Chapter 163: The Tables Turned on the Gossipers

Just look at Lu Chuan and his wife—they’ve only been in the provincial capital for half a year, and they’ve changed so much. The way they handle things, their methods, it all makes people admire them, even look up to them.

That’s why some people have made up their minds: they want to go out and broaden their horizons, to learn from Fang Yuan’s calm and collected ways.

Then there’s Sister-in-law Sun from next door—she really sees things through from beginning to end. She leaned over the wall and called out to Fang Yuan, “Hey, Second Daughter-in-law, Second Daughter-in-law!”

Fang Yuan replied gently, “Sister-in-law.” Her tone was so warm that Lu Chuan raised his eyebrows—clearly, she was pleased with how Sister-in-law Sun handled things.

Sister-in-law Sun hadn’t expected Fang Yuan to answer so readily—she felt honored.

Excitedly, she said, “Let me tell you, this is bigger than you think. That Gong Er, who knows what he’s like at school, but in the village, he’s no good. He’s been seeing that Da Mei from the Zhang family, they even have a kid together, but he still won’t admit it!”

She went on, “Next time a female classmate comes looking for Gong Er, you’d better make things clear to her, or else we’ll be hurting someone.”

As for what Gong Er thinks, Sister-in-law Sun really didn’t care.

Before Fang Yuan could reply, Lu Chuan spoke up over the wall, “Sister-in-law, we’d really rather not know about this.”

Sister-in-law Sun said, “I know, I know, you’re a college student, an educated person. I’m just chatting with Fang Yuan.”

Then she added, “Lu Chuan, you see, even among you college folks, there are bad apples like Gong Er. Not saying you’re like that, just saying…”

Brother Sun next door tried to pull his wife away—there’s no need for you to say all this.

But Sister-in-law Sun pushed him off. “Don’t butt in! I’d feel terrible if I didn’t get this off my chest.”

Then she said, “I just wanted to tell you, you’re not like Gong Er. Fang Yuan’s got five brothers, and they’re all tigers. You’d better behave yourself and think twice before you do anything.”

Lu Chuan didn’t expect the gossip to turn back on him. “Thank you, Sister-in-law.”

Fang Yuan said, “Lu Chuan isn’t that kind of person. But you’re right, Sister-in-law. If my brothers ever got involved, Lu Chuan wouldn’t just get away like Gong Er—he wouldn’t even be able to get up again.”

Sister-in-law Sun laughed, “See? Even Fang Yuan thinks I’m right, and yet my husband won’t let me talk!”

Then Brother Sun finally dragged her away. This woman just can’t sit still. The couple next door is doing just fine—why stir things up?

Zhu Xiaosan wanted to laugh, but Zhang Xiaole got angry, picking up on something. “Is Gong Er bullying our Zhang family because we don’t have anyone to stand up for us?”

She continued, “No way. I may not be a tiger, but our Zhang family has over twenty men altogether. This isn’t just Da Mei’s family’s business anymore.”

Then she left. Just a moment ago, she was afraid of trouble, but after a few words from Sister-in-law Sun, she felt like a coward if she didn’t make a fuss.

Zhu Xiaosan was dumbfounded. “She’s not even that closely related to him. Sure, they’re both Zhangs, but they’re not even within five degrees of kinship. Sister-in-law Sun is really something.”

Lu Chuan had to admit, Sister-in-law Sun was a master at stirring things up. “She really got everyone riled up.”

Zhu Xiaosan said, “I’ll go try to calm things down. You two just rest.”

He didn’t dare let Fang Yuan go talk to them, afraid she’d make things even messier. He had to admire Fang Yuan’s fearlessness, though.

As soon as Zhu Xiaosan left, Lu Xiaosan arrived. “Second Sister-in-law, how about it? Was my info reliable?”

Fang Yuan praised her brother-in-law, “Not bad! Da Mei’s been looking for Gong Er for a month and didn’t get as much as you did in one night.”

Lu Xiaosan grinned, “Of course! I’m the village’s go-to guy—I know everything that happens, big or small.”

He added, “We all know exactly where Gong Er was sweet-talking Da Mei.”

Lu Chuan lost his composure and scolded his brother, “What are you saying? Who do you hang out with all day? I’m telling you, you’d better behave yourself. Do you think this is something to be proud of?”

Lu Xiaosan replied, “Come on, we’re always running around the village and the hills, so we see a lot. Don’t worry, I’ll behave. It’s not easy to keep our family’s good reputation.”

On this point, the brothers agreed. Lu Xiaosan almost said, “Second Brother, you can’t mess up—you can’t be another Chen Shimei. Gong Er is a lesson for us all.”

Lu Xiaosan said, “Second Sister-in-law, did Gong Er upset you? I’ll help you deal with him if you want.”

Fang Yuan replied, “No need. He’s more upset than I am right now.”

Then she asked, “Since you know everything, do you know that Sun Hongyan?”

Lu Xiaosan didn’t even look up at his brother and answered quickly, “No one knows better than me—she’s got nothing to do with Second Brother. Sun Hongyan is just wishful thinking. My brother only cares about his studies—he probably doesn’t even know what she looks like.”

Fang Yuan said, “Your brother does know what she looks like.”

Lu Xiaosan snorted, “She’s shameless, trying to set up my brother. Second Sister-in-law, you can ask around at school—my brother’s a total bookworm, doesn’t know a thing.”

Even though his own brother was making fun of him, Lu Chuan was actually pleased—at least his brother was reliable when it counted.

Fang Yuan said, “What you say may not always be true, but you did the right thing this time. Brothers should stick together when they’re out in the world, or else it’s embarrassing.”

Lu Xiaosan asked, “So this really has nothing to do with my brother, right?”

Fang Yuan replied, “She wishes! I’m not giving her the chance.”

From start to finish, Fang Yuan never once thought of Lu Chuan and Sun Hongyan together. She was so clear and straightforward about it that Lu Chuan felt flattered.

Lu Xiaosan said, “Second Brother, your greatest achievement in life is getting Second Sister-in-law to like you. Look how generous she is—you’ll save yourself so much trouble in life.”

Lu Chuan nodded, “Your sister-in-law has good taste.”

The brothers’ praise made Fang Yuan feel a little lightheaded.

Next door, Brother Sun whispered to his wife, “Look at those two brothers—Lu Xiaosan is quite the character.”

Sister-in-law Sun was more interested in the gossip, “Who’s Sun Hongyan? She’s not related to our family, right?”

Brother Sun couldn’t help but look at his wife, “So you do know to be afraid?”

Sister-in-law Sun nodded. The two of them eavesdropped by the wall, but they were still thinking things over.

Brother Sun said, “If you’re afraid, then stop spreading rumors. Otherwise, do you think Fang Yuan is someone to mess with?”

Sister-in-law Sun quickly nodded, “You think I’d dare spread gossip about just anyone? Gong Er is a lesson—I’m not crossing her.”

Brother Sun couldn’t help but laugh. What could he say about this woman? Always picking on the weak and fearing the strong.

On New Year’s Eve, as everyone in the village sat down to eat dumplings, the hot topic in every household was Gong Er and Da Mei. They were really famous now.

Old Lady Lu said, “I never liked Gong Er—he’s not one of us. Don’t get involved with him in the future. I just feel sorry for Da Mei. She already has a kid, and with Gong Er’s character, what’s she going to do?”

The older generation always thinks further ahead. This isn’t something that can be solved just by getting married—it’s about a whole lifetime.

Old Man Lu sighed, “That man is no good.”

Lu Chuan ate his dumplings in silence, and Lu Xiaosan was even quieter. The brothers were unsung heroes.

As for Fang Yuan, she didn’t take it to heart at all—she’s the type to handle things without worrying about the aftermath.

164."