Chapter 17

“Huh?”

“A… auxiliary police officer?!”

Wang Tiezhu was stunned for a moment, then shook his head and said, “Sorry, not interested. You’d better find someone else. I’m leaving!” With that, he turned to walk away.

“Hey, wait a second!”

Lin Qing quickly stepped in front of him, blocking his way. She huffed, “Are you stupid? Being an auxiliary police officer is way better than spending your days hunting in the mountains! At least you’d be considered a government worker and get paid by the state. Isn’t that appealing?”

“Hahaha…”

Wang Tiezhu chuckled and said, “Officer Lin, don’t try to fool me just because I’m a commoner. Do you think I don’t know the difference?

Auxiliary officers aren’t the same as full-fledged police officers. Contract work, lower salaries, fewer benefits… And when something bad happens, who do you think gets sent out first? It’s basically risking your life for peanuts. No thanks. I appreciate your kindness, but I’ll pass.”

Lin Qing pouted in frustration and scolded, “You’re like a dog biting Lu Dongbin—failing to recognize good intentions! You only care about petty gains and have such a short-sighted view.

Besides, being an auxiliary officer means catching criminals and protecting your country. Isn’t that an honorable job? Why are you so narrow-minded? Where’s your sense of responsibility as a man?”

(Lu Dongbin is a figure from Chinese folklore known for his wisdom. The phrase means failing to recognize someone’s good intentions.)

Wang Tiezhu rolled his eyes. This woman could really argue. His gaze unconsciously drifted downward, catching a glimpse of her ample “broad-mindedness.”

“Where are you looking?!”

Lin Qing’s sharp gaze shot at him.

“Cough, cough…”

Wang Tiezhu cleared his throat and said, “Officer Lin, thanks for the offer, but I’m used to my freedom.

And about ‘broad-mindedness’—haha… Let’s put it this way: it’s like discussing life goals with a beggar. Sounds nice, right? But in reality, the beggar’s top priority is figuring out his next meal. See what I mean?

Anyway, I’m off!”

Without lingering, he hopped on his bike and pedaled away.

Lin Qing watched him leave, biting her lip and stomping her foot. She muttered, “Tsk, acting all high and mighty. You’re just a hunter, why are you pretending to be a scholar?

Hmph! If you ever fall into my hands, you won’t get off easy!”

—-

More than an hour later, Wang Tiezhu returned to the village. Even before reaching his house, he saw a crowd gathered at his doorstep, and the sound of yelling and cursing filled the air. His brows furrowed. Stepping on the pedals harder, his bike sped forward.

Inside the yard, Wang Sanpao and Wang Sipo, along with a few lackeys, were there to collect a debt. They were loud and aggressive, their arrogance on full display.

Wang Sanpao stood with his hands on his hips and shouted, “Listen up, cripple! Don’t say I’m bullying you. You owe my family 20,000 yuan. Pay up today, and I’ll leave.

If you don’t have the money… heh! Then I’m not leaving. I’ll eat, drink, and sleep at your house. Let’s see how long you can last!”

Leaning on his crutch, Wang Shuigen’s face turned pale. He could only plead, “Village Chief, could you give us more time? We really don’t have that much money right now, but we’ll definitely pay you back soon.”

“Get lost!”

Wang Sanpao cursed, “Do I look like a charity? I lent you that money out of pity, and now you’re trying to dodge paying me back? Enough with the excuses! I want my money today!”

“But… but we really don’t have that much right now!”

“Not my problem!”

Wang Sanpao snorted, “Debts must be repaid—that’s the rule! However…”

His tone suddenly changed, and he rubbed his chin while his eyes leered at the young girl standing nearby. She was only seventeen or eighteen, but already well-developed, with a delicate and beautiful face. If his son hadn’t taken a liking to her, he might have made a move himself.

“How about this? Marry your daughter to my son, and we’ll consider the 20,000 yuan as her dowry. What do you think?”

“Whoa…”

The gathered villagers immediately started whispering among themselves. So this was his real intention! How shameless—trying to exchange a girl for a mere 20,000 yuan and marry her off to that good-for-nothing Wang Sipo. This was despicable!

Wang Xiumei, the girl’s mother, immediately shielded her daughter and snapped, “Wang Sanpao, don’t even think about it! My daughter will never marry that useless scoundrel!”

“Who the hell are you calling a scoundrel?!”

Wang Sipo yelled, “Damn it! I’m doing you a favor by even looking at your daughter! Don’t be ungrateful! Honestly, even 20,000 is too much—just look at her, all dolled up like some cheap flirt. She should be paying me to sleep with her—”

“Hey, Wang Sipo! Look over here!”

A furious voice cut through the commotion.

Wang Sipo instinctively turned his head—only to see a dark blur rapidly approaching his face. Before he could react, a massive fist crashed into his nose.

“Boom!“

The punch was swift and brutal.

It was Wang Tiezhu. His family was his bottom line. If these bastards dared to cause trouble at his home, they were asking for a beating!

Wang Sipo was sent sprawling onto the ground, wailing in pain. “Shit! Who the hell hit me?! That freaking hurt!

Wang Tiezhu, you idiot! How dare you hit me! I’ll kill you! Get him, boys!”

Two of his lackeys rushed forward, but Wang Tiezhu, standing over 1.8 meters tall with a hunter’s sturdy build, was not someone they could handle. Compared to his strong physique, they were as weak as twigs.

“You wanna die?”

With a loud roar, Wang Tiezhu charged like a tiger among sheep. In an instant, he kicked both lackeys to the ground. Then, he stormed toward Wang Sipo. The fear in Wang Sipo’s eyes was evident—when had this fool become so terrifying?

Scrambling backward in terror, he was stopped by Wang Tiezhu’s foot pressing against his chest.

“Slap! Slap!“

Two vicious slaps landed across Wang Sipo’s face.

“You filthy-mouthed bastard! Look at your ugly mug—how dare you think you’re good enough for my sister? Where do you get the nerve?!”

“You… you dare hit me?” Wang Sipo stammered, still in shock. “I’ll— slap slap!“

Another two smacks left his cheeks swollen and his nose bleeding.

“You’re gonna what?” Wang Tiezhu loomed over him, eyes fierce. “Go on, say another word, and I’ll turn your face into a pig’s snout!”

“…You—”

Wang Sipo’s eyes blazed with anger, but he dared not utter another word.

“You bastard! How dare you hit my son!”

The father, Wang Sanpao, finally stepped forward.

Wang Tiezhu stood up and sneered, looking at the man who was about to charge at him.

“Oh? You wanna taste my fists too, old man?”