As soon as the peanuts and sunflower seeds were distributed, the older women in the back immediately changed their tone.
“Oh, Gao Zhiqing and Zhao Zhiqing, you’re too kind. We’re all bark and no bite. Walk carefully now; don’t strain your backs! Otherwise, how will you ever find wives?”
Gao Le: …
Zhao Su: …
These older women sure had a way with words—unfiltered and not shy about being cheeky.
When they reached the small loft, they found it cramped but with an excellent view of the Lin family’s yard. The group didn’t stand on ceremony and quickly made themselves comfortable, sitting cross-legged or lying flat on the wooden floor. They cracked sunflower seeds while craning their necks to watch the drama unfold.
“San Ya! San Ya, get out here!”
In the Lin family, the third daughter, Lin Xiaocao, was often called “San Ya.” Old lady Lin, despite her injury, hobbled out into the yard with the help of her eldest daughter-in-law. Even so, she radiated an imposing and aggressive energy, her sharp voice cutting through the air.
From their vantage point, the peanut-crunching onlookers murmured:
“Old lady Lin is as spirited as ever. She’s been all over the place, stirring up trouble over the family splitting up. The second and fourth households haven’t gotten an inch out of her.”
When Lin Xiaocao didn’t respond, old lady Lin barked orders at her eldest daughter-in-law to bang on the door.
“San Ya, you little brat, don’t think I don’t know you’re hiding in there. Get out here! You’re just like your shameless mother—always stirring up trouble. You two have been colluding to push the family split. I should’ve stopped your father from marrying such a wrecker!”
Old lady Lin wasn’t just berating Xiaocao; her words were meant to insult Xiaocao’s entire family. Ever since old lady Lin beat up Lin Youcai, the second household had been at odds with her. Now that she had leverage, old lady Lin was determined to make them pay.
“Eldest Daughter-in-Law, drag that shameless girl out here! She’s been throwing herself at men and ruining the family’s reputation!”
Even Gao Le and Zhao Su cringed at old lady Lin’s harshness. They weren’t used to seeing this level of cruelty directed at a family member.
“Does she really have to speak to her granddaughter like that? Even if she doesn’t like her, she’s still family,” Gao Le muttered.
The older women nearby, however, weren’t surprised.
“That’s just how old lady Lin is,” one said, shrugging. “You should’ve heard the things she used to say about Heidan.”
Heidan sat quietly next to Song Wei, but even he visibly stiffened at the mention of his grandmother’s scolding. Song Wei pulled him closer, letting him sit on her lap, and handed him two peanuts. He relaxed slightly, comforted by her presence.
Lin Xiaocao’s cries soon echoed from the yard.
Her aunt, Deng Chunhua, had barged into her room, grabbed her by the hair, and dragged her outside.
“What are you doing, Aunt? Let me go!” Lin Xiaocao screamed, struggling to break free.
Deng Chunhua sneered, “What am I doing? Didn’t you hear your grandmother calling? Or are you hiding because you’re too ashamed to face her after what you’ve done? Little tramp, throwing yourself at a man who’s about to be married. Do you think you can get married without your grandmother’s approval?”
“I’m telling you, you’ve disgraced the entire Lin family!”
Old lady Lin shuffled forward and slapped Xiaocao across the face.
“You shameless wretch! How dare you chase after a man who’s about to get married? Do you know how much shame you’ve brought on our family? And what about the missing eggs? Did you steal them to give to that city slicker?”
Xiaocao clutched her cheek, her eyes watering from the pain. “I didn’t, Grandma. I swear!”
“Lies!” old lady Lin snapped. “Eldest Daughter-in-Law, fetch a stick. I’m going to teach this worthless girl a lesson today!”
Deng Chunhua cheerfully complied, rushing off to find a stick. Xiaocao panicked and tried to run, but Lin Youfu, one of her male cousins, caught her. His strength easily overpowered her, and old lady Lin began beating Xiaocao mercilessly.
The yard was soon filled with Xiaocao’s cries of pain.
Gao Le and Zhao Su looked uncomfortable, fidgeting where they sat.
“Are we just going to sit here? This is getting out of hand,” Zhao Su whispered.
Song Wei glanced at them. “If you two go down there, you’ll only make things worse. Old lady Lin would probably blame you for interfering. Don’t worry—I already sent Shuanzi to fetch Lin Lao’er and his family.”
She didn’t do it out of kindness for Xiaocao. She wanted to escalate the drama. If Lin Lao’er’s family joined the fray, the chaos would be complete.
Besides, Song Wei knew old lady Lin’s character too well. If Gao Le and Zhao Su got involved, Old lady Lin would likely turn the situation against them, accusing them of having improper intentions toward Xiaocao.
“That’s why it’s best to sit tight and let the family tear itself apart,” Song Wei concluded, her tone light but firm.
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