Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Standing Up for Her Husband

He Ye hadn’t expected Lin Nannan to act unexpectedly and actually consider contacting the military. She immediately panicked.

She had watched Lu Hang grow up and knew exactly what kind of person he was. Her earlier words were nothing but spiteful lies, born from resentment after being rejected by the Lins. Seeing Lu Hang, in his current state, still manage to get a wife filled her with resentment.

She had assumed that even if the Lins found out, they’d just scold her—it wouldn't really matter.

But she never imagined that Lin Nannan, whom the whole village considered a fool, would actually do this. Hatred burned as she gritted her teeth, yet she put on a brave face and coldly sneered, "You don’t even know where the military office is, and you’re talking about ‘clearing things up’? Who are you trying to scare?"

This was exactly the reaction Lin Nannan wanted—to make an example of her and warn others not to spread baseless rumors about Lu Hang.

Rumors had a way of spreading like wildfire. If left unchecked, not only would Lu Hang’s reputation be ruined, but his achievements would also be erased.

The Lins were good people, and she wasn’t about to let that happen. Besides, anyone who dared interfere with her farming plans would have to deal with her.

"I’m not trying to scare you. If you don’t believe me, just watch," Lin Nannan said firmly, pulling Lu Yuan along without looking back.

He Ye and the others exchanged uneasy glances for a long time, silence stretching between them.

"Lin Nannan’s gone crazy! She’s reckless enough to pick a fight even with the Lins. If she really goes to the military..." One of the younger women paled before pointing at He Ye. "Auntie, you were the one badmouthing Lu Hang. Don’t drag us into this with you!"

"Right, right! We didn’t say anything—those were all your words!"

The reminder got the other women panicking, all turning on He Ye in unison. Furious, He Ye snapped back, "Don't kid yourselves! Lu Yuan has ears—she heard everything! None of you are getting out of this!" Then, trying to sound confident, she added, "What’s there to be afraid of? Going to the military takes money. The Lins can barely afford to support Lu Hang as it is—you really think they’d spend extra? You’re overthinking it."

He Ye knew the Lins well, but she didn’t know Lin Nannan—or that she had money. Nor did she realize Lin Nannan’s plan to make an example of her. So, for now, she wasn’t worried.

But the others were scared. Fear gnawed at them, and they urged He Ye to go check things out.

Unlike He Ye, who had no mother-in-law to answer to, they did. If this blew up and embarrassed their families, they’d face more than just scolding—they might even get beaten. Under pressure, He Ye had no choice but to follow.

By the time they arrived, Lin Nannan was already on the phone...

"Yes, villagers are saying Lu Hang was secretly sent back because he did something disgraceful. I want to know whether he was dismissed for misconduct or something else..." Lin Nannan’s calm voice carried over, and the color drained from He Ye’s face.

"Village Chief," He Ye hurriedly asked Lu Ding, who stood nearby, "who is Nan Nan calling?"

Lu Ding feigned ignorance. "Nan Nan said someone in the village claimed A Hang was sent back in disgrace. She wants to ‘uphold justice’ and send him back to the military, refusing to let anyone cover for him. So she asked me for the military’s contact number. Now she’s connected with them, asking them to come to the village and clarify things."

He Ye and the others turned pale. Especially He Ye—on the surface, her family’s relationship with the Lins was still decent. If she were exposed now, not only would ties between the families sour, but her own reputation would be ruined.

Regret washed over her. She had known Lin Nannan was different, yet she had still provoked her...

Now, it was too late for remorse.