully reveling in her misfortune. Enraged, Li Shuixian taunted, "I won't get any chestnuts, and neither will you!"
"All those words you heard, there are no chestnuts on Xiao family's mountain. Running here with a pregnant belly, you won't have any business. You'll be poor forever!"
Bai Lu, arms crossed, continued to laugh, "Did your poorly made charcoal sell? I saw the pig boss with a pig-killing knife going to return it yesterday."
"Is the business so bad?" Bai Lu feigned shock, sympathizing, "Can't even earn back the cost. Might end up bankrupt?"
Li Shuixian, infuriated, was about to retort when Xiao Wei chimed in, "No, I saw it. The pig boss was returning it."
"Business may or may not be bad. Maybe bankrupt."
Bai Lu, still amused, teased, "Who can sail smoothly in their first business venture? My first attempt at sugar-coated chestnuts lacked flavor. The second time was way better than yours, and my business is a thousand times stronger!"
"Old woman, there are no chestnuts in Granny's place. Others surely have them. When I buy them all, you can look forward to being poor. Carry all that filth back home!"
About to retaliate, Li Shuixian was preempted by Xiao Wei, "You're full of filth!"
Li Shuixian, furious, took a few steps closer, raised her hand to slap Xiao Wei.
Unexpectedly, Bai Lu intercepted her, tossing her to the ground just like in the vegetable garden last time.
Eating a mouthful of rotten tree leaves and roots.
"Pah! Pah, pah..." Li Shuixian spat out dirt, her wrist, held down, in pain, unable to move. She could only support her plump body with one hand, awkwardly crawling up.
The Xiao family members clearing weeds nearby turned their attention, curiosity in their eyes, sharp as knives, focused on Li Shuixian.
Li Shuixian gritted her teeth, forced to swallow her words.
Patting the dry twigs and leaves sticking to her flowery coat, she glared at Bai Lu.
Muttering in a low voice, she threatened, "Wait for me!"
"Wait for what?"
Xiao Cheng approached, holding a shovel, his words cold and terrifying enough to frighten a three-year-old. Even the drizzle falling on his shoulders turned into ashes.
Without a second word, Li Shuixian turned and ran.
In her haste, without watching the path, she collided with a tree trunk and, before fainting, was dragged away by her husband passing by.
Approaching Bai Lu, Xiao Cheng reached into his coat pocket, and when his hand reappeared, it held a golden glow.
Comments
Post a Comment