Chapter 41: Jiang Chengshan’s Attitude

Jiang Chengshan was momentarily stunned. The information was overwhelming, leaving him feeling mentally overwhelmed. He’d always believed his family was harmonious.

During his time working away from home, he’d assumed everything was fine, as Ye Meiping’s letters always conveyed a sense of normalcy. This allowed him to focus on his work peacefully.

Now, he was being told it was all an illusion?

Hearing the village chief’s words, a flicker of guilt crossed Ye Meiping’s eyes. She immediately denied it, “I didn’t do anything! I have nothing to do with Old Liu! Village chief, you can’t slander me!”

Wang Fugui (the village chief): “Whether it’s slander or not, I believe Chengshan will judge for himself. There’s no need for your excuses.”

Ye Meiping: “…”

It was over. Crucially, Old Liu was still watching. Even if Jiang Chengshan was incredibly patient, he probably couldn’t endure this. Their conflict would only escalate. How could this be resolved?

She was terrified.

Jiang Xiangxiang, watching Ye Meiping’s changing expressions, found it amusing. She’d thought Ye Meiping was so powerful, but now she seemed insignificant.

Old Liu looked from one side to the other, feeling the urge to flee. He was doomed. If he stayed, he might not even survive.

He regretted ever getting involved with Ye Meiping. Her actions completely contradicted her words. According to Ye Meiping’s promises, Jiang Xiangxiang had become extremely obedient, following her every command. This situation was unexpected.

Old Liu struggled to crawl away, but was stepped on before he could get far. Lu Jianshen didn’t even flinch, holding Jiang Xiangxiang while keeping Old Liu immobile.

Lu Jianshen’s action drew everyone’s attention to Old Liu, with expressions ranging from disdain and excitement to simple curiosity.

Jiang Chengshan felt a splitting headache, on the verge of fainting. But he couldn’t collapse; it would be too embarrassing.

Jiang Rourou saw Jiang Chengshan return looking deflated, instantly losing her spirit and shrinking into a corner. She didn’t understand why Ye Meiping favored her, yet Jiang Chengshan disliked her.

“Dislike” was an understatement. Jiang Chengshan barely glanced at her upon his return, focusing entirely on Jiang Xiangxiang.

From childhood, any discomfort Jiang Xiangxiang experienced caused Jiang Chengshan to react with frantic concern.

Jiang Rourou felt envious and had tried various methods to regain Jiang Chengshan’s attention, but to no avail.

Eventually, she realized her efforts were useless. The more she tried, the worse it became. Jiang Chengshan only saw Jiang Xiangxiang as the wronged party. Over time, Jiang Rourou learned to be quiet when Jiang Chengshan was around, avoiding conflict with Jiang Xiangxiang until he left.

In this situation, silence was her best option. Otherwise, she wouldn’t escape unscathed.

Jiang Xiangxiang observed Jiang Rourou’s reaction, finding it strange. Wasn’t she fearless? Her current submissiveness seemed unusual.

Jiang Chengshan, appearing honest and kind, looked flustered and red-faced, struggling to cope with the situation. Could such a man truly control Jiang Rourou?

Jiang Xiangxiang decided to observe. If this stepfather proved reliable, that would be great. Otherwise, she’d need to reconsider her approach.

Her actions would depend entirely on Jiang Chengshan’s attitude.

Taking deep breaths to control his temper, Jiang Chengshan turned to Jiang Xiangxiang with concern, “Xiangxiang, are you alright? Did they scare you?”

Ye Meiping: “Jiang Chengshan, are you blind? What could be wrong with her? I’m the one who’s been wronged! You’re ignoring me, pretending not to see!”

She’d endured enough, but Jiang Chengshan remained indifferent.

Ye Meiping appeared distraught and agitated, as if deeply wronged.

Jiang Chengshan finally looked at her, noticing her disheveled state. He inhaled sharply, “What am I supposed to look at? This is shameful. Village chief, handle this as you see fit. I have no objections.”

Wang Fugui: “I’ve already sent Ergou to call the police. We’ll wait for them. It’s difficult to say anything definitive; you might even think I’m lying.”

Jiang Chengshan: “No, Village chief, just tell me what happened.”

Wang Fugui: “According to tradition, for such public misconduct, the punishment is drowning.”

This wasn’t an exaggeration. In the past, this would have been the consequence.

However, in modern times, things were different. Wang Fugui didn’t want to offend anyone and face repercussions later.

Jiang Xiangxiang’s eyes lit up. Looking at Ye Meiping and Jiang Rourou, she anticipated the spectacle of a public dunking.

Lu Jianshen: “Ahem, that’s unlikely. It’s a new era, and the police are involved. Drowning them is impossible. If you really want to see it, I’ll throw them both in the river later, alright?”

He wasn’t exactly a good person, possessing a somewhat mischievous nature. But he didn’t want to frighten her. She was young, full of romantic ideals, and he couldn’t scare her off.

Jiang Xiangxiang: “Really? You said it! They should at least soak for a while.”

Even if she wasn’t the original victim, she felt Jiang Rourou and Ye Meiping deserved punishment. They’d taken advantage of the original owner, and some payback seemed appropriate.