Chapter 6: Sudden Incident

“Still dare to fight back? I’ll tear your mouth into eight pieces!”

Wang the shrew had a pair of inverted triangular eyes and thin lips—an obvious sign of a hot temper.

At this moment, she opened her mouth wide as if about to devour someone, clutching the back of her hand reddened by She Yuqi’s strike. In a fury, she snatched up a stool from the floor, ready to smash it down on She Yuqi.

Xiaoxiao was terrified, shrinking tightly into She Yuqi’s arms like a frightened little rabbit, trembling uncontrollably, her face pale and pitiful.

Seeing this, a sudden pang of pity softened Wang the shrew’s anger, and her hand froze mid-air.

She Yuqi noticed this change with some surprise, then realized Wang must be the owner of those chickens and ducks.

The villagers stayed outside, pressing their faces to the window, eager to see how Wang the shrew would deal with She Yuqi. When the room fell silent, their curiosity only deepened.

“What’s going on? Let me hear!”

“Why isn’t it turning into a fight? I was looking forward to a good show.”

Unbothered by the onlookers, She Yuqi broke the strange silence first. “I didn’t eat your chickens. You must be mistaken.”

Wang the shrew seemed taken aback by She Yuqi’s blunt denial. Her tone softened slightly, though her face remained stern. “It was Zhao Xiufen who said—”

“Oh, so she’s stirring trouble behind my back.”

She Yuqi immediately understood. Of course, the village chief was displeased with her and would try every means to drive her out of Xiao Gou village.

Her brows furrowed. Since the village chief ignored her wife’s behavior, She Yuqi saw no reason to hold back either.

“Xiaoxiao, keep sleeping. Sister has some business to handle and will be back to make breakfast soon.”

Though scared, Xiaoxiao nodded obediently. “Sister, be careful.”

Watching the two sisters so harmonious, Wang the shrew reluctantly decided not to give She Yuqi any more trouble and turned to leave.

No harm must come to family.

Seeing her come out, Zhao Xiufen hurried forward. “How did it go? Was it really her? Is she like a dead duck refusing to admit it?”

Wang the shrew didn’t answer. Zhao Xiufen forced down her joy at the bad news and comforted her, “Don’t be too upset. When that tramp comes out, we’ll deal with her together!”

With Zhao Xiufen leading, several close girlfriends echoed her.

“Exactly! People with dirty hands like her have no place in Xiao Gou village!”

“Get out of Xiao Gou village!”

At that moment, She Yuqi pushed open the door and stepped outside. The crowd wanted to rush her, but when they saw what she held, they all stepped back in fear.

She Yuqi wielded a kitchen knife, raised high, and swung it at Zhao Xiufen. Startled, Zhao nearly wet herself and collapsed, wailing loudly.

She missed with the first strike, which irritated her.

“Why are you dodging?”

“Of course I’m dodging! Do you want me split in two? Listen, killing’s against the law, don’t act recklessly.”

“I’ll give you one more chance. Did you steal the chickens and ducks Wang the shrew raises?”

“Not at all! Don’t lie. You’re just greedy and cooked all their chickens and ducks yourself!”

Zhao Xiufen’s floral jacket was slashed open by the knife, revealing white cotton stuffing. She pressed the torn part, gritting her teeth as she retorted.

“How can she still not admit it? I’ve never seen someone so shameless. She’s ruining Xiao Gou village’s reputation!”

“Why would the village chief’s wife provoke her so much that she’d try to kill her with a kitchen knife?”

“Looks don’t mean a thing—she’s a venomous woman. The rumors must be true. She’s utterly wicked.”

“Besides, even if you all want to attack me together, come try it.”

She Yuqi stood with hands on her hips, her eyebrows raised sharply. Her bright eyes narrowed fiercely, radiating a threatening aura that silenced the villagers.

Calmly, she continued, “I gave you a chance, but you refused. Don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

“Maybe you forgot—snow is the easiest place to leave evidence.”

Her words fell like a hammer. Everyone fell silent because, besides footprints, there was a trail of cane marks in the snow.

Without a word, Wang the shrew grabbed Zhao Xiufen by the hair and threw her into the chicken coop. “Show me some footprints!”

“I’m the village chief’s wife!” Zhao Xiufen screamed in madness.

Wang the shrew scoffed, “Even if you are, you can’t use your status to bully people. If word gets out, people will think the chief’s family is just abusing power.”

“Still playing the old landlord’s noble act? The village chief’s position was earned by us villagers. Without our election, where would the chief be?”

Her words made many frown, but She Yuqi silently applauded Wang.

Zhao Xiufen was left speechless. She immediately regretted her words—if her husband found out, she’d be doomed. But…

A sly smile curled her lips.

“Even if you didn’t steal the chickens, you must have eaten the meat last night. Where did the meat come from?” Zhao Xiufen persisted, biting back.

A voice rang out from the crowd. Jiang Bei stepped forward leisurely, followed by his half-brother Jiang Xiaopang.

“Tell everything you saw last night, honestly. If not, you can try your luck.”

Jiang Xiaopang looked bewildered.

After Jiang Bei spoke, his narrow dark eyes squinted slightly. His mere presence was chilling and intimidating.

Seeing the deadlock, Jiang Xiaopang reluctantly said, “It was Zhao Xiufen. Last night, I smelled meat by She Yuqi’s door and saw her sneaking into the backyard to steal all the chickens and ducks.”

Zhao Xiufen was left speechless. As she tried to flee, Wang the shrew yanked her back, and they began to scuffle.

She Yuqi avoided the crowd and hurried after Jiang Bei to thank him, but when she ran outside, he was already gone. Only Jiang Bei’s stepmother remained, shouting curses and glaring fiercely at She Yuqi.

She Yuqi ignored her, thinking she must find a chance to thank him properly next time.

Meanwhile, Wang the shrew had pinned Zhao Xiufen down, beating her mercilessly while cursing, “You filthy woman! I knew something was up with so many people coming here today. Turns out you were playing the long con!”

News of Zhao Xiufen’s disgrace spread quickly. When the village chief arrived, Zhao was beaten so badly she was calling for her mother. She was so battered she couldn’t stand, and several villagers, out of respect for the chief, helped carry her home.

“Sorry about this. Uncle will come by to apologize another day.”

“No need for apologies. I’ve got my eye on your bike.”

The village chief was speechless.

“Oh, if that’s not possible, forget it. I’ll have to find Secretary Wang. This mess is too ugly…”

“Okay, I’ll bring the bike to you later.”

Hearing this, the village chief felt as if the sky was falling. That bike was a prized Phoenix brand bicycle his son’s city wife bought for a sky-high price of 150 yuan—something no one in the whole commune had seen before.

She Yuqi dared to ask for such an expensive thing right off the bat. Fearing she might throw a tantrum, he gritted his teeth and agreed.

When it would be delivered, however, was anyone’s guess.

Suddenly, a heavy thud sounded from inside. She Yuqi ignored the village chief and hurried in to check.