Chapter 134

Fan Zhaodi followed behind the old village chief, but as they neared the family’s door, she abruptly changed direction and ran towards the high ground at the opposite end.

After all, Grandma Fan was the younger uncle’s biological mother, and with everyone in the village present, it could stir up gossip if the younger uncle’s family wasn’t around. It was better to inform them. With the old village chief present, even if the younger uncle paid money to summon a doctor, the old village chief would ensure her parents compensated afterward.

In addition to Fan Jin who followed, there were also people like Shuiqing, Yan Qiu, Fan Jiang, and others.

It was the busiest time of the day when every household in the village had someone present.

There was no more space left in the courtyard, and when they saw Fan Jin’s family approaching, they hurriedly made way for them, squeezing out a narrow path that barely accommodated one person.

As soon as Shuiqing entered the house, the stench that greeted her nearly made her retreat.

Based on what Zhaodi had described on the way, she knew there were symptoms related to the digestive and circulatory systems. However, the severity varied from person to person. Those who ate more and had weaker bodies exhibited more severe symptoms, while those who ate less and were healthier had milder symptoms.

Among the group, Grandma Fan, who was elderly and unable to move, was clearly in much worse condition. Next was Fan Qian, then the four brothers—though they were light enough to run to the latrine.

“Come, come, Jintang is here! Everyone, make way, I’ll pour it in!” A hearty man carrying a bucket shouted.

As he came closer, people on both sides quickly made way, creating an exceptionally wide path.

Shuiqing was particularly curious. Why were these people suddenly so considerate?

As the man approached, the smell became even more noticeable, causing her to unconsciously take a few steps back.

Beside her, Fan Jin quietly reached out and placed a warm, dry hand on her waist, whispering, “Jintang is feces, used to induce vomiting.”

Shuiqing: … Ew.

“Earlier, some families accidentally ate poisonous mushrooms, so they used this. It’s quite effective,” Fan Jin added in a low voice.

Shuiqing acknowledged with a grunt. This was for inducing vomiting.

Inside the house, chaos ensued.

Some were supporting Grandma Fan, some were supporting Sun Jinhua, and others were helping Fan Qian and the others.

Everyone held their noses with one hand and pried open their mouths with the other, trying to hold out as much as possible.

Li Wu scooped up a large spoonful of Jintang from the bucket and poured it down, with someone urging beside him, “Pour more, otherwise it won’t be effective!”

Soon, the sound of vomiting echoed one after another.

Feces, vomit… The room was suddenly filled with a mixture of smells. Even the men and women in the village who were used to spreading manure couldn’t stand it.

They rushed into the courtyard, breathing in fresh air in big gulps!

They had never felt the outside air so fresh and sweet!

“Oh dear, that house is unbearable! I almost threw up my lunch.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay, as long as they vomit it out, as long as they’re alive, we can slowly clean up later.”

“Let them clean up themselves, I really can’t handle it.”

“Poor Zhaodi, her parents, grandma, and brothers are all in trouble. How come she’s the only one who’s fine?”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone’s eyes fell on Fan Zhaodi.

The slender and petite Fan Zhaodi suddenly felt the gaze of everyone on her. Her mouth moved nervously, not knowing what to do.

“My grandma, uncle, and brothers all ate something bad. They’ve always been stingy with good things for girls like me,” Shuiqing casually explained in a few words.

Everyone deeply agreed and immediately understood.

From Sun Jinhua giving birth to four sons, even the name given to the only daughter was telling.

Their past words and actions also clearly showed that Fan’s mother didn’t like girls, especially her granddaughter. It wasn’t surprising that they wouldn’t give good things to Fan Zhaodi!

“Sigh! They treat Zhaodi poorly on ordinary days, but now that she’s saved them, they’ll probably want to treat her well.”

“Yeah, Zhaodi is the hero of their family this time!”

“We owe a lot to Zhaodi.”

Shuiqing sneered inwardly. The old hag and her gang would never appreciate their granddaughter. They’d only think about how they suffered and why Zhaodi didn’t have to suffer.

They might even consider it Zhaodi’s bad luck that brought this upon them.

Inside the house, people continued to vomit one after another, while outside in the courtyard, the conversation grew livelier.

Mrs. Li was curious, “Zhaodi, what delicious food did your family get?”

“What delicious food are they unwilling to share with you?” a young child followed up.

Fan Zhaodi quickly glanced at Shuiqing beside her, lowered her head, and finally mumbled, “I, I’m not really sure; it’s… it’s the potatoes that Big Brother and them dug up outside at night. Mom said they were potatoes.”

As soon as she finished speaking, a dead silence fell over the surroundings.

Nighttime?

Dug up outside?

Potatoes?

Just this morning, Fan Er’s family discovered their field had been dug up. At noon, Fan Da’s family ate potatoes. This… the potato thief was actually from their own family!

Fan Jin was still inside the house, but everyone’s gaze shifted to Shuiqing in the courtyard.

Seizing the moment, Shuiqing showed a surprised expression, looking utterly shocked!

Adding an explanation, “Potatoes aren’t poisonous, though. My family has eaten them countless times without any issue.”

Mrs. Zhang stepped forward a few steps to confirm, “The day Shuiqing was peeling potatoes for planting, I happened to be there. She even gave me a lot of leftover potatoes. My whole family ate them, and nothing happened! In fact, Guifen was there that day too, took some home, and her family ate them as well. They were also the planting potatoes, and they were fine!”

Guifen, who had just come out to catch her breath from the stench, heard this and affirmed, “Our whole family did eat them, even my father-in-law and the three-year-old from the third house ate them, and everyone’s fine!”

Because they tasted good, their family had decided to plant more!

But they wanted to plant more by helping and exchanging labor at Shuiqing’s house. The Fan family, on the other hand, went directly to steal from others’ fields. They deserved this!

Everyone’s original intention wasn’t to suspect that the potatoes were poisonous but to express surprise at the Fan family’s thievery.

They discussed it one after another:

“Maybe an old viper slithered over them.”

“Maybe they weren’t cooked enough.”

“Maybe they didn’t use enough oil.”

“It could also be their lack of morals. Otherwise, why would they be the only ones affected?”

“That makes sense!”

Shuiqing: … The villagers are so cute. After all that discussion, not a single one suspects the potatoes.

However, to prevent anyone else from eating sprouted potatoes later, Shuiqing decided to give a reminder, “These potatoes have been planted for over ten days, so they should have sprouted by now. When I was digging potatoes earlier, the animals avoided the sprouted ones. Even the mice didn’t nibble on them; they only went for the ones that hadn’t sprouted. Today, seeing Uncle’s family’s symptoms, could it be that sprouted potatoes shouldn’t be eaten?”

“Animals are the most sensitive! When we pick mushrooms, it’s the same. Those good-looking and brightly colored mushrooms that ants have nibbled on are worth taking. But if they’re smooth and shiny, we shouldn’t pick them.”

“Yeah, mice won’t touch them if they’re not sprouted.”

“Don’t blame the potatoes; blame the Fan family for their ill intentions!”