Chapter 27 : Beat up the scumbag

Then, Xu Caixia sobbed with her throat pinched, “Guo Zhiqing, why is Qin Xiaoting like this? She is so reluctant to give up even a little pork and vermicelli. You’re so nice to her, how come she doesn’t feel sorry for you at all?”

A burst of hurried footsteps sounded, and the door was kicked open with a thud. Guo Haifeng’s angry voice rang out, “Qin Xiaoting, come out now!”

“You’re fussing over such a small thing? Xu Zhiqing was kind enough to help with the cooking, but you scolded her. Apologize to her immediately.”

“What if I don’t?”

Guo Haifeng was full of impatience. “Isn’t it okay for me to lend it to you? I’ll go to the supply and marketing cooperative and buy it to return to you tomorrow. Bring out the food first, I’m hungry.”

“Borrow? You’ve borrowed too much money from me. When have you ever paid it back? Now that we’re talking about this, let’s settle the accounts.”

Qin Xiaoting took out her diary and read slowly, “On December 8, 1970, you borrowed six feet of cloth coupons and thirty kilograms of sweet potatoes from me. January 3, 1971, 3 jin of pork, 10 yuan. On March 5 of the same year, you borrowed a Plum brand watch…”

Guo Haifeng’s face became darker and darker. He didn’t expect that this woman still had a trick up her sleeve and had actually kept a record of it.

“That’s just your one-sided statement. Did you just borrow it if you said so? I’ve already returned your things a long time ago.”

Qin Xiaoting closed the diary and said, “Think it over before you speak. The watch you are wearing is still mine! It doesn’t matter if you don’t admit it. I’ll report it to the team leader. If that doesn’t work, I’ll report it to the Youth League Office and the police. Someone will always find out the truth.”

“If you don’t want to go back to the city, just keep paying me. I’ll keep you company until the end.”

Jiang Li swallowed the last bite of steamed bun in her mouth and walked to Qin Xiaoting without saying a word.

Guo Haifeng, who had just been beaten by Jiang Li, was still in pain. He subconsciously shrank back, and his tone softened.

“Xiaoting, why are we making such a fuss? Besides, if you want me to pay you back, you have to give me some time.”

“Pay me back, right now. I calculated the bill you owe me, and it’s 490 yuan in total. If you don’t have money, you can use something to pay off your debt. Don’t you still have a bicycle?”

Qin Xiaoting knew that Guo Haifeng was the third child in his family and not very favored. He said his family found him a job, but in fact, he paid the 1,000 yuan for the job himself. Three hundred yuan of it was saved by cheating girls everywhere, and the other seven hundred yuan was loaned to him by his future father-in-law. He had money on hand.

“Pay back the money! If you don’t pay it back today, I will report it tomorrow.”

Guo Haifeng glared at Qin Xiaoting fiercely, his teeth grinding. Was this woman trying to force him to death? He had money, but it was money he used to buy a job, and he couldn’t touch it. Besides, he still had to pay compensation for the piglets owed by the brigade. Where would he get the money to pay?

He suppressed his anger and forced a smile. “Xiaoting, what’s wrong with you? Did you listen to other people’s instigation and misunderstand me?”

As he spoke, he looked at Jiang Li beside her, as if Jiang Li were the one sowing discord.

“Is it you?” Guo Haifeng pointed at Jiang Li. “Did you say nonsense in front of Xiaoting?”

“Xiaoting, don’t listen to the nonsense this woman makes up. I just felt sorry for her, so I talked to her a few times while working. Did she tell you that I like her and confessed my feelings to her? You must not believe it. She is just jealous and can’t stand seeing us doing well. You’re the only one in my heart.”

Jiang Li acted swiftly, delivering two symmetrical slaps to Guo Haifeng’s face, one on each side.

“Who would want a pretty boy like you with a greasy face and powdered hair! Are your ears broken? I told you before that I wouldn’t even look at you if you chased me naked for three miles.”

Guo Haifeng’s head was ringing. As he moved, a rusty taste filled his mouth, and two of his teeth popped out. “My teeth!” he cried out.

Furious, he clenched his fist and swung it at Jiang Li. “Don’t think I won’t hit you just because you’re a woman!”

Qin Xiaoting was horrified. Though Guo Haifeng looked like a handsome boy, a punch from him would at least hurt, if not kill, Jiang Li. She rushed forward, trying to push Jiang Li away, but Jiang Li also threw a punch and hers was faster and stronger.

Before Guo Haifeng could even finish swinging his fist, he was already lying in the mud, clutching his stomach and wailing.

Jiang Li continued to beat him relentlessly, throwing punches and kicks.

Qin Xiaoting quickly intervened, calling out, “Lizi, take a break, I’ll take over!”

“Stop fighting, stop fighting, what are you doing!” Xu Caixia shouted.

Seeing Guo Haifeng, covered in mud and bruises, Xu Caixia felt sorry for him. She rushed to help him up, cradling him in her arms. “Why did you hit him? I’m going to report this to the captain.”

Qin Xiaoting crossed her arms, looking unfazed. “Okay, go ahead and report. I also want to report that Guo Haifeng has promiscuous relationships with both men and women, owes debts, and has done things to female educated youth.”

“Xu Caixia, don’t!” Guo Haifeng pleaded, grabbing Xu Caixia’s hand. Realizing he was in a bad spot, he decided to adapt. “I’ll just pay you back.”

He limped into the house, dug out the insole from under the quilt, cut it open with a knife, and pulled out the money, throwing it into Qin Xiaoting’s arms. “I’ll give it back to you. We’re even now.”

“Wait! The money isn’t enough, we’re still short by one hundred yuan!” Qin Xiaoting said, eyeing him.

Guo Haifeng gritted his teeth. “You can take the bike too. I’ve only been using it for two months, it’s almost brand new.”

“Okay!” Qin Xiaoting nodded with satisfaction. She pretended to put the money in her arms, but secretly transferred it to her space. Was there anywhere safer than that?

Xu Caixia helped Guo Haifeng to the barefoot doctor to get treated and glared at both Qin Xiaoting and Jiang Li before leaving.

Qin Xiaoting didn’t care at all, and Jiang Li ignored her even more.

As soon as they left, Qin Xiaoting jumped with joy. “We won a great victory! Lizi, thanks to you today, otherwise it would have been tough to get the money back so easily.”

Even if Guo Haifeng paid back the money, it would have taken a long time.

“The fist is strong, and the words are straightforward.”

“You’re welcome. Didn’t you also treat me to pork stewed with vermicelli?” Jiang Li replied, though only half-full, the meal was delicious, and she was very satisfied.

“Oh no, wait here!” Qin Xiaoting hurried into the house. Using the cover of her shoulder bag, she pulled out a dried chicken from her pocket and stuffed it into Jiang Li’s hands.

“I caught this pheasant in the mountains, marinated it with spices, and brushed it with wild honey. Just eat it without making a sound. Cabbage and potatoes are fine.”

Jiang Li swallowed her saliva. She could refuse anything else, but as a true foodie, she couldn’t resist delicious food.