Chapter 148: Debt Collection

In Beijing, Yuan Weicheng returned home with the melons Luo Qiao had given him. It happened to be the weekend, and everyone was at home. When they saw Yuan Weicheng carrying a bamboo basket back, they teased him for a while.

Upon seeing what was in the bamboo basket, eldest brother Yuan Weizhou asked, “Third brother, where did these come from?”

Yuan Weicheng glanced at their father and said, “This is what Luo Qiao asked to bring back. Dad, her personality might be a bit different from what you’ve heard, but she’s quite capable. You can rest assured.”

His sister-in-law, Song Huizhen, took a few melons to the kitchen, washed and cut them, and brought them out for everyone. Yuan Weicheng said, “Come and taste them. These were brought back from afar by me. These melons are really exceptionally delicious.”

After Old Yuan took a bite, he gave his youngest son a thumbs up. “Indeed, it’s excellent. Not only sweet but also fragrant.”

As Yuan Weicheng finished explaining Luo Qiao’s situation to the family, they gained a new appreciation for the girl. Old Yuan also felt more reassured.

As for the melons from the bamboo basket, each family received a share, and they also sent some to their neighbors to taste. Of course, they didn’t forget to send the portion to the Yang family, which received unanimous praise.

In Ji City, at the Luo family home, Luo Bin had been scared to leave the house for three days. He had gambled away all the money he had swindled from his foster parents in Qingshan Village and still owed sixty yuan. He was afraid that the gambling den would come looking for him.

Luo Tianming had noticed something off about his eldest son these past few days. Whenever asked, the boy remained silent. Since returning home, he had distanced himself from his parents, refusing to attend school and rarely showing himself except when asking for money. Now, for three days straight, he had holed up at home, constantly glancing anxiously towards the front door. Luo Tianming began to have a bad feeling about it.

Before he could inquire further, someone knocked at the door. As he prepared to check who it was, a group of ruffians entered the courtyard. Luo Tianming asked, “Who are you looking for?”

The leader of the ruffians replied, “We’re looking for Luo Bin. Is he at home?”

Luo Tianming observed the group suspiciously. These were not good people. How could his son be acquainted with them?

Frowning, he asked, “What do you want with him?”

One of them said, “We’re here to ask when he’s going to pay back the money he owes us.”

Upon hearing this, Luo Tianming asked, “Why does he owe you money? When did he owe you money?”

The leading gangster glanced towards the house and said, “Luo Bin, we know you’re inside. Come out now, hiding like this isn’t going to solve anything.”

In the main house, Luo Tiancheng and his wife heard the gangster’ words in the courtyard, and their displeasure towards Luo Bin grew stronger. Qiao Juan couldn’t help but think that splitting the family might become necessary.

Luo Tianming called Luo Bin out and asked, “Did you really borrow money from them?”

Luo Bin dared not lift his head, but he glanced upwards towards the people standing in the courtyard, giving a barely perceptible nod to Luo Tianming.

Luo Tianming was furious with his eldest son’s evasiveness. He gritted his teeth and threatened, “How did you owe them money? How much do you owe?”

Luo Bin didn’t dare to speak and took several steps back.

One of the gangsters said impatiently, “Can you hurry up? We’re short on time.”

Luo Tianming exploded in anger and slapped Luo Bin across the face. “Still not talking?”

Luo Bin raised his head, glaring at Luo Tianming. “You hit me. My parents have never raised a hand against me but you dare to hit me. I hate you.”