Chapter 87: Can’t Wait to Separate the Family

Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Can’t Wait to Separate the Family

The Bai family had no idea how Bai Xiaofeng had actually done on his exams at the academy. Naturally, they refused to believe what Bai Zhi was saying. In their eyes, Bai Xiaofeng was destined to become a great official—there was no doubt about it.

Liu pointed a finger at Bai Zhi and cursed, "You little slut! Still trying to slander our Xiao Feng on your way out? And after he treated you so well all the time! You’re nothing but an ungrateful, treacherous wolf."

’He treated me well? Hah, what a joke. Is ordering me around like a servant girl his idea of being good to me? When he ate his meals, I couldn’t even have a sip of porridge. When he took his afternoon nap, I had to stand beside him and fan him without stopping. If I paused for even a moment, I’d be punished. That’s what he calls treating me well?’

She couldn’t even be bothered to argue with Liu anymore. It was pointless. This family could call black white and feel not an ounce of shame. Arguing with them was just a waste of breath and energy.

Zhao Lan had already pressed her thumbprint onto the document, and Old Mrs. Bai did the same after Bai Xiaofeng gave a slight nod. From this day forward, they would go their separate ways, with no ties between them.

Bai Zhi went back to her room and brought out the bundle she had packed long ago.

Liu rushed forward, snatched the bundle from Bai Zhi’s hands, and in front of everyone, emptied its contents onto the floor. Other than a few tattered pieces of clothing, there was nothing.

Bai Zhi gave her a cold glare and her voice rang out, "Liu Guihua, you’d better remember this. This is the last time I will tolerate your insolence. From now on, if you dare to be so disrespectful when you see me in the village, don’t blame me for being merciless."

Seeing his wife being challenged, Bai Dazhu hurried to her defense. "You wretched girl, who do you think you’re talking to? Who gave you the nerve?"

Bai Zhi pointed her finger at him, and then at every other Bai family member present. She enunciated each word clearly, "What I just said wasn’t only for Liu Guihua. It was for every single one of you. From this day forward, if any of you dare to disrespect my mother or me again, don’t blame me for being merciless."

Her voice was clear and crisp as a silver bell, and as each word fell upon their ears, it sounded nothing like an idle threat.

Having said her piece, she took Zhao Lan by the hand, turned, and strode away from the Bai family home without a shred of reluctance.

It slowly dawned on Old Mrs. Bai. "Why did they leave so readily? Shouldn’t they be kneeling before us, wailing and begging us not to go through with the separation?"

"Why did it seem like she couldn’t wait to be rid of us?"

The village chief also left with a flick of his sleeve. Doctor Lu, however, unhurriedly packed his things. He turned to Old Mrs. Bai and said, "Don’t forget the six taels of silver you owe me. When the payment is due, I’ll come to collect."

Old Mrs. Bai watched the receding figures of Bai Zhi and Zhao Lan, and a scheme began to form in her mind. "Doctor Lu," she said, "we can’t be the ones to pay that. Zhao Lan is no longer part of the Bai family, so you’ll have to get the money for her treatment from her. You won’t be getting it from me."

Doctor Lu had known she would pull a stunt like this and was already prepared. He replied smoothly, "What you say isn’t entirely unreasonable. Very well, I can ask Zhao Lan for her two taels of silver myself. However, you can’t very well deny Bai Dazhu’s four taels, can you? You’re not going to tell me to get that from Zhao Lan as well, are you?"

Old Mrs. Bai was struck speechless. Dazhu had been injured by Hu Feng, which naturally had nothing to do with Zhao Lan.

Doctor Lu let out a soft scoff, then picked up his medical kit and sauntered off.

Seeing that the show was over, most of the onlookers began to disperse in twos and threes. A few plasterers and carpenters, however, remained. "Old Madam, with your house all smashed up like this, you’ll probably need new furniture made. We’re all fellow villagers here. If you give the job to us, we can give you a better price. How about it?"