Chapter 47

A crowd had gathered in the open space of the compound, all eyes fixed on Zhang Qiufeng and her daughter, Ye Yao, standing in the center.

No one knew what they were about to say, but it was clear that they had called everyone together for a reason.

Zhang Qiufeng’s palms were sweaty. It was the first time in years she had faced so many neighbors at once. Fortunately, all she had to do was stand beside Ye Yao. If she had to speak herself, she wouldn’t know what to do.

“Uncles, aunts, elders, and neighbors, sorry for the trouble, but I have something important to announce,” Ye Yao cleared her throat and spoke in a calm, polite tone.

“My wedding with the Li family, originally scheduled for ten days from now, has been postponed for six months after mutual agreement between both families.”

The crowd fell silent, listening intently. No one had expected this, and soon, murmurs of discussion spread among them.

“Why postpone it? What happened?”

They all had their suspicions. This marriage was never a good match, and many had privately doubted it would ever happen. Some of the younger people had even subtly tried to pressure Ye Yao into backing out.

Now that she had made the announcement, they were actually surprised.

“It’s for personal reasons, and I hope everyone won’t speculate too much. That’s all.”

Ye Yao said nothing more, then took Zhang Qiufeng’s hand and walked away.

“Does anyone know what’s going on?”

“No idea. But I heard that Li Cheng never wanted this marriage, so maybe that’s why.”

“If he didn’t want it, why not just call it off?”

“That wouldn’t look good for the Li family. They’d rather drag it out as long as possible.”

—-

Ye Yao ignored the whispers behind her.

No matter if the wedding was postponed or canceled outright, the people in the compound would only see it as proof that she wasn’t good enough for Li Cheng—that she was the one being rejected.

But none of that mattered anymore…

—

Wang Guihua had been bedridden for five days before she finally regained her senses.

Her back was burning with pain, but at least it was bearable now.

“Why didn’t you call the police?”

The first thing she did after regaining some strength was question Zhao Jianshe, who had been taking care of her.

Zhao Jianshe’s face was tense as he turned away, heading for the door.

“Zhao Jianshe! I’m talking to you—ugh…”

Overcome with anger, Wang Guihua tried to sit up suddenly, but the pain from her back wounds made her gasp sharply.

“Mom, lie down quickly,” Zhao Qingqing rushed to support her.

She had also asked Zhao Jianshe the same question before.

After all, her mother had been beaten so badly—shouldn’t they call the police and have Ye Yao arrested?

But Zhao Jianshe had told her that it wouldn’t help. Since Wang Guihua had attacked first, Ye Yao could claim self-defense. There were plenty of witnesses in the compound who had seen everything, and they would never side with them.

After hearing this, Zhao Qingqing was stunned. She also knew that the real reason was that Zhao Jianshe simply didn’t want to report it.

And she couldn’t help but wonder—had Ye Yao planned this all along?

If so, then that fat woman was terrifying.

“Qingqing, I can’t just swallow this humiliation!”

Wang Guihua gritted her teeth, her eyes filled with resentment, but she was powerless.

The sheer frustration of it all was enough to drive her mad!

Zhao Qingqing squeezed her mother’s hand tightly and vowed, “Mom, I will help you. I will make them pay!”