Chapter 22: Provocation at the Door

After this incident, no one felt like playing anymore, and everyone obediently went home. Several people hurried home to talk to their parents, after all, the family of Widow Li was notorious in the village for being difficult and troublesome. Thinking about it, Lin Lei and his sister would definitely be bullied badly this time. Li Fat’s clothes were even torn, and their family would surely extort money.

Before leaving, Shao Qun said to Lin Lei, “Don’t be afraid, Lin brother. We all believe you and your sister are good people. I’m going to find Grandpa and the village head. You two go home first.”

After saying that, he took his younger brother and ran off to call for help.

The remaining two little ones exchanged wide-eyed glances, holding hands as they went home.

When Lin Lei got home, Lin Nuo had just woken up. Lin Lei didn’t take the initiative to mention what happened today.

Seeing Lin Lei come in, Lin Nuo called him to wash his hands and eat some pastries before reviewing his homework. She was preparing to go to the foot of the mountain to gather some wild vegetables.

Lin Lei washed his hands while half-heartedly listening to Lin Nuo. She felt that her brother seemed a bit down today, but since he didn’t bring it up, she decided not to ask. If he needed to talk, he would come to her.

Lin Nuo went to the kitchen to find a basket to prepare for going out when she suddenly heard shouting and cursing at the gate.

“Lin Nuo, come out! You shameless woman, you’re a disgrace! How dare you encourage your brother to bully my son!”

Hearing the voice, Lin Nuo felt it was unfamiliar; she didn’t know this person. Frowning at the insults, she wondered when she had ever encouraged her brother to bully anyone? She didn’t even know their family. At that moment, Lin Lei, who was studying inside, rushed out to find Lin Nuo, looking like he was ready to devour someone.

Lin Nuo looked at him with a faint smile, ruffled his hair, and gave him a reassuring look.

At this moment, the voice outside came again, “Lin Nuo, you must give me an explanation today, come out quickly.”

Lin Nuo was really feeling overwhelmed; what was going on?

When Li Fat’s mother, Li Xiaocui, came over, she had been loudly proclaiming that Lin Nuo and Lin Lei bullied her son. Some villagers also came along to watch the commotion.

After Gouzi had told Shen about today’s events, he rushed over, pulling Gouzi’s hand when he heard Li Xiaocui was looking for trouble with Lin Nuo.

“Sister Li, Lin Nuo and the others did not bully Fat. Don’t speak recklessly without evidence,” Shen said.

“Oh, have you been fed by her family or did you go to take advantage of them? Just because you say they didn’t bully doesn’t mean it’s true. Mind your own business, or don’t blame me for being rude,” Li Xiaocui threatened.

Shen felt a chill run down her spine; the Li family was notorious for being unreasonable.

At that moment, Lin Nuo, holding Lin Lei’s hand, stepped out into the sunlight. The onlookers gasped in awe.

What a stunning beauty she was, with skin as white as snow and a hint of peach blossom, delicate and smooth, her features like a painting, exuding charm, fresh and unworldly yet with a touch of allure.

The onlookers felt a mix of emotions, mostly regret, thinking that such a beauty was going to suffer today.

Lin Nuo addressed Li Xiaocui, “Sister, please don’t make baseless accusations. When did we, the siblings, bully your son? You need to provide evidence; otherwise, it’s slander, and I will report you to the county office.” Lin Nuo spoke calmly.

Upon hearing Lin Nuo mention reporting her, Li Xiaocui momentarily panicked, but then thought to herself, how could a woman with a child possibly report to the authorities?

“Lin Nuo, stop being so evasive. Look at my son; your brother has beaten him to a pulp, his clothes are torn. Compensation is a must,” Li Xiaocui said fiercely.

“Yes, compensation! We demand five taels of silver,” Widow Li chimed in, truly asking for a lot. The crowd gasped at Widow Li’s words.

It’s important to note that five taels of silver was the entire living expenses for an ordinary farming family for a year.

Lin Nuo looked at the two, confused about their relationship. At that moment, Shen stepped forward to introduce them; it turned out that Widow Li was Li Xiaocui’s elder sister-in-law. So it was true that “they are not one family, so they don’t enter the same door,” all sharing the same character.