NOVPUB
Chapter 155: Chapter 156 _1
The Xiao Family group left, and the onlookers dispersed as well.
However, the incident just now gave them enough fodder for gossip for some time.
In all their years, they had never seen someone dealt with in quite that manner.
Quite a few young wives also got some ideas—if their mothers-in-law pretended to be ill to manipulate them in the future, they wouldn’t have to surrender without a fight.
With the yard clear of bystanders, Sun Erhu helped Tan Zhenghong to his wheelchair, urging him to sit down quickly.
Qiao Duo’er’s face started to burn as she watched Tan Zhenghong’s retreating figure.
Once he stood up, the man’s presence was even more striking. The only adjectives she could think of were broad-shouldered and tall, with an extraordinary aura about him.
Qiao Duo’er took a couple of deep breaths and followed into the house. She needed a drink of water to quench her dry mouth and parched tongue.
At this moment, Widow Xú was standing at the door peering out, thinking that if the Xiao’s scheme succeeded, she could count herself as a matchmaker and it wouldn’t be too excessive to ask for some happy money.
She had great confidence in Xiao Biyu. What man wouldn’t like that gorgeous girl?
"Why leave the courtyard door open? Aren’t you afraid of people finding out I’m here?" Tan Zhengyuan said in a hushed voice.
Widow Xú’s lips curled in disdain.
But since she hadn’t achieved her aim yet, she put on a pleasant face and said, "I was just checking whether the Xiao Family had left. If the match between Xiao Biyu and Fourth Brother Tan works out, we’ll be in luck too."
At the mention of silver, Tan Zhengyuan’s eyes sparkled.
"How much do you think the Xiao Family will give us for our trouble?" Tan Zhengyuan asked, eyes gleaming.
Widow Xú thought for a moment before responding, "They should at least give us three to five taels, otherwise I’ll spill the beans."
Tan Zhengyuan couldn’t help but give her a thumbs up, feeling even more pleased with himself.
Widow Xú’s mind was buzzing with calculations, but she quickly caught sight of the Xiao Family members.
Seeing their dejected expressions, she immediately closed the courtyard door.
"A bunch of losers, can’t even handle such a simple matter!" Widow Xú said with contempt.
Tan Zhengyuan tried to offer some comfort, "The Xiao Family won’t let it go so easily. Maybe they’ll succeed next time."
"True. It’s so hot, shall we go back inside and take a nap?"
Tan Zhengyuan shook his head quickly, "I’ll walk around outside. Later at noon when no one’s around, I’ll go up the mountain to collect some firewood to bring back."
"Look at you, so cowardly. You’ve been living here for over a month; who doesn’t know you’re here?" Widow Xú rolled her eyes.
Seeing Tan Zhengyuan like this annoyed her. Was she really that shameful?
Tan Zhengyuan gave a dry laugh, "Aren’t I just afraid of dying?"
Widow Xú was even more disdainful. The Xú household was solitary. Apart from her, everyone else had passed away; no one cared what she did. As for the Tan Family, the elders would rather have Tan Zhengyuan produce more sons. Tan Zhengyuan’s wife was timid.
So nobody would report them.
As long as nobody made a fuss, everyone would turn a blind eye to their affair, at most gossiping behind their backs.
Widow Xú had a laid-back attitude—let those people talk. As long as it didn’t bother her, she just wanted to be happy.
But Tan Zhengyuan didn’t have the same courage. He was not only afraid of dying but also afraid of being slandered.
