Chapter 92

Chapter 92

"Don't feel bad about getting less than the four thousand. This is their matter, and everything they provided was written by them. I'll be honest with you; don't have any ulterior motives.

Do you really think you could get four thousand from that old man just with a story?

This is real.

The person who hired you is the aggrieved party. My friend entrusted me, so I turned to you.

If you have any thoughts because of this money,

today's old man will be tomorrow's you.

We've been brothers for a long time, which is why I'm telling you this. Money can sway hearts, so I need to make it clear to you, or it would harm you."

Zhang Panhe smiled at the two of them, speaking in a smooth and persuasive manner.

Old Niu and Old Zhou were frightened by his words.

When they saw the four thousand yuan, they did indeed have some thoughts.

Could they get so much money just by talking?

If they threatened Zhang Ge instead, wouldn't they get more?

But his words immediately put an end to their thoughts.

Both of them shook their heads vigorously.

"Zhang Ge, we're not that kind of people. Don't worry, we'll take the money and leave right away." Old Niu quickly pocketed the one hundred yuan and left.

Old Zhou also feared being misunderstood if he stayed longer, so he took the money and left as well.

After everyone had gone, Zhang Panhe hurriedly took the money to the next room.

Upon entering, he saw Wang Qinghe sitting there, and the phrase "strategizing behind the scenes" came to mind!

"Wang Ge, just as you said, after they heard what you told me to say, they immediately behaved. They've already left, and I gave each of them one hundred yuan as agreed. Here's the remaining three thousand eight hundred yuan."

Wang Qinghe didn't hesitate to count the money carefully.

Then he took out two hundred yuan: "As we agreed, you've helped me greatly, and you still need to help handle the aftermath. This money is yours."

"Wang Ge, I'll take this money. If I didn't, you wouldn't feel at ease. If you need anything in the future, just let me know; it's easier to work together."

Zhang Panhe took the two hundred yuan.

"It's getting late; I should go back." Wang Qinghe put the money into the inner pocket of his clothes, which was suitable for hiding things; he had worn it specifically today.

After handing over the money, Wang Shoucheng was in a daze and returned home.

It was already dark outside.

Everyone except Wang Qinghe had come back.

Zhao Guifen was pacing anxiously in the courtyard; this was a crucial matter for the family's future!

As soon as Wang Shoucheng entered the courtyard, he saw his wife waiting for him.

Zhao Guifen hurriedly went back inside with him.

"Mom and Dad, what have they been doing all day? Sister-in-law, don't you find it strange?" Zhao Cuihua approached Bai Xiuxiu, who was watching the children under the eaves.

Bai Xiuxiu smiled. "They're probably thinking about how to buy jobs for the second son and Old Fifth's families, right?"

"What? They'd actually do that? Don't they see us as human beings?" Zhao Cuihua couldn't believe it.

But then she thought about it—those two old folks might very well do it!

Zhao Cuihua became increasingly anxious and immediately focused on Bai Xiuxiu.

Her sister-in-law always had ideas!

"Sister-in-law, we're part of the family too, and this money belongs to us as well. If Mom and Dad give it to them, what will we do?"

"What else? We'll divide the household." Bai Xiuxiu said it straightforwardly.

Zhao Cuihua fell silent.

Divide the household? Her sister-in-law could bear it, but she couldn't.

Everyone knew that her parents didn't like her brother and sister-in-law. If they wanted to separate, it would be easy for them.

But she couldn't do that. Although the old couple had been dissatisfied with her recently, they still loved the grandson she had given birth to.

They occasionally slipped her an egg or two.

And staying at home meant she could still benefit from Old Fifth's wife!

"Sister-in-law, don't you want to share in Old Fifth's wife's good luck? Dividing the household? Can you bear it?" Zhao Cuihua didn't believe it.

With such obvious benefits right in front of her, her sister-in-law, who was both smart and lazy, wouldn't want to miss out, right?

Bai Xiuxiu gave her a meaningful smile.

Benefits? The remaining Wang family members would only have debts. After all, when dividing the household, she and Wang Qinghe would re-calculate the accounts. Part of the money hidden by the old couple was the family's property, and they would have to share it with her and Wang Qinghe.

But now, the Wang family's money was already gone.

So, next, Old Fifth's wife should think about how to help her in-laws repay their debt to her.

But she doesn't need to explain these good things to Zhao Cuihua.

"The wind is getting stronger outside. I'll take the children back inside." Bai Xiuxiu didn't respond to Zhao Cuihua's words; she simply brought the two children back into the room.

After settling accounts this afternoon, she went to the commune and bought quite a bit of food to bring back.

She had originally planned to wait for Wang Qinghe to return before eating together, but now she was also feeling a bit hungry, so she took the children into the house to have something to eat.

Back in the room, Bai Xiuxiu gave each child a piece of peach crumb cake that she had just bought.

She then used the remaining hot water from the thermos to make three cups of honey water.

Pulling the curtains closed, she ate with the children.

In the main room.

As soon as Zhao Guifen returned, she hurriedly asked about the situation: "Old man, how did it go? Did they change their minds and refuse to honor the debt?"

"They said they wouldn't, but it seems genuine. After all, if it got out, we're not easy to mess with; we'd drag them down with us. They just want the money," Wang Shoucheng said listlessly.

Hearing that everything was fine, Zhao Guifen burst into tears of relief: "Thank goodness, at least nothing bad happened."

"How can you say nothing bad happened? So much money is gone. How much do we have left?" Wang Shoucheng asked his wife tiredly.

Zhao Guifen brought out the remaining money: "We have forty-one yuan and eighty jiao left."

"What can we do with this?" Wang Shoucheng fretted.

"Don't worry. Our second son's house is almost expanded. Once it's done, the whole family can go hunting in the mountains. With you watching over things, I don't believe the eldest will be able to play any tricks." Zhao Guihua clenched her teeth in anger.

"Don't mention him. If he doesn't want to hunt for us, having ten people go won't make a difference. It's better to separate him early and save our food." Wang Shoucheng felt disgraced whenever he thought of his eldest son.

"By the way, Old Fifth's wife and Old Fifth told me something today. Do you think it's feasible?" Zhao Guihua recalled what Old Fifth's wife had said about the black market trade...

After hearing Zhao Guihua's account, Wang Shoucheng's eyes lit up again at the prospect of making money through the black market.