At first, everyone felt quite sympathetic toward the Zheng family, and they all helped out a bit, like giving the kids something to eat. But slowly, everyone became disillusioned because Zheng Kuan not only failed to show gratitude but often complained that they gave too little.
Every time Zheng Xiaohua went out and didn’t receive anything, the beatings she got when she returned were even more fierce.
The neighbors then started to keep their distance, but whenever they saw Xiaohua alone, they would secretly slip something into her mouth for her to eat right there and then.
Moreover, a grown man without a woman for years certainly wasn’t going to stand for it. He had people inquire here and there, wanting to marry again, but once people learned of his one disabled arm, no one was willing, and as time went by, he became even more irritable.
The Zheng family originally owned six or seven mu of land, but gradually, Zheng Kuan began to drink heavily and sold the land, acre by acre. With the silver, he’d go to town to indulge in drinking and to visit the lowest class of brothels. But the brothel workers looked down on him, so over time, his heart twisted further, always scheming to wring out more silver.
This morning, he had just returned from town and went straight to Yang Ruxin’s place for a banquet. After devouring a huge bowl of meat and feeling invigorated, his mood improved. He then went to the river and caught two fish, planning to stew them for soup that evening, but unexpectedly ran into Wang Baozhu.
In the past, he’d never spare a glance for such a young girl, but since Widow Lv had rejected him, he had no choice. After all, it was a different village, and he didn’t dare to be too presumptuous. Later, when Widow Lv had an affair with Wang Sheng, he was quite pleased and secretly cursed her for getting what she deserved...
But at that moment, as he looked down, he suddenly felt like he was about to go mad...
"Please take me home," Wang Baozhu had no other choice but to ask Zheng Kuan for help.
"Alright," Zheng Kuan put down the fish and then lifted Wang Baozhu with one grab.
Perhaps because his action was a bit rough, her garment ended up slightly wrinkled.
Zheng Kuan clearly heard his own voice, then didn’t know whether or not it was intentional.
Wang Baozhu, however, didn’t notice Zheng Kuan’s reaction. After all, he was an old man, and she didn’t think it would amount to much. Moreover, her ankle was twisted and quite painful, so she had no time to pay attention to those things.
Zheng Kuan’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he began an internal battle with himself. On one hand, he thought he shouldn’t harbor any thoughts about a girl from the same village, but on the other hand, another voice told him that this Treasure Bead was no good either.
He had seen her from afar today, seemingly stopping a man on purpose, although he couldn’t make out who it was, but it was certainly to flirt with him.
For such a piece of goods, it wouldn’t matter much, would it?