NOVEL NEXT Chapter 86 - Too Shameless
Leading the group was Liu Changyue. Upon spotting her, everyone discerned the situation.
“This troublemaker!” Zhang Daniu cursed.
He wasn't scolding Liu Changyue, but rather Liu Changsheng. It was evident that this was Liu Changsheng's scheme. Despite leaving Qinghe Village, he aimed to evade losses. Crafting such a mediocre plan solely to humiliate Xiaoloong repeatedly, to further tarnish his dignity after the previous incident involving his sister's audacity.
“You've brought a crowd yet still aim to exploit this guy. What's your intention?” Wang Tiezhu stood before the group, barring their entry into the vegetable field.
“Uncle Zhu Zi, are you here?” Liu Changyue, a seasoned actress in Jiuliu, began to feign tears. Revealing a bite mark on her ankle, she sobbed, “Look, that damn dog bit me. You must decide for me!”
Wang Tiezhu's anger bordered on amusement. Having been bitten by the dog due to smashing the glass window, he acknowledged it as his due. He portrayed her as the victim.
“Changyue, I'm seeking the culprit bitten by the dog,” Wang Tiezhu gestured toward the hole in the wall. “Someone vandalized Xiaoloong's greenhouse last night. The culprit, bitten by the dog, likely faces substantial repercussions. The greenhouse alone costs over a hundred thousand RMB. Furthermore, all the destroyed dishes amount to a similar sum. With damages totaling thirty to forty thousand yuan, imprisonment seems inevitable.”
Initially dismissive, Liu Changyue's expression shifted upon realizing the gravity of the situation.
The potential financial loss, devoid of any evidence, was daunting!
Shattering a few glass panes and trampling vegetables seemed trivial. Even if caught, it could be spun into a scene.
However, if the damages amounted to hundreds of thousands, her dignity couldn't withstand it. Had she foreseen this, she wouldn't have dared to proceed, fearing legal repercussions.
“Changyue, your demeanor has altered. You weren't involved, were you?” Wang Tiezhu sneered.
“No…” She denied emphatically. “The glass was broken when I arrived last night. I'm innocent!”
“Good that you're not involved.” Lee Xiulian intervened, patting Liu Changyue's hand. “We can't afford the fallout. Women shouldn't meddle in such matters. Who will care for your family's child if we get embroiled again? Will he happily raise Changsheng?”
Liu Changyue shuddered at the implication, yet she persisted, “I'm not involved! What have I got to do with it? Like others, I came to see the crystal house. I never expected the dog to attack me for it!”
“He accuses my aunt of breaking your glass. Do you have proof?” Ermao challenged from the rear, disgruntled.
“Exactly. Without evidence, you're defaming me. Aunt Zhu Zi, if you spread baseless claims, I'll sue,” Liu Changyue declared, realizing the lack of evidence.
Having already committed her actions, regret was futile. With no arrests made, she absolved herself of guilt.
Lee Xiulian wasn't easily swayed. Smirking, she said, “Do you have proof the dog belonged to Xiaoloong? Without evidence, Xiaoloong won't pursue charges.”
“I can vouch for it.” Ermao stepped forward, gesturing to those behind him. “They witnessed Xiaoloong's dog biting you.”
“So many of you came to see the Crystal House?” Zhang Daniu scrutinized Ermao skeptically.
“Oh? Is that so?” Liu Changyue seized the moment, “We merely came for a look, and now we're caught up in this mess. Many in Ten Mile Eight Village suffered bites from this dog, yet remained silent. But I'm not one to endure losses quietly. I demand an explanation.”
Lee Xiulian observed this stance and felt compelled to intervene. “Mind your words. Fate's a fickle thing. Speak cautiously. If misfortune befalls you, don't blame Xiaoloong for not granting leniency.”
Once known for her forced audacity, Liu Changyue now arrived with a sizable entourage, intent on projecting shamelessness.
With no regard for preserving dignity, they aimed to shatter the facade.
“Well, Aunt Zhu Zi, what's gotten into you today? Constantly calling Xiaoloong by name. Could it be you've taken a liking to a strapping young lad?” Liu Changyue's forte was jesting, and she didn't hold back. “But do mind your manners. Uncle Zhu is within earshot.”
Resolute now, she drew strength from the numerous witnesses. What was there to fear? At worst, she'd avoid such risks in the future.
Despite recognizing the deliberate taunt, Lee Xiulian struggled to respond when inadvertently voicing her thoughts.
“Alright, since you all insist, let's contact the authorities first,” Wang Tiezhu intervened, scanning the group. “Don't presume your testimonies can counter each other. Admitting you were present last night is enough to raise suspicion…”
“Uncle Zhu Zi, we have other matters to address. Let's table the glass issue for now,” Liu Changyue's heart raced as she swiftly changed tack. “I was bitten by a dog. Zhang Daniu, what will your family do about it? Compensation seems in order, doesn't it?”
On the sidelines, Chen Yaru and Hong Yan exchanged silent glances, flummoxed by the irrationality of the woman.
They believed involving the police was the logical recourse, yet these villagers persisted with futile confrontation, unable to comprehend their illogical thinking.
However, with no surveillance cameras in this remote area, police intervention wouldn't be straightforward.
Insisting the glass was already broken upon their arrival, the woman made recanting difficult without fresh evidence.
“Tell me, Aunt Changyue, what are your terms?” Zhang Xiaoloong, finally free from his parents' restraint, stepped forward.
“Either compensation or permission to dispatch the little dog,” Liu Changyue declared venomously.
“Fine, as you wish.” Zhang Xiaoloong stepped back, relinquishing his position near the young wolf. “Let's do this!”
Liu Changyue hesitated. She had only sought monetary compensation. What good was beating the dog to death?
Nonetheless, backing down now would be disadvantageous. She motioned for Hairy #2 and a few others to approach the young wolf, armed with sticks.
“Wait…” Chen Yaru couldn't bear to witness this scene. Though unfamiliar with the young wolf, its snowy fur rendered it endearing. She couldn't allow others to harm it.
Zhang Xiaoloong pulled her aside, addressing Liu Changyue, “Aunt Changyue, let me clarify. That's no dog, it's a young wolf. I dare not provoke it. So if there's an issue, don't blame me.”
“Who do you think you're fooling?” Liu Changyue scoffed. “If it's a wolf, all the more reason to eliminate it. Beat that little white wolf to death!”