Chapter 200: Rupture

Yu Xiangnian briefly recounted Cheng Jingmo’s past experiences, and those present felt a mix of sympathy and outrage.

Since the township and village needed to witness the agreement, the township head naturally sought the village head’s opinion.

“Village head, you understand the situation. Please share your thoughts.”

The village head, about forty years old and a local, was well-informed about Cheng Jingmo’s situation.

The village head said, “In our area, an adult’s annual income is only around one hundred yuan. Cheng Jingmo sent over 3,500 yuan home, which is equivalent to thirty-five years’ worth of income here. The Cheng family raised him for seventeen years, and they didn’t spend even twenty yuan on him. He has repaid them a hundredfold.”

The township head said, “If the village agrees, we can settle this matter today.”

The Cheng family, now feeling defeated, no longer had the earlier defiant attitude. They sat on their chairs, stunned and silent.

Mu Huanzhen, in particular, looked pale.

They knew this was the end of their expectations for Cheng Jingmo.

The village head and Yu Xiangnian discussed the terms of the agreement.

Commander Yang glanced at Cheng Jingmo, who was sitting straight but with his eyes downcast, looking as if he had no soul—completely different from the sharp and capable person he was in competitive situations.

On one hand, it was painful for him to have his past traumas exposed in front of everyone. On the other hand, he was utterly disillusioned with this family.

The atmosphere was heavy, and Commander Yang spoke up, “Kindness is not measured by money! If Cheng Jingmo had said a single word about severing ties with you, I would have executed him.”

“But your family!” He sighed, “You’ve never treated him as a person, only as a tool to be used. When he was useful, you held on tight; when he wasn’t, you discarded him. You have no right to complain. The blame is on yourselves for not treating him properly!”

Yu Xiangnian had already prepared the agreement and noticed Cheng Jingmo’s low spirits.

Perhaps it was the revelation of his past that made him uncomfortable in front of everyone?

But it was the best solution for now.

It was necessary to be firm with this family, legally cutting ties to prevent any further trouble.

Cheng Huazi shakily signed his name, and the village head and township head also signed and stamped the agreement.

This agreement held legal weight, and Cheng Jingmo had no further connection with the Cheng family from that point on.

Yu Xiangnian cast a cold glance at Cheng Shuanzhu.

“Township head, I would like to report someone to the township government, Cheng Shuanzhu. He used violence to obstruct Cheng Jingmo from returning to the army for his service.”

“Oh?” The township head looked at the Cheng family members and asked, “Which one is Cheng Shuanzhu?”

Sitting on the chair, Cheng Shuanzhu was first startled, then shrank his neck, as if he wished to sink into the chair.

He looked at Cheng Huazi with pleading eyes, but Cheng Huazi averted his gaze.

What could he do to help him?

He had already warned that the couple was not to be trifled with, but no one listened!

At this point, Cheng Jingmo stood up and said, “Xiangnian, let’s go.”

As Commander Yang stood up, everyone gradually got ready to leave.

Commander Yang said, “Take my car. I’ll give you a ride.”

“Thank you, Uncle Yang.” Yu Xiangnian accepted without hesitation.

Cheng Jingmo picked up his luggage, gave the Cheng family one last glance, and the group left the Cheng home.

Cheng Shuanzhu, realizing what had happened, rushed to see them off.

The rest of the Cheng family also followed out.

Cheng Jingmo, Yu Xiangnian, and Xiao Jie had already boarded a green military jeep.

A total of three jeeps arrived; the other two were gray.

The three vehicles kicked up dust as they drove away, leaving behind a crowd of villagers watching the spectacle.

Cheng Shuanzhu’s gaze remained fixed on the green jeep. “Village head, what rank is Commander Yang?”

The village head scratched his head, thinking, “Slightly lower than the provincial governor.”

Cheng Shuanzhu regretted deeply, “So, Cheng Jingmo’s father-in-law is also slightly lower than the provincial governor?”

The onlookers counted from the village head to the township head and then to the provincial governor.

They began discussing among themselves: “Cheng Jingmo really has good fortune, marrying a daughter of such a high-ranking official!”

“No wonder his wife looks so noble.”

“Indeed, both noble and righteous, and educated!”

The village head then noticed Mu Huanzhen and asked disapprovingly, “What was today’s commotion about?”

No one from the Cheng family spoke.

The village head, exasperated, said, “Cheng Shuanzhu, it’s a shame for you to be a group leader with no awareness! Your mother was causing a scene, threatening to kill herself just to drive them away! The guests had already come into the house, and you were still creating trouble! Don’t you know to stop your mother?”

Cheng Shuanzhu had no words in response.

The Cheng family felt deeply regretful.

The village head continued, “You treated Cheng Jingmo so poorly before, and he didn’t hold it against you. He’s given you so much money over the years! He and his wife and child came back for a visit, and what did you do? You managed to anger them to the point of severing ties!”

The family remained silent.

The village head pointed at them, “This is all your doing! You brought this on yourselves!”

Cheng Huazi, hands trembling as he held the agreement, said, “Village head, help us find a way. We’re willing to bow and apologize to Cheng Jingmo!”

The village head gave him a look, “What can I do? The agreement is here! Besides, when he left, he wouldn’t even look at you. He’s completely disheartened! From now on, you’ll have to manage on your own!”

With that, the village head turned and left.

The villagers, hearing that Cheng Jingmo had severed ties with the Cheng family, were even more entertained by the drama.

“Considering how you treated Cheng Jingmo before, this was long overdue!”

“They came back with special provisions for you, and you didn’t even kill a chicken for them!”

“It’s all self-inflicted! I heard the third son’s wife even fought with Jingmo’s wife!”

In the past, if someone spoke like this about them, Mu Huanzhen and Zhang Hongli would have argued back fiercely.

But now, the whole family was deflated.

Shoulders slumped and heads down, they all returned home, so upset that they didn’t even have lunch.

Meanwhile, Yu Xiangnian and her group settled into the car, and Cheng Jingmo began to detach himself from the events of the day.

“Commander Yang, thank you for your help today.”

Commander Yang waved his hand, “It’s nothing. You should focus on how to explain things to Commander Yu!”

“Yes.” Cheng Jingmo had already realized that Yu Jiashun knew about Yu Xiangnian’s grievances and had specifically sent someone to support her.

The car drove all the way to Pingxian County, and it was almost dark.

They decided to stay in the county for the night and head to Suxing City the next morning.