Chapter 4: Reclaiming the Compensation

“You three, get up quickly. The ground is cold; don’t catch a chill. I’ll take you to your grandmother’s place right away.” After saying this, the village chief led the three children back to the Huang family’s old house.

When the villagers saw the village chief bringing Huang Yuelan and her siblings, they knew there would be a good show. After all, Old Lady Fang was known for her domineering and forceful personality. Most people, adopting the principle of “better to avoid trouble,” dared not speak out against her. This time, however, with the village chief involved, they wondered if she could still act so arrogantly.

The villagers were all eager spectators. Some pretended to pass by, while others specifically went inside to fetch brooms and pretended to sweep in front of the gate, actually just watching the family drama unfold.

The village chief knocked on the door, but there was no response. After calling out a few times, someone inside quickly ran to open the door.

“Coming, coming!”

Old Lady Fang opened the door and saw the village chief. Her face broke into a smile. “Village chief, what brings you to our house?”

The village chief glanced at Huang Yuelan and her siblings. “Nothing much. Is it true that you have all the compensation money for Huang Yuelan’s father? I hope you can return their share. The three of them are now orphans and very pitiful.”

Upon seeing Huang Yuelan and her siblings, Old Lady Fang’s expression immediately changed. Her lips were pursed so tightly they could have held a cow.

“Village chief, you don’t know our true situation. These three children eat, drink, and wear clothes at home without contributing anything. I’m the one taking care of everything, and it’s a lot of money!” Old Lady Fang argued, refusing to give up a single cent of the compensation.

Huang Yuelan immediately retorted, “We three siblings didn’t just eat and drink for free. Our father sent money home every month. Besides, you didn’t give my younger brother a cent of the money I received for my engagement. Since our father died, we haven’t bought any decent clothes, and I was not allowed to continue my studies. We only eat simple meals and don’t spend much money. Furthermore, I work and earn work points, and my brothers collect firewood and carry night soil. How can you say we eat and drink for free?”

“You little girl, how dare you talk back? I raised you, and you’re repaying me like this? You’re just making things up!” If the village chief hadn’t been there, Old Lady Fang would have slapped Huang Yuelan and scratched her face. She was also surprised by Huang Yuelan’s unexpected eloquence.

Despite Old Lady Fang’s repeated denials, the village chief was a discerning person and wasn’t fooled by her words. Looking at Huang Yuelan and her siblings’ clothing, which resembled that of refugees, it was clear who was lying.

Although everyone was generally poor, and children often lacked proper food and clothing, these three children stood out in a crowd. It was obvious they were underfed and underdressed. Their clothes were patched and thin, offering little protection against the cold. The fact that they seemed used to the cold showed this had been going on for a long time.

Anyone with common sense could see who was in the right and who was cruel.

“If you don’t want to give it, I’ll have to call the police. Then it won’t be this simple. I hope you’ll think carefully about this,” said the village chief.

Hearing that the village chief was serious, Old Lady Fang became timid. She knew the consequences; she would face the judgment of the entire village.

“Village chief, please don’t take it seriously. I was just complaining. Who said I wouldn’t give it? I was just afraid the children would squander it, so I kept it for them. Since they want it, I’ll get it now.” After saying this, Old Lady Fang took out the compensation money belonging to Huang Yuelan and her siblings.

Huang Yuelan counted the money: one hundred and sixty yuan. Although forty yuan was missing, her grandmother also had the right to a share of the compensation, so she thanked the village chief.

Seeing that Old Lady Fang had given Huang Yuelan and her siblings all their due compensation, the village chief said nothing more. After all, it’s difficult for even an upright official to settle family disputes, and some family conflicts should not be overly involved in. After handling the matter, the village chief left.

They had only walked a few steps when Old Lady Fang shouted from the doorway, “You’re quite capable, finding the village chief to back you up! But no matter how capable you are, you’re still a worthless piece of trash, a hen that doesn’t lay eggs, and you’ll never get married! No one will ever want you! From now on, the Huang family has no place for you. Don’t ever come back to this house!”

Huang Yuelan turned to retort, but then saw Wang Jianguo approaching. He directly responded for her.

“I will marry her! I swear in front of everyone here, as long as Huang Yuelan is willing, I will marry no one else but her!” Wang Jianguo rushed over and said to Old Lady Fang in front of the onlookers.