"Which of you wants to use water, is required to pay. Without seeing two copper coins from everyone, I won’t supply you with a single drop. I’ve brought you water from Manghuang Mountain, but you act like I’m an easy target to be exploited."
Lin Caisang spoke once more.
"Also, the idea of growing two harvests of rice was my invention. So why should I obediently share it with you just because you demand me to? What are you all that you dare to barge in here and order me about? Are you really under the impression that your status is so grand?"
"Lin Caisang, we are your elders!"
The crowd’s gazes were poisonous, staring mercilessly at Lin Caisang, speaking through gritted teeth.
"What elders? At best we’re from the same village. But you, each and every one of you, don’t mean well. Now you want to use the water from my mountain, demand me to share the method of growing two rice harvests. Perhaps you hope to even grab Manghuang Mountain’s land?"
Lin Caisang swept her gaze over them, laying bare their thoughts.
"Greed exceeds ambition, referring to people just like you. You curse me while longing for me to give up everything I have. What are you all? You’re not worthy!"
"Lin Caisang, you’re only arrogant because of that wild beast at your side. What else do you have? Ya Molian has already left, you’ve been dumped. Why are you still so smug? You’ve been engaged twice and failed twice, let’s see if you ever manage to get married!"
The daughter-in-law of the Ya Ji’s family took a deep breath, hiding behind some blokes before shouting at Lin Caisang.
"What does my marital status have to do with you?" Lin Caisang glanced at her and retorted.
"I own so much land in Ya Village and have opened a shop in the county. Even if I never get married, I’ll still live a richer life than yours as a spinster. Do I need advice from you on how to live my life?"
Her eyes flashed and she lightly patted Blackie, the black leopard’s head.
The next moment, Blackie let out a fierce roar that frightened everyone, causing them to step back, daring not to breathe heavily.
"Sang... Sangsang, we... we didn’t say anything."
"You crazy woman, talking nonsense. You want to die, go do it yourself, don’t drag us into it. Get out!"
The men, who had been shielding the daughter-in-law of the Ya Ji’s family, pushed her away decisively. They refused to be scapegoats, after all, Blackie was a black leopard, not a toy.
The daughter-in-law of Ya Ji’s family never expected them to be so cowardly. She was pushed to the front, her legs shaking from fear.
"Auntie Fang, you seem to have a lot of free time lately, lingering in the village and gossiping with other Aunties, and speaking ill of me? I don’t consider you a threat, but you seem to think too highly of yourself. Isn’t that right?" Lin Caisang took a step closer to her, asking.
As Blackie’s owner moved forward, naturally so did he.
Upon seeing this, Auntie Fang almost screamed, but due to her extreme fear, she lost her voice. Her legs gave way, and she collapsed on the floor.
"I don’t care whose gossip you spread, but if I ever hear you gossiping about me again, I’ll have Blackie stay at your place for a few days—to ensure your safety!"
Lin Caisang declared.