The Lin family had arrived in a domineering manner, only to leave utterly humiliated, without even catching a glimpse of Lin Zhen.
Song Wei’s single-handed confrontation made her a well-known figure in Ping’an Brigade. However, her newfound fame polarized opinions.
Walking down the road, she couldn’t avoid overhearing people discussing her:
“Who would’ve thought? That thin and frail Song Zhiqing managed to beat the Lin family. Not just one or two people, but their daughters, daughters-in-law, and even two sons couldn’t get the upper hand against her!”
“She’s so fierce for a girl. No man would dare marry someone like that. What if she beats her husband to death over a disagreement?”
“She’s a female Zhiqing; she has to be tough. You think everyone in this village is kind? Those ruffians and old bachelors are eyeing the female Zhiqing. It’s good she can defend herself. If it were my daughter, I’d want her to be just as strong so no one could bully her.”
In the end, Song Wei left a lasting impression as someone not to be trifled with. Though some found her toughness unbecoming of a woman, others silently agreed it was best not to provoke her.
Song Wei didn’t mind. She was happy with her reputation. As long as no one confronted her directly, she didn’t care what people whispered behind her back.
It wasn’t until that evening that the brigade leader found out what had happened.
He returned late after helping two soldiers fix up a house and was greeted by his wife recounting the events of the day.
Hearing the story, he felt deeply embarrassed—especially since the troublemakers were from the Lin family, residents of his brigade. Worse still, the Lin family’s bullying had targeted Heidan, Lin Zhen’s younger brother.
The brigade leader was furious.
“That Lin family just doesn’t stop, do they? They barely caused a ruckus a few days ago, and now this? They’re too idle—it seems they’ve been given too little work. Tomorrow, I’ll assign them heavier tasks. That’ll keep them out of trouble.”
Lin Zhen learned about the incident during dinner. His handsome face immediately darkened, and he glanced at his injured leg, silently plotting his revenge on the Lin family.
But his leg was holding him back.
Still…
“Song Zhiqing?” he muttered. Wasn’t this Song Zhiqing the same person Heidan always called “Sister Song”?
Aunt Xinghua chimed in, “That’s right! It’s the pretty Zhiqing who brought Heidan over today. Didn’t you see her?”
Lin Zhen nodded but frowned skeptically. “With her small frame, she looks like she’s malnourished. How could she fight like that?”
Aunt Xinghua shot back, “You’re underestimating her! Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘Looks can be deceiving’?”
One of the soldiers nearby reminded her, “Aunt, you mean ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover,’ right?”
“That’s it! Song Zhiqing is exactly that kind of person. She may look thin, but she’s surprisingly strong. And she’s not the type to suffer in silence. Some thick-skinned folks in the village tried to take advantage of her because she’s a young girl, but she put them in their place so thoroughly they didn’t dare show their faces again.”
Aunt Xinghua enthusiastically recounted several of Song Wei’s heroic exploits, leaving Lin Zhen stunned.
He thought, She doesn’t look it, but this girl is quite capable.
The next morning, Heidan ate two sweetened eggs and packed a few persimmons before running to the brigade leader’s house.
He gave one persimmon to the brigade leader’s two grandchildren and saved the rest for his brother.
“Your brother went to the big yard,” Aunt Xinghua informed him as she cooked.
Heidan handed her a persimmon.
“Sister Song said this is for you, Aunt. Thank you for looking after my brother.”
Aunt Xinghua was delighted.
“Oh my, Heidan, you’re such a sweet and polite boy. Where could we find another kid as good as you?”
Heidan blushed, his small face turning red from the praise.
Aunt Xinghua tried to return the persimmon.
“Keep it for yourself. I don’t need it.”
But Heidan was insistent, leaving the persimmon on the stove before darting off.
“Aunt, I’m going to find my brother!”
Aunt Xinghua chuckled.
“What a good kid!”
She admired the persimmon thoughtfully. Song Zhiqing must have put some real effort into drying them. The vibrant orange color, the fine layer of white sugar frost on the surface, and the soft texture all promised a delicious treat.
When her grandchildren asked for more, she sternly reminded them:
“You’ve already had some. Your parents haven’t even tried it yet. I’m saving this for everyone to share.”
Heidan arrived at the big yard—a rundown property that had once belonged to a landlord. Though it was in poor condition, the weeds had been cleared, and it was starting to look livable. However, much repair work was still needed.
Lin Zhen, unwilling to take advantage of anyone, decided to buy the house.
“It’s better than my dad’s mud-brick house, even if it’s more work to fix.”
Lin Zhen planned to recover in this house and then settle his score with the Lin family.
“This house—how much does it cost? I’ll buy it,” Lin Zhen declared.
The brigade leader raised an eyebrow.
“You’re giving up on your father’s house?”
Lin Zhen sighed in frustration.
“I’d love to kick Old Lin Hei out, but the guy’s got a kid he’s raising. It wouldn’t feel right to make them homeless, especially since he paid for the house fair and square.”
The brigade leader sighed.
“But I would like to kick the old Lin family out of their house. Are you willing?”
Brigade leader: …………
The brigade leader shot him a warning look.
“Don’t do anything stupid. The Lin family might be troublemakers, but if you cross a line, they’ll report you to the authorities. Do you really want to ruin your reputation? You’re not getting any younger—have you even thought about getting married? Or are you planning to stay single forever?”
Lin Zhen bristled.
“Enough already! Why are you nagging me like my sister-in-law?”
Guys, he is the brigade leader, not the team leader. Now I realize why he was always there mediating conflicts and handling every situation.
There is also a village party secretary and a village chief I don’t know why there are so many officials it’s confusing
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