Chapter 110: Chapter 110: Final Words, A Difficult Choice

Yun Runtong and Liang Zhiqiu, together with Yun Nianzhou, hurried to calm the guests and apologize. With such a disaster at what was supposed to be a joyful wedding, all three were in low spirits and had no time to worry about the Gu family.

Gu Yunchuan’s reaction was strange. It was as if he had always known this day would come. Instead of getting agitated, he accepted the outcome with surprising calm.

In front of everyone, he slowly picked up his bowl, stuffed all the food into his mouth, and swallowed it down bit by bit.

Then he took a handkerchief from his pocket, wiped his mouth, and said coolly, “Can I say a few words to my daughter before I go?”

The police didn’t make things difficult for him.

“You may.”

Gu Yunchuan looked at Gu Qinghuan. “Huanhuan, I’ve let you down all these years. From now on, live your life well.

Your grandmother hasn’t seen you and your brother for many years. She misses you both. Go visit her when you have time.”

To most people, this just seemed like a father’s final words to his child before leaving.

But Gu Qinghuan was baffled. What did he mean? Visit Grandma? Was he hinting at something?

Did he really think playing the loving father would help him now?

Not only did she have no intention of saving him, she was actually glad—scumbags always get what’s coming to them. It was satisfying.

“I’ll take care of Grandma.”

If Gu Yunchuan hadn’t mentioned it, she would have forgotten that the original owner still had a grandmother.

Previously, because of Gu Yunchuan’s misdeeds, the original owner and Lanting had cut off contact with the Zhong family.

But to be fair, in the original owner’s memories, this grandmother had always been quite kind to her and her brother.

Seeing his daughter’s indifferent attitude, as if she didn’t care about his fate at all, Gu Yunchuan sighed inwardly. His mother was right—he’d brought this all on himself. He deserved it.

Ever since he started falsifying accounts to satisfy his own desires, he’d known this day would come. He just hadn’t expected it to come so soon.

Many things in life are inescapable—karma always comes back around.

Xia Shuhua never expected that even at the end, this man would still be thinking of his daughter. She felt a wave of desolation.

Now she had nothing left. What was she supposed to do in the future?

At that moment, the police spoke again: “Who is Xia Shuhua, Gu Yunchuan’s spouse? Please cooperate with our investigation as well.”

Xia Shuhua was terrified and cried out, “It has nothing to do with me! He did everything—you can’t arrest me!”

Chen Zhaodi quickly ran over. “It was all Gu Yunchuan’s doing. My mom is a victim—she’s innocent! You can’t just arrest people without investigating!”

If her mother was taken away too, she’d truly have no one left to rely on.

The officer explained, “We won’t wrongfully accuse anyone. Today, we’re just asking you to assist with the investigation.

If you really weren’t involved, you have nothing to worry about.”

Only then did Xia Shuhua breathe a sigh of relief.

After all, all the money was brought home by Gu Yunchuan for her to spend. She could just pretend she didn’t know anything.

Thinking this, she got up to follow the police.

Only then did she remember she’d wet herself in fright earlier, and she wished she could dig a hole and disappear from embarrassment.

The guests all covered their mouths, trying not to laugh.

“That woman must have been scared out of her wits just now!”

“How could the Yun family, such a respectable family, end up with a daughter-in-law like that?”

“You don’t know the half of it. The bride was actually chosen by Nianzhou himself—Runtong and his wife were against it.”

“That’s why I say, all this talk of free love these days is nonsense. You don’t know anything about the other person, and you end up making a fool of the whole family.

Back in our day, marriages arranged by parents and matchmakers lasted a lifetime.”

“Exactly! Young people these days are getting more and more out of hand.”

“So, are we still eating or not?”

“Is this marriage even valid now? Good grief, just got married and the father-in-law turns out to be a criminal. How are they supposed to live?”

“Look at the bride—thin lips, unlucky face.”

...

Everyone was whispering, watching the scene unfold.

After the police took the two away, the atmosphere became awkward.

Gu Qinghuan was a bit disappointed—she probably wouldn’t get to eat the banquet now, and it had looked so good.

Xia Shuhua’s family—her parents, brother, and sister-in-law—were truly something else. Their daughter (or sister) had just been taken away by the police, but they acted like nothing had happened, eating and drinking as if they hadn’t eaten in ten lifetimes, even stuffing food into their clothes. It was an eyesore.

She didn’t care, because Gu Yunchuan had wronged the original owner first.

That whole family was supported by Xia Shuhua, a pack of ungrateful leeches.

Xia Chun, at least, seemed to have a bit of conscience. Seeing his aunt taken away, he stood there holding the child, anxious and helpless, wanting to do something but powerless. He looked lost.

Gu Qinghuan simply pulled Xu Huaian away—they’d already seen the most exciting part, so there was no reason to stay.

As for how Chen Zhaodi would handle the aftermath, that wasn’t her concern.

Yun Runtong pulled Yun Nianzhou aside.

“What do you think? Things have already blown up today. Why not just go all the way and call off the wedding in front of everyone? That way, you can still find someone else.

After all, it was the Gu family who messed up first. We have every right to break off the engagement.

But if you insist on marrying her, then forget I said anything.”

Yun Runtong wasn’t one to beat around the bush. He always focused on solving problems. After the incident, he didn’t complain or blame anyone—he just offered options and aimed to resolve things.

He glanced at his watch. “You have two minutes to think about it. Give me your answer then.”

Yun Nianzhou was torn. This was, without a doubt, the most humiliating day of his life.

Of the two choices his father offered, he was leaning toward the first.

He was young and proud, afraid of losing face. Judging by the situation, Gu Yunchuan was probably really in trouble. If he ended up with a criminal for a father-in-law, he’d be tainted for life.

But when his gaze landed on Chen Zhaodi in the crowd, his heart softened.

Chen Zhaodi looked at him pleadingly, her face streaked with tears—she looked a mess.

Thinking of her kindness to him and their years together, he could only grit his teeth and accept it.

A real man can’t hide behind others forever—he has to take responsibility.

“Dad, I’m a man. If I leave her now, I’d ruin her life. I can’t do that…” Yun Nianzhou stammered.

He’d expected his father to scold him or be disappointed, but Yun Runtong just sighed, patted his shoulder, and said, “You’ve grown up! I hope you remember your decision today and never regret it. Do as you said.”

It was a tough choice. For the Yun family’s reputation, Yun Runtong had suggested breaking off the engagement.

But hearing Yun Nianzhou choose to go through with the marriage, he didn’t feel angry—in fact, he was a little relieved. At least the boy wasn’t completely spineless.

Many things in life are contradictory. As the head of the Yun family, he wanted Yun Nianzhou to break off the engagement to protect their reputation.

But as a father, he wanted his son to be a man of responsibility.

Afterward, Yun Runtong had to stand up and explain things to the guests, asking for their understanding and urging them to enjoy the banquet.

Grandma Yun was so angry she left early, giving Yun Nianzhou the cold shoulder as well.

She’d weathered many storms since marrying into the Yun family, but this was the most humiliating.

After arranging the aftermath of the banquet, Yun Runtong and Liang Zhiqiu left the capital that very night.

Before leaving, Yun Runtong called Yun Nianzhou over for a brief talk.

Liang Zhiqiu never meddled in Yun Nianzhou’s affairs or cared about his future.

“Everything is up to you now. You’re married, so it’s time to settle down. I’ve told your grandmother not to give you any more financial support. From now on, you’re on your own.

I don’t expect you to achieve great things, but I’m not going to support you for life.”

Yun Nianzhou usually acted like a little tyrant, but under Yun Runtong’s stern gaze, he lost all his bluster.

“Dad, I know. I’ll definitely make something of myself.”

“I hope you’ll show me with actions, not words.”

Yun Nianzhou hated that his father always doubted him, and the two parted on bad terms.

For a long time afterward, he worked hard to prove himself to Yun Runtong and didn’t return to the Yun family, refusing to ask Grandma Yun for help.

For the first time, the young master experienced the hardships of real life.

As for Gu Yunchuan, after his arrest, his apprentice Liu Xiaoliu provided all sorts of evidence, forcing him to admit everything—and implicating Xia Shuhua as well.

According to current law, a spouse who is unaware of the crime can be exempt from responsibility.

But there was no way Gu Yunchuan would suffer alone while Xia Shuhua got off scot-free. He directly provided evidence that she had participated in and spent the embezzled funds.

So Xia Shuhua was jointly liable for repaying the embezzled money.

Gu Yunchuan insisted there was no money left—he’d spent it all.

He knew that even if he handed over the money, he’d still be convicted, so he might as well leave something for his children. Selfish all his life, he finally did one good thing at the end.

After a police search, no money was found. No matter how Xia Shuhua tried to explain, the money simply couldn’t be found.

In the end, Gu Yunchuan was sentenced to fifteen years in prison, his assets confiscated, and ordered to return the embezzled funds to the chemical plant.

Xia Shuhua wasn’t the main culprit, but since she knew about the crime and still used the money, she wasn’t sentenced to prison but was held jointly liable for repaying the embezzled funds. In other words, she’d spend the rest of her life paying back several thousand yuan.

Four or five thousand yuan—a sum she could never earn, even if she didn’t eat or drink for the rest of her life. The thought was terrifying.

When she heard the verdict, she was stunned. No matter how much she protested, nothing could change it.

After losing Gu Yunchuan’s protection, she was shunned by everyone and fell into poverty.

When she went to her daughter Chen Zhaodi for help, Chen Zhaodi not only had no money for her but resented her for being a burden.

Yun Nianzhou, forced by circumstances to take responsibility for Chen Zhaodi, found that reality was much harsher than he’d imagined.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, but living together is a different story.

Once the rosy veil was lifted, life was just about daily necessities.

The couple began to argue more and more.

Without the Yun family’s support, Yun Nianzhou was nothing. Even finding a decent job required calling in family favors, and people still looked down on him.

He couldn’t handle hardship, either—he gave up on everything halfway through.

Their little family was on the verge of collapse, with constant arguments.

But that’s a story for another time."

"Chapter 111: Gu Yunchuan’s Backup Plan

Ever since Gu Qinghuan returned, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The final words Gu Yunchuan had left her with definitely had a deeper meaning.

He was not the kind of person who would waste his last moments on meaningless talk.

It seemed she would have to visit the original body’s grandmother to get to the bottom of things.

That afternoon, the two of them followed their memories to the alley where the old lady lived. The hutong twisted and turned, and she soon lost her way. Only after asking several people did they finally find the grandmother’s house.

It was as if the old lady had already expected Gu Qinghuan’s arrival.

“Child, it’s been so many years—you’ve grown so much. How is Lanting? And this must be your husband?” The old lady peered at her with cloudy eyes, as if she was looking through her to someone else.

“Grandma, Lanting couldn’t make it today, but I’ll bring him to see you another time. Let me introduce you—this is Xu Huaian.”

Xu Huaian nodded politely. “Hello, Grandma.”

“Good, good! What a spirited young man. I heard from your father the other day that you got married in the countryside, and I was worried for nothing. Turns out I was just overthinking it. He’s a fine young man—may you both live well together.” The old lady gently took their hands and placed them together, smiling kindly.

“Grandma… Gu—my father, he…” Gu Qinghuan didn’t know how to break the news of Gu Yunchuan’s arrest, afraid the old woman wouldn’t be able to bear it.

The old lady sighed, as if she already knew.

“I’m old now, there’s not much I can do. This is his fate. If something is meant to be, it will be; if not, there’s no use forcing it.

He sent you here, didn’t he?”

“How did you know?” Gu Qinghuan asked in surprise.

The old lady got up and went into her room, returning with a small box, which she pressed into Gu Qinghuan’s hands.

“He came to see me a few days ago. We hadn’t spoken in years. He’s made a lot of foolish choices in his life. Now that he’s in trouble, it’s best to let the past go.

This money—he asked me to keep it safe. If anything ever happened to him, he wanted me to give it to you and Lanting.

It’s his way of apologizing as a father.

I just didn’t expect this day to come so soon.” The old lady, after all, still cared for her son.

Gu Qinghuan opened the box. It was a considerable sum—clearly Gu Yunchuan’s backup plan. She hadn’t expected that, in the end, he would leave his assets to her and Lanting, and not to Xia Shuhua.

How to put it? Unexpected, but not moving. Affection that comes too late is worth less than grass.

She wasn’t the original Gu Qinghuan—whatever Gu Yunchuan did had nothing to do with her. It was just a pity that the original never got to feel this belated fatherly love.

It was almost laughable. When she was alive, he ignored her; now that she was gone, he put on this show—what was the point?

After handing them the box, the old lady closed the door and refused further guests, sitting cross-legged and striking her wooden fish in prayer.

Gu Qinghuan wanted to invite her to live with them once they got the villa back—Lanting would continue his studies in the city, and the grandmother and grandson could depend on each other.

But the old lady refused.

She said that with these matters settled, she could finally let go of the past and devote herself to Buddha.

Everyone has their own fate. Now that hers was over, she told Gu Qinghuan not to worry.

In the end, Gu Qinghuan couldn’t even remember how she walked out of the alley—her feelings were a complicated mix.

There was no way they could accept Gu Yunchuan’s dirty money with a clear conscience. She was sure Lanting wouldn’t want it either.

On their way back, passing by the welfare home, Gu Qinghuan got out and donated the money there.

Afterwards, both of them felt lighter, sharing a smile.

That evening, Gu Qinghuan told Gu Lanting what had happened. He agreed completely.

No matter how poor he got, he wouldn’t touch dirty money. Better to do some good with it and keep their hands clean.

Gu Yunchuan’s quick downfall had surprised them, but it was only a matter of time—heaven’s net is wide, but nothing escapes it.

Gu Qinghuan had barely eaten at lunch, and after a busy afternoon, she’d forgotten to fill her stomach. By the time she got home that night, she was starving.

Speaking of which, it had been ages since she’d had beef. Luckily, the villa’s fridge was still stocked with plenty of beef and lamb rolls—perfect for hotpot.

With winter coming, the mornings and nights were already cold. A hotpot meal would warm everyone up—just what they needed.

Gu Qinghuan sent Lanting off to watch the kids, while she and Xu Huaian busied themselves in the kitchen, prepping ingredients.

The city used coal stoves, which made hotpot easy. Prepping was simple—just wash the ingredients and bring them to the table.

To suit the kids’ tastes, they went with a tomato-based broth. There was hotpot seasoning in the villa, and if not, they could always buy more from the vending machine.

There was more than enough beef and lamb, and they added tripe, shrimp, meatballs, quail eggs, vermicelli, lotus root, kelp, shiitake mushrooms, and other seasonal veggies—enough for a full table.

If she wasn’t worried about Lanting getting suspicious, there were even more things she wanted to eat—duck intestines, pig brain, sausage…

She even wanted to do a “yuan-yang” (spicy and mild) hotpot—after all, hotpot is best when it’s spicy.

Unfortunately, Xu Huaian wouldn’t allow it this time. But he promised that when they returned to the countryside, they’d build a charcoal stove for winter, have hotpot, and do the full “yuan-yang” experience.

Even this simple version of hotpot amazed everyone, Xu Huaian included.

“This is delicious, sis! How did you think of this? Eating like this not only warms you up, but it gets tastier the longer you eat!” Lanting said, chewing with gusto.

Dabao and Beibei, the two little foodies, shouted their approval—“Mom, you’re amazing!”

Xu Huaian didn’t say a word, just buried his head in his bowl, showing his approval through action.

Xu Huaian still checked in with Xiao Zhuo every day, undergoing various psychological therapies, and Xiao Zhuo taught him many ways to manage his emotions.

With the special medicine and spiritual spring water Gu Qinghuan prepared, his illness hadn’t flared up for some time. But that missing chunk of memory was still a mystery—no matter what they tried, there was no breakthrough.

Meanwhile, Gu Qinghuan began working on reclaiming the villa.

Gu Yunchuan’s debts had nothing to do with her. These days, no one expects children to pay for their parents’ crimes. He’d have to answer for his own misdeeds—at most, Xia Shuhua might be implicated, but Gu Qinghuan had nothing to do with it.

At worst, people would gossip, but that wouldn’t affect her life. She and Lanting had endured plenty of rumors before—this was nothing new.

Life is for yourself to live—good or bad, it’s not for others to judge.

Having a criminal for a father just meant she couldn’t go into politics or the military in the future. But Lanting had no such ambitions, and neither did she.

If Gu Yunchuan hadn’t been so shortsighted and petty, with the Zhong family’s connections, he could have lived quite comfortably. But he’d chosen to ruin his own path.

Gu Qinghuan took the deeds for the two villas to the local police station, only to discover that the officer in charge, Xu Lei, was an old classmate of Zhong Zijun.

Thanks to her distinctive looks, he recognized her immediately—not only did he welcome her warmly, but he personally led a team to help her resolve the issue.

Zhong Zijun had always been gentle, kind, and sincere. Back when Xu Lei was a poor student who couldn’t afford tuition, Zhong Zijun secretly helped him out, never letting him know who his benefactor was. Xu Lei only learned the truth years later.

What goes around comes around—karma always finds a way.

A team of armed officers stormed the villa where Wu Ma lived, rounding up everyone inside.

Wu Ma’s grandsons, seeing the police in their peaked caps, burst into tears, terrified they’d be taken away.

When Gu Qinghuan strolled in, Wu Ma looked as if she’d seen a ghost, stumbling back in shock.

“Wu Ma, long time no see. How have you been?” Gu Qinghuan smiled brightly, but to Wu Ma, she looked more terrifying than a vengeful spirit.

“M-miss, w-what are you doing here?” Wu Ma stammered.

“If I didn’t come, how would I know you’d taken over our house and were living so comfortably?

Wearing homespun clothes while sitting on a leather sofa—doesn’t quite match, does it?” Gu Qinghuan ran her hand over the sofa with interest.

These things had all been bought by Zhong Zijun, now enjoyed by these villains.

Seeing that Gu Qinghuan had brought the police, Wu Ma knew the reckoning had come. She was quick to adapt—dropping to her knees, sobbing and sniffling, “I’m sorry, Miss, I must have been out of my mind!”

She even slapped herself hard.

Gu Qinghuan winced for her.

Xu Lei wasn’t in a hurry to arrest anyone, clearly giving her time to speak.

“I don’t think you were out of your mind—I think you’ve lost your conscience!

When you worked as our housekeeper, did my mother ever treat you badly?

She knew you had many grandchildren, so whenever there was good food or drink, she always saved some for you.

She let you go home for the holidays, trusted you with decisions, treated you like family.

She even entrusted this important house to you.

And this is how you repay her?

Kindness gets taken for weakness, and leniency gets trampled on. If I ever wanted to see what ‘give an inch, take a mile’ looks like, I’ve seen it in you!”

Wu Ma, hearing this, remembered the old days and broke down in tears. Gu Qinghuan was right—she had lost her conscience.

People are never satisfied. Before she worked for the Gu family, she thought just having a job was a blessing. But after seeing the luxury of the wealthy, she grew resentful. When Zhong Zijun entrusted her with the house, she started having greedy thoughts.

In truth, she hadn’t lived well these past years. Even though she had a big house and rental income, she was always afraid Zhong Zijun would come back.

At night, she often dreamed of Zhong Zijun calling her a thankless wretch.

“My mother took care of your family for years. Even if she didn’t do much, she worked hard. Miss Gu, letting us stay here for a while isn’t such a big deal. Why make such a fuss?” Wu Ma’s youngest son said with a grin.

Gu Qinghuan couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief."

"Chapter 112: The Matter Resolved, The Big Fool

Without Gu Qinghuan needing to lift a finger, Xu Lei directly kicked the man. ""You filthy thing, what disgusting behavior.""

He sneered, ""Did you peel off the skin from your left cheek and stick it on your right? Half shameless, half brazen. Your mother works in my house—we not only pay her wages, but treat her well. It’s a mutually agreed arrangement. What, just because you took care of us for a few days, you think you’re family now? I’m supposed to support you for life? Today I’ve really seen it all—some people, once they lose all shame, are truly invincible.""

Aunt Wu hurriedly crawled over. ""Shut up! Miss, please don’t stoop to his level. I was wrong, I really was! I beg you, for the sake of the past, let me off just this once! I promise I’ll vacate the house immediately and return it to you. We’ll move far away and never bother you again.""

Aunt Wu had worked for the Zhong family for many years and knew their temperament well. They were all good people—honest, kind, and gentle, never ruthless. So this time, she tried to rely on their kindness again to get herself out of trouble.

Unfortunately, she miscalculated.

If it were Zhong Zijun, perhaps he wouldn’t have made a fuss—at most, he’d just ask them to leave. But Gu Qinghuan was not one to let things slide. If you have the guts to do wrong, you must have the guts to face the consequences.

""You’ll definitely have to vacate the house, and you’ll have to spit out everything you swallowed. The thing I hate most in this world is an ungrateful snake. Officer Xu, I’ll have to trouble you again.""

Xu Lei grinned, ""Niece, what trouble? Go wait outside, I don’t want you to get scared.""

Gu Qinghuan obediently went outside to wait, and Xu Lei even had someone bring her a stool.

What followed was a chorus of wailing and shrieking.

After about fifteen minutes, Aunt Wu’s whole family was swept out of the house by Xu Lei and several officers. Xu Lei even thoughtfully changed the lock on the front door. Apart from their personal belongings, they weren’t allowed to take anything that obviously belonged to the house.

The whole family, carrying their things, was driven out. The women cursed like shrews, and the children screamed, refusing to leave.

Aunt Wu thought this was the end of it and was secretly relieved. They’d lost the house, but they still had their savings from these years. Life would go on, just without the big house.

She didn’t expect Xu Lei to not only kick them out, but also take Aunt Wu and her husband away, charging them with illegal occupation of another’s property.

The rest of the family was instantly silenced, too scared to say another word, afraid they’d be taken away too. In the end, they slunk off in disgrace.

As for the house across the street, Xu Lei also went over to explain the situation and told them to move out within three days. Seeing the police involved, the family didn’t dare stay a moment longer and packed up that very day.

Gu Qinghuan hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly—the whole battle was over in a day. She sincerely thanked Xu Lei and invited him to dinner at the state-run restaurant that evening. After all, it’s important to maintain good relations.

Xu Lei, wanting to avoid any appearance of impropriety, declined. ""Niece, another time. When you and your brother move back into the house, invite me for a drink then—I’ll definitely come."" He’d just dealt with these people, and if he was seen dining with the party involved, it could cause trouble.

He kept his personal and professional lives separate. The reason he helped Gu Qinghuan today was because she was in the right. If she’d been the one bullying others, he wouldn’t have agreed, no matter their relationship. As a public servant, he had to have some principles.

Gu Qinghuan gained a deeper respect for him. It seemed Zhong Zijun’s kindness hadn’t been misplaced after all.

""Alright, I won’t insist. Today was a bit rushed—another day, I’ll treat you to a drink. Oh, I just bought three roast ducks. Please take them back to the station for everyone to have as an afternoon snack. Thank you all for your trouble.""

Seeing how tactful she was, Xu Lei couldn’t help but laugh. This girl was even more savvy than her mother. But in times like these, a bit of savvy goes a long way.

""Alright, I’ll accept them on everyone’s behalf. You go on home. Once there’s news, I’ll have someone inform you.""

While it wasn’t proper to accept gifts, a bit of food from the party involved was a customary practice—no one would say anything.

The young officers behind Xu Lei were visibly delighted at the roast duck—a rare treat.

As they left, they thanked Gu Qinghuan.

Gu Qinghuan then bought another roast duck to take home. Today was a big victory—worth celebrating.

—

Zhong Zijun was carrying a basket on her back, preparing to go up the mountain to gather firewood. Winter was coming, and she needed to get ready.

In previous years, they’d be busy with heavy work and tending to livestock, leaving little time for their own needs. If they didn’t have enough firewood, they’d have to wear all their clothes and huddle on the heated bed to keep warm.

This year, with Captain Duan looking out for them, their workload was much lighter. So she wanted to gather more firewood and stock up on food from the mountains—anything edible to fill their bellies.

Although her daughter helped out, they couldn’t rely on her for everything. If they worked harder themselves, this winter would be much easier.

Zhong Zijun happily headed up the mountain, unaware that she was being watched by a venomous snake.

Ever since Wang the Cripple broke his other leg and was bedridden, he’d held a grudge against Zhong Zijun, convinced she was behind his misfortune. He’d come up with a vicious plan.

Ji Linhai, because of Gu Qinghuan’s request before she left, would often cross the mountain to set traps near the neighboring village. While hunting, he kept an eye on the Zhong family. Occasionally, when he saw Zhong Zijun up the mountain, he’d deliberately leave a dead animal for her to find.

Zhong Zijun had no idea someone was secretly helping her. She just thought, ""Huanhuan was right—how come it’s so easy to find game on this mountain these days? Strange, it never used to be like this.""

She found a patch of woods and started gathering firewood in earnest. Before long, her basket was full. She even gathered a pile of pine needles to use as kindling, tying them on top. When the basket was stuffed to the brim, she finally stopped.

She knocked her back, sore from bending over so long, and was about to shoulder the basket when suddenly, someone grabbed her from behind. The grip was shockingly strong, startling her.

The arms around her were like iron, pinning her in place. She couldn’t see who it was and her heart raced in panic.

But thanks to past experiences with harassment, she quickly calmed down and started shouting, ""Help! Help!""

At the same time, she quietly moved her hand to her waist, where she kept a knife Gu Qinghuan had given her. If things got desperate, she’d have to fight to the death.

After a couple of shouts, the person, perhaps afraid she’d attract attention, let go of her to cover her mouth. In that moment, Zhong Zijun kicked backward with all her strength, landing a heavy blow.

The attacker let go in pain.

Zhong Zijun quickly put some distance between them and turned to see—wasn’t it the Big Fool?

The Big Fool was a well-known figure in the village. He was over thirty but had the mind of a five- or six-year-old. He was big and burly, but simple-minded. His parents were dead, and his brothers had their own families and didn’t care much for him. He lived alone and got by as best he could, with the villagers helping when they could.

""Big Fool! What are you doing?!"" Zhong Zijun, seeing it was him, relaxed a little but scolded him angrily.

He was a fool, so she didn’t think much of it, assuming he was just playing around.

The Big Fool shouted, ""You hurt me! I’m not happy!""

Then he lunged at her again, trying to grab her.

Zhong Zijun, caught off guard, was seized by the arm and had her hands twisted behind her back.

""Big Fool, let go of me!""

The Big Fool mumbled something under his breath, then started tugging at her clothes.

Zhong Zijun had never thought to guard herself against a fool—who would have expected him to act like this?

She immediately started screaming for help, ""Help! Help!""

But she’d chosen a quiet spot to avoid people, so now she was completely isolated.

The Big Fool gripped her arm tightly and tore at her clothes. No matter how hard Zhong Zijun struggled, she couldn’t break free.

""Big Fool, don’t touch me!"" Zhong Zijun was so desperate she started to cry, but she couldn’t stop him from stripping off her clothes.

He seemed obsessed with taking off all her clothes. Because she was wearing a tight sweater her daughter had bought, he couldn’t get it off, so he started pulling at her pants instead.

He even pulled out a rope and tied her hands.

Zhong Zijun kicked and cursed at him, but he was unmoved.

She didn’t know what he intended, but if she was stripped naked by a fool, she’d rather die.

She cried and screamed, using all her strength to fight back, but nothing worked.

Her pants were pulled down, along with the thermal underwear her daughter had bought.

Her pale, long legs were exposed.

She was mortified and furious.

If looks could kill, she would have murdered the Big Fool a thousand times over.

She’d lived half her life and had never suffered such humiliation.

The knife she’d tucked at her waist was now in the Big Fool’s hand. He played with it and grinned, ""You really do have good stuff on you. This knife is nice—I’ll take it home to cut vegetables.""

Zhong Zijun tried to coax him, ""You’ve got what you want, now let me go, okay?""

The Big Fool shook his head firmly, ""No, no.""

He hadn’t gotten the food yet—he couldn’t let her go.

Wang the Cripple had told him that if he could strip this old intellectual, carry her down the mountain, and parade her around the village, he’d get ten jin of grain.

Ten jin of grain! With wild greens, he could eat for days. His family had run out of food for ages—he was sick of eating nothing but wild vegetables.

Zhong Zijun looked in despair at her ever-diminishing clothes.

To be humiliated like this by a fool—she’d rather die."

"Chapter 113: A Hero Saves the Damsel